2023-16758. Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information collection request titled “National Electronic Health Records Survey (NEHRS)” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. CDC previously published a “Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations” notice on May 19, 2023 to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC received three comments related to the previous notice. This notice serves to allow an additional 30 days for public and affected agency comments.

CDC will accept all comments for this proposed information collection project. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that:

(a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(d) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including, through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses; and

(e) Assess information collection costs.

To request additional information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call (404) 639–7570. 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. Direct written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395–5806. Provide written comments within 30 days of notice publication.

Proposed Project

National Electronic Health Records Survey (NEHRS) (OMB Control No. 0920–1015)—Reinstatement—National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) requests a Reinstatement of a previously approved collection titled the National Electronic Health Records Survey (NEHRS) for a three-year clearance. NCHS is requesting approval to collect data for 2024, 2025, and 2026 NEHRS cohorts. NEHRS is a national survey of office-based physicians conducted by NCHS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NEHRS is sponsored by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The survey is conducted under the authority of Section 306 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 242k).

Although there are other surveys that collect information from United States office-based physicians, NEHRS is unique in that it provides nationally representative information about the use of electronic health records (EHR) and other health information technologies. Additional justifications for conducting future rounds of NEHRS include the need for more complete data to study: (1) documentation of social needs; (2) trends in interoperability; (3) the exchange of patient health information with public health agencies; and (4) the use of telemedicine technology. The new data collections will reestablish trends of patient health information exchange with public health agencies, telemedicine technology use, as well as the evolving engagement in interoperability; particularly with respect to electronically sending, receiving, integrating, and searching for patient health information through these systems. Improving interoperability of electronic health information is a major priority for ONC, and NEHRS can provide ONC with data on physicians' experience with interoperability.

CDC requests OMB approval for an estimated 5,544 annual burden hours. There is no cost to respondents other than their time.

Estimated Annualized Burden Hours

Type of respondents	Form name	Number of respondents	Number of responses per respondent	Average burden per response (in hours)
Office-based physicians or office staff	NEHRS	16,633	1	20/60

Jeffrey M. Zirger,

Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Public Health Ethics and Regulations, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.