Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Public Comment Request; State Annual Long-Term Care Ombudsman Report Known as the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) and Instructions (OMB No: 0985-0005), 8086-8088 [2018-03767]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
8086
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2018 / Notices
the General Services Administration,
Regulatory Secretariat Division (MVCB),
1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC
20405. Please cite OMB Control No.
3090–0293, Reporting and Use of
Information Concerning Integrity and
Performance of Recipients of Grants and
Cooperative Agreements, in all
correspondence.
Dated: February 20, 2018.
David A. Shive,
Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2018–03745 Filed 2–22–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820–WY–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Agency for Healthcare Research and
Quality
Patient Safety Organizations: Expired
Listing for Quality Solutions
Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality (AHRQ), Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS).
ACTION: Notice of delisting.
AGENCY:
The Patient Safety Rule
authorizes AHRQ, on behalf of the
Secretary of HHS, to list as a PSO an
entity that attests that it meets the
statutory and regulatory requirements
for listing. A PSO can be ‘‘delisted’’ by
the Secretary if it is found to no longer
meet the requirements of the Patient
Safety Act and Patient Safety Rule,
when a PSO chooses to voluntarily
relinquish its status as a PSO for any
reason, or when a PSO’s listing expires.
The listing for Quality Solutions has
expired and AHRQ has delisted the PSO
accordingly.
DATES: The directories for both listed
and delisted PSOs are ongoing and
reviewed weekly by AHRQ. The
delisting was effective at 12:00 Midnight
ET (2400) on January 6, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Both directories can be
accessed electronically at the following
HHS website: https://www.pso.ahrq.gov/
listed.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eileen Hogan, Center for Quality
Improvement and Patient Safety, AHRQ,
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 06N94B,
Rockville, MD 20857; Telephone (toll
free): (866) 403–3697; Telephone (local):
(301) 427–1111; TTY (toll free): (866)
438–7231; TTY (local): (301) 427–1130;
Email: pso@ahrq.hhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
299b–21 to b–26, (Patient Safety Act)
and the related Patient Safety and
Quality Improvement Final Rule, 42
CFR part 3 (Patient Safety Rule),
published in the Federal Register on
November 21, 2008, 73 FR 70732–
70814, establish a framework by which
hospitals, doctors, and other health care
providers may voluntarily report
information to Patient Safety
Organizations (PSOs), on a privileged
and confidential basis, for the
aggregation and analysis of patient
safety events.
The Patient Safety Act authorizes the
listing of PSOs, which are entities or
component organizations whose
mission and primary activity are to
conduct activities to improve patient
safety and the quality of health care
delivery. HHS issued the Patient Safety
Rule to implement the Patient Safety
Act. AHRQ administers the provisions
of the Patient Safety Act and Patient
Safety Rule relating to the listing and
operation of PSOs. The Patient Safety
Rule authorizes AHRQ to list as a PSO
an entity that attests that it meets the
statutory and regulatory requirements
for listing. A PSO can be ‘‘delisted’’ if
it is found to no longer meet the
requirements of the Patient Safety Act
and Patient Safety Rule, when a PSO
chooses to voluntarily relinquish its
status as a PSO for any reason, or when
a PSO’s listing expires. Section 3.108(d)
of the Patient Safety Rule requires
AHRQ to provide public notice when it
removes an organization from the list of
federally approved PSOs.
Quality Solutions, PSO number
P0165, is a component entity of: Chest
Medicine Associates, Coastal Women’s
Healthcare, Eyecare Medical Group,
Maine Nephrology Associates, New
England Cancer Specialists, Plastic &
Hand Surgical Associates, Portland
Gastroenterology, and Spectrum
Medical Group. The PSO chose to let its
listing expire by not seeking continued
listing. Accordingly, Quality Solutions
was delisted effective at 12:00 Midnight
ET (2400) on January 6, 2018.
