Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to know what people think about their plan to collect information. They want ideas on how to make it easier and better for everyone.
Summary AI
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is giving the public a chance to comment on its plan to gather information. This is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act, which requires federal agencies to announce new or ongoing information collection efforts and invite public feedback. The notice highlights how this information collection helps CMS with its functions and seeks input on improving data collection methods to reduce burden. Public comments are welcome through various channels until April 26, 2021.
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 (the 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 60 days for public comment on the proposed action. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding our burden estimates 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
General Summary
This document is a notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the Department of Health and Human Services. It invites the public to comment on CMS's plans to collect information from the public. This procedure is in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which obliges federal agencies to notify the public of data collection activities and seek feedback. Individuals are encouraged to share their thoughts on the utility and efficiency of the proposed data-gathering process.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable challenge of the notice is the presence of technical language and jargon, such as "OMB control number" and terms relating to the Paperwork Reduction Act. For those not versed in government processes, these phrases may be confusing. Understanding the implications of "burden estimates" might also be difficult, as the document does not offer a definition or simplification of this term for the average reader. Additionally, while the document mentions efforts to use automated collection techniques to minimize burdens, it fails to provide specific examples or detailed descriptions of these methods.
Impact on the Public
The invitation for public comment offers the general public an opportunity to participate actively in the regulatory process. By having a say in the information collection methods, individuals and organizations can influence how burdensome data submissions are managed and potentially improved. Although this engagement can empower citizens, the complexity of the document may deter individuals from offering feedback, especially if they find the language or the concepts presented difficult to grasp.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For state, local, or tribal governments, which are the primary stakeholders affected by this notice, the implications are more profound. These entities are directly involved in the reporting and must comply with data submission requirements. The focus on comparing actual data with estimates impacts how these bodies manage and report their Medicaid services. An opportunity exists for these stakeholders to shape reporting requirements and suggest improvements that could reduce administrative burdens. However, without simplifying the document's language, stakeholders might struggle to engage effectively in these discussions, potentially leading to missed opportunities for beneficial changes in data collection practices.
The document, in its attempt to streamline and solicit improvements for data collection, can ultimately bring positive changes to administrative processes if stakeholders fully understand the requirements and efficiently communicate their recommendations. However, without addressing the complexity and accessibility of the information presented, the CMS may not capture the most comprehensive feedback possible from all relevant parties.
Issues
• The document primarily consists of a notice for public comments and does not explicitly mention any particular spending or allocation of funds, therefore it is difficult to assess wasteful spending or favoritism.
• The term 'burden estimates' might be unclear to general readers as it is not explicitly defined within the document.
• The document mentions the use of automated collection techniques but does not provide specific examples or methods, which could be useful for understanding how these techniques would minimize the burden.
• Complex government jargon such as 'OMB control number' and references to the 'Paperwork Reduction Act' might be difficult for members of the general public to understand.
• The phrase 'State's Quarterly Expenditure Report (CMS-64; OMB control number 0938-1265)' includes references that require prior knowledge of specific forms and reporting requirements, potentially complicating understanding for those unfamiliar with CMS procedures.