Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection: Public Comment Request Information Collection Request Title: Federal Tort Claims Act Program Deeming Applications for Health Centers, OMB No. 0906-0035 Extension
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to hear from people about making sure doctors at certain health centers have the right kind of insurance to help them if they get sued for doing something wrong while helping patients. They need people's opinions about the work involved in applying for this insurance.
Summary AI
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is planning to submit an Information Collection Request to the Office of Management and Budget. This is part of their procedure under the Paperwork Reduction Act, which allows for public input on such requests. The focus is on deeming health centers as Public Health Service employees, providing them with Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) coverage. HRSA seeks public comments on the related burden estimates or other aspects, and there are no proposed changes to the application process for 2022 and beyond.
Abstract
In compliance with the requirement for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, HRSA announces plans to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prior to submitting the ICR to OMB, HRSA seeks comments from the public regarding the burden estimate, below, or any other aspect of the ICR.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
In a recent notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, the agency outlined its proposal to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This step aligns with the stipulated public comment opportunity requirement under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The requested feedback is related to program applications necessary for health centers to be "deemed" as Public Health Service employees, a status that affords them coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
General Summary
This document targets public health centers seeking federal liability protection through "deeming." This status treats them as federal employees, thereby transferring liability costs to the federal government. The notice informs the public of the impending ICR submission and solicits feedback on burden estimates related to the application process for 2022 and beyond.
Significant Issues and Concerns
A primary concern involves the complexity of the language used in the document. For individuals unfamiliar with the federal programs or legal references, terms such as "deeming," "risk management systems," and "quality improvement/quality assurance attestations" might be difficult to comprehend. This complexity could hinder effective public participation in the feedback process.
Additionally, while the document discusses the use of a web-based application system known as the Electronic Handbooks, details on how to access this system are lacking. Providing a direct link or additional guidance could assist potential applicants in navigating the application process more efficiently.
The burden statement in the document references various activities contributing to the overall burden hours. However, without concrete examples or specific breakdowns of these activities, it may be challenging for stakeholders to grasp the full extent of their responsibilities. More explicit explanations would enhance understanding.
Impact on the Public
From a broad perspective, the collection and processing of these applications enable health centers to obtain crucial liability protection. This, in turn, allows such centers to focus financial and human resources on delivering healthcare services instead of legal defense, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.
Moreover, public comments can shape the way this program operates, potentially leading to more streamlined processes and reduced administrative burdens. Thus, encouraging and facilitating public input is paramount.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Stakeholders specifically involved in applying for deeming status, such as administrative personnel of health centers, are directly impacted by this notice. Positive aspects include the structured process for liability coverage, which could result in significant financial relief. However, the technical nature of the application process and the potential for misunderstanding or miscommunication could pose challenges.
For government agencies like HRSA, effective implementation of this deeming process strengthens the quality and accessibility of public health services. Evaluating public feedback provides insights for refining application procedures, which could lead to more sustainable administrative practices.
In conclusion, while this document lays the groundwork for an essential protective measure for health centers, addressing identified issues and enhancing clarity would ensure wider public engagement and a more comprehensive understanding of the deeming application process.
Issues
• There is no indication of any wasteful spending or favoritism towards particular organizations or individuals in the document text.
• The language used in the document is technical but necessary for the nature of the information being collected, such as legal references to the Public Health Service Act and descriptions of the Federal Tort Claims Act coverage.
• Terms like 'deeming', 'risk management systems', 'quality improvement/quality assurance attestations', 'credentialing and privileging', and 'claims management' might be complex for those not familiar with the specific program.
• The burden statement could be made clearer by providing more detailed examples or explanations of what specific activities contribute to the burden hours.
• The document does not explicitly explain the consequences of failing to meet the FTCA deeming criteria, which might be useful for potential respondents to know.
• While the document mentions a web-based application system called the Electronic Handbooks, there is no direct link or explanation on how to access it, which could help potential respondents.