Privacy Act of 1974; Report of a New System of Records, 44155-44159 [E7-15250]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 151 / Tuesday, August 7, 2007 / Notices
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
no greater than 1.5 standard errors
above the respective absolute and net
baseline payment error rate.
The QIOs will also be judged in terms
of timeliness of reviews. Monitoring
activities must be summarized for
payment error rates and hospital
admission, coding, and billing patterns
for short-term acute care inpatient FFS
reimbursements in the QIO’s State/
jurisdiction including hospital profiling
and trend monitoring. The QIO must
submit its summary electronically to the
Project Officer via a designated database
as directed by CMS. Whether
demonstrations of reductions in dollars
or percent dollars paid in error and
whether substantive knowledge are
gained in the project will be determined
by the Task 3b GTL and the QIO’s
Project Officer.
• Completion of specific tasks
(deliverables) required in the special
project.
• Financials.
• Appropriateness of QIO staffing for
this special project including number of
staff as well as skill sets of staff.
• Performance in meeting the needs
of QIOs, other Quality Improvement
Organization Support Centers, GTLs,
etc., and the quality of activities to
improve performance.
• Participation in other improvement
activities.
• Efforts to address issues/barriers
identified.
Performance assessment for each
project will be conducted jointly by the
QIO’s regularly assigned CMS Project
Officer and the specific Special Project
GTL (SPGTL).
Task 4: Special Studies and Projects
A Special Project is defined as work
that we direct a QIO to perform or work
that a QIO elects to perform with our
approval that is not defined under Tasks
1–3 of the contract. The Special Project
work must fall within the scope of the
contract and of section 1154 of the Act.
The Special Project must be conducted
in accordance with contract sections
B.4, Task 4 Special Projects; G.18,
Procedures for Special Projects; and
H.12, CMS-Directed Subcontracts/
Special Project Lead QIOs. The term
‘‘Special Project’’ is a more accurate
term for the type of activities and
requirements characteristically
implemented under Task 4. Other terms,
previously commonly used, for
activities under this task include
‘‘special study’’, ‘‘special study project’’,
and ‘‘special work.’’
All Special Projects awarded/
approved under Task 4 will be
evaluated individually. The QIO’s
success or failure on a Special Project
will not be factored into the evaluation
of the QIO’s work under Tasks 1–3 of
the contract, except for projects funded
to meet the requirements of Task 3b:
Hospital Payment Monitoring Program.
The assessment of performance on all
other special projects under Task 4 will
affect the QIO’s eligibility to receive
funding for additional special projects
under the current or subsequent QIO
contracts, but will not affect eligibility
for non-competitive renewal of the QIO
contract. Although individual projects
may include additional project-specific
assessment criteria and performance
measures, every project awarded/
approved under Task 4 is subject to
evaluation on at least the following
dimensions of performance, which
apply to any and all projects awarded/
approved under Task 4:
Authority: Section 1153 of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320c–2) (Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance Program No.
93.774, Medicare—Supplementary Medical
Insurance Program).
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Dated: March 8, 2007.
Leslie Norwalk,
Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services.
Editorial Note: The Office of the Federal
Register received this document on August 2,
2007.
[FR Doc. E7–15342 Filed 8–6–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services
Privacy Act of 1974; Report of a New
System of Records
Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
ACTION: Notice of a New System of
Records (SOR).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974,
we are proposing to establish a new
system titled, ‘‘Healthcare Common
Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
Level II, System No. 09–70–0576.’’ In
October 2003, the Secretary of HHS
delegated authority under the Health
Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) to
CMS to maintain and distribute HCPCS
Level II Codes. Level II of the HCPCS is
a standardized coding system that is
used primarily to identify products and
services not included in the HCPCS
Level I Current Procedural Terminology
(CPT) codes, such as: Injectable drugs
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administered in a physician office;
durable medical equipment, prosthetics,
orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) when
used outside a physician’s office; and
ambulance services. HCPCS Level II
codes were established to identify these
products on insurance claims. There are
about 4000 HCPCS Level II codes
available for assignment by insurers in
accordance with their policies.
The primary purpose of this system is
to facilitate the management and
maintenance of the HCPCS Level II code
set. Information in this system will also
be used to: (1) Support regulatory and
policy functions performed within the
Agency or by a contractor, consultant, or
grantee; (2) assist another Federal or
state agency; (3) support litigation
involving the Agency related to this
system; and (4) combat fraud, waste,
and abuse in certain health benefits
programs. We have provided
background information about the
proposed system in the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section below. Although
the Privacy Act requires only that the
‘‘routine use’’ portion of the system be
published for comment, CMS invites
comments on all portions of this notice.
See Effective Dates section for comment
period.
DATES: Effective Dates: CMS filed a new
SOR report with the Chair of the House
Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, the Chair of the
Senate Committee on Homeland
Security & Governmental Affairs, and
the Administrator, Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs, Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) on
August 1, 2007. To ensure that all
parties have adequate time in which to
comment, the new system will become
effective 30 days from the publication of
the notice, or 40 days from the date it
was submitted to OMB and the
Congress, whichever is later. We may
defer implementation of this system or
one or more of the routine use
statements listed below if we receive
comments that persuade us to defer
implementation.
ADDRESSES: The public should address
comments to: CMS Privacy Officer,
Division of Privacy Compliance,
Enterprise Architecture and Strategy
Group, CMS, Mail Stop N2–04–27, 7500
Security Boulevard, Baltimore,
Maryland 21244–1850. Comments
received will be available for review at
this location, by appointment, during
regular business hours, Monday through
Friday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., eastern
daylight time.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Trish Brooks, Division of Home Health,
Hospice, and HCPCS, Chronic Care
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Policy Group, Center for Medicare
Management, CMS, Mail Stop C5–09–
16, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore,
Maryland 21244–1850. Her telephone
number is 410–786–4561, or email at
Trish.Brooks@cms.hhs.gov.
Each year,
in the United States, health care
insurers process over 5 billion claims
for payment. For Medicare and other
health insurance programs to ensure
that these claims are processed in an
orderly and consistent manner,
standardized coding systems are
essential. The HCPCS Level II Code Set
is one of the standard code sets adopted
under the HIPAA, used for this purpose.
