2023-21116. Agency Information Collection Activity: Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 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.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before November 27, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Grant Bennett, Office of Regulations, Appeals, and Policy (10BRAP), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900–0768” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Maribel Aponte, Office of Enterprise and Integration, Data Governance Analytics (008), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, (202) 266–4688 or email [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900–0768” in any correspondence.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995, 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.

Authority:Public Law 104–13; 44 U.S.C. 3501–3521.

Title: Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) (VA Form 10–10CG).

OMB Control Number: 2900–0768.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Authority for this information collection is found in Public Law (Pub. L.) 111–163, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010, as amended in title 38 United States Code Chapter 17 by adding a new section, 1720G, “Assistance and Support Services for Caregivers.” Section 1720G required the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and Support Services. Under the law, Primary Family Caregivers may be eligible to receive a stipend, access to health care coverage, mental health counseling, comprehensive caregiver education and training, and expanded respite services. Caregivers also may be eligible for travel benefits when they accompany the Veteran for care or attending training.

In order to administer these benefits to caregivers, it is necessary that the VA receive information about the nature of benefit being sought and the persons who will be serving as caregivers and receiving benefits. This information is collected with VA Form 10–10CG, which is currently approved under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control Number 2900–0768. VA requests a three-year renewal of the PRA clearance for 10–10CG from OMB to continue with the collection of this information, which is necessary to administer VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 27,668 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 15 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Once annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 110,671.

By direction of the Secretary.

Maribel Aponte,

VA PRA Clearance Officer, Office of Enterprise and Integration/Data Governance Analytics, Department of Veterans Affairs.