2024-09998. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

DATES:

Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by June 7, 2024.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, please access the CMS PRA website by copying and pasting the following web address into your web browser: https://www.cms.gov/​Regulations-and-Guidance/​Legislation/​PaperworkReductionActof1995/​PRA-Listing.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

William Parham at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. The term “collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment:

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection; Title of Information Collection: Generic Clearance for the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality IT Product and Support Teams; Use: The CMS Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ) is responsible for administering appropriate information systems so that the public can submit healthcare-related information. While beneficiaries ultimately benefit, the primary users of CCSQ IT Product and Support Teams (CIPST) systems are healthcare facility employees and contractors. They are responsible for the collection and submission of appropriate beneficiary data to CMS to receive merit-based compensation.

The systems that support CCSQ programs includes but is not limited to: End-Stage Renal Disease Quality Reporting System (EQRS), Enterprise Shared Services (ESS), HCQIS ServiceNow (SNOW), Hospital Quality Reporting (HQR), Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES), Quality Management and Reporting System (QMARS), and Quality Payment Program (QPP).

The generic clearance will allow CMS to gather information to improve information systems that serve CMS audiences. CMS will gather this information using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative consumer research strategies (including formative research studies and methodological tests). CMS implements human-centered methods and activities for the improvement of policies, services, and products. This collection of information is necessary to enable CMS to garner customer and stakeholder feedback in an efficient, timely manner, in accordance with our commitment to improving service delivery.

As information systems and technologies are developed or improved upon, they can be tested and evaluated for end-user feedback regarding utility, usability, and desirability. The overall goal is to apply a human-centered engagement model to maximize the extent to which CIPST can gather ongoing feedback from consumers. Feedback helps engineers and designers arrive at better solutions, therefore minimizing the burden on consumers and meeting their needs and goals.

The activities under this clearance involve voluntary engagement with target CCSQ users to receive design and research feedback. The respondents will be voluntary end-users from self-selected customers, as well as convenience samples. It is our intent that selected respondents will either cover a broad range of customers or include specific characteristics related to certain products or services. All collections of information will allow us to continually refine our processes, systems, and services for the benefit of internal and external stakeholders. Form Number: CMS-10706 (OMB control number: 0938-1397); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Individuals and Private Sector (Business or other for-profit and Not-for-profit institutions); Number of Respondents: 54,750; Total Annual Responses: 54,750; Total Annual Hours: 17,850. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Brandy Barnette at 410-786-6455.)

William N. Parham, III,

Director, Division of Information Collections and Regulatory Impacts, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.