The HCPCS Level II coding system is
a comprehensive and standardized
system that classifies similar products
that are medical in nature into
categories for the purpose of efficient
claims processing. For each
alphanumeric HCPCS code, there is
descriptive terminology that identifies a
category of like items. These codes are
used primarily for billing purposes. For
example, suppliers use HCPCS Level II
codes to identify items on claim forms
that are being billed to a private or
public health insurer.
HCPCS is a system for identifying
items and services. While these codes
are used for billing purposes, decisions
regarding the addition, deletion, or
revision of HCPCS codes are made
independent of the process for making
determinations regarding coverage and
payment. Currently, there are national
HCPCS codes representing
approximately 4,000 separate categories
of like items or services that encompass
millions of products from different
manufacturers. When submitting claims,
suppliers are required to use one of
these codes to identify the items they
are billing. The descriptor that is
assigned to a code represents a category
of similar items.
Anyone can submit a request for
modifications to the HCPCS Level II
National Code Set and/or provide
comments regarding pending requests.
The HCPCS coding review process is an
ongoing continuous process; requests
and other correspondence may be
submitted at any time throughout the
year. However, for a consideration of
coding action with an effective date of
January 1, a completed application must
be received by January 3rd, or the first
business day of the year prior.
Applications received after January 3rd
will be considered in the subsequent
cycle.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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I. Description of the Proposed System of
Records
A. Statutory and Regulatory Basis for
the System
Authority for this system is given
under the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of
1996, Public Law 104–191, its
implementing regulation on ‘‘Code
Sets’’ (45 Code of Federal Regulations
Part 162, Subpart J) and 65 Federal
Register 50312 (8–17–00).
B. Collection and Maintenance of Data
in the System
Information is collected for this
system on individuals who voluntarily
submit information regarding any
modification and/or applications to
modify the HCPCS Level II Code Set.
Information collected for this system
will include, but is not limited to,
applicant name, company name,
product’s generic or trade name,
company mailing address, email
address, telephone number, and fax
number.
II. Agency Policies, Procedures, and
Restrictions on the Routine Use
A. Agency Policies, Procedures, and
Restrictions on the Routine Use
The Privacy Act permits us to disclose
information without an individual’s
consent if the information is to be used
for a purpose that is compatible with the
purpose(s) for which the information
was collected. Any such disclosure of
data is known as a ‘‘routine use.’’ The
government will only release HCPCS
information that can be associated with
an individual as provided for under
‘‘Section III. Proposed Routine Use
Disclosures of Data in the System.’’ Both
identifiable and non-identifiable data
may be disclosed under a routine use.
We will only collect the minimum
personal data necessary to achieve the
purpose of management of HCPCS. CMS
has the following policies and
procedures concerning disclosures of
information that will be maintained in
the system. Disclosure of information
from the system will be approved only
to the extent necessary to accomplish
the purpose of the disclosure and only
after CMS:
1. Determines that the use or
disclosure is consistent with the reason
that the data is being collected, e.g., to
facilitate the management and
maintenance of the HCPCS Level II code
set.
2. Determines that:
a. The purpose for which the
disclosure is to be made can only be
accomplished if the record is provided
in individually identifiable form;
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b. The purpose for which the
disclosure is to be made is of sufficient
importance to warrant the effect and/or
risk on the privacy of the individual that
additional exposure of the record might
bring; and
c. There is a strong probability that
the proposed use of the data would in
fact accomplish the stated purpose(s).
3. Requires the information recipient
to:
a. Establish administrative, technical,
and physical safeguards to prevent
unauthorized use of disclosure of the
record;
b. Remove or destroy at the earliest
time all patient-identifiable information;
and
c. Agree to not use or disclose the
information for any purpose other than
the stated purpose under which the
information was disclosed.
4. Determines that the data are valid
and reliable.
III. Proposed Routine Use Disclosures
of Data in the System
A. The Privacy Act allows us to
disclose information without an
individual’s consent if the information
is to be used for a purpose that is
compatible with the purpose(s) for
which the information was collected.
Any such compatible use of data is
known as a ‘‘routine use.’’ The proposed
routine uses in this system meet the
compatibility requirement of the Privacy
Act. We are proposing to establish the
following routine use disclosures of
information maintained in the system:
1. To Agency contractors, consultants,
or grantees who have been contracted by
the Agency to assist in accomplishment
of a CMS function relating to the
purposes for this system and who need
to have access to the records in order to
assist CMS.
We contemplate disclosing
information under this routine use only
in situations in which CMS may enter
into a contractual or similar agreement
with a third party to assist in
accomplishing CMS functions relating
to purposes for this system.
CMS occasionally contracts out
certain of its functions when this would
contribute to effective and efficient
operations. CMS must be able to give a
contractor, consultant, or grantee
whatever information is necessary for
the contractor to fulfill its duties. In
these situations, safeguards are provided
in the contract prohibiting the
contractor, consultant, or grantee from
using or disclosing the information for
any purpose other than that described in
the contract and to return or destroy all
information at the completion of the
contract.
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2. To another Federal or state agency
to:
a. Contribute to the accuracy of CMS’s
proper payment of Medicare benefits,
b. Enable such agency to administer a
Federal health benefits program, or as
necessary to enable such agency to
fulfill a requirement of a Federal statute
or regulation that implements a health
benefits program funded in whole or in
part with Federal funds, and/or
c. Assist Federal/state Medicaid
programs within the state.
Other Federal or state agencies in
their administration of a Federal health
program may require HCPCS
information in order to ensure that
claims are processed in an orderly and
consistent manner.
3. To the Department of Justice (DOJ),
court or adjudicatory body when
a. The Agency or any component
thereof; or
b. Any employee of the Agency in his
or her official capacity; or
c. Any employee of the Agency in his
or her individual capacity where the
DOJ has agreed to represent the
employee; or
d. The United States Government; is
a party to litigation or has an interest in
such litigation, and by careful review,
CMS determines that the records are
both relevant and necessary to the
litigation.
