2018-15085. Agency Information Collection Activity: Survey of Veteran Enrollees' Health and Use of Health Care

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

Veterans Health Administration, 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 renewal 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 September 14, 2018.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov or to Brian McCarthy, Office of Regulatory and Administrative Affairs (10B4), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420 or email to [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0609” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through FDMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Brian McCarthy at [phone].

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: N/A.

Title: Survey of Veteran Enrollees' Health and Use of Health Care.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0609.

Type of Review: Renewal currently approved collection.

Abstract: The VA Survey of Enrollees gathers information from Veterans enrolled in the VA Health Care System about factors which influence their health care utilization choices. Data collected are used to gain insights into Veteran preferences and to provide VA and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) management guidance in preparing for future Veteran needs. In addition to factors influencing health care choices, the data collected include enrollees' perceived health status and need for assistance, available insurances, self-reported utilization of VA services versus other health care services, reasons for using VA, barriers to seeking care, ability and comfort level with accessing virtual care, as well as general demographics and family characteristics that may influence utilization but cannot be accessed elsewhere.

Affected Public: Individuals and households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 14,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden per Respondent: 20 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Annually.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 42,000.

By direction of the Secretary.

Cynthia D. Harvey-Pryor,

Department Clearance Officer, Office of Quality, Privacy and Risk, Department of Veterans Affairs.