2020-07908. Agency Information Collection Activity: Title 38 Positions-Applications and Appraisals for Employment

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 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 extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before June 15, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Brian McCarthy, Office of Regulatory and Administrative Affairs (10B4), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0205” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Brian McCarthy at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995, Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (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.

Authority: Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.

Title: Title 38 Positions—Applications and Appraisals for Employment, VA Forms 10-2850, 10-2850a, 10-2850c, FL 10-341(a).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0205.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The collection of this information is authorized by Title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.) 7403, (Veterans' Benefits), which provides that appointments of Title 38 employees will be made only after qualifications have been satisfactorily verified in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. Occupations listed in 38 U.S.C. 7401(1) and 7401(3) (Appointments in Veterans Health Administration), are appointed at a grade and step rate or an assignment based on careful evaluation of their education and experience.

VA Forms 10-2850, 10-2850a, and 10-2850c are applications designed specifically to elicit appropriate information about each candidate's qualifications for employment with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as educational and experience. To assure that a full evaluation of each candidate's credentials can be made prior to employment, the forms require disclosure of details about all licenses ever held, Drug Enforcement Administration certification, board certification, clinical privileges, revoked certification or registration, liability insurance history, and involvement in malpractice proceedings. VA Form Letter 10-341a is the pre-employment reference form used to elicit information concerning the prior education and/or performance of the Title 38 applicant. This collection of information is necessary to determine eligibility for employment and the appropriate grade and step rate or assignment.

a. VA Form 10-2850, Application for Physicians, Dentists, Podiatrists, Optometrists, and Chiropractors, will collect information used to determine eligibility for appointment to VHA.

b. VA Form 10-2850a, Application for Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists, will collect information used to determine eligibility for appointment to VHA.

c. VA Form 10-2850c, Application for Associated Health Occupations, will collect information used to determine eligibility for appointment to VHA.

d. VA Form Letter 10-341(a), Appraisal of Applicant, will collect information used to determine if applicant meets the requirements for employment.

VA Form 10-2850

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 8,064 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Once annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 16,128.

VA Form 10-2850a

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 32,256 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Once annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 64,511.

VA Form 10-2850c

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 10,752 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Once annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 21,504.

VA Form Letter 10-341(a)

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 25,410 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Once annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,820.

By direction of the Secretary.

Danny S. Green,

Interim VA Clearance Officer, Office of Quality, Performance and Risk (OQPR), Department of Veterans Affairs.