Whenever CMS is involved in
litigation, or occasionally when another
party is involved in litigation and CMS’s
policies or operations could be affected
by the outcome of the litigation, CMS
would be able to disclose information to
the DOJ, court or adjudicatory body
involved. A determination would be
made in each instance that, under the
circumstances involved, the purposes
served by the use of the information in
the particular litigation is compatible
with a purpose for which CMS collects
the information.
4. To a CMS contractor (including, but
not necessarily limited to Medicare
administrative contractors, fiscal
intermediaries and carriers) that assists
in the administration of a CMSadministered health benefits program,
or to a grantee of a CMS-administered
grant program, when disclosure is
deemed reasonably necessary by CMS to
prevent, deter, discover, detect,
investigate, examine, prosecute, sue
with respect to, defend against, correct,
remedy, or otherwise combat fraud,
waste, or abuse in such program.
We contemplate disclosing
information under this routine use only
in situations in which CMS may enter
into a contractual relationship or grant
with a third party to assist in
accomplishing CMS functions relating
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to the purpose of combating fraud,
waste, and abuse.
CMS occasionally contracts out
certain of its functions and makes grants
when doing so would contribute to
effective and efficient operations. CMS
must be able to give a contractor or
grantee whatever information is
necessary for the contractor or grantee to
fulfill its duties. In these situations,
safeguards are provided in the contract
prohibiting the contractor or grantee
from using or disclosing the information
for any purpose other than that
described in the contract and requiring
the contractor or grantee to return or
destroy all information.
5. To another Federal agency or to an
instrumentality of any governmental
jurisdiction within or under the control
of the United States (including any State
or local governmental agency), that
administers, or that has the authority to
investigate potential fraud, waste, or
abuse in, a health benefits program
funded in whole or in part by Federal
funds, when disclosure is deemed
reasonably necessary by CMS to
prevent, deter, discover, detect,
investigate, examine, prosecute, sue
with respect to, defend against, correct,
remedy, or otherwise combat fraud,
waste, or abuse in such programs.
Other agencies may require HCPCS
information for the purpose of
combating fraud, waste and abuse in
such Federally-funded programs.
B. Additional Provisions Affecting
Routine Use Disclosures
To the extent this system contains
Protected Health Information (PHI) as
defined by HHS regulation ‘‘Standards
for Privacy of Individually Identifiable
Health Information’’ (45 CFR parts 160
and 164, Subparts A and E) 65 FR 82462
(12–28–00). Disclosures of such PHI that
are otherwise authorized by these
routine uses may only be made if, and
as, permitted or required by the
‘‘Standards for Privacy of Individually
Identifiable Health Information.’’ (See
45 CFR 164.512(a)(1)).
In addition, our policy will be to
prohibit release even of data not directly
identifiable, except pursuant to one of
the routine uses or if required by law,
if we determine there is a possibility
that an individual can be identified
through implicit deduction based on
small cell sizes (instances where the
specified population is so small that an
individual could, because of the small
size, use this information to deduce the
identity of the applicant).
IV. Safeguards
CMS has safeguards in place for
authorized users and monitors such
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users to ensure against unauthorized
use. Personnel having access to the
system have been trained in the Privacy
Act and information security
requirements. Employees who maintain
records in this system are instructed not
to release data until the intended
recipient agrees to implement
appropriate management, operational
and technical safeguards sufficient to
protect the confidentiality, integrity and
availability of the information and
information systems and to prevent
unauthorized access.
This system will conform to all
applicable Federal laws and regulations
and Federal, HHS, and CMS policies
and standards as they relate to
information security and data privacy.
These laws and regulations may apply
but are not limited to: The Privacy Act
of 1974; the Federal Information
Security Management Act of 2002; the
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986;
the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996; the EGovernment Act of 2002, the ClingerCohen Act of 1996; the Medicare
Modernization Act of 2003, the Federal
Records Act of 1950, as amended, and
the corresponding implementing
regulations. OMB Circular A–130,
Management of Federal Resources,
Appendix III, Security of Federal
Automated Information Resources also
applies. Federal, HHS, and CMS
policies and standards include but are
not limited to: All pertinent National
Institute of Standards and Technology
publications; the HHS Information
Systems Program Handbook, CMS
Information Security Handbook, and the
National Archives and Records
Administration’s General Record
Schedules and CMS’ Records
Schedules.
V. Effects of the Proposed System of
Records on Individual Rights
CMS proposes to establish this system
in accordance with the principles and
requirements of the Privacy Act and will
collect, use, and disseminate
information only as prescribed therein.
Data in this system will be subject to the
authorized releases in accordance with
the routine uses identified in this
system of records.
CMS will take precautionary
measures to minimize the risks of
unauthorized access to the records and
the potential harm to individual privacy
or other personal or property rights of
applicants whose data are maintained in
the system. CMS will collect only that
information necessary to perform the
system’s functions. In addition, CMS
will make disclosure from the proposed
system only with consent of the subject
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individual, or his/her legal
representative, or in accordance with an
applicable exception provision of the
Privacy Act. CMS, therefore, does not
anticipate an unfavorable effect on
individual privacy as a result of the
disclosure of information relating to
individuals.
Date: July 30, 2007.
Charlene Frizzera,
Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services.
SYSTEM NO.: 09–70–0576.
SYSTEM NAME:
‘‘Healthcare Common Procedure
Coding System (HCPCS) Level II’’.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
Level 3 Privacy Act Sensitive.
SYSTEM LOCATION:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS), 7500 Security
Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244–
1850.
CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE
SYSTEM:
Information is collected for this
system on individuals who voluntarily
submit information regarding any
modification and/or applications to
modify the HCPCS Level II Code Set.
CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
Information collected for this system
will include, but is not limited to,
applicant name, company name,
product’s generic or trade name,
company mailing address, e-mail
address, telephone number, and fax
number.
AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
Authority for this system is given
under the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of
1996, Public Law 104–191, its
implementing regulation on ‘‘Code
Sets’’ (45 Code of Federal Regulations
part 162, Subpart J) and 65 Federal
Register 50312 (8–17–00).
