Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Eisenberg Center Voluntary Customer Survey Generic Clearance for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Standardizing Antibiotic Use in Long-Term Care Settings SAUL) Study.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces a meeting to discuss the technical specifications for AHRQ's common definitions and reporting formats (Common Formats) Version 1.1 that allow for reporting of patient safety information to Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs). The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005, 42 U.S.C. 299b-21 to b-26, (Patient Safety Act) provides for the formation of PSOs, which collect, aggregate, and analyze confidential information regarding the quality and safety of healthcare delivery. The Patient Safety Act (at 42 U.S.C. 299b-23) authorizes the collection of this information in a standardized manner, as explained in 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 70731- 70814. As authorized by the Secretary of HHS, AHRQ coordinates the development of the Common Formats that allow healthcare providers to voluntarily collect and submit standardized information regarding patient safety events. More information on the Common Formats Version 1.1, including the technical specifications, can be obtained through AHRQ's PSO Web site: https://www.PSO.AHRQ.gov/.

The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005, 42 U.S.C. 299b-21 to b-26, (Patient Safety Act) provides for the formation of Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs), which collect, aggregate, and analyze confidential information regarding the quality and safety of healthcare delivery. The Patient Safety Act (at 42 U.S.C. 299b-23) authorizes the collection of this information in a standardized manner, as explained in 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 70731-70814. As authorized by the Secretary of HHS, AHRQ coordinates the development of a set of common definitions and reporting formats (Common Formats) that allow healthcare providers to voluntarily collect and submit standardized information regarding patient safety events. The purpose of this notice is to announce the availability of the expanded and enhanced Common Formats Version 1.1including updated event descriptions, reports, data elements, and technical specifications for software developers and the process for their continued refinement.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Reductions of Infection Caused by Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (KPC) Producing Organisms through the Application of Recently Developed CDC/HICPAC Recommendations.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Development and Evaluation of AIIRQ's Quality Indicators Improvement Toolkit.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces a meeting to identify measurement criteria for use in carrying out the Pediatric Quality Measures Program (PQMP) under Section 1139A(b) of the Social Security Act as enacted in the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA).

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Evaluation of the GuideLines Into Decision Support (GLIDES).'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Collection of Information for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) Health Plan Survey Comparative Database.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

The Department of Health and Human Services announces its intention to support new CER projects with funds allocated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The ARRA appropriated $400 million to the Office of the Secretary for support of CER. AHRQ has been designated point of contact for management of these funds.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Spreading Techniques to Radically Reduce Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA).'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 350 1-3520, AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2, this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (0MB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Household Component and the MEPS Medical Provider Component through 2012.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

AHRQ is announcing the availability of a document entitled: ``Patient Safety Organizations: A Compliance Self-Assessment Guide.'' The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005, Public Law 109- 41, 42 U.S.C. 299-b21b-26 (Patient Safety Act) provides for the formation of Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs), which collect, aggregate, and analyze confidential information regarding the quality and safety of healthcare delivery. The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Final Rule (Patient Safety Rule) (42 CFR part 3) 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; and request additional information and conduct reviews (including announced or unannounced site visits) to assess PSO compliance. To assist PSOs in making the required attestations and preparing for a compliance review, AHRQ developed the sample questions in this guide to encourage each PSO to take a thorough and systematic approach to compliance. The guide recognizes that each PSO's approach to compliance may be different based upon the specific mission it has chosen, the specific activities and expertise it offers to healthcare providers, and its size and mode of operation. Thus, these questions are merely illustrative; some questions will not be applicable or even appropriate for every PSO. The guide does not establish new standards or requirements beyond those that are established by the Patient Safety Rule.

