Notices. Notice of request for public comment
670 words·~3 min read·
/register/2020/07/07/2020-14584A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
BILLING CODE 8026-03-P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 11149] 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Electronic Medical Examination for Visa or Applicant ACTION: Notice of request for public comment. SUMMARY: The Department of State (“Department”) is seeking Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations.
The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to September 8, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • *Web:* Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to *www.Regulations.gov.* You can search for the document by entering “Docket Number: DOS-2020-0028” in the Search field. Then click the “Comment Now” button and complete the comment form. • *Email:
PRA_BurdenComments@state.gov.* You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Taylor Beaumont, Acting Chief, Legislation and Regulations Division, Legal Affairs, Visa Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs at * PRA_BurdenComments@state.gov* or over telephone at
(202)485-8910. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: • *Title of Information Collection:* Electronic Medical Examination for Visa Applicant. • *OMB Control Number:* 1405-0230. • *Type of Request:* Revision of a Currently Approved Collection. • *Originating Office:* CA/VO/L/R. • *Form Number:* DS-7994. • *Respondents:* Panel Physician/Visa and Refugee Applicants. • *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 580,330. • *Estimated Number of Responses:* 580,330. • *Average Time per Response:* 1 hour. • *Total Estimated Burden Time:* 580,330 annual hours. • *Frequency:* Once per respondent. 1 1 The majority of applicants only need to complete medical examinations, and therefore these forms once. However, medical exams are valid for a period of three to six months from the examination date. Therefore, if an applicant's medical examination expires prior to travel, then the applicant may need to undergo a new medical examination and therefore complete the forms more than once. • *Obligation to Respond:* Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit. We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to: • Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department. • Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used. • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. • Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review. Abstract of Proposed Collection This electronic collection records medical information necessary to determine whether visa applicants have medical conditions affecting the applicant's eligibility for a visa. Methodology Approved panel physicians will be granted access to an eMedical system by the Department to conduct medical examinations for visa eligibility determinations. The pilot program for the eMedical system launched in September 2018. The eMedical system was rolled out in six waves, the first wave of the rollout was in July 2019, and the final wave was in May 2020. Immigrant visa applicants with a completed and submitted DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration will have their medical exam results submitted to the Department via the eMedical system. The panel physician will input the exam information into the eMedical portal and it will be transmitted to the Department for visa adjudication and retained in the Department's systems. The information will also be transmitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (“CDC”) systems. Edward J. Ramotowski, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. 2020-14584 Filed 7-6-20; 8:45 am]