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
PURPOSE (S) OF THE SYSTEM:
The primary purpose of this system is
to facilitate the management and
maintenance of the HCPCS Level II code
set. Information in this system will also
be used to: (1) Support regulatory and
policy functions performed within the
Agency or by a contractor, consultant, or
grantee; (2) assist another Federal or
state agency; (3) support litigation
involving the Agency related to this
system; and (4) combat fraud, waste,
and abuse in certain health benefits
programs.
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ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE
SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES OR USERS AND
THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:
A. The Privacy Act allows us to
disclose information without an
individual’s consent if the information
is to be used for a purpose that is
compatible with the purpose(s) for
which the information was collected.
Any such compatible use of data is
known as a ‘‘routine use.’’ The proposed
routine uses in this system meet the
compatibility requirement of the Privacy
Act. We are proposing to establish the
following routine use disclosures of
information maintained in the system:
1. To Agency contractor, consultant,
or grantee who have been contracted by
the Agency to assist in accomplishment
of a CMS function relating to the
purposes for this system and who need
to have access to the records in order to
assist CMS.
2. To another Federal or state agency
to:
a. Contribute to the accuracy of CMS’s
proper payment of Medicare benefits,
b. Enable such agency to administer a
Federal health benefits program, or as
necessary to enable such agency to
fulfill a requirement of a Federal statute
or regulation that implements a health
benefits program funded in whole or in
part with Federal funds, and/or
c. Assist Federal/state Medicaid
programs within the state.
3. To the Department of Justice (DOJ),
court or adjudicatory body when
a. The Agency or any component
thereof; or
b. Any employee of the Agency in his
or her official capacity; or
c. Any employee of the Agency in his
or her individual capacity where the
DOJ has agreed to represent the
employee; or
d. The United States Government; is
a party to litigation or has an interest in
such litigation, and by careful review,
CMS determines that the records are
both relevant and necessary to the
litigation.
4. To a CMS contractor (including, but
not necessarily limited to Medicare
administrative contractors, fiscal
intermediaries and carriers) that assists
in the administration of a CMSadministered health benefits program,
or to a grantee of a CMS-administered
grant program, when disclosure is
deemed reasonably necessary by CMS to
prevent, deter, discover, detect,
investigate, examine, prosecute, sue
with respect to, defend against, correct,
remedy, or otherwise combat fraud,
waste, or abuse in such program.
5. To another Federal agency or to an
instrumentality of any governmental
jurisdiction within or under the control
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of the United States (including any State
or local governmental agency), that
administers, or that has the authority to
investigate potential fraud, waste, or
abuse in, a health benefits program
funded in whole or in part by Federal
funds, when disclosure is deemed
reasonably necessary by CMS to
prevent, deter, discover, detect,
investigate, examine, prosecute, sue
with respect to, defend against, correct,
remedy, or otherwise combat fraud,
waste, or abuse in such programs.
B. Additional Provisions Affecting
Routine Use Disclosures
To the extent this system contains
Protected Health Information (PHI) as
defined by HHS regulation ‘‘Standards
for Privacy of Individually Identifiable
Health Information’’ (45 CFR parts 160
and 164, Subparts A and E) 65 FR 82462
(12–28–00). Disclosures of such PHI that
are otherwise authorized by these
routine uses may only be made if, and
as, permitted or required by the
‘‘Standards for Privacy of Individually
Identifiable Health Information.’’ (See
45 CFR 164.512(a)(1)).
In addition, our policy will be to
prohibit release even of data not directly
identifiable, except pursuant to one of
the routine uses or if required by law,
if we determine there is a possibility
that an individual can be identified
through implicit deduction based on
small cell sizes (instances where the
specified population is so small that an
individual could, because of the small
size, use this information to deduce the
identity of the applicant).
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING,
RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, AND
DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
STORAGE:
All records are stored on electronic
and hard copy media.
RETRIEVABILITY:
Information can be retrieved by
applicant name, e-mail address,
manufacturer name, product name,
generic name, or code assigned.
SAFEGUARDS:
CMS has safeguards in place for
authorized users and monitors such
users to ensure against unauthorized
use. Personnel having access to the
system have been trained in the Privacy
Act and information security
requirements. Employees who maintain
records in this system are instructed not
to release data until the intended
recipient agrees to implement
appropriate management, operational
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and technical safeguards sufficient to
protect the confidentiality, integrity and
availability of the information and
information systems and to prevent
unauthorized access.
This system will conform to all
applicable Federal laws and regulations
and Federal, HHS, and CMS policies
and standards as they relate to
information security and data privacy.
These laws and regulations may apply
but are not limited to: The Privacy Act
of 1974; the Federal Information
Security Management Act of 2002; the
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986;
the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996; the EGovernment Act of 2002, the ClingerCohen Act of 1996; the Medicare
Modernization Act of 2003, the Federal
Records Act of 1950, as amended, and
the corresponding implementing
regulations. OMB Circular A–130,
Management of Federal Resources,
Appendix III, Security of Federal
Automated Information Resources also
applies. Federal, HHS, and CMS
policies and standards include but are
not limited to: All pertinent National
Institute of Standards and Technology
publications; the HHS Information
Systems Program Handbook, CMS
Information Security Handbook, and the
National Archives and Records
Administration’s General Record
Schedules and CMS’ Records
Schedules.
RETENTION AND DISPOSAL:
CMS will retain information for a total
period of 15 years. All claims-related
records are encompassed by the
document preservation order and will
be retained until notification is received
from DOJ.
SYSTEM MANAGER AND ADDRESS:
Director, Chronic Care Policy Group,
Centers for Medicare Management,
CMS, Mail Stop C5–09–16, 7500
Security Boulevard, Baltimore,
Maryland 21244–1850.
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:
For purpose of access, the subject
individual should write to the system
manager who will require the system
name, and for verification purposes, the
subject individual’s name (woman’s
maiden name, if applicable).
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURE:
For purpose of access, use the same
procedures outlined in Notification
Procedures above. Requestors should
also reasonably specify the record
contents being sought. (These
procedures are in accordance with
Department regulation 45 CFR
5b.5(a)(2).)
