2010-10041. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS.

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), Department of Health and Human Services, 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 function; (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: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Hospital and Health Care Complexes Cost Report and supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 413.20 and 413.24; Use: Part A institutional providers must provide adequate cost data to receive Medicare reimbursement (42 CFR 413.24(a)). Providers must submit the cost data to their Medicare Fiscal Intermediary (FI)/Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) through the Medicare cost report (MCR). The primary function of the cost report is to determine the reimbursement of providers for services rendered to program beneficiaries. The FI/MAC uses the cost report to make settlement with the provider for the fiscal period covered by the cost report. Furthermore, the FI/MAC uses the cost report to determine the necessity and scope of an audit of the records of the provider. CMS uses the data collected on the MCR to project future Medicare expenditures, determine adequate deductibles and premiums, and develop and update provider market baskets mandated for use in updating Medicare payment rates. CMS also uses the data to offer public use data files. Revisions made to update the forms currently in use are incorporated within this request for approval. Form Number: CMS-2552-10 (OMB#: 0938-0050); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Business or other for-profits and not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 6,174; Total Annual Responses: 6,174; Total Annual Hours: 4,155,102. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Nadia Massuda at 410-786-5834. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)

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].

To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations for the proposed information collections must be received by the OMB desk officer at the address below, no later than 5 p.m. on June 1, 2010.

OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer.

Fax Number: [phone].

E-mail: [e-mail].

Dated: April 23, 2010.

Michelle Shortt,

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