More information on PSOs can be
obtained through AHRQ’s PSO website
at https://www.pso.ahrq.gov.
Karen J. Migdail,
Chief of Staff.
[FR Doc. 2018–03744 Filed 2–22–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160–90–P
Background
The Patient Safety and Quality
Improvement Act of 2005, 42 U.S.C.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:52 Feb 22, 2018
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Sfmt 4703
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Community Living
Administration on Aging
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Submission for OMB
Review; Public Comment Request;
State Annual Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Report Known as the
National Ombudsman Reporting
System (NORS) and Instructions (OMB
No: 0985–0005)
Administration for Community
Living/Administration on Aging, HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The Administration for
Community Living/Administration on
Aging (ACL/AoA) is announcing that
the proposed collection of information
listed above has been submitted to the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for review and clearance as
required under the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995. This 30-day
notice collects comments on the
information collection requirements
related to the Long-Term Care
Ombudsman Program (Proposed
Extension with Changes of a Currently
Approved Collection (ICR Rev)).
DATES: Submit written comments on the
collection of information by March 26,
2018.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments
on the collection of information by fax
to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk
Officer for ACL; by email to OIRA_
submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB
Desk Officer for ACL; or by mail to the
Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office
Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235,
Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk
Officer for ACL.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Louise Ryan, telephone: (206) 615–2514;
email: louise.ryan@acl.hhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
compliance with 44 U.S.C. 3507, ACL/
AoA has submitted the following
proposed collection of information to
OMB for review and clearance.
States provide the following data and
narrative information in the report:
1. Numbers and descriptions of cases
filed and complaints made on behalf of
long-term care facility residents to the
statewide ombudsman program;
2. Major issues identified that impact
the quality of care and life of long-term
care facility residents;
3. Statewide program operations; and
4. Ombudsman activities in addition
to complaint investigation.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM
23FEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2018 / Notices
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
The report form and instructions have
been in continuous use, with minor
modifications, since they were first
approved by OMB for the FY 1995
reporting period. This current request is
for a Revision of a Currently Approved
Collection (ICR Rev) to acquire new
approval for a revised modification of
instruction and data collection elements
for FFY 2019–2021.
The data collected on complaints filed
with ombudsman programs and
narrative on long-term care issues
provide information to the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services and
others on patterns of concerns and
major long-term care issues affecting
residents of long-term care facilities.
Both the complaint and program data
collected assist the states and local
Ombudsman programs in planning
strategies and activities, providing
training and technical assistance, and
developing performance measures.
Comments in Response to the 60 Day
Federal Register Notice
A notice was published in the Federal
Register, Vol. 81, No. 152, Page 52438
on Monday, August 8, 2016 announcing
that ACL/AoA was requesting
comments on: (1) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of ACL/
AoA’s functions, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(2) the accuracy of ACL/AoA’s estimate
of the burden of the proposed collection
of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility,
and clarity of the information to be
collected; and (4) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on respondents, including through the
use of automated collection techniques
when appropriate, and other forms of
information technology. Readers were
directed to the ACL/AoA website where
the documents were posted and
provided an opportunity to comment.
ACL received comments from 18
individuals and groups. Comments were
received by the following groups and
individuals: National Association of
State Ombudsman Programs (NASOP);
National Association of Local LTC
Ombudsman (NALLTCO); one software
vendor; the California Association of
Local LTC Ombudsmen; the Consumer
Voice for Quality LTC Care. Individuals
included one researcher with expertise
in dementia, abuse and neglect and one
local representative of the Office of State
Ombudsman. The following State
Ombudsman programs provided
comment: California; Florida; Maryland;
New York; Iowa; Pennsylvania; Arizona;
New Hampshire; Texas; Alaska;
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:52 Feb 22, 2018
Jkt 244001
Virginia. Many of the state Ombudsman
comments were identical to NASOP’s
comments.
