2011-13645. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 concerning opportunity for public comment on proposed collections of information, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the information collection plans, call the SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer on [phone].

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Proposed Project: SAMHSA SOAR Web-Based Data Form—NEW

In 2009 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services created a Technical Assistance Center to assist in the implementation of the SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) effort in all states. SOAR's primary objective is to improve the allowance rate for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and who have serious mental illnesses. SOAR has three main components: Strategic planning for systems change, training for case managers and ongoing technical assistance.

During the SOAR training, the importance of keeping track of SSI/SSDI applications through the process is stressed, since the process is complex and involves several steps. In response to requests from states implementing SOAR, the Technical Assistance Center under SAMHSA's direction developed a web-based data form that case managers can use to track the progress of submitted applications, including decisions received from SSA either on initial application or on appeal. This password-protected web-based data form will be housed on the SOAR Web site (http://www.prainc.com/​soar.). Use of this form is completely voluntary.

In addition, data from the web-based form can be compiled into reports on decision results and the use of SOAR core components, such as the SSA-1696 Appointment of Representative which allows SSA to communicate directly with the case manager assisting with the application. These reports will be reviewed by agency directors, SOAR state-level leads, and the national SOAR Technical Assistance Center and SOAR national evaluation team to quantify the success of the effort overall and to identify areas where additional technical assistance is needed.

The estimated response burden is as follows:

Information source	Number of respondents	Responses per respondent	Total responses	Hours per response	Total hours
SOAR Data Form	800	36	28,800	.25	7,200

Send comments to Summer King, SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer, Room 8-1099, One Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857 and e-mail her a copy at [e-mail]. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Dated: May 24, 2011.

Elaine Parry,

Director, Office of Management, Technology and Operations.