2015-09791. Agency Information Collection (Reimbursement of Certain Medical Expenses for Camp Lejeune Family Members)

Activities:

Under OMB Review.

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 revised collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to furnish hospital care and medical services to the family members of certain veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune. In order to furnish such care, VA must collect certain information from the family members to ensure that they meet the requirements of the law. The specific hospital care and medical services that VA must provide are for a number of illnesses and conditions connected to exposure to contaminated drinking water while at Camp Lejeune.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before May 28, 2015.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through www.Regulations.gov,, or to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attn: VA Desk Officer; 725 17th St. NW., Washington, DC 20503 or sent through electronic mail to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0822, Reimbursement of Certain Medical Expenses for Camp Lejeune Family Members” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Crystal Rennie, Enterprise Records Service (005R1B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20420, [phone] or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0822, Reimbursement of Certain Medical Expenses for Camp Lejeune Family Members” in any correspondence.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), 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.

Title: Reimbursement of Certain Medical Expenses for Camp Lejeune Family Members.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0822.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently existing collection.

Abstract: Under 38 U.S.C. 1787, VA is required to furnish hospital care and medical services to the family members of certain veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987. In order to furnish such care, VA must collect certain information from the family members to ensure that they meet the requirements of the law. VA cannot furnish the statutorily-mandated hospital care and medical services until the collection of information is approved. The specific hospital care and medical services that VA must provide are for a number of illnesses and conditions connected to exposure to contaminated drinking water while at Camp Lejeune.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 5,838 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 18.75 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Yearly.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 21,720.

By direction of the Secretary.

Crystal Rennie,

VA Clearance Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs.