E9-12529. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; 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), 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: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Hospice Survey and Deficiencies Report; Use: In order to participate in the Medicare program, a hospice must meet certain Federal health and safety conditions of participation. This form is used by State surveyors to record data about a hospice's compliance with these conditions of participation in order to initiate the certification or recertification process. Form Number: CMS-643 (OMB#: 0938-0379); Frequency: Reporting—Yearly; Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 3377; Total Annual Responses: 1130; Total Annual Hours: 1130. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Kim Roche at 410-786-3524. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) Eligibility and Survey Forms and Information Collection Requirements at 42 CFR 485.54 through 485.66; Use: In order to participate in the Medicare program as a CORF, providers must meet Federal conditions of participation. The certification form is needed to determine if providers meet at least preliminary requirements. The survey form is used to record provider compliance with the individual conditions and report findings to CMS. Form Number: CMS-359/360/R-55 (OMB#: 0938-0267); Frequency: Reporting—Occasionally; Affected Public: Private Sector: Business or other for-profits; Number of Respondents: 476; Total Annual Responses: 60; Total Annual Hours: 223,285. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Georgia Johnson at 410-786-6859. 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 29, 2009.

OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax Number: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail].

Dated: May 21, 2009.

Michelle Shortt,

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