Notices. Notice
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/register/2008/01/24/08-284A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
BILLING CODE 4165-16-M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Office of Inspector General Solicitation of Information and Recommendations for Revising the Compliance Program Guidance for Nursing Facilities AGENCY: Office of Inspector General (OIG), HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This **Federal Register** notice seeks the input and recommendations of interested parties as OIG revises the compliance program guidance
(CPG)for nursing facilities, especially those serving Medicare, Medicaid, and other Federal health care program beneficiaries. The nursing home industry has experienced a number of changes since OIG first published a CPG in this area (65 FR 14289; March 16, 2000). Additionally, the subsequent years of enforcement and compliance activity in the nursing home industry has allowed OIG to address more fully the various risk areas in nursing home compliance. In evaluating the contents of the nursing facility CPG, OIG is soliciting comments, recommendations, and other suggestions from concerned parties and organizations on how best to revise the nursing facility CPG to address relevant compliance issues. Specifically, OIG seeks comments addressing any changes to existing risk areas and introducing any new risk areas. DATES: To assure consideration, comments must be delivered to the address provided below by no later than 5 p.m. on February 25, 2008. ADDRESSES: In commenting, please refer to file code OIG-126-N. Because of staff and resource limitations, we cannot accept comments by facsimile
(FAX)transmission. You may submit comments in one of three ways (no duplicates, please): 1. *Electronically.* You may submit electronic comments on specific recommendations and suggestions through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at *http://www.regulations.gov* . (Attachments should be in Microsoft Word, if possible.) 2. *By regular, express, or overnight mail.* You may send written comments to the following address: Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: OIG-126-N, Room 5246, Cohen Building, 330 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201. Please allow sufficient time for mailed comments to be received before the close of the comment period. 3. *By hand or courier.* If you prefer, you may deliver, by hand or courier, your written comments before the close period to Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services, Cohen Building, 330 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201. Because access to the interior of the Cohen Building is not readily available to persons without Federal Government identification, commenters are encouraged to schedule their delivery with one of our staff members at
(202)358-3141. *Inspection of Public Comments:* All comments received before the end of the comment period are available for viewing by the public. All comments will be posted on *http://www.regulations.gov* as soon as possible after they have been received. Comments received timely will also be available for public inspection as they are received at Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services, Cohen Building, 330 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201, Monday through Friday of each week from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment to view public comments, phone
(202)619-0089. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joel Schaer, OIG Regulations Officer,
(202)619-0089; Amanda Walker, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General,
(202)619-0335; or Catherine Hess, Office of Counsel to the Inspector General,
(202)619-1306. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The development of CPGs is a major initiative of OIG in its effort to engage the private health care industry in addressing and combating fraud and abuse. Over the past several years, OIG has developed and issued CPGs directed at various segments of the health care industry. These guidances are designed to provide clear direction and assistance to specific sections of the health care industry that are interested in addressing compliance with Federal health care program requirements. The CPGs set forth OIG's suggestions on how providers can most effectively establish internal controls and implement monitoring procedures to identify, correct, and prevent potentially fraudulent conduct. The suggestions contained in the CPGs are not mandatory for providers, nor do they represent an exclusive discussion of the advisable elements of a compliance program. Through this **Federal Register** notice, OIG is seeking input from interested parties as OIG considers revising the CPG for the nursing home industry. OIG will consider all comments, recommendations, and suggestions received within the time frame indicated above. OIG would appreciate specific comments, recommendations, and suggestions on risk areas for the nursing home industry, such as the submission of false claims, as well as quality of care concerns, kickbacks, and accurate reporting of data to Medicare and Medicaid. Detailed justifications and empirical data supporting any suggestions would be appreciated. We request that any comments, recommendations, or suggestions be submitted in a format that addresses the topics outlined above in a concise manner rather than in the form of a comprehensive draft guidance that mirrors previous CPGs. Dated: January 16, 2008. Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General. [FR Doc. E8-1213 Filed 1-23-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150-04-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [USCG-2007-29053] Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget: OMB Control Numbers: 1625-0024, 1625-0036, 1625-0061, and 1625-0100 AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Thirty-day notice requesting comments. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this request for comments announces that the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding four Information Collection Requests (ICRs), abstracted below, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
(OIRA)of the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)requesting an extension of their approval for the following collections of information:
(1)1625-0024, Safety Approval of Cargo Containers;
(2)1625-0036, Plan Approval and Records for U.S. and Foreign Tank Vessels Carrying Oil in Bulk;
(3)1625-0061, Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Regulations; and
(4)1625-0100, Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival. Our ICRs describe the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties. DATES: Please submit comments on or before February 25, 2008. ADDRESSES: To make sure your comments and related material do not enter the Coast Guard docket [USCG-2007-29053] or OIRA more than once, please submit them by only one of the following means:
(1)Electronic submission.
