05-7833. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

April 14, 2005.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling [phone].

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Title: Self Certification Medical Statement.

OMB Control Number: 0579-0196.

Summary of Collection: The Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for ensuring consumers that food and farm products are moved from producer to consumer in the most efficient, dependable, economical, and equitable system possible. 5 CFR part 339 authorizes an agency to obtain medical information about the applicant's health status to assist management in making employment decisions concerning positions that have specific medical standards or physical requirements in order to determine medical/physical fitness. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture hires individuals each year in commodity grading and inspection positions. These positions involve arduous duties and work under conditions, around moving machinery, slippery surfaces, and high noise level. APHIS will collect information using the MRP-5 form (Self-Certification Medical Statement).

Need and Use of Information: The data is needed to obtain information from the applicant about his/her health and fitness in order to perform the duties of the position and assist management in making employment decisions concerning positions that have specific medical standards and physical requirements. Denial of the information would greatly hamper APHIS recruiting capability and adversely affect management's ability to facilitate hiring, placement, and utilization of qualified individuals into positions that have specific medical standards and physical requirements.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households.

Number of Respondents: 300.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: on occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 50.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.