Department of Health and Human Services 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The invention listed below is owned by an agency of the U.S. Government and is available for licensing and/or co-development in the U.S. in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR part 404 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing and/or co-development.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information (including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information) and to allow 60 days for public comment on the proposed action. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of a draft revised guidance for industry #3 entitled ``General Principles for Evaluating the Human Food Safety of New Animal Drugs Used in Food-Producing Animals.'' This draft revised guidance describes the type of information that FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) recommends sponsors provide to address the human food safety of new animal drugs used in food-producing animals.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is confirming the effective date of August 17, 2016, for the direct final rule that appeared in the Federal Register of April 4, 2016. The direct final rule amends the regulations describing lesser administrative actions that may be imposed on an Institutional Review Board (IRB) that has failed to comply with applicable regulations. We are taking this action to ensure clarity and improve the accuracy of the regulations. This document confirms the effective date of the direct final rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the renewal of the Science Board to the Food and Drug Administration by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (the Commissioner). The Commissioner has determined that it is in the public interest to renew the Science Board to the Food and Drug Administration for an additional 2 years beyond the charter expiration date. The new charter will be in effect until June 26, 2018.

This document corrects a technical error that appeared in the final rule published in the May 6, 2016 Federal Register (81 FR 27498 through 27901) entitled, ``Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Programs; Medicaid Managed Care, CHIP Delivered in Managed Care, and Revisions Related to Third Party Liability.'' The effective date for the rule was July 5, 2016.

Pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 300u and 42 U.S.C. 237a (Sec. 3509 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), notice is given that the Office on Women's Health (OWH) is soliciting proposals from entities and organizations for the opportunity to sustain the implementation of the Know The Facts First public health awareness and education campaign.

In compliance with section 3507(a)(1)(D) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Secretary (OS), Department of Health and Human Services, has submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The ICR is for renewal of the approved information collection assigned OMB control number 0937-0025, scheduled to expire on November 30, 2016. Comments submitted during the first public review of this ICR will be provided to OMB. OMB will accept further comments from the public on this ICR during the review and approval period.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS' intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

In compliance with the requirement for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects (Section 3506(c) (2) (A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announces plans to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR), described below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prior to submitting the ICR to OMB, HRSA seeks comments from the public regarding the burden estimate, below, or any other aspect of the ICR.

HHS gives notice concerning the final effect of the HHS decision to designate a class of employees from the Idaho National Laboratory in Scoville, Idaho, as an addition to the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the collection of information related to certain regulations that provide protection for human subjects of clinical investigations conducted in support of applications or submissions to FDA for FDA-regulated products. The regulations provide protection of the rights, safety, and welfare of human subjects involved in research activities within FDA's jurisdiction.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of guidances for industry entitled ``E2C(R2) Periodic Benefit-Risk Evaluation'' (E2C(R2) guidance) and ``E2C(R2) Periodic Benefit-Risk Evaluation ReportQuestions and Answers'' (E2C(R2) Q&A guidance). These guidances were prepared under the auspices of the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH), formerly the International Conference on Harmonisation. The E2C(R2) draft guidance, issued April 11, 2012, updated and combined two ICH guidances, ``E2C Clinical Safety Data Management: Periodic Safety Update Reports for Marketed Drugs'' (E2C guidance) and ``Addendum to E2C Clinical Safety Data Management: Periodic Safety Update Reports for Marketed Drugs'' (addendum to the E2C guidance). The E2C(R2) guidance is intended to describe the format, content, and timing of a Periodic Benefit-Risk Evaluation Report (PBRER) for an approved drug or biologic, and it finalizes the draft guidance. The E2C(R2) Q&A guidance is a supplementary guidance that is intended to clarify key issues in the E2C(R2) guidance.