(a)To Coast Guard docket at *http://www.regulations.gov* .
(b)To OIRA by e-mail to: *nlesser@omb.eop.gov* .
(2)Mail or Hand delivery.
(a)To Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Hand deliver between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.
(b)To OIRA, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, to the attention of the Desk Officer for the Coast Guard.
(3)Fax.
(a)To Docket Management Facility at 202-493-2251
(b)To: OIRA at 202-395-6566. To ensure your comments are received in time, mark the fax to the attention of Mr. Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer for the Coast Guard. The Docket Management Facility maintains the public docket for this notice. Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket, will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection or copying at room W12-140 on the West Building Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also find this docket on the Internet at *http://www.regulations.gov* . Copies of complete ICRs are available through this docket on the Internet at *http://www.regulations.gov* . Additionally, copies are available from Commandant (CG-611), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, (Attn: Mr. Arthur Requina), 2100 2nd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001. The telephone number is 202-475-3523. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Arthur Requina, Office of Information Management, telephone 202-475-3523 or fax 202-475-3929, for questions on these documents. Contact Ms. Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 202-366-9826, for questions on the docket. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard invites comments on whether these information collection requests should be granted based on it being necessary in the proper performance of Departmental functions. In particular, the Coast Guard would appreciate comments addressing:
(1)The practical utility of the collections;
(2)the accuracy of the estimated burden of the collections;
(3)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of information subject to the collections; and
(4)ways to minimize the burden of collections on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments to the Coast Guard or OIRA must contain the OMB Control Number of the ICRs addressed. Comments to the Coast Guard must contain the docket number [USCG 2007-29053]. For your comments to OIRA to be considered, it is best if OIRA receives them on or before the February 25, 2008. *Public participation and request for comments:* We encourage you to respond to this request by submitting comments and related materials. We will post all comments received, without change, to *http://www.regulations.gov* . They will include any personal information you provide. We have an agreement with DOT to use their Docket Management Facility. Please see the paragraph on DOT's “Privacy Act Policy” below. *Submitting comments:* If you submit a comment, please include the docket number [USCG-2007-29053]; indicate the specific section of the document to which each comment applies, providing a reason for each comment. We recommend you include your name, mailing address, an e-mail address, or other contact information in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. You may submit your comments and material by electronic means, mail, fax, or delivery to the Docket Management Facility at the address under ADDRESSES ; but please submit them by only one means. If you submit them by mail or delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. We may change the documents supporting this collection of information or even the underlying requirements in view of them. The Coast Guard and OIRA will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. We may change the documents supporting this collection of information or even the underlying requirements in view of them. *Viewing comments and documents:* Go to *http://www.regulations.gov* to view documents mentioned in this notice as being available in the docket. Click on “Search for Dockets,” and enter the docket number (USCG-2007-29053) in the Docket ID box, and click enter. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in room W12-140 on the West Building Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. *Privacy Act:* Anyone can search the electronic form of all comments received in dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the Privacy Act Statement of DOT in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477), or you may visit *http://DocketsInfo.dot.gov* . Previous Request for Comments This request provides a 30-day comment period required by OIRA. The Coast Guard has published the 60-day notice (72 FR 57053, October 5, 2007) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2). That notice elicited no comments. *Information Collection Request* 1. *Title:* Safety Approval of Cargo Containers. *OMB Control Number:* 1625-0024. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Owners and manufacturers of containers and organizations the Coast Guard delegates to act as an approval authority. *Abstract:* This collection of information addresses the reporting/recordkeeping requirements for containers in 49 CFR parts 450 through 453. These rules are necessary since the U.S. is signatory to the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), which requires all containers to be safety approved prior to being used in trade. These rules prescribe only the minimum requirements of the CSC. *Burden Estimate:* The estimated burden has increased from 73,272 hours to 105,920 hours a year. 2. *Title:* Plan Approval and Records for U.S. and Foreign Tank Vessels Carrying Oil in Bulk. *OMB Control Number:* 1625-0036. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Owners and operators of vessels. *Abstract:* Section 3703 of 46 U.S.C. provides the Coast Guard with the authority to regulate design, construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, operation, equipping, personnel qualification, and manning of vessels carrying oil in bulk. See 33 CFR part 157, Rules for the Protection of the Marine Environment Relating to Tank Vessels Carrying Oil in Bulk, and 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter D, Tank Vessels. *Burden Estimate:* The estimated burden has increased from 582 hours to 1,253 hours a year. 3. *Title:* Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Regulations. *OMB Control Number:* 1625-0061. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Owners, agents, individuals-in-charge of commercial fishing vessels, and insurance underwriters. *Abstract:* Under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 6104, the Coast Guard has promulgated regulations in 46 CFR part 28 to improve the overall safety of commercial fishing industry vessels. The rules allowing the collection provide a means of verifying compliance and enhancing safe operation of fishing vessels. *Burden Estimate:* The estimated burden has decreased from 7,720 hours to 5,917 hours a year. 4. *Title:* Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival. *OMB Control Number:* 1625-0100. *Type of Request:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Vessel owners and operators. *Abstract:* This information is required under 33 CFR part 160 subpart C to control vessel traffic, develop contingency plans, and enforce regulations. *Burden Estimate:* The estimated burden has increased from 175,525 hours to 199,889 hours a year. Dated: January 14, 2008. D.T. Glenn, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Information Technology. [FR Doc. E8-1132 Filed 1-23-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-15-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [Docket No. USCG-2008-0034] Application for Recertification of Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces the availability of and seeks comments on the application for recertification submitted by the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) for March 1, 2008, through February 28, 2009. Under the Oil Terminal and Tanker Environmental Oversight Act of 1990, the Coast Guard may certify on an annual basis, an alternative voluntary advisory group in lieu of a Regional Citizens' Advisory Council for Prince William Sound, Alaska. This advisory group monitors the activities of terminal facilities and crude oil tankers under the Prince William Sound program established by the statute. The current certification for PWSRCAC will expire February 29, 2008. DATES: Public comments on PWSRCAC's recertification application must reach the Seventeenth Coast Guard District on or before February 25, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to the Seventeenth Coast Guard District (dpi), P.O. Box 25517, Juneau, AK 99802-5517. Or, hand carried documents may be delivered to the Juneau Federal Building, 709 West 9th Street, Room 753, Juneau, AK between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Seventeenth Coast Guard District maintains the public docket for this recertification process. The application and comments regarding recertification will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection or copying at the Juneau Federal Building, 709 West 9th Street, Room 753, Juneau, AK. A copy of the application will also be available for inspection at the PWSRCAC offices at 3709 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. PWSRCAC's telephone number is
(907)277-7222. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact LT Ken Phillips, Seventeenth Coast Guard District (dpi),
(907)463-2821. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Request for Comments The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to submit written data, views, or arguments. We solicit comments from interested groups including oil terminal facility owners and operators, owners and operators of crude oil tankers calling at terminal facilities, and fishing, aquacultural, recreational and environmental citizens groups, concerning the recertification application of PWSRCAC. Persons submitting comments should include their names and addresses, identify this notice (USCG-2008-0034), the specific section of the document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit all comments and attachments in an unbound format, no larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. Persons wanting acknowledgement of receipt of comments should enclose stamped, self-addressed postcards or envelopes. The Coast Guard plans no public hearing. Persons may request a public hearing by writing to Commander (dp), Seventeenth Coast Guard District, P.O. 25517, Juneau, AK 99802-5517. The request should include reasons why a hearing would be beneficial. If there is sufficient evidence to determine that oral presentations will aid this recertification process, the Coast Guard will hold a public hearing at a time and place announced by a later notice in the **Federal Register** . Background and Purpose The Coast Guard published guidelines on December 31, 1992 (57 FR 62600) to assist groups seeking recertification under the Oil Terminal and Oil Tanker Environmental Oversight and Monitoring Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2732) (the Act). The Coast Guard issued a policy statement on July 7, 1993 (58 FR 36504) to clarify the factors that the Coast Guard would be considering in making its determination as to whether advisory groups should be certified in accordance with the Act; and the procedures which the Coast Guard would follow in meeting its certification responsibilities under the Act. Most recently, on September 16, 2002 (67 FR 58440) the Coast Guard changed its policy on recertification procedures for regional citizen's advisory council by requiring applicants to provide comprehensive information every 3 years. For the 2 years in between, applicants only submit information describing substantive changes to the information provided at the last triennial recertification. This is the year in this triennial cycle that PWSRCAC must provide comprehensive information. At the conclusion of the comment period, February 25, 2008, the Coast Guard will review all application materials and comments received and will take one of the following actions:
(a)Recertify the advisory group under 33 U.S.C. 2732(o);
(b)Issue a conditional recertification for a period of 90 days, with a statement of any discrepancies, which must be corrected to qualify for recertification for the remainder of the year; or
(c)Deny recertification of the advisory group if the Coast Guard finds that the group is not broadly representative of the interests and communities in the area or is not adequately fostering the goals and purposes of 33 U.S.C. 2732. The Coast Guard will notify PWSRCAC by letter of the action taken on their respective applications. A notice will be published in the **Federal Register** to advise the public of the Coast Guard's determination. Dated: January 7, 2008. Arthur E. Brooks, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventeenth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 08-284 Filed 1-18-08; 3:58 pm]
Connectionstraces to 3
3 references not yet in our index
- 33 CFR 157
- 46 CFR 28
- 33 CFR 160
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