E8-21928. Proposed Information Collection (Regulation on Application for Fisher Houses and Other Temporary Lodging and VHA Fisher House Application); Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine a claimant's eligibility for temporary lodging while undergoing extensive treatment or procedures.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before November 18, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through http://www.Regulations.gov; or to Mary Stout, Veterans Health Administration (193E1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0630” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at http://www.Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mary Stout [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Regulation on Application for Fisher Houses and Other Temporary Lodging and VHA Fisher House Application, VA Form 10-0408.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0630.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA provides temporary lodging to veterans receiving VA medical care or Compensation and Pension examinations and to family members or other persons accompanying the veteran. Application for temporary lodging may be by letter, telephone, e-mail, facsimile or in person at the VA healthcare facility of jurisdiction. VA Forms 10-0408 and 10-0408a can be used to collect data during the application process to determine the claimant's eligibility for temporary lodging. Temporary lodging services are provided on a first come, first served basis.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 83,333 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Semi-annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 250,000.

Estimated Total Annual Responses: 500,000.

Dated: September 11, 2008.

By direction of the Secretary.

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.