In general, there were no significant
comments on the proposed data
elements. Instead, comments focused on
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected. These comments were very
helpful and many of the proposed edits
and language suggestions were adopted.
Concerns regarding burden included:
Disagreement about the burden hours
because of changes in data collection
requirements and additional structured
requirements of narrative complaint
examples, systems issues and conflicts
of interest reporting. The new reporting
system will streamline these current
reporting activities, allowing for
flexibility and the ability to import data
from the previous year for use in the
next year, where appropriate, and will
reduce overall reporting burden for
State LTC Ombudsmen. Several
commenters expressed concern about
undue burden of a name change from
‘‘board and care’’ to ‘‘residential care
community’’, but did not provide a
specific estimate of burden hours. In
response to their concerns the definition
of residential care was revised to
eliminate any confusion about the
jurisdiction of the program with regards
to the types of settings the program
serves. ACL does not believe that a
change in definition and title will cause
confusion at the state and local level
because there will not be a change in
state level practice. These concerns are
addressed in detail in the response to
comments tables posted on the ACL
website. Some responders expressed
concern about burden with a data
collection item to indicate if a
complaint was a complaint on behalf of
more than one complainant, i.e., a
‘‘group complaint’’ (Table 1, code C5 on
the 60 day submission). ACL removed
this data element. Some commenters
expressed concerns about the cost to
update and revise their reporting
systems, but the estimates of impact on
data collection burden varied. One State
that has developed their own software
utilizing in-house IT services, estimates
a range from 9–52 days of work for
software changes and 5–55 days to
update training materials, update their
in-house reference guide, provide
training, etc. Another state estimates
that the changes required will cost
around $10,000. One vendor
commented that they see ‘‘no issue’’
with the proposed changes and that they
are committed to keeping all of their
customers using their Ombudsman
product up to date with any NORS
reporting changes. Since the comments
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
8087
were not consistent in this area no
changes have been made. Additional
concerns about the wording in proposed
definitions and requests to add
additional data collection elements are
addressed in the response to comments
tables.
Some commenters expressed concerns
about training needs and time required
to adapt their software. ACL is working
with the contractor developing the
reporting software to develop training
modules on how to use the new
software. ACL anticipates that states
will not need to develop training
materials or host training to meet the
federal reporting requirements. Training
will be offered as webinars and in
person at national conferences, when
possible. User support materials and
recorded webinars will also be available
on the submission website. The
National Ombudsman Resource Center
will develop modules on how to
interpret the new definitions and codes
similar to past training. This includes
hosting webinars and providing inperson training at their annual spring
training for state LTC Ombudsmen. In
addition, they will host all tools and
modules on their website. The
contractor is holding meetings with
vendors and state information
technology staff on the technical
requirements of the new system and
will provide data templates in various
formats; and detailed crosswalks of the
current data collection to the new data
collection. Despite the concerns
addressed, there was an overall positive
tone to the comments. State
Ombudsman programs largely support
the changes made by ACL to NORS.
They indicated they appreciate ACL’s
efforts to incorporate many of the
revisions previously recommended.
Further, they indicated these changes
will result in more accurate and
consistent reporting as well as more
precise identification of trends and the
systems advocacy needed to address
common complaints.
Estimated Program Burden
In consideration of the comments,
additional burden time has been
factored in to accommodate changes in
data collection at the case level resulting
in an average increase of 75.6 hours per
state for a total 223.6 hours annually.
Despite the decrease in the number of
data elements we believe this more
adequately reflects the overall burden.
This increase in burden hours also
recognizes that this revision is the most
significant change to NORS data
collection since its implementation in
1995.
E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM
23FEN1
8088
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 2018 / Notices
The reporting form tables and a
crosswalk from the old data collection
to the new may be viewed at the ACL
website: https://www.acl.gov/about-acl/
public-input.
