Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The people in charge of health services want to ask people questions to help them do a better job. They are inviting everyone to share ideas about how asking these questions can be easier and more helpful.
Summary AI
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is inviting public comments on their plans to collect information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The request includes information on extending an existing Medicare form for individuals with chronic renal disease and a revision to a collection concerning outpatient therapy providers. Interested parties have until February 16, 2021, to provide feedback on the necessity and practicality of these collections, as well as suggestions for improvement. This public involvement is part of the formal process required for federal agencies when gathering information from the public.
Abstract
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is an official notice inviting public comments on proposed information collection activities under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This allows the public a chance to give feedback on CMS's intention to gather certain information, which includes extending an existing Medicare form for individuals with chronic renal disease and revising a collection related to outpatient therapy service providers. The public can submit these comments until February 16, 2021.
General Summary
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, federal agencies must seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) each time they collect information from the public. This process includes publishing notices and offering opportunities for public comment. The CMS notice in question details two primary uses of information collection: the application process for Medicare benefits for individuals with chronic renal disease and the identification of units providing outpatient physical therapy or speech pathology services.
Significant Issues
A notable concern with the document is the complexity embedded within. It references numerous technical regulations and legal sections that could be difficult for the general reader to grasp. This could hinder public participation, as potential commentators might not fully understand the technicalities or the implications of the proposed collections. Additionally, directions for public comment through the reginfo.gov portal are somewhat convoluted, possibly affecting accessibility and ease of use for those wishing to submit their thoughts.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, the ability to comment on proposed information collections is essential for transparent governance. It offers individuals and organizations the opportunity to influence how data is collected and managed by government agencies, theoretically leading to improved efficiency and less burden on those required to provide information. However, the complex language and technical references present a barrier, making it challenging for the public to engage meaningfully.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
The document has specific implications for distinct groups. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), for instance, are directly impacted by the proposed extension of the Medicare application form. The collection of this data facilitates their access to Medicare benefits, a critical safety net for those facing severe health challenges. Conversely, outpatient therapy providers must navigate revised requirements for reporting service locations, which could involve administrative adjustments and additional oversight.
In conclusion, while the document serves a necessary procedural function, its execution could benefit from improved clarity and accessibility to better serve both the general public and specific stakeholders involved. This would ensure that the voices most affected by these data collection processes are both informed and heard.
Issues
• The document might benefit from clearer language regarding the purpose and necessity of collecting specific types of information for different stakeholders.
• The explanation of how to find and comment on the information collection on www.reginfo.gov could be simplified for better public accessibility.
• The document contains complex regulatory references (e.g., Sections 226A, 214 of the Act, 42 CFR 406.7(c)(3) and 407.13) that might be difficult for the general public to understand without further context or explanation.
• The process for obtaining copies of the supporting statement and related forms could be clearer, particularly in listing alternative ways to access these documents besides the website.
• There is no apparent indication of any wasteful spending or favoritism, as the document primarily focuses on the procedural aspects of information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act.
• Specific stakeholders affected by the collections (e.g., individuals with ESRD, OPT/OSP providers) could be more clearly identified and described to enhance clarity for the reader.