Telephone Enrollment in the VA Healthcare System, 62631-62632 [2016-21830]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Rules and Regulations Accordingly, the interim final rule published at 81 FR 33389–33391 on May 26, 2016 is adopted as a final rule without change. ■ Dated: September 7, 2016. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2016–21878 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 5001–06–P DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 34 CFR Chapter III [Docket ID ED–2016–OSERS–0022; CFDA Number: 84.421B.] Final Priorities, Requirements, and Definition—Disability Innovation Fund—Transition Work-Based Learning Model Demonstrations Correction In rule document 2016–18031 beginning on page 50324 in the issue of Monday, August 1, 2016, make the following correction: On page 50324, in the second column, under the DATES heading, in the last line ‘‘October 9, 2016’’ should read ‘‘September 6, 2016’’. [FR Doc. C3–2016–18031 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 1505–01–D DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 17 RIN 2900–AP68 Telephone Enrollment in the VA Healthcare System Department of Veterans Affairs. Final rule. AGENCY: ACTION: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final, without change, an interim final rule amending its medical regulations. Specifically, this rule allows veterans to complete applications for health care enrollment by providing application information, agreeing to VA’s provisions regarding copayment liability and assignment of third-party insurance benefits, and attesting to the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided to a VA employee over the phone. This action makes it easier for veterans to apply to enroll and speeds VA processing of applications. DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective on September 12, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mathew J. Eitutis, Acting Director, asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:01 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 Member Services 3401 SW 21st St. Building 9 Topeka, KS 66604; 785–925– 0605. (This is not a toll-free number.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 16, 2016, VA published an interim final rule amending § 17.36(d)(1) of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 81 FR 13994. The amendment allows veterans to apply for enrollment in the VA healthcare system by telephone; in particular, it allows veterans to consent over the phone to pay any copayments the law requires for treatment or services and to assign insurance benefits to VA. VA invited interested persons to comment on the interim final rule on or before May 16, 2016. We received two comments. One commenter expressed concern over medications provided to veterans with overseas service in the 1970s. The other sought VA assistance with a claim for VA benefits. Both of these comments are outside the scope of this rulemaking. We are, therefore, making no changes based on those comments. Based on the rationale in the interim final rule and in this final rule, VA is adopting the interim final rule as final with no changes. Administrative Procedure Act The Secretary of Veterans Affairs determined there was good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to publish this rule without prior opportunity for public comment. The Secretary concluded that failure to authorize verbal applications as soon as possible was contrary to the public interest because it prolonged delays in processing applications for enrollment in the VA healthcare system. We dispensed with the 30-day delay requirement for the effective date of a rule for good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). We anticipated that this regulation would be uncontroversial and believed that any further delay in allowing VA to complete applications by telephone would be contrary to the public interest. Effect of Rulemaking The Code of Federal Regulations, as revised by this final rulemaking, represents the exclusive legal authority on this subject. No contrary rules or procedures are authorized. All VA guidance must be read to conform with this interim final rulemaking if possible or, if not possible, such guidance is superseded by this rulemaking. Paperwork Reduction Act Although this final rule contains provisions constituting collections of information, at 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1), under the Paperwork Reduction Act of PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 62631 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–3521), no new or revised collections of information are associated with this final rule. It amends an approved collection by allowing a new method for veterans to submit the requested information, but this change does not affect the burden on the public under the approved collection. The information collection requirements for 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1) are currently approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and have been assigned OMB control number 2900– 0091. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Secretary hereby certifies that this final rule does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601–612. This final rule directly affects only individuals and does not directly affect small entities. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), this rulemaking is exempt from the initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. Executive Order 12866 and 13563 Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) defines a ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’ requiring review by OMB, unless OMB waives such review, as ‘‘any regulatory action that is likely to result in a rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President’s priorities, or E:\FR\FM\12SER1.SGM 12SER1 62632 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 176 / Monday, September 12, 2016 / Rules and Regulations the principles set forth in this Executive Order.’’ The economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy implications of this interim final rule have been examined, and it has been determined not to be a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. VA’s impact analysis can be found as a supporting document at https://www.regulations.gov, usually within 48 hours after the rulemaking document is published. Additionally, a copy of the rulemaking and its impact analysis are available on VA’s Web site at https://www.va.gov/orpm/, by following the link for ‘‘VA Regulations Published From FY 2004 Through Fiscal Year to Date.’’ Unfunded Mandates The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and benefits before issuing any rule that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any one year. This final rule has no such effect on State, local, and tribal governments, or on the private sector. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbers and titles for the programs affected by this document are 64.007, Blind Rehabilitation Centers; 64.008, Veterans Domiciliary Care; 64.009, Veterans Medical Care Benefits; 64.010, Veterans Nursing Home Care; 64.011, Veterans Dental Care; 64.012, Veterans Prescription Service; 64.013, Veterans Prosthetic Appliances; 64.014, Veterans State Domiciliary Care; 64.015, Veterans State Nursing Home Care; 64.018, Sharing Specialized Medical Resources; 64.019, Veterans Rehabilitation Alcohol and Drug Dependence; 64.022, Veterans Home Based Primary Care; and 64.024, VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES Signing Authority The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina S. Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on September 6, 2016, for publication. VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:01 Sep 09, 2016 Jkt 238001 List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 17 Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Alcoholism, Claims, Day care, Dental health, Drug abuse, Government contracts, Grant programs-health, Grant programsveterans, Health care, Health facilities, Health professions, Health records, Homeless, Medical and dental schools, Medical devices, Medical research, Mental health programs, Nursing homes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Travel and transportation expenses, Veterans. ■ For the reasons set out in the preamble, the interim final rule published in the Federal Register at 81 FR 13994 on March 16, 2016, is adopted as final without change. Dated: September 6, 2016. Jeffrey Martin Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs. [FR Doc. 2016–21830 Filed 9–9–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Parts 51 and 63 [GN Docket No. 13–5, RM–11358; FCC 16– 90] Technology Transitions, Policies and Rules Governing Retirement of Copper Loops by Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) initiated this rulemaking in August 2015 to help guide and accelerate the transitions from networks based on TDM circuit-switched voice services running on copper loops to allIP multi-media networks using copper, co-axial cable, wireless, and fiber as physical infrastructure. In this Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, we take several actions aimed at stripping away anachronistic rules while ensuring that competition continues to thrive and consumers are protected during technology transitions. DATES: Effective upon approval by the Office of Management and Budget. The Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date(s). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Megan Capasso, Wireline Competition SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Bureau, Competition Policy Division, (202) 418–1151, or send an email to Megan.Capasso@fcc.gov. For additional information concerning the Paperwork Reduction Act information collection requirements contained in this document, send an email to PRA@ fcc.gov or contact Nicole Ongele at (202) 418–2991. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission’s Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration in GN Docket No. 13– 5, RM–11358, FCC 16–90, adopted July 14, 2016 and released July 15, 2016. The full text of this document is available for public inspection during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Information Center, Portals II, 445 12th Street SW., Room CY–A257, Washington, DC 20554. It is available on the Commission’s Web site at https:// apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/ FCC-16-90A1.pdf. The Commission will send a copy of this Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration in a report to be sent to Congress and the Government Accountability Office pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, see 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A). Synopsis 1. In the Second Report and Order, we update our review and notice procedures governing the filing and processing of applications pursuant to section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Act) to discontinue, reduce, or impair service (the section 214 discontinuance process). Section 214 of the Act and the Commission’s implementing rules generally require telecommunications carriers and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers to obtain Commission authority to discontinue interstate or foreign service to a community or a party of a community. The Commission relieved Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers of this obligation in 1994. The VoIP Discontinuance Order moots any need to find a separate basis of authority over VoIP providers in connection with this Order. 2. All applicants seeking to discontinue a service are currently required to file a section 214 application in accordance with rules governing notice, opportunity for comment, review, and processing requirements. Commenters have 15 days to file objections if the applicant is a nondominant carrier and 30 days to file if the applicant is a dominant carrier. The application is automatically granted on the 31st day after filing for nondominant carriers and on the 60th day E:\FR\FM\12SER1.SGM 12SER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 176 (Monday, September 12, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 62631-62632]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21830]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

