Notices. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

547 words·~2 min read·/register/2012/08/15/2012-20051

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

BILLING CODE 4120-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Document Identifier: CMS-R-284] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS. In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

(CMS)is publishing the following summary of proposed collections for public comment. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects:

(1)The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions;

(2)the accuracy of the estimated burden;

(3)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4)the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden. 1. *Type of Information Collection Request:* Extension without change of a currently approved collection. *Title of Information Collection:* Medicaid Statistical Information System (MSIS). *Use:* The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 mandated that states report their Medicaid data via MSIS. MSIS is used by states and other jurisdictions to report fundamental statistical data on the operation of their Medicaid program. Data provided on eligibles, beneficiaries, payments and services are vital to those studying and assessing Medicaid policies and costs. Medicaid statistical data are routinely requested by CMS, Department agencies, the Congress and their research offices, state Medicaid agencies, research organizations, social service interest groups, universities and colleges, and the health care industry. The data provides the only national level information available on enrollees, beneficiaries, and expenditures. It also provides the only national level information available on Medicaid utilization. This information is the basis for analyses and for cost savings estimates for the Department's cost sharing legislative initiatives to the Congress. The data is also crucial to CMS and HHS actuarial forecasts. *Form Number:* CMS-R-284 (OCN 0938-0345). *Frequency:* Quarterly. *Affected Public:* State, Local, or Tribal Governments. *Number of Respondents:* 51. *Total Annual Responses:* 204. *Total Annual Hours:* 2,040. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Kay Spence. at 410-786-1617. For all other issues call 410-786-1326.) To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' Web Site address at *http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995,* or Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to *Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov,* or call the Reports Clearance Office on

(410)786-1326. In commenting on the proposed information collections please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of the following ways by October 15, 2012: 1. *Electronically.* You may submit your comments electronically to * http://www.regulations.gov.* Follow the instructions for “Comment or Submission” or “More Search Options” to find the information collection document(s) accepting comments. 2. *By regular mail.* You may mail written comments to the following address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development, Attention: CMS-R-284 (OCN 0938-0345), Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850. Dated: August 10, 2012. Martique Jones, Director, Regulations Development Group, Division B, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs. [FR Doc. 2012-20051 Filed 8-14-12; 8:45 am]