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:56 Aug 06, 2007
Jkt 211001
CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:
The subject individual should contact
the system manager named above, and
reasonably identify the record and
specify the information to be contested.
State the corrective action sought and
the reasons for the correction with
supporting justification. (These
procedures are in accordance with
Department regulation 45 CFR 5b.7.)
RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
Sources of information contained in
this records system include data
collected from HCPCS applications,
submitted by the individuals who
voluntarily apply for HCPCS Level II
Code modifications.
SYSTEMS EXEMPTED FROM CERTAIN PROVISIONS
OF THE ACT:
None.
[FR Doc. E7–15250 Filed 8–6–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120–03–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket No. 2006P–0462]
Determination That PREVACID
NAPRAPAC (Copackaged
Lansoprazole Delayed-Release 15–
Milligram Capsules and Naproxen 250–
Milligram Tablets) Was Not Withdrawn
From Sale for Reasons of Safety or
Effectiveness
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
ACTION:
Notice.
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has determined
that PREVACID NAPRAPAC 250
(copackaged lansoprazole delayedrelease 15-milligram (mg) capsules and
naproxen 250-mg tablets) was not
withdrawn from sale for reasons of
safety or effectiveness. This
determination will allow FDA to
approve abbreviated new drug
applications (ANDAs) for copackaged
lansoprazole delayed-release 15-mg
capsules and naproxen 250-mg tablets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Marguerita B. Sims, Center for Drug
Evaluation and Research (HFD–7), Food
and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers
Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, 301–594–
5041.
In 1984,
Congress enacted the Drug Price
Competition and Patent Term
Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98–
417) (the 1984 amendments), which
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
PO 00000
Frm 00084
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
44159
authorized the approval of duplicate
versions of drug products approved
under an ANDA procedure. ANDA
sponsors must, with certain exceptions,
show that the drug for which they are
seeking approval contains the same
active ingredient in the same strength
and dosage form as the ‘‘listed drug,’’
which is a version of the drug that was
previously approved. Sponsors of
ANDAs do not have to repeat the
extensive clinical testing otherwise
necessary to gain approval of an NDA.
The only clinical data required in an
ANDA are data to show that the drug
that is the subject of the ANDA is
bioequivalent to the listed drug.
The 1984 amendments include what
is now section 505(j)(7) of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
355(j)(7)), which requires FDA to
publish a list of all approved drugs.
FDA publishes this list as part of the
‘‘Approved Drug Products With
Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations,’’
which is generally known as the
‘‘Orange Book.’’ Under FDA regulations,
drugs are withdrawn from the list if the
agency withdraws or suspends approval
of the drug’s NDA or ANDA for reasons
of safety or effectiveness or if FDA
determines that the listed drug was
withdrawn from sale for reasons of
safety or effectiveness (21 CFR 314.162).
Under § 314.161(a)(1) (21 CFR
314.161(a)(1)), the agency must
determine whether a listed drug was
withdrawn from sale for reasons of
safety or effectiveness before an ANDA
that refers to that listed drug may be
approved. FDA may not approve an
ANDA that does not refer to a listed
drug.
PREVACID NAPRAPAC 250 is the
subject of NDA 21–507 held by Tap
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (TAP). PREVACID
NAPRAPAC 250 is a copackaged drug
product that contains Prevacid
(lansoperazole) 15-mg delayed-release
capsules (a proton-pump inhibitor) and
Naprosyn (naproxen) 250-mg tablets (a
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
product (NSAID) with analgesic and
antipyretic properties). PREVACID
NAPRAPAC 250 is indicated for
reducing the risk of NSAID-associated
gastric ulcers in patients with a history
of documented gastric ulcer(s) who
require the use of an NSAID for
treatment of the signs and symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and/
or ankylosing spondylitis. TAP’s
PREVACID NAPRAPAC 250 was
discontinued in October 2006.
In a citizen petition received on
November 13, 2006 (Docket No. 2006P–
0462/CP1), submitted under 21 CFR
10.30 and in accordance with § 314.161,
Robert W. Pollock of Lachman
E:\FR\FM\07AUN1.SGM
07AUN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 151 (Tuesday, August 7, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44155-44159]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15250]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Privacy Act of 1974; Report of a New System of Records
AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
ACTION: Notice of a New System of Records (SOR).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of
1974, we are proposing to establish a new system titled, ``Healthcare
Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II, System No. 09-70-
0576.'' In October 2003, the Secretary of HHS delegated authority under
the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
to CMS to maintain and distribute HCPCS Level II Codes. Level II of the
HCPCS is a standardized coding system that is used primarily to
identify products and services not included in the HCPCS Level I
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, such as: Injectable drugs
administered in a physician office; durable medical equipment,
prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) when used outside a
physician's office; and ambulance services. HCPCS Level II codes were
established to identify these products on insurance claims. There are
about 4000 HCPCS Level II codes available for assignment by insurers in
accordance with their policies.
The primary purpose of this system is to facilitate the management
and maintenance of the HCPCS Level II code set. Information in this
system will also be used to: (1) Support regulatory and policy
functions performed within the Agency or by a contractor, consultant,
or grantee; (2) assist another Federal or state agency; (3) support
litigation involving the Agency related to this system; and (4) combat
fraud, waste, and abuse in certain health benefits programs. We have
provided background information about the proposed system in the
Supplementary Information section below. Although the Privacy Act
requires only that the ``routine use'' portion of the system be
published for comment, CMS invites comments on all portions of this
notice. See Effective Dates section for comment period.
DATES: Effective Dates: CMS filed a new SOR report with the Chair of
the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Chair of
the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, and
the Administrator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) on August 1, 2007. To ensure that all
parties have adequate time in which to comment, the new system will
become effective 30 days from the publication of the notice, or 40 days
from the date it was submitted to OMB and the Congress, whichever is
later. We may defer implementation of this system or one or more of the
routine use statements listed below if we receive comments that
persuade us to defer implementation.
ADDRESSES: The public should address comments to: CMS Privacy Officer,
Division of Privacy Compliance, Enterprise Architecture and Strategy
Group, CMS, Mail Stop N2-04-27, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore,
Maryland 21244-1850. Comments received will be available for review at
this location, by appointment, during regular business hours, Monday
through Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., eastern daylight time.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Trish Brooks, Division of Home Health,
Hospice, and HCPCS, Chronic Care
[[Page 44156]]
Policy Group, Center for Medicare Management, CMS, Mail Stop C5-09-16,
7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850. Her telephone
number is 410-786-4561, or email at Trish.Brooks@cms.hhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Each year, in the United States, health care
insurers process over 5 billion claims for payment. For Medicare and
other health insurance programs to ensure that these claims are
processed in an orderly and consistent manner, standardized coding
systems are essential. The HCPCS Level II Code Set is one of the
standard code sets adopted under the HIPAA, used for this purpose.
The HCPCS Level II coding system is a comprehensive and
standardized system that classifies similar products that are medical
in nature into categories for the purpose of efficient claims
processing. For each alphanumeric HCPCS code, there is descriptive
terminology that identifies a category of like items. These codes are
used primarily for billing purposes. For example, suppliers use HCPCS
Level II codes to identify items on claim forms that are being billed
to a private or public health insurer.
HCPCS is a system for identifying items and services. While these
codes are used for billing purposes, decisions regarding the addition,
deletion, or revision of HCPCS codes are made independent of the
process for making determinations regarding coverage and payment.
Currently, there are national HCPCS codes representing approximately
4,000 separate categories of like items or services that encompass
millions of products from different manufacturers. When submitting
claims, suppliers are required to use one of these codes to identify
the items they are billing. The descriptor that is assigned to a code
represents a category of similar items.
Anyone can submit a request for modifications to the HCPCS Level II
National Code Set and/or provide comments regarding pending requests.
The HCPCS coding review process is an ongoing continuous process;
requests and other correspondence may be submitted at any time
throughout the year. However, for a consideration of coding action with
an effective date of January 1, a completed application must be
received by January 3rd, or the first business day of the year prior.
Applications received after January 3rd will be considered in the
subsequent cycle.
I. Description of the Proposed System of Records
A. Statutory and Regulatory Basis for the System
Authority for this system is given under the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, Public Law 104-191,
its implementing regulation on ``Code Sets'' (45 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 162, Subpart J) and 65 Federal Register 50312 (8-17-
00).
B. Collection and Maintenance of Data in the System
Information is collected for this system on individuals who
voluntarily submit information regarding any modification and/or
applications to modify the HCPCS Level II Code Set. Information
collected for this system will include, but is not limited to,
applicant name, company name, product's generic or trade name, company
mailing address, email address, telephone number, and fax number.
II. Agency Policies, Procedures, and Restrictions on the Routine Use
A. Agency Policies, Procedures, and Restrictions on the Routine Use
The Privacy Act permits us to disclose information without an
individual's consent if the information is to be used for a purpose
that is compatible with the purpose(s) for which the information was
collected. Any such disclosure of data is known as a ``routine use.''
The government will only release HCPCS information that can be
associated with an individual as provided for under ``Section III.
Proposed Routine Use Disclosures of Data in the System.'' Both
identifiable and non-identifiable data may be disclosed under a routine
use.
We will only collect the minimum personal data necessary to achieve
the purpose of management of HCPCS. CMS has the following policies and
procedures concerning disclosures of information that will be
maintained in the system. Disclosure of information from the system
will be approved only to the extent necessary to accomplish the purpose
of the disclosure and only after CMS:
1. Determines that the use or disclosure is consistent with the
reason that the data is being collected, e.g., to facilitate the
management and maintenance of the HCPCS Level II code set.
2. Determines that:
a. The purpose for which the disclosure is to be made can only be
accomplished if the record is provided in individually identifiable
form;
b. The purpose for which the disclosure is to be made is of
sufficient importance to warrant the effect and/or risk on the privacy
of the individual that additional exposure of the record might bring;
and
c. There is a strong probability that the proposed use of the data
would in fact accomplish the stated purpose(s).
3. Requires the information recipient to:
a. Establish administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to
prevent unauthorized use of disclosure of the record;
b. Remove or destroy at the earliest time all patient-identifiable
information; and
c. Agree to not use or disclose the information for any purpose
other than the stated purpose under which the information was
disclosed.
4. Determines that the data are valid and reliable.
III. Proposed Routine Use Disclosures of Data in the System
A. The Privacy Act allows us to disclose information without an
individual's consent if the information is to be used for a purpose
that is compatible with the purpose(s) for which the information was
collected. Any such compatible use of data is known as a ``routine
use.'' The proposed routine uses in this system meet the compatibility
requirement of the Privacy Act. We are proposing to establish the
following routine use disclosures of information maintained in the
system:
1. To Agency contractors, consultants, or grantees who have been
contracted by the Agency to assist in accomplishment of a CMS function
relating to the purposes for this system and who need to have access to
the records in order to assist CMS.
We contemplate disclosing information under this routine use only
in situations in which CMS may enter into a contractual or similar
agreement with a third party to assist in accomplishing CMS functions
relating to purposes for this system.
CMS occasionally contracts out certain of its functions when this
would contribute to effective and efficient operations. CMS must be
able to give a contractor, consultant, or grantee whatever information
is necessary for the contractor to fulfill its duties. In these
situations, safeguards are provided in the contract prohibiting the
contractor, consultant, or grantee from using or disclosing the
information for any purpose other than that described in the contract
and to return or destroy all information at the completion of the
contract.
[[Page 44157]]
2. To another Federal or state agency to:
a. Contribute to the accuracy of CMS's proper payment of Medicare
benefits,
b. Enable such agency to administer a Federal health benefits
program, or as necessary to enable such agency to fulfill a requirement
of a Federal statute or regulation that implements a health benefits
program funded in whole or in part with Federal funds, and/or
c. Assist Federal/state Medicaid programs within the state.
Other Federal or state agencies in their administration of a
Federal health program may require HCPCS information in order to ensure
that claims are processed in an orderly and consistent manner.
