02-24202. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The 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 new collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for information needed to improve women veterans' health care.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before November 25, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann W. Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900—New” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ann W. Bickoff, [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Public Law 104-13; 44 U.S.C., 3501-3520), 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: Women Veterans Ambulatory Care Use: Patterns, Barriers, and Influences, VA Form 10-21063(NR).

OMB Control Number: 2900—New.

Type of Review: New collection.

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to gain an understanding of VA women veterans' use of health care from the perspective of women. The data collected will: (1) Provide patterns of VA and non-VA ambulatory care use by women veterans, and contrast them to those of male veterans; (2) identify barriers and influences on VA ambulatory care use, including those related to women's military experience, veteran identity, and perceptions about the availability and quality of VA women's health care; (3) identify factors associated with gender gaps in VA ambulatory care use and; (4) apply these findings to develop interventions and policies to improve access of women veterans to VA ambulatory care.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 683 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 20 minutes.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,050.

Dated: September 16, 2002.

By direction of the Secretary.

Loise Russell,

Acting Director, Records Management Service.