2011-14435. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 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) 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.

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Existing collection in use without an OMB control number; Title of Information Collection: Medicare Beneficiary and Family-Centered Satisfaction Survey; Use: The data collection methodology used to determine Beneficiary Satisfaction flows from the proposed sampling approach. While it was feasible to conduct the 9th SOW via telephone data collection only, with a quarterly sample size for the 10th SOW estimated to be 2,664, it does not seem efficient to maintain a telephone only data collection approach. Based on recent literature on survey methodology and response rates by mode, we recommend using a data collection that is done primarily by mail. A mail-based methodology will achieve the goals of being efficient, effective, and minimally burdensome for beneficiary respondents.

As previously described, we anticipate that a mail-based methodology could yield a response rate of approximately 60 percent. In order to achieve this response rate, we would recommend a 3 staged approach to data collection:

(1) Mailout of a covering letter, the paper survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope.

(2) Mailout of a post card that thanks respondents and reminds the non-respondents to please return their survey.

(3) Mailout of a follow-up covering letter, the paper survey questionnaire, and a postage-paid return envelope.

Through the pilot test, we will determine the response rate that can be achieved using this approach. If it is deemed necessary, additional mailout reminders can be added to the protocol, or a telephone non-response step can be added to the protocol.

Using the 3-step mail approach described above, we anticipate that data collection would occur over an 8 to 10 weeks. This is to say, if the first survey mailing were dropped on January 1, we would anticipate completing data collection at the end of February or early March. Data would then be cleaned, scores would be generated, and data would be delivered to CMS. Through the pilot test, we will determine the precise timing required to achieve an acceptable response rate, but we are aiming to complete sampling, data collection, and scoring within a 12-week period. Form Number: CMS-10393 (OCN: 0938-New) Frequency: Once; Affected Public: Individuals or households; Number of Respondents: 16,010; Number of Responses: 16,010; Total Annual Hours: 4002. (For policy questions regarding this collection, contact Coles Mercier at 410-786-2112. For all other issues call [phone].)

To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' Web site at http://www.cms.gov/​PaperworkReductionActof1995/​PRAL/​list.asp#TopOfPage or email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail], or call the Reports Clearance Office at 410-786-1326.

In commenting on the proposed information collections, please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of the following ways by August 9, 2011:

1. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) accepting comments.

2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

Dated: June 7, 2011.

Michelle Shortt,

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