AoA estimates the burden of this
collection and entering the additional
report information as follows:
Instrument
Number of
respondents
Number
responses per
respondent
Average
burden per
response
(in hours)
Total burden
hours
Annual State Ombudsman Report ..................................................................
52
1
223.6
11,628.6
Dated: February 16, 2018.
Mary Lazare,
Administrator and Assistant Secretary for
Aging.
2018. The https://www.regulations.gov
electronic filing system will accept
comments until midnight Eastern Time
at the end of April 24, 2018. Comments
received by mail/hand delivery/courier
(for written/paper submissions) will be
considered timely if they are
postmarked or the delivery service
acceptance receipt is on or before that
date.
[FR Doc. 2018–03767 Filed 2–22–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4154–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
[Docket Nos. FDA–2015–E–2602; FDA–
2015–E–2615]
Determination of Regulatory Review
Period for Purposes of Patent
Extension; ZYDELIG—New Drug
Application 206545
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
ACTION:
Notice.
The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA or the Agency) has
determined the regulatory review period
for ZYDELIG based on new drug
application (NDA) 206545 and is
publishing this notice of that
determination as required by law. FDA
has made the determination because of
the submission of applications to the
Director of the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO), Department
of Commerce, for the extension of a
patent which claims that human drug
product.
SUMMARY:
Anyone with knowledge that any
of the dates as published (in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section) are
incorrect may submit either electronic
or written comments and ask for a
redetermination by April 24, 2018.
Furthermore, any interested person may
petition FDA for a determination
regarding whether the applicant for
extension acted with due diligence
during the regulatory review period by
August 22, 2018. See ‘‘Petitions’’ in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
more information.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
as follows. Please note that late,
untimely filed comments will not be
considered. Electronic comments must
be submitted on or before April 24,
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:52 Feb 22, 2018
Jkt 244001
Electronic Submissions
Submit electronic comments in the
following way:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Comments submitted electronically,
including attachments, to https://
www.regulations.gov will be posted to
the docket unchanged. Because your
comment will be made public, you are
solely responsible for ensuring that your
comment does not include any
confidential information that you or a
third party may not wish to be posted,
such as medical information, your or
anyone else’s Social Security number, or
confidential business information, such
as a manufacturing process. Please note
that if you include your name, contact
information, or other information that
identifies you in the body of your
comments, that information will be
posted on https://www.regulations.gov.
• If you want to submit a comment
with confidential information that you
do not wish to be made available to the
public, submit the comment as a
written/paper submission and in the
manner detailed (see ‘‘Written/Paper
Submissions’’ and ‘‘Instructions’’).
Written/Paper Submissions
Submit written/paper submissions as
follows:
• Mail/Hand delivery/Courier (for
written/paper submissions): Dockets
Management Staff (HFA–305), Food and
Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers
Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
• For written/paper comments
submitted to the Dockets Management
Staff, FDA will post your comment, as
well as any attachments, except for
information submitted, marked and
identified, as confidential, if submitted
as detailed in ‘‘Instructions.’’
PO 00000
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Sfmt 4703
Instructions: All submissions received
must include the Docket Nos. FDA–
2015–E–2602 and FDA–2015–E–2615
for ‘‘Determination of Regulatory
Review Period for Purposes of Patent
Extension; ZYDELIG–NDA 206545.’’
Received comments, those filed in a
timely manner (see ADDRESSES), will be
placed in the dockets and, except for
those submitted as ‘‘Confidential
Submissions,’’ publicly viewable at
https://www.regulations.gov or at the
Dockets Management Staff between 9
a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday.
