02-19496. 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, Public Law 104-13), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) publishes periodic summaries of proposed projects being developed for submission to 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, call the HRSA Reports Clearance Officer on [phone].

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is 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: The Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) and Nursing Student Loan (NSL) Programs: Forms—(OMB No.0915-0044)—Revision

The HPSL Program provides long-term, low-interest loans to students attending schools of medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, podiatric medicine, and pharmacy. The NSL Program provides long-term, low-interest loans to students who attend eligible schools of nursing in programs leading to a diploma in nursing, and an associate degree, a baccalaureate degree, or a graduate degree in nursing. Participating HPSL and NSL schools are responsible for determining eligibility of applicants, making loan, and collecting monies owed by borrowers on their outstanding loans. The deferment form (HRSA form 519) provides the schools with documentation of a borrower's eligibility for deferment. The Annual Operating Report (AOR-HRSA form 501) provides the Federal Government with information from participating and non-participating schools (schools that are no longer granting loans but are required to report and maintain program records, student records, and repayment records until all student loans are repaid in full and all monies due the Federal Government are returned) relating to HPSL and NSL program operations and financial activities.

The estimates of burden for the forms are as follows:

Form and number	Number of respondents	Responses per respondent	Total responses	Hours per responses	Total burden hours
Defer-HRSA-519	6,000	1	6,000	10 min	1,000
AOR-HRSA-501	1,048	1	1,048	4 hrs.	4,192
Total Burden	7,048		7,048		5,192

Send comments to Susan G. Queen, Ph.D., HRSA Reports Clearance Officer, Room 11A-33, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice.

Dated: July 25, 2002.

Jane M. Harrison,

Director, Division of Policy Review and Coordination.