In compliance with section 3507(a)(1)(D) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has submitted an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. Comments submitted during the first public review of this ICR will be provided to OMB. OMB will accept further comments from the public during the review and approval period.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing that the proposed collection of information listed below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is amending certain regulations pertaining to registration and process filings related to acidified foods and thermally processed low-acid foods packaged in hermetically sealed containers (historically referred to as ``low-acid canned foods'' or ``LACF''). The amendments reflect new FDA process filing form numbers, make changes to addresses or locations where such forms can be found or must be sent, remove obsolete references to the effective dates that occurred years ago, and update a reference to another Federal Agency.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the following public workshop entitled ``Refurbishing, Reconditioning, Rebuilding, Remarketing, Remanufacturing, and Servicing of Medical Devices Performed by Third-Party Entities and Original Equipment Manufacturers.'' The topics to be discussed are the current regulatory environment for these activities, the definitions of the various terms FDA proposed in the prior Federal Register notice on this subject, and whether these activities should appropriately be regulated by FDA or a non-governmental organization.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as part of its continuing efforts to reduce public burden and maximize the utility of government information, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites comment on ``Monitoring Changes in Attitudes and Practices among Family Planning Providers and Clinics,'' a survey to assess dissemination and use of guidance documents about the use of contraceptives and the delivery of quality family planning services.

In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a), the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within HHS' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is establishing five new systems of records: 09-80-0321 ORR Division of Children's Services Records; 09-80-0325 ORR Internet Refugee Arrivals Data System (iRADS); 09-80-0327 ORR Repatriation Program Records; 09- 80-0329 ORR Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Records; and 09-80-0388 ORR Refugee Suicide Database. ORR is deleting one system of records, 09-60- 0217 ORR Cuban Refugee Data System, which is being replaced by the new iRADS system of records. Four of the five new systems of records are ``mixed,'' in that they contain records pertaining to both U.S. persons (i.e., individuals who are citizens of the United States or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States) and non-U.S. persons. The Privacy Act applies only to U.S. persons (citizens of the United States or aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States). As a matter of discretion, ORR will treat information that it maintains in its mixed systems of records as being subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act, regardless of whether the information relates to U.S. persons covered by the Privacy Act. This policy implements a 1975 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recommendation to apply, as a matter of policy, the administrative provisions of the Privacy Act to records about non-U.S. persons in mixed systems of records (referred to as the non-U.S. persons policy).

This document corrects a typographical error that appeared in the final rule published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2016, entitled ``Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities.''

In accordance with Section 743 of Division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is publishing this notice to advise the public of the availability of its FY 2015 Service Contract Inventory. This inventory provides information on service contract actions over $25,000 that was awarded in FY 2015. The information is organized by function to show how contracted resources are distributed throughout the agency. The inventory has been developed in accordance with guidance issued on November 5, 2010 and December 19, 2011 by the Office of Management and Budget's Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP). OFPP's guidance is available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/ sites/default/files/omb/procurement/memo/service-contract-inv entories- guidance-11052010.pdf. HHS has posted its inventory and a summary of the inventory on the HHS homepage at the following link: https:// www.hhs.gov/grants/contracts/get-ready-to-do-business/service -contract- inventory/.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is requesting nominations to fill vacancies on the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME). COGME is authorized by Section 762 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act (42 U.S.C. 294o), as amended. The Advisory Council is governed by the provisions of the Federal Advisory Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), as amended, which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory committees, and applies to the extent that the provisions of FACA do not conflict with the requirements of PHS Act Section 762.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of the draft guidance entitled ``Principles for Codevelopment of an In Vitro Companion Diagnostic Device with a Therapeutic Product.'' This draft guidance is intended to be a practical guide to assist therapeutic product sponsors and in vitro diagnostic device (IVD) sponsors in developing a therapeutic product with an accompanying IVD companion diagnostic, a process referred to as codevelopment. This draft guidance is also intended to assist FDA staff participating in the review of such IVD companion diagnostics or their associated therapeutic products. This draft guidance is not final nor is it in effect at this time.

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. Written comments and/or suggestions from the public and affected agencies are invited to address one or more of the following points: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. To Submit Comments and for Further Information: To obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, submit comments in writing, or request more information on the proposed project, contact: Kalina Duncan, Program Director, Center for Global Health, 9609 Medical Center Drive, 3W258, Rockville, MD 20850 or call non-toll-free number (240) 276-5804 or Email your request, including your address to: kalina.duncan@nih.gov. Formal requests for additional plans and instruments must be requested in writing. Comment Due Date: Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 60 days of the date of this publication. Proposed Collection: The Study of the Global Cancer Project Map, 0925-NEW, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Need and Use of Information Collection: This is a new information collection request for the Study of the Global Cancer Project Map (GCPM) for three years. Information will be collected from health care professionals and researchers in an effort to catalog international efforts related to cancer research, care, and outreach by integrating cancer control program and research project information from various organizations worldwide. The Global Cancer Project Map (GCPM) is a new, interactive, web- based tool that enables healthcare professionals and researchers to make informed decisions, initiate partnerships, and develop ideas for collaborations in cancer control. Its features allow people to (1) search for collaborators and projects by cancer type, project type, and country; (2) visualize information pertinent to each project on an interactive world map; (3) initiate contact with principal investigators and program directors; and (4) overlay heat maps of epidemiological measures that provide a representation of the burden of cancer by country. The primary goals of GCPM are to facilitate the building of collaborations across organizations; accelerate progress, ensure a balanced investment of resources, and align global cancer care and control efforts; and continue data collection from national and international organizations to develop the Map as a resource to view and better understand international efforts in cancer research and control. OMB approval is requested for 3 years. There are no costs to respondents other than their time. The total estimated annualized burden hours are 167.