• Confidential Submissions—To
submit a comment with confidential
information that you do not wish to be
made publicly available, submit your
comments only as a written/paper
submission. You should submit two
copies total. One copy will include the
information you claim to be confidential
with a heading or cover note that states
‘‘THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.’’ The
Agency will review this copy, including
the claimed confidential information, in
its consideration of comments. The
second copy, which will have the
claimed confidential information
redacted/blacked out, will be available
for public viewing and posted on
https://www.regulations.gov. Submit
both copies to the Dockets Management
Staff. If you do not wish your name and
contact information to be made publicly
available, you can provide this
information on the cover sheet and not
in the body of your comments and you
must identify this information as
‘‘confidential.’’ Any information marked
as ‘‘confidential’’ will not be disclosed
except in accordance with § 10.20 (21
CFR 10.20) and other applicable
disclosure law. For more information
about FDA’s posting of comments to
public dockets, see 80 FR 56469,
September 18, 2015, or access the
information at: https://www.gpo.gov/
fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/201523389.pdf.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents or the
electronic and written/paper comments
received, go to https://
www.regulations.gov and insert the
E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8086-8088]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-03767]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Community Living
Administration on Aging
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB
Review; Public Comment Request; State Annual Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Report Known as the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) and
Instructions (OMB No: 0985-0005)
AGENCY: Administration for Community Living/Administration on Aging,
HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Administration for Community Living/Administration on
Aging (ACL/AoA) is announcing that the proposed collection of
information listed above has been submitted to the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance as required under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This 30-day notice collects comments
on the information collection requirements related to the Long-Term
Care Ombudsman Program (Proposed Extension with Changes of a Currently
Approved Collection (ICR Rev)).
DATES: Submit written comments on the collection of information by
March 26, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information by
fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; by email to
[email protected], Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or by mail
to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive
Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn:
OMB Desk Officer for ACL.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Louise Ryan, telephone: (206) 615-
2514; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In compliance with 44 U.S.C. 3507, ACL/AoA
has submitted the following proposed collection of information to OMB
for review and clearance.
States provide the following data and narrative information in the
report:
1. Numbers and descriptions of cases filed and complaints made on
behalf of long-term care facility residents to the statewide ombudsman
program;
2. Major issues identified that impact the quality of care and life
of long-term care facility residents;
3. Statewide program operations; and
4. Ombudsman activities in addition to complaint investigation.
[[Page 8087]]
The report form and instructions have been in continuous use, with
minor modifications, since they were first approved by OMB for the FY
1995 reporting period. This current request is for a Revision of a
Currently Approved Collection (ICR Rev) to acquire new approval for a
revised modification of instruction and data collection elements for
FFY 2019-2021.
The data collected on complaints filed with ombudsman programs and
narrative on long-term care issues provide information to the Centers
for Medicare and Medicaid Services and others on patterns of concerns
and major long-term care issues affecting residents of long-term care
facilities. Both the complaint and program data collected assist the
states and local Ombudsman programs in planning strategies and
activities, providing training and technical assistance, and developing
performance measures.
Comments in Response to the 60 Day Federal Register Notice
A notice was published in the Federal Register, Vol. 81, No. 152,
Page 52438 on Monday, August 8, 2016 announcing that ACL/AoA was
requesting comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL/AoA's
functions, including whether the information will have practical
utility; (2) the accuracy of ACL/AoA's estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways
to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents,
including through the use of automated collection techniques when
appropriate, and other forms of information technology. Readers were
directed to the ACL/AoA website where the documents were posted and
provided an opportunity to comment. ACL received comments from 18
individuals and groups. Comments were received by the following groups
and individuals: National Association of State Ombudsman Programs
(NASOP); National Association of Local LTC Ombudsman (NALLTCO); one
software vendor; the California Association of Local LTC Ombudsmen; the
Consumer Voice for Quality LTC Care. Individuals included one
researcher with expertise in dementia, abuse and neglect and one local
representative of the Office of State Ombudsman. The following State
Ombudsman programs provided comment: California; Florida; Maryland; New
York; Iowa; Pennsylvania; Arizona; New Hampshire; Texas; Alaska;
Virginia. Many of the state Ombudsman comments were identical to
NASOP's comments.