38 CFR Part 17

RIN 2900-AP68


Telephone Enrollment in the VA Healthcare System

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adopts as final, 
without change, an interim final rule amending its medical regulations. 
Specifically, this rule allows veterans to complete applications for 
health care enrollment by providing application information, agreeing 
to VA's provisions regarding copayment liability and assignment of 
third-party insurance benefits, and attesting to the accuracy and 
authenticity of the information provided to a VA employee over the 
phone. This action makes it easier for veterans to apply to enroll and 
speeds VA processing of applications.

DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective on September 12, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mathew J. Eitutis, Acting Director, 
Member Services 3401 SW 21st St. Building 9 Topeka, KS 66604; 785-925-
0605. (This is not a toll-free number.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 16, 2016, VA published an interim 
final rule amending Sec.  17.36(d)(1) of title 38, Code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR). 81 FR 13994. The amendment allows veterans to apply 
for enrollment in the VA healthcare system by telephone; in particular, 
it allows veterans to consent over the phone to pay any copayments the 
law requires for treatment or services and to assign insurance benefits 
to VA.
    VA invited interested persons to comment on the interim final rule 
on or before May 16, 2016. We received two comments. One commenter 
expressed concern over medications provided to veterans with overseas 
service in the 1970s. The other sought VA assistance with a claim for 
VA benefits. Both of these comments are outside the scope of this 
rulemaking. We are, therefore, making no changes based on those 
comments.
    Based on the rationale in the interim final rule and in this final 
rule, VA is adopting the interim final rule as final with no changes.

Administrative Procedure Act

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs determined there was good cause 
under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to publish this rule without prior opportunity 
for public comment. The Secretary concluded that failure to authorize 
verbal applications as soon as possible was contrary to the public 
interest because it prolonged delays in processing applications for 
enrollment in the VA healthcare system. We dispensed with the 30-day 
delay requirement for the effective date of a rule for good cause under 
5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). We anticipated that this regulation would be 
uncontroversial and believed that any further delay in allowing VA to 
complete applications by telephone would be contrary to the public 
interest.

Effect of Rulemaking

    The Code of Federal Regulations, as revised by this final 
rulemaking, represents the exclusive legal authority on this subject. 
No contrary rules or procedures are authorized. All VA guidance must be 
read to conform with this interim final rulemaking if possible or, if 
not possible, such guidance is superseded by this rulemaking.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    Although this final rule contains provisions constituting 
collections of information, at 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1), under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), no new or revised 
collections of information are associated with this final rule. It 
amends an approved collection by allowing a new method for veterans to 
submit the requested information, but this change does not affect the 
burden on the public under the approved collection. The information 
collection requirements for 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1) are currently approved 
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and have been assigned OMB 
control number 2900-0091.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Secretary hereby certifies that this final rule does not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-
612. This final rule directly affects only individuals and does not 
directly affect small entities. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), 
this rulemaking is exempt from the initial and final regulatory 
flexibility analysis requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604.

Executive Order 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, and other advantages; distributive impacts; 
and equity). Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory 
Review) emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. 
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) defines a 
``significant regulatory action,'' requiring review by OMB, unless OMB 
waives such review, as ``any regulatory action that is likely to result 
in a rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 
million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a 
sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal 
governments or communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; 
(3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user 
fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or

[[Page 62632]]

the principles set forth in this Executive Order.''
    The economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy 
implications of this interim final rule have been examined, and it has 
been determined not to be a significant regulatory action under 
Executive Order 12866. VA's impact analysis can be found as a 
supporting document at https://www.regulations.gov, usually within 48 
hours after the rulemaking document is published. Additionally, a copy 
of the rulemaking and its impact analysis are available on VA's Web 
site at https://www.va.gov/orpm/, by following the link for ``VA 
Regulations Published From FY 2004 Through Fiscal Year to Date.''

Unfunded Mandates

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 
1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and 
benefits before issuing any rule that may result in the expenditure by 
State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the 
private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for 
inflation) in any one year. This final rule has no such effect on 
State, local, and tribal governments, or on the private sector.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbers and titles for 
the programs affected by this document are 64.007, Blind Rehabilitation 
Centers; 64.008, Veterans Domiciliary Care; 64.009, Veterans Medical 
Care Benefits; 64.010, Veterans Nursing Home Care; 64.011, Veterans 
Dental Care; 64.012, Veterans Prescription Service; 64.013, Veterans 
Prosthetic Appliances; 64.014, Veterans State Domiciliary Care; 64.015, 
Veterans State Nursing Home Care; 64.018, Sharing Specialized Medical 
Resources; 64.019, Veterans Rehabilitation Alcohol and Drug Dependence; 
64.022, Veterans Home Based Primary Care; and 64.024, VA Homeless 
Providers Grant and Per Diem Program.

Signing Authority

    The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this 
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document 
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as 
an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Gina S. 
Farrisee, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, 
approved this document on September 6, 2016, for publication.

List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 17

    Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Alcoholism, 
Claims, Day care, Dental health, Drug abuse, Government contracts, 
Grant programs-health, Grant programs-veterans, Health care, Health 
facilities, Health professions, Health records, Homeless, Medical and 
dental schools, Medical devices, Medical research, Mental health 
programs, Nursing homes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Travel and transportation expenses, Veterans.

0
For the reasons set out in the preamble, the interim final rule 
published in the Federal Register at 81 FR 13994 on March 16, 2016, is 
adopted as final without change.

    Dated: September 6, 2016.
Jeffrey Martin
Office Program Manager, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, 
Office of the Secretary, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2016-21830 Filed 9-9-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
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