2012-23899. Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; 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), 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 function; (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: Reinstatement without change of a previously approved collection. Title of Information Collection: New Freedom Initiative—Web-based Reporting System for Grantees. Use: CMS awards competitive grants to states and other eligible entities for the purpose of designing and implementing effective and enduring improvements in community-based long-term services and support systems. CMS requires that grantees report on a quarterly, semi-annual, and/or annual basis depending upon the grant type. CMS requires the information obtained through web-based grantee reporting for two reasons: To effectively monitor the grants and to report to Congress and other interested stakeholders the progress and obstacles experienced by the grantees. The grantees are the respondents to the web-based reporting system. Form Number: CMS-10161 (OCN 0938-0979). Frequency: Annually, semi-annually, and quarterly. Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Governments. Number of Respondents: 171. Total Annual Responses: 428. Total Annual Hours: 3,764. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Effie George at 410-786-8639. 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 Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [e-mail], or call the Reports Clearance Office on [phone].

To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations for the proposed information collections must be received by the OMB desk officer at the address below, no later than 5 p.m. on October 29, 2012.

OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax Number: [phone], Email: [e-mail].

Dated: September 25, 2012.

Martique Jones,

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