E8-9068. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services.

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is publishing the following summary of proposed collections for public comment. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Conditions of Participation for Portable X-ray Suppliers and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 486.104, 486.106, 486.110; Use: These requirements contained in this information collection request are classified as conditions of participation or conditions for coverage. These conditions are based on a provision specified in law relating to diagnostic X-ray tests “furnished in a place of residence used as the patient's home,” and are designed to ensure that each supplier has a properly trained staff to provide the appropriate type and level of care, as well as, a safe physical environment for patients. CMS uses these conditions to certify suppliers of portable X-ray services wishing to participate in the Medicare program. This is standard medical practice and is necessary in order to help to ensure the well-being, safety and quality professional medial treatment accountability for each patient. Form Number: CMS-R-43 (OMB# 0938-0338); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Business or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 726; Total Annual Responses: 726; Total Annual Hours: 1,815.

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) Assumption of Responsibilities and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 412.44, 412.46, 431.630,476.71, 476.73, 476.74, and 476.78; Use: The Peer Review Improvement Act of 1982 amended Title XI of the Social Security Act to create the Utilization and Quality Control Peer Review Organization (PRO) program which replaces the Professional Standards Review Organization (PSRO) program and streamlines peer review activities. The term PRO has been renamed Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). This collection describes the review functions to be performed by the QIO. It outlines relationships among QIOs, providers, practitioners, beneficiaries, intermediaries, and carriers. Form Number: CMS-R-71 (OMB# 0938-0445); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Business or other for-profit and not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 6,036; Total Annual Responses: 6,036; Total Annual Hours: 156,846.

To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' Web Site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/​PaperworkReductionActof1995,, or E-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail], or call the Reports Clearance Office on [phone].

In commenting on the proposed information collections please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of the following ways by June 24, 2008:

1. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) accepting comments.

2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number ____ , Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

Dated: April 17, 2008.

Michelle Shortt,

Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.