04-14538. 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) (formerly known as the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), 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 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: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare Program: Process for Making National Coverage Determinations; Form No.: CMS-R-290 (OMB# 0938-0776); Use: These information collection requirements provide the process CMS uses to make a national coverage decision for a specific item or service under sections 1862 and 1871 of the Social Security Act. This streamlines our decision making process and increases the opportunities for public participation in making national coverage decisions.; Frequency: Other: as needed; Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 200; Total Annual Responses: 200; Total Annual Hours: 8,000.

2. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: The State Children's Health Insurance Program and Supporting Regulations in 42 CFR 431.636, 457.50, 457.60, 457.70,457.340, 457.350, 457.431, 457.440, 457.525, 457.560, 457.570, 457.740, 457.750, 457.810, 457.940, 457.945, 457.965, 457.985, 457.1005, 457.1015, and 457.1180; Form No.: CMS-R-308 (OMB# 0938-0841); Use: States are required to submit title XXI plans and amendments for approval by the Secretary pursuant to section 2102 of the Social Security Act in order to receive funds for initiating and expanding health insurance coverage for uninsured children. States are also required to submit State expenditure and statistical reports, annual reports and State evaluations to the Secretary as outlined in title XXI of the Social Security Act and furnish assorted notices to recipients; Frequency: Annually; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Government; Number of Respondents: 426; Total Annual Responses: 12,629,586; Total Annual Hours: 864,973.

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/​regulations/​pra/​,, or e-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail], or call the Reports Clearance Office on [phone]. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collections must be mailed within 30 days of this notice directly to the OMB desk officer: OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Christopher Martin, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.

Dated: June 18, 2004.

John P. Burke, III,

Paperwork Reduction Act Team Leader, CMS Reports Clearance Officer, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development and Issuances.