This major proposed rule addresses changes to the physician fee schedule and other Medicare Part B payment policies, such as changes to the Value Modifier, to ensure that our payment systems are updated to reflect changes in medical practice and the relative value of services, as well as changes in the statute. This proposed rule also includes proposals related to the Medicare Shared Saving Program, and the release of certain pricing data from Medicare Advantage bids and medical loss ratio reports from Medicare health and drug plans. In addition, this rule proposes to expand the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program model.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is amending the Agency's regulations by removing certain regulations that include obsolete references. FDA is taking this action to improve the accuracy of the regulations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) has determined that PARAFON FORTE DSC (chlorzoxazone) tablets, 500 milligrams (mg), were not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness. This determination means that FDA will not begin procedures to withdraw approval of abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) that refer to this drug product, and this determination will allow FDA to continue to approve ANDAs for chlorzoxane tablets, 500 mg, if all other legal and regulatory requirements are met.

This document amends the notice published in Federal Register, Friday July 8, 2016, volume 81, pages 44639-44640. This notice updates and extends the submission period to August 8, 2016, limits an investigator or co-investigator to one submission and adds prize details. The ``Use of Blockchain in Health IT and Health-related Research'' Ideation Challenge solicits white papers on the topic of Blockchain Technology and the potential use in Health IT to address privacy, security and scalability challenges of managing electronic health record and resources. Up to 15 winners will be awarded a cash prize and up to 8 winners may be invited to present their papers at an upcoming industry-wide workshop co-hosted with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The statutory authority for this Challenge is section 105 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-358).

This proposed rule would revise the Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS) and the Medicare ambulatory surgical center (ASC) payment system for CY 2017 to implement applicable statutory requirements and changes arising from our continuing experience with these systems. In this proposed rule, we describe the proposed changes to the amounts and factors used to determine the payment rates for Medicare services paid under the OPPS and those paid under the ASC payment system. In addition, this proposed rule would update and refine the requirements for the Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting (OQR) Program and the ASC Quality Reporting (ASCQR) Program. Further, in this proposed rule, we are proposing to make changes to tolerance thresholds for clinical outcomes for solid organ transplant programs; to Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) definitions, outcome measures, and organ transport documentation; and to the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs. We also are proposing to remove the HCAHPS Pain Management dimension from the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program. In addition, we are proposing to implement section 603 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 relating to payment for certain items and services furnished by certain off-campus outpatient departments of a provider.

The Diabetes Mellitus Interagency Coordinating Committee (DMICC) will hold a meeting on August 3, 2016. The subject of the meeting will be ``An Update on the National Diabetes Prevention Program.'' The meeting is open to the public.

This notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposes changes to the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) adoption of the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (``Uniform Administrative Requirements'') published on December 19, 2014 (79 FR 75871) and the technical amendments published by HHS on January 20, 2016 (81 FR 3004). HHS codified the OMB language, with noted modifications as explained in the preamble to the December promulgation, in 45 CFR part 75. The HHS-specific modifications to the Uniform Administrative Requirements adopted prior regulatory language that was not in conflict with OMB's language, and provided additional guidance to the regulated community. Unlike all of the other modifications to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, these proposed changes, although based on existing law or HHS policy, were not previously codified in regulation. This NPRM seeks comments on these important proposed regulatory changes.

