[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 137 (Wednesday, July 17, 2013)] [Notices] [Page 42778] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2013-17149] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Document Identifier: CMS-10494] Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the 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. DATES: Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by August 14, 2013: ADDRESSES: When commenting on the proposed information collections, please reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured consideration, comments and recommendations must be received by the OMB desk officer via one of the following transmissions: OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: CMS Desk Officer, Fax Number: (202) 395-6974 or Email: [email protected]. To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, you may make your request using one of following: 1. Access CMS' Web site address at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995. 2. Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to [email protected]. 3. Call the Reports Clearance Office at (410) 786-1326. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reports Clearance Office at (410) 786- 1326. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. The term ``collection of information'' is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment: 1. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection; Title of Information Collection: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Exchange Functions: Standards for Navigators and Non-Navigator Assistance Personnel; Consumer Assistance Tools and Programs of an Exchange and Certified Application Counselors; Use: Section 1413 of the Affordable Care Act directs the Secretary of HHS to establish, subject to minimum requirements, a streamlined enrollment system for qualified health plans offered through the Exchange and insurance affordability programs. In addition, section 1321(a)(1) of the Affordable Care Act directs and authorizes the Secretary to issue regulations setting standards for meeting the requirements under title I of the Affordable Care Act, with respect to, among other things, the establishment and operation of Exchanges. Pursuant to this authority, regulations establishing the certified application counselor program are being finalized at 45 CFR 155.225. Specifically, 45 CFR 155.225(a) requires an Exchange to establish a certified application counselor program that complies with the requirements of the rule. Section 155.225(b)(1) allows each Exchange to designate certain organizations, including organizations designated by state Medicaid or CHIP agencies, which will certify their staff and volunteers to act as certified application counselors. In accordance with 45 CFR 155.225(b)(2), Exchanges may choose to certify directly individuals who seek to act as certified application counselors, designate certain organizations which will certify staff or volunteers to perform application services, or do both. Form Number: CMS-10494 (OCN: 0938-NEW); Frequency: Yearly, annually; Affected Public: Private sector (not-for-profit institutions), individuals or households, State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 8,720; Total Annual Responses: 8,720; Total Annual Hours: 5,536. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Tricia Beckmann at 301-492-4328.) Martique Jones, Deputy Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs. [FR Doc. 2013-17149 Filed 7-15-13; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4120-01-P