05-10706. Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

AGENCY:

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare and 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 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.

We are, however, requesting an emergency review of the information collection referenced below. In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the following requirements for emergency review. We are requesting an emergency review because the collection of this information is needed before the expiration of the normal time limits under OMB's regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. This is necessary to ensure compliance with an initiative of the Administration. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures. The use of normal clearance procedures is reasonably likely to cause a statutory deadline to be missed.

This survey will support the required evaluation of the Medicare Home Health Independence Demonstration mandated under Section 702 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). Section 702 of the MMA requires the Secretary to collect data on effects of the demonstration on quality of care, patient outcomes, and any additional costs to Medicare. One year after the project's termination (currently projected to be October, 2006), the Secretary is to submit a report including recommendations to exempt permanently and severely disabled homebound beneficiaries from the traditional homebound restrictions. The purpose of this survey is to develop the information Congress seeks, and to provide CMS with a sound basis for making the mandated recommendations. This survey is designed to study the health and quality of life impacts of changing the eligibility requirement, and to provide descriptive information about the demonstration's target population.

CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by June 27, 2005, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and recommendation will be accepted from the public if received by the individuals designated below by June 27, 2005.

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/​regulations/​pra 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].

Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden or any other aspect of these collections of information requirements. However, as noted above, comments on these information collection and recordkeeping requirements must be mailed and/or faxed to the designees referenced below by June 27, 2005:

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Room C5-13-27, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850. Fax Number: [phone], Attn: William N. Parham, III, CMS-10158; and,

OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Christopher Martin, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.

Dated: May 23, 2005.

Michelle Shortt,

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