2014-10486. 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Form DS-6561, Non-Foreign Service Personnel and Their Family Members

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to 60 days from May 7, 2014.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Web: Persons with access to the Internet may use the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) to comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering “Public Notice 8721” in the Search bar. If necessary, use the Narrow by Agency filter option on the Results page.
• Email: [e-mail].
• Mail: Department of State, Office of Medical Clearances, SA-15 Room 400, 1800 North Kent St., Rosslyn, VA 22209.
• Fax: [phone].

You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Susan B. Summers, who may be reached on 703-875-5411 or at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Pre-Assignment For Overseas Duty—Non-Foreign Service Personnel and Their Family Members.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0194.
• Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Office of Medical Services—Medical Clearances.
• Form Number: DS 6561.
• Respondents: Non-foreign service employees or family members.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,000.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 8,000.
• Average Time per Response: 1 hour.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 8,000 hours.
• Frequency: As needed.
• Obligation to Respond: Mandatory to retain medical clearances.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of proposed collection: Form DS-6561 provides a concise summary of basic medical history, lab tests and physical examination for employees and family members that are not members of one of the five Foreign Affairs agencies to include State, USAID, Foreign Commercial Service, Foreign Agricultural Service and Board of Broadcasting Governors. It is designed to collect current and adequate information on which medical providers can base decisions on whether an employee and family members will have sufficient medical resources at a diplomatic mission abroad to maintain the health and fitness of the individual and family members.

Methodology: The information collected will be collected through the use of an electronic forms engine or by hand written submission using a pre-printed form.

Dated: April 23, 2014.

Ernest E. Davis,

Director of Medical Clearances, Office of Medical Services, Department of State.