In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. Written comments and/or suggestions from the public and affected agencies are invited to address one or more of the following points: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. To Submit Comments and for Further Information: To obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, submit comments in writing, or request more information on the proposed project, contact*: Ms. Diana Finegold, Office of Communications and Public Liaison, NINR, NIH, Building 31, Suite 5B03, 31 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, or call non-toll-free number (301) 496-0209, or Email your request, including your address to: Diana.Finegold@nih.gov. Formal requests for additional plans and instruments must be requested in writing. Comment Due Date: Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 60 days of the date of this publication. Proposed Collection: Palliative Care: Conversations Matter[supreg] Phase Two Evaluation, 0925-NEW, National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Need and Use of Information Collection: The NINR Palliative Care: Conversations Matter[supreg] initiative, which launched in FY 2014, is now in its second phase. The first phase was focused on providing materials and tools to assist health care providers in having sometimes difficult conversations with children and families about palliative care. The second phase of the campaign, launched in FY 2015, focuses on children, parents, and families. The Palliative Care: Conversations Matter[supreg] Phase Two evaluation will assess the information and materials being disseminated to children, parents, and families. Survey findings will help (1) determine if the campaign is effective, relevant, and useful to the families and caregivers of children living with serious illnesses; (2) to better understand the information needs of families and caregivers to inform future campaign efforts; and (3) examine how effective the campaign materials are in providing families and caregivers with information on palliative care. OMB approval is requested for 3 years. There are no costs to respondents other than their time. The total estimated annualized burden hours are 400 hours.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as part of its continuing efforts to reduce public burden and maximize the utility of government information, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice invites comment on ``Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Use in U.S. Hospitals.'' This data collection will provide information on the burden and types of healthcare-associated infections, including infections due to antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, and antimicrobial drugs in U.S. short-term acute care hospitals.

As stipulated by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is hereby giving notice that the National Preparedness and Response Science Board (NPRSB) will be holding a public teleconference.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or the Agency) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ``Compounded Drug Products That Are Essentially Copies of a Commercially Available Drug Product Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.'' To qualify for exemptions under section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act), a drug product must be compounded by a licensed pharmacist or physician who does not compound regularly or in inordinate amounts any drug products that are essentially copies of a commercially available drug product. This guidance sets forth FDA policies regarding this provision of section 503A, including the terms ``commercially available,'' ``essentially a copy of a commercially available drug,'' and ``regularly or in inordinate amounts.''

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the collection of information relating to general licensing provisions for biologics license applications (BLAs), changes to an approved application, labeling, revocation and suspension, postmarketing studies status reports, and Form FDA 356h.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of the guidance entitled ``Information to Support a Claim of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) of Electrically-Powered Medical Device.'' This guidance describes the types of information that should be provided to support a claim of EMC in a premarket submission for an electrically powered medical device. Electromagnetic disturbance is electronic product radiation that may interfere with the performance of an electrically powered medical device in its intended environment (i.e., cause an electromagnetic interference (EMI)). EMC assessment helps to ensure that a device is able to function in its intended environment without introducing excessive electromagnetic disturbances that might interfere with other devices.