The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005, 42 U.S.C. 299b-21 to b-26 (Patient Safety Act), provides for the formation of Patient Safety Organizations (PSOs), which collect, aggregate, and analyze confidential information regarding the quality and safety of healthcare delivery. The Patient Safety Act (at 42 U.S.C. 299b-23) authorizes the collection of this information in a standardized manner, as explained in 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 70731-70814. As authorized by the Secretary of HHS, AHRQ coordinates the development of a set of common definitions and reporting formats (Common Formats) that allow healthcare providers to voluntarily collect and submit standardized information regarding patient safety events. The initial release of the formats, Version 0.1 Beta, was announced in the Federal Register on August 29, 2008: 73 FR 50974-50976. The purpose of this notice is to announce the availability of the expanded and enhanced Common Formats Version 1.0 and the process for their continued development and refinement.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Health IT Community Tracking Study 2009.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality Subcommittee on Quality Measures for Children's Healthcare in Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP).

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Study of Factors Influencing Consumer Choices Among Health Plans and Clinicians.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on September 3rd, 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment. This notice differs from the 60 day notice in the following ways: (1) The number of responses has been decreased from 6,000 to 4,950, (2) the burden hours are decreased from 838 to 709, and (3) the descriptions of each experimental arm in the sections: Clinician Choice Experimental Design and Health Plan Choice Experimental Design were removed.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection under the project: ``Evaluation of AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality Subcommittee on Quality Measures for Children's Healthcare in Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP).

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Building an Implementation Toolset for E-Prescribing.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2, this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``2010-2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Insurance Component.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Coordinating Care across Primary Care and Specialty Care Practices.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Household Component and the MEPS Medical Provider Component Through 2012.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Building an Implementation Toolset for E-Prescribing.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

In accordance with Title IX of the Public Health Service Act, the authorizing legislation for AHRQ and its grant and contract regulations pertaining to Peer Review of Grant and Contracts 42 CFR Part 67, applications submitted to the AHRQ will be evaluated using the AHRQ peer review process to ensure a fair, equitable, and unbiased evaluation of their scientific and technical merit. The initial peer review of grant applications involves an assessment conducted by panels of experts established to include pertinent scientific disciplines and medical specialty areas. The confidential part of the peer review meetings devoted to critical evaluations will be closed meetings in accordance with section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act as amended (5 U.S.C., Appendix 2).

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``CAHPS Field Test of Proposed Health Information Technology Questions and Methodology.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Improving Patient Flow and Reducing Emergency Department Crowding.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on January 15th, 2009 and allowed 60 days for public comment. One comment was received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Coordinating Care across Primary Care and Specialty Care Practices.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Colorado Regional Health Information Exchange (CORHIO) Point of Care Exchange System Evaluation: Point of Care Questionnaires and Focus Groups.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on December 1st, 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Evaluation of Phase I Demonstrations of the Pharmacy Quality Alliance.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Assessing Organizational Responses to AHRQ's Health Literacy Pharmacy Tools.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invitesthe public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Improving Patient Flow and Reducing Emergency Department Crowding.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project: ``Establishing Benchmarks for the Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on September 19th, 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. One comment was received. This notice differs from the previous notice in that the number of respondents was increased by 150 respondents and the burden hours were reduced by 1,488 hours. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Colorado Regional Health Information Exchange (CORHIO) Point of Care Exchange System Evaluation: Point of Care Questionnaires and Focus Groups.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Conducting Measurement Activities in Support of the AHRQ Health IT Initiative.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on September 19th, 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``AHRQ Healthcare Innovations Exchange Innovator Interview and AHRQ Healthcare Innovations Exchange Innovator E-mail Submission Guidelines.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on August 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. One comment was received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

AHRQ and OCR are announcing the availability of the guidance entitled ``Implementing the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 Including How to Become a Patient Safety Organization.'' The Interim Guidance document explains how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will begin implementing the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2005 (Patient Safety Act), how an entity can become a Patient Safety Organization (PSO), and how information may be protected as Patient Safety Work Product (PSWP) in the interim period prior to the promulgation of a final regulation. To access the Interim Guidance, visit AHRQ's PSO Web site at https://www.pso.ahrq.gov.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``National Study of the Hospital Adverse Event Reporting Follow-Up Survey.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506()(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on July 24th, 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment. Changes were made to this 30 day notice to account for the electronic patient records review which were not accounted for in the 60 day notice.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Conducting Measurement Activities in Support of the AHRQ Health IT Initiative.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Study of Factors Influencing Consumer Choices Among Health Plans and Clinicians.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

AHRQ is establishing a new research portfolio, the Innovations Portfolio. The Portfolio goal is to identify and support research that has the potential to accelerate improvements in the organization, delivery, and management of healthcare. AHRQ seeks ideas on priority topics and activities that should be addressed as components of the Innovations Portfolio.