3. To the Department of Justice (DOJ), court or adjudicatory body
when
a. The Agency or any component thereof; or
b. Any employee of the Agency in his or her official capacity; or
c. Any employee of the Agency in his or her individual capacity
where the DOJ has agreed to represent the employee; or
d. The United States Government; is a party to litigation or has an
interest in such litigation, and by careful review, CMS determines that
the records are both relevant and necessary to the litigation.
Whenever CMS is involved in litigation, or occasionally when
another party is involved in litigation and CMS's policies or
operations could be affected by the outcome of the litigation, CMS
would be able to disclose information to the DOJ, court or adjudicatory
body involved. A determination would be made in each instance that,
under the circumstances involved, the purposes served by the use of the
information in the particular litigation is compatible with a purpose
for which CMS collects the information.
4. To a CMS contractor (including, but not necessarily limited to
Medicare administrative contractors, fiscal intermediaries and
carriers) that assists in the administration of a CMS-administered
health benefits program, or to a grantee of a CMS-administered grant
program, when disclosure is deemed reasonably necessary by CMS to
prevent, deter, discover, detect, investigate, examine, prosecute, sue
with respect to, defend against, correct, remedy, or otherwise combat
fraud, waste, or abuse in such program.
We contemplate disclosing information under this routine use only
in situations in which CMS may enter into a contractual relationship or
grant with a third party to assist in accomplishing CMS functions
relating to the purpose of combating fraud, waste, and abuse.
CMS occasionally contracts out certain of its functions and makes
grants when doing so would contribute to effective and efficient
operations. CMS must be able to give a contractor or grantee whatever
information is necessary for the contractor or grantee to fulfill its
duties. In these situations, safeguards are provided in the contract
prohibiting the contractor or grantee from using or disclosing the
information for any purpose other than that described in the contract
and requiring the contractor or grantee to return or destroy all
information.
5. To another Federal agency or to an instrumentality of any
governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United
States (including any State or local governmental agency), that
administers, or that has the authority to investigate potential fraud,
waste, or abuse in, a health benefits program funded in whole or in
part by Federal funds, when disclosure is deemed reasonably necessary
by CMS to prevent, deter, discover, detect, investigate, examine,
prosecute, sue with respect to, defend against, correct, remedy, or
otherwise combat fraud, waste, or abuse in such programs.
Other agencies may require HCPCS information for the purpose of
combating fraud, waste and abuse in such Federally-funded programs.
B. Additional Provisions Affecting Routine Use Disclosures
To the extent this system contains Protected Health Information
(PHI) as defined by HHS regulation ``Standards for Privacy of
Individually Identifiable Health Information'' (45 CFR parts 160 and
164, Subparts A and E) 65 FR 82462 (12-28-00). Disclosures of such PHI
that are otherwise authorized by these routine uses may only be made
if, and as, permitted or required by the ``Standards for Privacy of
Individually Identifiable Health Information.'' (See 45 CFR
164.512(a)(1)).
In addition, our policy will be to prohibit release even of data
not directly identifiable, except pursuant to one of the routine uses
or if required by law, if we determine there is a possibility that an
individual can be identified through implicit deduction based on small
cell sizes (instances where the specified population is so small that
an individual could, because of the small size, use this information to
deduce the identity of the applicant).
IV. Safeguards
CMS has safeguards in place for authorized users and monitors such
users to ensure against unauthorized use. Personnel having access to
the system have been trained in the Privacy Act and information
security requirements. Employees who maintain records in this system
are instructed not to release data until the intended recipient agrees
to implement appropriate management, operational and technical
safeguards sufficient to protect the confidentiality, integrity and
availability of the information and information systems and to prevent
unauthorized access.
This system will conform to all applicable Federal laws and
regulations and Federal, HHS, and CMS policies and standards as they
relate to information security and data privacy. These laws and
regulations may apply but are not limited to: The Privacy Act of 1974;
the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002; the Computer
Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986; the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996; the E-Government Act of 2002, the Clinger-
Cohen Act of 1996; the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, the Federal
Records Act of 1950, as amended, and the corresponding implementing
regulations. OMB Circular A-130, Management of Federal Resources,
Appendix III, Security of Federal Automated Information Resources also
applies. Federal, HHS, and CMS policies and standards include but are
not limited to: All pertinent National Institute of Standards and
Technology publications; the HHS Information Systems Program Handbook,
CMS Information Security Handbook, and the National Archives and
Records Administration's General Record Schedules and CMS' Records
Schedules.
V. Effects of the Proposed System of Records on Individual Rights
CMS proposes to establish this system in accordance with the
principles and requirements of the Privacy Act and will collect, use,
and disseminate information only as prescribed therein. Data in this
system will be subject to the authorized releases in accordance with
the routine uses identified in this system of records.
CMS will take precautionary measures to minimize the risks of
unauthorized access to the records and the potential harm to individual
privacy or other personal or property rights of applicants whose data
are maintained in the system. CMS will collect only that information
necessary to perform the system's functions. In addition, CMS will make
disclosure from the proposed system only with consent of the subject
[[Page 44158]]
individual, or his/her legal representative, or in accordance with an
applicable exception provision of the Privacy Act. CMS, therefore, does
not anticipate an unfavorable effect on individual privacy as a result
of the disclosure of information relating to individuals.
Date: July 30, 2007.
Charlene Frizzera,
Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
SYSTEM NO.: 09-70-0576.
SYSTEM NAME:
``Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II''.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
Level 3 Privacy Act Sensitive.
SYSTEM LOCATION:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 7500 Security
Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.
CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:
Information is collected for this system on individuals who
voluntarily submit information regarding any modification and/or
applications to modify the HCPCS Level II Code Set.
CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
Information collected for this system will include, but is not
limited to, applicant name, company name, product's generic or trade
name, company mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, and
fax number.
AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
Authority for this system is given under the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, Public Law 104-191,
its implementing regulation on ``Code Sets'' (45 Code of Federal
Regulations part 162, Subpart J) and 65 Federal Register 50312 (8-17-
00).
