2011-23430. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS.

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) 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.

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: National Provider Identifier (NPI) Application and Update Form and Supporting Regulations in 45 CFR 142.408, 45 CFR 162.406, 45 CFR 162.408; Use: The National Provider Identifier (NPI) Application and Update Form is used by health care providers to apply for NPIs and furnish updates to the information they supplied on their initial applications. The form is also used to deactivate their NPIs if necessary. The NPI Application/Update form has been revised to provide additional guidance on how to accurately complete the form. This collection includes clarification on information that is required on initial applications. Minor changes include adding a `delete' check box for removal of information. This collection also includes revisions to the instructions. Form Number: CMS-10114 (OMB#: 0938-0931); Frequency: Reporting—On occasion; Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions, and Federal government; Number of Respondents: 304 million; Total Annual Responses: 481,440; Total Annual Hours: 481,440. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Leslie Jones at 410-786-6599. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.)

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/​PaperworkReductionActof1995, 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].

In commenting on the proposed information collections please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of the following ways by November 14, 2011.

1. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) accepting comments.

2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB Control Number, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

Dated: September 8, 2011.

Martique Jones,

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