2012-13206. 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: External Quality Review Protocols. Use: The results of Medicare reviews, Medicare accreditation services, and Medicaid external quality reviews will be used by States in assessing the quality of care provided to Medicaid beneficiaries by managed care organizations and to provide information on the quality of care provided to the general public upon request. Protocols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and the External Quality Review Background have been revised since the publication of the 60-day Federal Register notice on February 17, 2012 (77 FR 9661). All of the revised protocols associated with the 60-day notice and this 30-day notice are in draft and must not be used until they are approved by OMB through the PRA process. Form Number: CMS-R-305 (OCN 0938-0786). Frequency of Reporting: Yearly. Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Governments. Number of Respondents: 42. Total Annual Responses: 70. Total Annual Hours: 415,643. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Gary B. Jackson at 410-786-1218. 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 email 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 July 2, 2012. OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax Number: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

Dated: May 25, 2012.

Martique Jones,

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