Pursuant to 29 U.S.C. 671, notice is given that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is soliciting proposals for entities and organizations to host and maintain the Buy Quiet Web Tool and the Database of Noise Levels for Machinery and Power Tools through a non-exclusive license. This web tool and database are intended to provide guidance regarding the Buy Quiet program and provide information on how to adopt a Buy Quiet program as well as provide information about machinery and equipment noise levels. It is the goal of these online resources to inform at-risk individuals and their organizations about occupational noise exposures and practical ways to reduce noise-induced hearing loss. NIOSH will grant a non- exclusive license for the maintenance and hosting of the web tools. The preferred qualifications of the grantee organization are detailed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which requires 30 days for public comment on proposed information collection projects, the Indian Health Service (IHS) is submitting to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for an extension of a previously approved collection of information titled, ``Indian Health Service Medical Staff Credentials and Privileges Files,'' OMB Control Number 0917-0009, which expires August 31, 2016. This proposed information collection project was previously published in the Federal Register (81 FR 23318) on April 20, 2016, and allowed 60 days for public comment. The IHS received no public comments regarding this collection. The purpose of this notice is to allow 30 days for public comment to be submitted directly to OMB. Proposed Collection: Title: 0917-0009, ``Indian Health Service Medical Staff Credentials and Privileges Files.'' Type of Information Collection Request: Extension, without revision, of currently approved information collection, 0917-0009, ``Indian Health Service Medical Staff Credentials and Privileges Files.'' Form Numbers: 0917-0009. Need and Use of Information Collection: This collection of information is used to evaluate individual health care providers applying for medical staff privileges at IHS health care facilities. The IHS operates health care facilities that provide health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. To provide these services, the IHS employs (directly and under contract) several categories of health care providers including: Physicians (M.D. and D.O.), dentists, psychologists, optometrists, podiatrists, audiologists, physician assistants, certified registered nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives. IHS policy specifically requires physicians and dentists to be members of the health care facility medical staff where they practice. Health care providers become medical staff members, depending on the local health care facility's capabilities and medical staff bylaws. There are three types of IHS medical staff applicants: (1) Health care providers applying for direct employment with IHS; (2) contractors who will not seek to become IHS employees; and (3) employed IHS health care providers who seek to transfer between IHS health care facilities. National health care standards developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Joint Commission, and other accrediting organizations require health care facilities to review, evaluate and verify the credentials, training and experience of medical staff applicants prior to granting medical staff privileges. In order to meet these standards, IHS health care facilities require all medical staff applicants to provide information concerning their education, training, licensure, and work experience and any adverse disciplinary actions taken against them. This information is then verified with references supplied by the applicant and may include: Former employers, educational institutions, licensure and certification boards, the American Medical Association, the Federation of State Medical Boards, the National Practitioner Data Bank, and the applicants themselves. In addition to the initial granting of medical staff membership and clinical privileges, the Joint Commission standards require that a review of the medical staff be conducted not less than every two years. This review evaluates the current competence of the medical staff and verifies whether they are maintaining the licensure or certification requirements of their specialty. The medical staff credentials and privileges records are maintained at the health care facility where the health care provider is a medical staff member. The establishment of these records at IHS health care facilities is a Joint Commission requirement. Prior to the establishment of this Joint Commission requirement, the degree to which medical staff applications were maintained at all health care facilities in the United States that are verified for completeness and accuracy varied greatly across the Nation. The application process has been streamlined and is using information technology to make the application electronically available on the Internet. The application may be found at the IHS.gov Web site address: https://www.ihs.gov/IHM/ index.cfm?module=dsp_ihm_pc_p3c1_ex#ManualExhibit3-1-A. Affected Public: Individuals and households. Type of Respondents: Individuals. The table below provides: Types of data collection instruments, Estimated number of respondents, Number of annual number of responses, Average burden per response, and Total annual burden hours.

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. Written comments and/or suggestions from the public and affected agencies are invited on one or more of the following points: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of the agency'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 those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. To Submit Comments and for Further Information: To obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, submit comments in writing, or request more information on the proposed project, contact: Dr. Sophia Jeon, Health Science Policy Analyst, Office of Science Policy and Planning (OSPP), NINDS, NIH, 31 Center Drive, Building 31, Room 8A03, Bethesda, MD 20892, or call non-toll-free number (301) 435-7571, or Email your request, including your address to: sophia.jeon@nih.gov Formal requests for additional plans and instruments must be requested in writing. Comment Due Date: Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 60 days of the date of this publication. Proposed Collection: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Federal Interagency Traumatic Brain Injury Research (FITBIR) Data Access Request, 0925-0677, Expiration Date 08/31/2016 Reinstatement without change, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). Need and Use of Information Collection: The FITBIR Informatics System Data Access Request form is necessary for ``Recipient'' Principal Investigators and their organization or corporations with approved assurance from the DHHS Office of Human Research Protections to access data or images from the FITBIR Informatics System for research purposes. The primary use of this information is to document, track, monitor, and evaluate the use of the FITBIR datasets, as well as to notify interested recipients of updates, corrections or other changes to the database. Type of respondents affected by this information collection are researchers, such as Principal Investigators (PI), who are interested in obtaining access to study data and images from the FITBIR Informatics System for research purposes. There are two scenarios for completing the form. The first is where the Principal Investigator (PI) completes the entire FITBIR Informatics System Data Access Request form, and the second where the PI has the Research Assistant begins filling out the form and PI provides the final reviews and signs it. The estimated annual burden hours to complete the data request form are listed below. OMB approval reinstatement is requested for 3 years. The total estimated annualized burden hours are 63.

