2012-10947. Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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: Revised collection; Title of Information Collection: Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program; Use: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will conduct competitive bidding programs in which certain suppliers will be awarded contracts to provide competitively bid DMEPOS items to Medicare beneficiaries in a competitive bidding area (CBA). CMS conducted its first round of bidding in 2007 which was implemented on July 1, 2008. The first round of bidding was subsequently delayed by section 154 of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA).

As required by MIPPA, CMS conducted the competition for the Round 1 Rebid in 2009. The Round 1 Rebid contract and prices became effective on January 1, 2011. The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) requires the Secretary to recompete contracts not less often than once every 3 years; therefore, CMS is preparing to recompete competitive bidding contracts in the Round 1 Rebid areas. Form Number: CMS-10169 (OCN: 0938-1016); Frequency: Reporting—Occasionally; Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 16,003; Total Annual Responses: 20,047; Total Annual Hours: 34,795. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact James Cowher at 410-786-1948. 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].

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 July 6, 2012:

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: May 2, 2012.

Martique Jones

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