Overview
Title
Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Defense Health Agency wants to gather comments from people about a new project to collect information, making sure it's helpful and not too hard for people to provide. They are open to ideas on how to make this process easier, and people can send their thoughts by March 11, 2025.
Summary AI
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) has announced a proposed public information collection and is inviting comments from the public. This initiative is being implemented in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The DHA is focusing on gathering feedback about the necessity, utility, and clarity of the proposed information collection and strategies to minimize the burden on respondents. Public comments will be considered until March 11, 2025, and submissions can be made through various methods including the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail to the Department of Defense.
Abstract
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Defense Health Agency (DHA) announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is an announcement from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) seeking public comment on a proposed collection of information. This initiative falls under compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to minimize the paperwork burden for individuals and various entities through effective practices and streamlined requirements.
General Summary
The DHA's proposal involves a public information collection that would help enhance the functioning of the Defense Medical Human Resources System internet (DMHRSi). Comments are invited on various aspects, such as the necessity and utility of the information collection, minimizing respondent burden, and improving the quality and clarity of the collected data. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their feedback until March 11, 2025, through specified methods including an online portal and mail.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from this document that merit attention:
Lack of Specificity in Burden Reduction: While mentioning the use of automated techniques to reduce the burden on respondents, the notice lacks detailed methods or strategies to achieve this goal. Clarity on these methods would aid in understanding how the process will be efficient.
Integration of Public Feedback: Although public comments are solicited, the document does not detail how these will be integrated into the final process. This absence of transparency could affect trust and accountability.
Technical Jargon: The use of technical terms like "joint comprehensive enterprise human resource system" might not be easily understood by the general public, potentially reducing meaningful engagement and feedback.
Consequences of Inaccurate Estimates: There is no mention of steps to be taken if the estimates of burden hours or respondent numbers are inaccurate. This omission might affect planning and lead to resource misallocation.
Impact on the General Public
Overall, the document represents an effort to gather valuable feedback from the public about a government data collection initiative. For the general public, especially those involved in filling out or utilizing related forms, this initiative could either ease their reporting obligations or add complexity, depending on how well the suggested methods are implemented.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Individuals and Households: Citizens and households taking part in the survey or providing information will be directly impacted by how streamlined and efficient the collection process is. Any ambiguity or complexity could increase their burden.
Defense Health Professionals: For medical personnel within the Military Healthcare System (MHS), enhancements to the DMHRSi would ideally lead to improved data management and resource allocation. However, inadequate communication about the system's benefits might hinder its acceptance and utility.
Regulatory and Oversight Bodies: These entities are responsible for ensuring that the process adheres to established standards and regulations. Transparency and detailed planning are crucial for them to judiciously perform their oversight functions.
In conclusion, while the DHA’s proposed initiative to collect information is well-intentioned and looks to improve governmental processes, careful attention to the issues raised could enhance its effectiveness and acceptance. By providing clearer guidance, integrating public feedback effectively, and ensuring transparent communication, the DHA can address potential concerns while achieving the goals set forth by the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Issues
• The document does not specify the total estimated cost or budget for the proposed information collection, making it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending.
• The phrase 'ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology' is vague and lacks specificity on how exactly the burden will be minimized.
• The document references the 'Defense Medical Human Resources System internet (DMHRSi)' but lacks a detailed explanation of how this system specifically benefits the respondents or enhances efficiency compared to previous systems.
• There is no mention of how feedback or comments from the public will be integrated into the information collection process, which could impact transparency and accountability.
• The use of technical jargon such as 'joint comprehensive enterprise human resource system' may not be easily understood by individuals who are not familiar with the context, potentially limiting public engagement.
• There is no mention of the consequences or actions if the estimated burden hours or number of respondents is significantly inaccurate, which could impact planning and resource allocation.