Under the provisions of section 3507(a)(1)(D) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Division of Loan Repayment (DLR), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request to review and approve the information collection listed below. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on February 19, 2016, and page numbers 8514-8516, and allowed 60 days for public comment. No public comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment. The NIH may not conduct or sponsor, and the respondent is not required to respond to, an information collection that has been extended, revised, or implemented on or after October 1, 1995, unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Direct Comments to OMB: Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the item(s) contained in this notice, especially regarding the estimated public burden and associated response time, should be directed to the: Office of Management and Budget, Office of Regulatory Affairs, OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov or by fax to 202-395-6974, Attention: NIH Desk Officer. Comment Due Date: Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received within 30 days of the date of this publication.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of the draft guidance entitled ``Use of Standards in FDA Regulatory Oversight of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)-Based In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs) Used for Diagnosing Germline Diseases.'' As part of the White House's Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI),\1\ FDA is issuing this draft guidance to provide FDA's proposed approach on the content and possible use of standards in providing oversight for targeted and whole exome human DNA sequencing (WES) NGS-based tests intended to aid in the diagnosis of individuals with suspected germline diseases or other conditions. This document provides recommendations for designing, developing, and validating NGS-based tests for germline diseases, and also discusses possible use of FDA-recognized standards for regulatory oversight of these tests. These recommendations are based on FDA's understanding of the tools and processes needed to run an NGS-based test along with the design and analytical validation considerations appropriate for such tests. This draft guidance is not final nor is it in effect at this time.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the issuance of an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) (the Authorization) for an in vitro diagnostic device for detection of the Zika virus in response to the Zika virus outbreak in the Americas. FDA issued this Authorization under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act), as requested by Hologic, Inc. The Authorization contains, among other things, conditions on the emergency use of the authorized in vitro diagnostic device. The Authorization follows the February 26, 2016, determination by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) that there is a significant potential for a public health emergency that has a significant potential to affect national security or the health and security of U.S. citizens living abroad and that involves Zika virus. On the basis of such determination, the Secretary of HHS declared on February 26, 2016, that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection of Zika virus and/or diagnosis of Zika virus infection, subject to the terms of any authorization issued under the FD&C Act. The Authorization, which includes an explanation of the reasons for issuance, is reprinted in this document.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal Agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information collection associated with medical devices third-party review under the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act.

This final rule increases access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine and the combination buprenorphine/ naloxone (hereinafter referred to as buprenorphine) in the office-based setting as authorized under the United States Code. Section 303(g)(2) of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) allows individual practitioners to dispense or prescribe Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Section 303(g)(2)(B)(iii) of the CSA allows qualified practitioners who file an initial notification of intent (NOI) to treat a maximum of 30 patients at a time. After 1 year, the practitioner may file a second NOI indicating his/her intent to treat up to 100 patients at a time. This final rule will expand access to MAT by allowing eligible practitioners to request approval to treat up to 275 patients under section 303(g)(2) of the CSA. The final rule also includes requirements to ensure that patients receive the full array of services that comprise evidence-based MAT and minimize the risk that the medications provided for treatment are misused or diverted.

Deaths from drug overdose have risen steadily over the past two decades and have become the leading cause of injury death in the United States. Prescription drugs, especially opioid analgesicsa class of prescription drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and methadone used to treat both acute and chronic painhave been increasingly implicated in drug overdose deaths over the last decade. Alarmingly, deaths related to opioid analgesic overdose have quadrupled since 1999, and this increase in deaths has been linked to parallel increases in opioid prescribing. As part of its comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic, HHS is actively working to stem overprescribing of opioids in a number of ways, including by providing clinicians with the tools and education they need to make informed prescribing decisions. In particular, HHS has developed a number of activities that support opioid analgesic prescriber education. This Request for Information (RFI) seeks comment on the most promising approaches in prescriber education and training programs and effective ways to leverage HHS programs to implement/expand them.

This final rule implements requirements under Section 105 of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 that expand how qualified entities may use and disclose data under the qualified entity program to the extent consistent with applicable program requirements and other applicable laws, including information, privacy, security and disclosure laws. This rule also explains how qualified entities may create non-public analyses and provide or sell such analyses to authorized users, as well as how qualified entities may provide or sell combined data, or provide Medicare claims data alone at no cost, to certain authorized users. In addition, this rule implements certain privacy and security requirements, and imposes assessments on qualified entities if the qualified entity or the authorized user violates the terms of a data use agreement required by the qualified entity program.

