FR 2021-03046

Overview

Title

Submission for OMB Review; 30-Day Comment Request; CTEP Branch and Support Contracts Forms and Surveys (National Cancer Institute)

Agencies

ELI5 AI

The National Institutes of Health wants permission to ask people questions about cancer research programs to help make these programs better and follow rules. They promise it won't cost anyone anything but some time, and they're asking people to give their thoughts about this in the next 30 days.

Summary AI

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for information collection related to the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) and the Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) under the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This information is crucial for managing clinical trials in cancer research, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and improving processes. The request is part of the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and public comments are invited within 30 days of publication. There are no costs to respondents apart from their time, and the estimated annual burden is 151,792 hours.

Abstract

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for review and approval of the information collection listed below.

Type: Notice
Citation: 86 FR 9524
Document #: 2021-03046
Date:
Volume: 86
Pages: 9524-9526

AnalysisAI

The document from the Federal Register outlines a notice by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which seeks approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for collecting information essential to cancer research. This effort, led by the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP) and the Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) under the National Cancer Institute (NCI), aims to manage clinical trials effectively and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Public comments on this initiative are invited within 30 days, and the estimated annual burden is 151,792 hours, with no additional costs to respondents beyond their time.

General Summary

The notice submitted by the NIH falls under the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This Act mandates that the OMB review and approve information collections by federal agencies to minimize the burden on the public. Here, the NIH requests review and approval for processes involving clinical trials in cancer research. The document emphasizes the importance of ensuring regulatory compliance and improving the processes linked to these trials.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One concern is the notice presumes familiarity with specific federal regulations, such as 45 CFR 46 and 21 CFR 50, potentially making it difficult for individuals unfamiliar with these provisions to fully understand their significance. Additionally, it mentions the process for submitting comments via www.reginfo.gov but lacks user-friendly guidance or troubleshooting tips for navigating the system. Providing an initial full definition for acronyms like 'CTEP' would aid in reader comprehension.

Another issue is the complex language used within sections describing systems and processes. This sophistication might challenge general audiences, making it harder for laypersons to decipher the document's content or implications.

Public Impact

Broadly, the document highlights an important aspect of public health administration by ensuring that clinical trials, particularly those related to cancer research, are conducted in adherence to federal standards. This focus on regulation compliance can reassure the public that clinical trials within the NCI's ambit prioritize participant safety and ethical research practices.

Impacts on Specific Stakeholders

For clinical investigators and site staff, the document suggests that while no monetary costs are incurred, their time is a valuable asset in ensuring the process's completion. Hence, understanding the requirements and expectations outlined in such notices is crucial for effective participation in regulated research practices. Stakeholders should be aware of the time commitment necessary and possibly advocate for more streamlined processes if the current demands are deemed excessive.

Furthermore, the outcome of the OMB review will impact how research institutions manage their workflows and fulfill regulatory obligations. A positive review could facilitate more efficient research operations, while a denial might necessitate reevaluations of existing processes or proposals for alternative methods. Respondents and stakeholders should remain engaged in these discussions to ensure their views and concerns are adequately represented and addressed.

Overall, this document provides a critical framework for maintaining rigorous standards in cancer research, emphasizing the balance between regulatory compliance and efficient clinical trial management.

Issues

  • • The document refers to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, but it could be beneficial to provide a brief explanation or summary of this Act for clearer understanding.

  • • The process for submitting comments through www.reginfo.gov is described, but additional guidance or troubleshooting tips could be included to assist users unfamiliar with the system.

  • • The notice refers to compliance with several federal regulations (e.g., 45 CFR 46 and 21 CFR 50), but it might be helpful to give a brief explanation or context for these regulations.

  • • The acronym 'CTEP' is introduced without a preceding full definition in the section titled 'FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.' Providing the full name initially would enhance clarity.

  • • Language in the section 'Need and Use of Information Collection' becomes complex, especially when discussing systems and processes, potentially hindering comprehension for general audiences.

  • • The document mentions OMB approval is requested for three years but doesn’t detail the implications or next steps if approval is granted or denied.

  • • There is an assumption that stakeholders know that there are 'no costs to respondents other than their time,' but additional clarification on what activities might involve respondents' time would be helpful.

Statistics

Size

Pages: 3
Words: 733
Sentences: 26
Entities: 78

Language

Nouns: 272
Verbs: 58
Adjectives: 30
Adverbs: 7
Numbers: 42

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.97
Average Sentence Length:
28.19
Token Entropy:
5.16
Readability (ARI):
19.54

Reading Time

about 2 minutes