[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 223 (Monday, November 19, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69484-69485]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-28083]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
[30Day-13-0008]
Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a
list of information collection requests under review by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). To request a copy of these requests, call
(404) 639-7570 or send an email to [email protected]. Send written comments
to CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC
20503 or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Written comments should be received
within 30 days of this notice.
Proposed Project
Emergency Epidemic Investigations (0920-0008)--Revision--Scientific
Education and Professional Development Program Office (SEPDPO), Office
of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services (OSELS), Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Background and Brief Description
One of the objectives of CDC's epidemic services is to provide for
the prevention and control of epidemics, and protect the population
from public health crises such as human-made or natural biological
disasters and chemical emergencies. CDC meets this objective, in part,
by training investigators, maintaining laboratory capabilities for
identifying potential problems, collecting and analyzing data, and
recommending appropriate actions to protect the public's health. When
state, local, or foreign health authorities request help in controlling
an epidemic or solving other health problems, CDC dispatches skilled
epidemiologists from the Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) to
investigate and resolve the problem. Resolving public health problems
rapidly ensures cost-effective health care and enhances health
promotion and disease prevention.
The purpose of the Emergency Epidemic Investigation data collection
[[Page 69485]]
project is to collect data on the conditions surrounding and preceding
the onset of a problem. The data must be collected in a timely fashion
so that information can be used to develop prevention and control
techniques, to interrupt disease transmission and to help identify the
cause of an outbreak. Since the events necessitating the collections of
information are of an emergency nature, most data collection is done by
direct interview or written questionnaire and are one-time efforts
related to a specific outbreak or circumstance. If during the emergency
investigation, the need for further study is recognized, a project is
designed and separate OMB clearance is required. Interviews are
conducted to be as unobtrusive as possible and only the minimal
information necessary is collected. The Emergency Epidemic
Investigations data collection project is the principal source of data
on outbreaks of infectious and noninfectious diseases, injuries,
nutrition, environmental health, and occupational problems.
Each investigation contributes to the general knowledge about a
particular type of problem or emergency, so that data collections are
designed taking into account knowledge gained during similar situations
in the past. Some questionnaires have been standardized, such as
investigations of outbreaks aboard aircraft or cruise vessels.
The Emergency Epidemic Investigations data collection project
provides a range of data on the characteristics of outbreaks and those
affected by outbreaks. Data collected include demographic
characteristics of the affected population, exposure to the causative
agent(s), transmission patterns, and severity of the outbreak. These
data, together with trend data, may be used to monitor the effects of
change in the health care system, plan health services, improve the
availability of medical services, and assess the health status of the
population.
Users of the Emergency Epidemic Investigations data include, but
are not limited to, Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) officers of the
CDC, who investigate the patterns of disease or injury, the level of
risky behaviors, causative agents, the transmission of the condition,
and the impact of interventions. EIS is a two-year program of training
and service in applied epidemiology through CDC, primarily for persons
holding doctoral degrees.
Predicting the number of epidemic investigations that might occur
in any given year is difficult. The previous three years' experience
shows an annualized burden of 3,750 hours and respondent total of
15,000. After completion of the Epi-Aid investigation, using the Epi-
Aid Satisfaction Survey for Requesting Officials, data are collected
from 100 state and local health officials for an annualized total of 25
burden hours. For this clearance, CDC is requesting 3,775 total burden
hours.
Estimated Annualized Burden Hours
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Average
Number of Number of burden per
Respondents Form name respondents responses per response (in
respondent hours)
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Requestors of Epi-Aids................ Epi-Aid Satisfaction 100 1 15/60
Survey for Requesting
Official.
General Public........................ Emergency Epidemic 15,000 1 15/60
Investigations.
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Dated: November 13, 2012.
Ron A. Otten,
Director, Office of Scientific Integrity (OSI), Office of the Associate
Director for Science (OADS), Office of the Director, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 2012-28083 Filed 11-16-12; 8:45 am]
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