2023-16804. 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 September 11, 2023.

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 (410) 786–4669.

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: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Medicare Part C and Part D Data Validation; Use: Sections 1857(e) and 1860D–12 of the Social Security Act (“the Act”) authorize CMS to establish information collection requirements with respect to MAOs and Part D sponsors. Section 1857(e)(1) of the Act requires MAOs to provide the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with such information as the Secretary may find necessary and appropriate. Section 1857(e)(1) of the Act applies to Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) as indicated in section 1860D–12. Pursuant to statutory authority, CMS codified these information collection requirements in regulation at §§ 422.516(g) Validation of Part C Reporting Requirements, and 423.514(j) Validation of Part D Reporting Requirements, respectively.

Data collected via Medicare Part C and Part D reporting requirements are an integral resource for oversight, monitoring, compliance and auditing activities necessary to ensure quality provision of Medicare benefits to beneficiaries. CMS uses the findings collected through the data validation process to substantiate the data reported via Medicare Part C and Part D reporting requirements. Data validation provides CMS with assurance that plan-reported data are credible and consistently collected and reported by Part C and D SOs. CMS uses validated data to respond to inquiries from Congress, oversight agencies, and the public about Part C and D SOs. The validated data also allows CMS to effectively monitor and compare the performance of SOs over time. Validated plan-reported data may be used for Star Ratings, Display measures and other performance measures. Additionally, SOs can take advantage of the DV process to effectively assess their own performance and make improvements to their internal operations and reporting processes. Form Number: CMS–10305 (OMB control number: 0938–1115); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: State, local, or Tribal governments; Number of Respondents: 809; Total Annual Responses: 809; Total Annual Hours: 10,500. For policy questions regarding this collection contact Chanelle Jones at 410–786–8008.

Dated: August 2, 2023.

William N. Parham, III,

Director, Paperwork Reduction Staff, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.