In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2 10(a), this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project, ``Reducing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI): Improving patient safety through implementing multidisciplinary training.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on April 3rd, 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) invites nominations of individuals qualified to serve as members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF, a standing, independent panel of outside experts that makes evidence-based recommendations regarding the provision of clinical preventive services, is composed of members appointed to serve for four year terms with an option for reappointment. New members are selected each year to replace approximately one fourth of the USPSTF members, i.e., those who are completing their appointments. Individuals nominated but not appointed in previous years, as well as those newly nominated, are considered in the annual selection process. USPSTF members meet three times a year for two days in the Washington, DC area. Between meetings, member duties include reviewing and preparing comments (off site) on systematic evidence reviews prior to discussing and making recommendations on preventive services, drafting final recommendation documents, and participating in workgroups on specific topics or methods. AHRQ particularly encourages nominations of women, members of minority populations, and persons with disabilities. Interested individuals can self nominate. Organizations and individuals may nominate one or more persons qualified for membership on the USPSTF. Qualification Requirements: The mission of the USPSTF is to produce evidence-based recommendations on the appropriate screening, counseling, and provision of preventive medication for asymptomatic patients seen in the primary care setting. Therefore, in order to qualify for the USPSTF, an applicant or nominee must demonstrate the following: 1. Knowledge and experience in the critical evaluation of research published in peer reviewed literature and in the methods of evidence review; 2. Understanding and experience in the application of synthesized evidence to clinical decision-making and/or policy; 3. Expertise in disease prevention and health promotion; 4. Ability to work collaboratively with peers; and, 5. Clinical expertise in the primary health care of children and/or adults, and/or expertise in counseling and behavioral interventions for primary care patients. Some USPSTF members without primary health care clinical experience may be selected based on their expertise in methodological issues such as medical decision making, clinical epidemiology, behavioral medicine, and health economics. Consideration will be given to individuals who are recognized nationally for scientific leadership within their field of expertise. Applicants must have no substantial conflicts of interest that would impair the scientific integrity of the work of the USPSTF including financial, intellectual, or other conflicts.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Feasibility of secure messaging for pediatric patients with chronic disease: Pilot implementation in pediatric respiratory medicine.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on February 15th, 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: Technical Assistance for Health IT and Health Information Exchange in Medicaid and SCHIP. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on February 20th, 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Assessing the Impact of the Patient Safety Improvement Corps (PSIC) Training Program.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Assessment of the Emergency Severity Index (ESI).'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on January 22nd, 2008 and allowed 60 days for public comment. No comments were received. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Evaluation of the Effectiveness of AHRQ's Grant-Supported Research on Healthcare Costs, Productivity, and Market Forces.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on December 28th, 2007 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.

