05-15504. Emergency Clearance: Public Information Collection Requirements Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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), 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.

We are, however, requesting an emergency review of the information collection referenced below. In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the following requirements for emergency review. We are requesting an emergency review because the collection of this information is needed before the expiration of the normal time limits under OMB's regulations at 5 CFR part 1320. This is necessary to ensure compliance with an initiative of the Administration. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures because of an unanticipated event.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will obtain feedback from over 30,000 Medicare Providers via a survey about satisfaction, attitudes and perceptions regarding the services provided by Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Carriers, Fiscal Intermediaries, Durable Medical Equipment Suppliers, and Regional Home Health Intermediaries and Medicare Administrative Contractors. The survey focuses on basic business functions provided by the Medicare Contractors such as Inquiries, Provider Communications, Claims Processing, Appeals, Provider Enrollment, Medical Review and Provider Reimbursement. Providers will receive a notice requesting they use a specially constructed Web site to respond to a set of questions customized for their Contractor's responsibilities. The survey will be conducted yearly and annual reports of the survey results will be available via an online reporting system for use by CMS, Medicare Contractors, and the general public.

CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by November 21, 2005, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and recommendation will be considered from the public if received by the individuals designated below by October 4, 2005.

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].

Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden or any other aspect of these collections of information requirements. However, as noted above, comments on these information collection and recordkeeping requirements must be mailed and/or faxed to the designees referenced below by October 4, 2005:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, Fax Number: [phone], Attn: William N. Parham, III; and

OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Christopher Martin, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503.

Dated: July 22, 2005.

Michelle Shortt,

Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.