In general, there were no significant comments on the proposed data
elements. Instead, comments focused on ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. These comments
were very helpful and many of the proposed edits and language
suggestions were adopted.
Concerns regarding burden included: Disagreement about the burden
hours because of changes in data collection requirements and additional
structured requirements of narrative complaint examples, systems issues
and conflicts of interest reporting. The new reporting system will
streamline these current reporting activities, allowing for flexibility
and the ability to import data from the previous year for use in the
next year, where appropriate, and will reduce overall reporting burden
for State LTC Ombudsmen. Several commenters expressed concern about
undue burden of a name change from ``board and care'' to ``residential
care community'', but did not provide a specific estimate of burden
hours. In response to their concerns the definition of residential care
was revised to eliminate any confusion about the jurisdiction of the
program with regards to the types of settings the program serves. ACL
does not believe that a change in definition and title will cause
confusion at the state and local level because there will not be a
change in state level practice. These concerns are addressed in detail
in the response to comments tables posted on the ACL website. Some
responders expressed concern about burden with a data collection item
to indicate if a complaint was a complaint on behalf of more than one
complainant, i.e., a ``group complaint'' (Table 1, code C5 on the 60
day submission). ACL removed this data element. Some commenters
expressed concerns about the cost to update and revise their reporting
systems, but the estimates of impact on data collection burden varied.
One State that has developed their own software utilizing in-house IT
services, estimates a range from 9-52 days of work for software changes
and 5-55 days to update training materials, update their in-house
reference guide, provide training, etc. Another state estimates that
the changes required will cost around $10,000. One vendor commented
that they see ``no issue'' with the proposed changes and that they are
committed to keeping all of their customers using their Ombudsman
product up to date with any NORS reporting changes. Since the comments
were not consistent in this area no changes have been made. Additional
concerns about the wording in proposed definitions and requests to add
additional data collection elements are addressed in the response to
comments tables.
Some commenters expressed concerns about training needs and time
required to adapt their software. ACL is working with the contractor
developing the reporting software to develop training modules on how to
use the new software. ACL anticipates that states will not need to
develop training materials or host training to meet the federal
reporting requirements. Training will be offered as webinars and in
person at national conferences, when possible. User support materials
and recorded webinars will also be available on the submission website.
The National Ombudsman Resource Center will develop modules on how to
interpret the new definitions and codes similar to past training. This
includes hosting webinars and providing in-person training at their
annual spring training for state LTC Ombudsmen. In addition, they will
host all tools and modules on their website. The contractor is holding
meetings with vendors and state information technology staff on the
technical requirements of the new system and will provide data
templates in various formats; and detailed crosswalks of the current
data collection to the new data collection. Despite the concerns
addressed, there was an overall positive tone to the comments. State
Ombudsman programs largely support the changes made by ACL to NORS.
They indicated they appreciate ACL's efforts to incorporate many of the
revisions previously recommended. Further, they indicated these changes
will result in more accurate and consistent reporting as well as more
precise identification of trends and the systems advocacy needed to
address common complaints.
Estimated Program Burden
In consideration of the comments, additional burden time has been
factored in to accommodate changes in data collection at the case level
resulting in an average increase of 75.6 hours per state for a total
223.6 hours annually. Despite the decrease in the number of data
elements we believe this more adequately reflects the overall burden.
This increase in burden hours also recognizes that this revision is the
most significant change to NORS data collection since its
implementation in 1995.
[[Page 8088]]
The reporting form tables and a crosswalk from the old data
collection to the new may be viewed at the ACL website: https://www.acl.gov/about-acl/public-input.
AoA estimates the burden of this collection and entering the
additional report information as follows:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Average burden
Instrument Number of responses per per response Total burden
respondents respondent (in hours) hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual State Ombudsman Report............... 52 1 223.6 11,628.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dated: February 16, 2018.
Mary Lazare,
Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging.
[FR Doc. 2018-03767 Filed 2-22-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4154-01-P
