E6-4947. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 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 for Coverage of Suppliers of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Services and Supporting Regulations Contained in 42 CFR 405.2100-405.2171; Use: The requirements associated with the Medicare and Medicaid Conditions for Coverage for Suppliers of ESRD Services fall into two categories: record keeping requirements and reporting requirements. With regard to the recordkeeping requirements, CMS uses these conditions for coverage to certify health care facilities that want to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. These record keeping requirements are no different than other conditions for coverage in that they reflect comparable standards developed by industry organizations such as the Renal Physicians Association, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, and the National Association of Patients on Hemodialysis and Transplantation. With respect to reporting requirements, the information is needed to assess and ensure proper distribution and effective utilization of ESRD treatment resources while maintaining or improving quality of care. It is CMS's responsibility to closely monitor ESRD service utilization to prevent over-expansion of facilities and resultant under-utilization.; Form Number: CMS-R-52 (OMB#: 0938-0386); Frequency: Recordkeeping and Reporting—Annually; Affected Public: Business or other for-profit and Federal government; Number of Respondents: 4,757; Total Annual Responses: 4,757; Total Annual Hours: 160,702.

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare Disproportionate Share Adjustment Procedures and Criteria and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 412.106; Use: A hospital's disproportionate share adjustment is determined by its fiscal intermediary (FI) using a combination of Medicare Part A and Supplemental Security Income data provided by CMS, and Medicaid data calculated from the hospital's cost report. The data provided through these calculations are then compared to the qualifying criteria located in 42 CFR 412.106 to determine the final adjustment. If these calculations, based on the Federal fiscal year, do not allow the hospital to qualify for a disproportionate share adjustment, the hospital may request that the calculations be performed using its cost reporting period.; Form Number: CMS-R-194 (OMB#: 0938-0691); Frequency: Recordkeeping and Reporting—On occasion; Affected Public: Business or other for-profit and Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 100; Total Annual Responses: 100; Total Annual Hours: 100.

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 at the address below, no later than 5 p.m. on June 6, 2006. CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development—B, Attention: William N. Parham, III, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

Dated: March 30, 2006.

Michelle Shortt,

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