PURPOSE (S) OF THE SYSTEM:
The primary purpose of this system is to facilitate the management
and maintenance of the HCPCS Level II code set. Information in this
system will also be used to: (1) Support regulatory and policy
functions performed within the Agency or by a contractor, consultant,
or grantee; (2) assist another Federal or state agency; (3) support
litigation involving the Agency related to this system; and (4) combat
fraud, waste, and abuse in certain health benefits programs.
ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES
OR USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:
A. The Privacy Act allows us to disclose information without an
individual's consent if the information is to be used for a purpose
that is compatible with the purpose(s) for which the information was
collected. Any such compatible use of data is known as a ``routine
use.'' The proposed routine uses in this system meet the compatibility
requirement of the Privacy Act. We are proposing to establish the
following routine use disclosures of information maintained in the
system:
1. To Agency contractor, consultant, or grantee who have been
contracted by the Agency to assist in accomplishment of a CMS function
relating to the purposes for this system and who need to have access to
the records in order to assist CMS.
2. To another Federal or state agency to:
a. Contribute to the accuracy of CMS's proper payment of Medicare
benefits,
b. Enable such agency to administer a Federal health benefits
program, or as necessary to enable such agency to fulfill a requirement
of a Federal statute or regulation that implements a health benefits
program funded in whole or in part with Federal funds, and/or
c. Assist Federal/state Medicaid programs within the state.
3. To the Department of Justice (DOJ), court or adjudicatory body
when
a. The Agency or any component thereof; or
b. Any employee of the Agency in his or her official capacity; or
c. Any employee of the Agency in his or her individual capacity
where the DOJ has agreed to represent the employee; or
d. The United States Government; is a party to litigation or has an
interest in such litigation, and by careful review, CMS determines that
the records are both relevant and necessary to the litigation.
4. To a CMS contractor (including, but not necessarily limited to
Medicare administrative contractors, fiscal intermediaries and
carriers) that assists in the administration of a CMS-administered
health benefits program, or to a grantee of a CMS-administered grant
program, when disclosure is deemed reasonably necessary by CMS to
prevent, deter, discover, detect, investigate, examine, prosecute, sue
with respect to, defend against, correct, remedy, or otherwise combat
fraud, waste, or abuse in such program.
5. To another Federal agency or to an instrumentality of any
governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United
States (including any State or local governmental agency), that
administers, or that has the authority to investigate potential fraud,
waste, or abuse in, a health benefits program funded in whole or in
part by Federal funds, when disclosure is deemed reasonably necessary
by CMS to prevent, deter, discover, detect, investigate, examine,
prosecute, sue with respect to, defend against, correct, remedy, or
otherwise combat fraud, waste, or abuse in such programs.
B. Additional Provisions Affecting Routine Use Disclosures
To the extent this system contains Protected Health Information
(PHI) as defined by HHS regulation ``Standards for Privacy of
Individually Identifiable Health Information'' (45 CFR parts 160 and
164, Subparts A and E) 65 FR 82462 (12-28-00). Disclosures of such PHI
that are otherwise authorized by these routine uses may only be made
if, and as, permitted or required by the ``Standards for Privacy of
Individually Identifiable Health Information.'' (See 45 CFR
164.512(a)(1)).
In addition, our policy will be to prohibit release even of data
not directly identifiable, except pursuant to one of the routine uses
or if required by law, if we determine there is a possibility that an
individual can be identified through implicit deduction based on small
cell sizes (instances where the specified population is so small that
an individual could, because of the small size, use this information to
deduce the identity of the applicant).
POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING,
AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
STORAGE:
All records are stored on electronic and hard copy media.
RETRIEVABILITY:
Information can be retrieved by applicant name, e-mail address,
manufacturer name, product name, generic name, or code assigned.
SAFEGUARDS:
CMS has safeguards in place for authorized users and monitors such
users to ensure against unauthorized use. Personnel having access to
the system have been trained in the Privacy Act and information
security requirements. Employees who maintain records in this system
are instructed not to release data until the intended recipient agrees
to implement appropriate management, operational
[[Page 44159]]
and technical safeguards sufficient to protect the confidentiality,
integrity and availability of the information and information systems
and to prevent unauthorized access.
This system will conform to all applicable Federal laws and
regulations and Federal, HHS, and CMS policies and standards as they
relate to information security and data privacy. These laws and
regulations may apply but are not limited to: The Privacy Act of 1974;
the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002; the Computer
Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986; the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996; the E-Government Act of 2002, the Clinger-
Cohen Act of 1996; the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, the Federal
Records Act of 1950, as amended, and the corresponding implementing
regulations. OMB Circular A-130, Management of Federal Resources,
Appendix III, Security of Federal Automated Information Resources also
applies. Federal, HHS, and CMS policies and standards include but are
not limited to: All pertinent National Institute of Standards and
Technology publications; the HHS Information Systems Program Handbook,
CMS Information Security Handbook, and the National Archives and
Records Administration's General Record Schedules and CMS' Records
Schedules.
RETENTION AND DISPOSAL:
CMS will retain information for a total period of 15 years. All
claims-related records are encompassed by the document preservation
order and will be retained until notification is received from DOJ.
SYSTEM MANAGER AND ADDRESS:
Director, Chronic Care Policy Group, Centers for Medicare
Management, CMS, Mail Stop C5-09-16, 7500 Security Boulevard,
Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.
NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE:
For purpose of access, the subject individual should write to the
system manager who will require the system name, and for verification
purposes, the subject individual's name (woman's maiden name, if
applicable).
RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURE:
For purpose of access, use the same procedures outlined in
Notification Procedures above. Requestors should also reasonably
specify the record contents being sought. (These procedures are in
accordance with Department regulation 45 CFR 5b.5(a)(2).)
CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES:
The subject individual should contact the system manager named
above, and reasonably identify the record and specify the information
to be contested. State the corrective action sought and the reasons for
the correction with supporting justification. (These procedures are in
accordance with Department regulation 45 CFR 5b.7.)
RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
Sources of information contained in this records system include
data collected from HCPCS applications, submitted by the individuals
who voluntarily apply for HCPCS Level II Code modifications.
SYSTEMS EXEMPTED FROM CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE ACT:
None.
[FR Doc. E7-15250 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-03-P
