FR 2021-03864

Overview

Title

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Public Comment Request; Independent Living Services (ILS) Program Performance Report (PPR) 0985-0043

Agencies

ELI5 AI

The Administration for Community Living wants to gather information to make sure people get the help they need to live independently, and they are asking for suggestions until March 29, 2021. They aim to make sure the process isn't too hard or time-consuming, especially for smaller areas, and they want to make sure everyone involved works well together.

Summary AI

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has submitted a proposal to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the collection of information required under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This involves gathering data on the Independent Living Services Program Performance Report, which helps improve independent living services in various U.S. regions, including states, territories, and commonwealths. The ACL uses this data to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to identify training needs for organizations involved. The public can submit comments on this proposal until March 29, 2021.

Abstract

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing that the proposed collection of information listed above has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This 30-Day notice collects comments on the information collection requirements related to the Independent Living Services (ILS) Program Performance Report (PPR) 0985-0043.

Type: Notice
Citation: 86 FR 11544
Document #: 2021-03864
Date:
Volume: 86
Pages: 11544-11545

AnalysisAI

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has made a submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding the collection of information for the Independent Living Services (ILS) Program Performance Report. This effort, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, seeks to refine and enhance independent living services across various U.S. regions, including states, territories, and commonwealths. By gathering this data, the ACL aims to evaluate compliance with federal regulations and pinpoint training requirements for associated organizations.

General Summary

The document outlines the process through which the ACL seeks public feedback on the information collection requirements related to the ILS Program Performance Report. This report is a critical instrument used for monitoring compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks and assessing training and technical assistance needs. The public has an opportunity to submit comments on this collection process until March 29, 2021.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues emerge from this notice, beginning with a lack of clarity around the specific criteria or benchmarks used by the ACL to assess compliance. Disclosing these would enhance transparency for stakeholders attempting to meet regulatory expectations. Additionally, the estimated burden of 35 hours for each ILS PPR could be seen as demanding, especially for smaller jurisdictions. This demands scrutiny for efficiency improvements in the reporting process.

Furthermore, the document assumes collaboration between Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs) and Designated State Entities (DSEs) but does not address the potential logistical or administrative challenges these entities might face. Such challenges could affect the accuracy and timeliness of the reports. Notably, there were no comments received during the initial 60-day public commentary period, which might point to a lack of awareness or engagement from relevant stakeholders, thereby highlighting a need for improved communication strategies.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document represents a step towards improving independent living services essential for many individuals across the United States. These services can directly affect the quality of life for persons with disabilities and elderly individuals who rely on effective and efficient independent living programs.

Specific Stakeholder Impact

Specific stakeholders, such as SILCs and DSEs, may experience both positive and negative impacts. Positively, this report facilitates compliance with federal standards and identifies areas requiring improvements, potentially leading to better service delivery. However, the perceived administrative burden and possible challenges in collaboration could strain their resources and operational capacities.

The notice also serves as a critical mechanism for engaging public input; however, the absence of feedback may warrant a reassessment of how effectively stakeholders are informed and encouraged to participate.

In conclusion, while this document demonstrates a clear intent to refine and enhance independent living services, it also underscores the need for greater transparency, efficient processes, and improved stakeholder engagement in policy implementation.

Issues

  • • The notice does not specify the criteria or benchmarks used by ACL to assess compliance with title VII of the Act, 45 CFR part 1329, and 45 CFR part 75. Providing this information could enhance transparency and understanding.

  • • The estimated burden of 35 hours per ILS PPR per jurisdiction might be considered high, especially for smaller jurisdictions, and could be scrutinized for potential inefficiencies in the reporting process.

  • • The document assumes collaboration between SILC and DSE without acknowledging potential logistical or administrative challenges they might face, which could impact the accuracy or timeliness of the reports.

  • • No comments were reported from the 60-day Federal Register Notice, which might suggest a lack of engagement with or awareness of the notice among stakeholders, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the public commenting process.

Statistics

Size

Pages: 2
Words: 815
Sentences: 27
Entities: 103

Language

Nouns: 306
Verbs: 54
Adjectives: 15
Adverbs: 7
Numbers: 52

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.71
Average Sentence Length:
30.19
Token Entropy:
5.12
Readability (ARI):
19.21

Reading Time

about 3 minutes