FR 2025-01153

The document under review is a notice issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2025. This notice invites public and federal agency comments on a proposed data collection project titled "Healthcare Prevention and Response Workforce Development for Health Departments." The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of the public health workforce to manage Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antibiotic Resistance (HAI/AR) outbreaks. Comments are solicited as part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

General Summary

The CDC is proposing a new project designed to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of its training programs aimed at health departments. The focus is primarily on combating infections that arise in healthcare settings and addressing antibiotic resistance. The CDC is interested in understanding if these programs are effectively reaching their intended audience and fulfilling their objectives. Public input is sought until March 18, 2025, via online submissions or through mailed comments.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several notable issues arise from the document's contents:

• Lack of Detail on Burden Hours: The document mentions an estimated 455 annual burden hours for the proposed data collection but does not provide justification or breakdown on how this figure was calculated. This absence of detail may lead to questions about the precision of this estimate.

• Undefined Success Metrics: There is an absence of clearly defined metrics or indicators to evaluate the success of the training programs. Without these, it becomes challenging to objectively assess whether the intended objectives of the workforce development activities are being met.

• Unspecified Use of Evaluation Data: The document lacks clarity on how the gathered evaluation data will be utilized to enhance future CDC-developed resources. This makes it hard to gauge the practical utility of the data collection effort.

• Transparency in Costs: The notice does not mention the costs related to the development and execution of these workforce activities. This omission could raise concerns about transparency in budgeting and spending.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact

The proposed data collection can significantly contribute to public health advancement by enhancing the workforce’s ability to manage infections and prevent antibiotic resistance. This endeavor's ultimate success could lead to improved healthcare outcomes, benefiting society at large by reducing the risks and consequences of outbreaks in healthcare settings.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Healthcare Workers and Departments: These stakeholders stand to gain the most from improved training programs, which could lead to better-prepared workers capable of managing HAI/AR outbreaks more effectively. The programs could boost their skills, leading to a healthier working environment and better patient care.

• Policy Makers and Budget Committees: Transparency and detailed evaluation are crucial for ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently. The lack of detailed cost information could be of concern to those overseeing health budgets and program effectiveness.

• The General Public: By contributing their perspectives during the comment period, members of the public can influence the direction of these initiatives, ensuring that the programs address real-world needs and concerns.

Overall, while the initiative presents a promising step towards strengthening public health capabilities, addressing the highlighted issues would enhance clarity and public confidence in the CDC's efforts. More detailed information on how these programs will be evaluated and improved can help ensure that they deliver tangible benefits effectively and efficiently.