E9-14978. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Comment Request

In compliance with the requirement for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects (section 3506(c)(2)(A) of Title 44, United States Code, as amended by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) publishes periodic summaries of proposed projects being developed for submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and draft instruments, e-mail [e-mail] or call the HRSA Reports Clearance Officer on [phone].

Comments are invited on: (a) The proposed collection of information for the proper performance of the functions of the agency; (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: HRSA/Bureau of Primary Health Care Capital Improvement Program Application Electronic Health Records (EHR) Readiness Checklist (OMB No. 0915-0325)—Extension

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides $1.5 billion in grants to support “construction, renovation and equipment”, and “the acquisition of health information technology systems, for health centers including health center controlled networks receiving operating grants under section 330” of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 254b). HRSA is requesting extension of the approval of the Electronic Health Records (EHR) Readiness Checklist portion of the application where applicants must provide information to demonstrate readiness for electronic health records if they propose to use funds for electronic health record (EHR) related purchases. Of the $1.5 billion, HRSA will award approximately $850 million, through limited competition grants, for one-time Capital Improvement Program (CIP) grant funding in fiscal year (FY) 2009 to support existing section 330 funded health centers. Funding under this opportunity will address pressing capital improvement needs in health centers, such as construction, repair, renovation, and equipment purchases, including health information technology systems. Applicants must provide information using the EHR Readiness Checklist that demonstrates comprehensive planning and readiness for implementing EHRs.

The estimated annual burden is as follows:

Form	Number of respondents	Responses per respondent	Total responses	Hours per response	Total burden hours
EHR Readiness Checklist	568	1	568	.25	142
Total	568		568		142

E-mail comments to [e-mail] or mail the HRSA Reports Clearance Officer, Room 10-33, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Dated: June 19, 2009.

Alexandra Huttinger,

Director, Division of Policy Review and Coordination.