The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) announces the opportunity for non-federal public and private sector entities to co- sponsor OHRP Educational Workshops. Potential co-sponsors must have an approved Federal-wide Assurance with OHRP, be recipients of HHS grants for human subject research, and have a demonstrated interest and experience in the protection of human subjects in research. Potential co-sponsors must be willing to participate substantively in the co- sponsored activity.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces the availability of the following publication: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Quality Assurance Review of B Readers' Classifications Submitted in the Department of Labor (DOL) Black Lung Benefits Program.

The invention listed below is co-owned by an agency of the U.S. Government and is available for licensing and/or co-development in the U.S. in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR part 404 to achieve expeditious commercialization of results of federally-funded research and development. Foreign patent applications are filed on selected inventions to extend market coverage for companies and may also be available for licensing and/or co-development.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing the award of supplemental funding for the National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) that was included in the 2016 Congressional budget appropriations. The National Paralysis Resource Center is operated by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which offers important programmatic opportunities for persons with disabilities and older adults. The PRC provides comprehensive information for people living with spinal cord injury, paralysis, and mobility-related disabilities and their families. Resources include information and referral by phone and email in multiple languages including English and Spanish; a peer and family support mentoring program; a military and veterans program; multicultural outreach services; free lending library; quality of life grants; and a national Web site. Program Name: National Paralysis Resource Center. Award Amount: $976,580. Award Type: Cooperative Agreement.

The World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program conducted a review of published, peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies regarding potential evidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute traumatic injury among individuals who were responders to or survivors of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The Administrator of the WTC Health Program (Administrator) found that these studies provide substantial evidence to support a causal association between each of these health conditions and 9/11 exposures. As a result, the Administrator is publishing a final rule to add both new-onset COPD and WTC-related acute traumatic injury to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions eligible for treatment coverage in the WTC Health Program.

This proposed rule would revise the procedures that the Department of Health and Human Services would follow at the Administrative Law Judge level for appeals of payment and coverage determinations for items and services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries, enrollees in Medicare Advantage and other Medicare competitive health plans, and enrollees in Medicare prescription drug plans, as well as appeals of Medicare beneficiary enrollment and entitlement determinations, and certain Medicare premium appeals. In addition, this proposed rule would revise procedures that the Department of Health and Human Services would follow at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Medicare Appeals Council (Council) levels of appeal for certain matters affecting the Administrative Law Judge level.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of a draft guidance for industry entitled ``Elemental Impurities in Drug Products.'' This draft guidance provides recommendations regarding the control of elemental impurities of human drug products marketed in the United States consistent with implementation of International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidance for industry ``Q3D Elemental Impurities.'' This draft guidance will also assist manufacturers of compendial drug products in responding to the issuance of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) requirement for the control of elemental impurities.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, the Agency, or we) is proposing to establish requirements for the electronic filing of entries of FDA-regulated products in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) or any other electronic data interchange (EDI) system authorized by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP), in order for the filing to be processed by CBP and to help FDA in determining admissibility of that product. ACE is a commercial trade processing system operated by CBP that is designed to implement the International Trade Data System (ITDS), automate import and export processing, enhance border security, foster U.S. economic security through lawful international trade and policy, and to replace the Automated Commercial System (ACS). FDA is a Partner Government Agency (PGA) in the initiative to establish ITDS, the ``single window'' for the submission of import and export data to the United States Government. The proposed rule would also update certain sections of FDA regulations related to imports. This rule, as proposed, does not affect the ability of filers to continue to submit their import entries and entry summaries by paper for FDA-regulated products that are being imported or offered for import. Once finalized, this action will facilitate effective and efficient admissibility review by the Agency and protect public health by allowing FDA to focus its limited resources on those FDA-regulated products being imported or offered for import that may be associated with a greater public health risk.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of a document entitled ``Early Clinical Trials With Live Biotherapeutic Products: Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control Information; Guidance for Industry.'' The guidance document provides investigational new drug application (IND) sponsors with recommendations regarding IND submissions for early clinical trials with live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) in the United States. The guidance announced in this notice updates the guidance of the same title dated February 2012 (February 2012 guidance) by addressing when the label on the commercially available products(s) would be considered adequate to satisfy the purpose of the chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) information requirements.