2014-06316. Proposed Information Collection: The Veterans' Outcome Assessment (VOA) (Veteran Survey Interview) Activity: Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to obtain an accurate and comprehensive assessment of satisfaction of patients who receive mental health care services and on outcomes for Veterans who seek mental health treatment from VHA. Data will allow the program office to ensure that the target audience is being reached, effective treatments are being offered, and tangible, quantitative results are being measured and tracked for continual program improvement.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before May 23, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov;​; or to Audrey Revere, Office of Regulatory and Administrative Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (10B4), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420 or email: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-NEW (The Veterans' Outcome Assessment (VOA) (Veteran Survey Interview)” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Audrey Revere at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from OMB for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: The Veterans' Outcome Assessment (VOA) (Veteran Survey Interview), VA Form 10-211017.

OMB Control Number: 2900-NEW.

Type of Review: New collection.

Abstract: This collection is in response to the requirements set out by The National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2013 (NDAA), Public Law 112-239. Section 726 of the NDAA requires VA to “develop and implement a comprehensive set of measures to assess mental health care services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs.” Responding to this requirement, a VA workgroup therefore developed a plan for a brief survey of a representative sample of patients who are new to mental health treatment. Data collected will allow the program office to ensure that the target audience is being reached, effective treatments are being offered, and tangible, quantitative results are being measured and tracked for continual program improvement.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 2,140 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,280.

Dated: March 19, 2014.

By direction of the Secretary.

Crystal Rennie,

VA Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.