In accordance with section l0(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Director Dr. Carolyn Clancy and Office for Civil Rights Deputy Director of Health Information Privacy Susan McAndrew will host a joint audio conference February 29, 2008 from 2-3 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) to discuss the recently published proposed regulation regarding Patient Safety and Quality Improvement and statutory confidentiality protections. The purpose of this audio conference is to facilitate public understanding of the proposed regulation and rulemaking process outlined in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register February 12, 2008. To register for the audio conference, log on to https:// www.academyhealth.org/ahrq/psoaudio/.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) invites individuals and organizations to nominate primary and secondary prevention topics pertaining to clinical preventive services that they would like the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to consider for review. All topics previously reviewed by the USPSTF are available on AHRQ's Web site, https://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov. The USPSTF is an independent panel of experts that makes evidence- based recommendations regarding the provision of clinical preventive services. Clinical preventive services include screening, counseling and preventive medications associated with primary care. The USPSTF makes recommendations about preventive services for asymptomatic peoplepeople without recognized signs or symptoms of the specific conditions targeted by the preventive service. Topics can be nominated by individuals, organizations, evidence- based practice centers (EPC) and USPSTF members. The USPSTF will consider nominations in two steps. The USPSTF will first determine if the service is eligible, i.e., constitutes primary or secondary prevention applicable to healthy asymptomatic persons; is primary care feasible or referable from primary care; and addresses a condition with a substantial health burden. As a second step, within eligible topics, the USPSTF will prioritize based on the following set of criteria: public health importance (burden of suffering, potential of preventive service to reduce the burden); and potential for greatest Task Force impact (e.g., clinical controversy, practice does not reflect evidence, inappropriate timing in delivery of services).

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Improving Quality through Health IT: Testing the Feasibility and Assessing the Impact of Using Existing Health IT Infrastructure for Better Care Delivery.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project: ``Evaluation of the Effectiveness of AHRQ's Grant-Supported Research on Healthcare Costs, Productivity, and Market Forces.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve the proposed information collection project ``Voluntary Questionnaire and Data Collection Testing to Pretest Home Health Care CAHPS Questions and Methodology.'' This activity is being conducted under AHRQ's generic pre-testing clearance OMB 0935-0125. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. Sec. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the renewal of the generic information collection project: ``Voluntary Customer Surveys Generic Clearance for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2007 and allowed 60 days for public comment. No comments were received. A 30-day Federal Register notice was published on October 11th, 2007 to allow an additional 30 days for public comment. No comments were received. However, changes to the estimated annual respondent burden hours and the methodologies that will be used for the data collection require an additional 30 days for public comment.

In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality.

To support its objective of accelerating the diffusion and adoption of innovative health care delivery changes, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently launched version 1.0 of the AHRQ Health Care Innovations Exchange (HCIE) Web site, https:// www.innovations.ahrq.gov. The HCIE is a new initiative designed to support health care professionals in sharing and adopting innovations that improve health care quality. Version 1.0 of the Web site is focused on stimulating creativity and innovation and will serve as a virtual place to which innovators will be encouraged to submit their innovations and experiences from which potential adopters can begin learning about the nuances of implementation. In Spring 2008, AHRQ will deploy version 2.0 of its Health Care Innovations Exchange site making hundreds of profiles of health care service innovations of varying degrees of novelty and scientific rigor accessible to the public. Version 2.0 will also offer expert commentary; stories; tools; lessons learned; ``change packages''sets of innovations implemented simultaneously; expanded content on implementation; and opportunities to learn and network. To build the database of innovations profiles, AHRQ invites submissions of health service innovations to its Health Care Innovations Exchange. The AHRQ Health Care Innovations Exchange database will cover the broad spectrum of health care settings, systems, and providers. Public health priority diseases/conditions, priority populations, and efforts to reduce disparities in quality will be highlighted. The AHRQ Health Care Innovations Exchange is seeking a broad range of novel health care strategies, activities, and tools. AHRQ invites participation in its Health Care Innovations Exchange by submitting descriptions of innovative efforts to improve the delivery of health care services.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) re-authorize the information collection project ``AHRQ Grants Reporting System (GRS).'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to allow the proposed information collection project: ``2008-2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Insurance Component (MEPS-IC).'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on June 28, 2007 and allowed 60 days for public comment. Public comments were received and have been addressed in the supporting statement, available upon request. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project: ``Chartering Value Exchanges for Value-driven Health Care.'' The information collection will take the form of narrative responses to semiannual Requests for Proposals to participate in a learning network of mature multi-stakeholder community health care collaboratives established to measure, report, and improve the quality and cost of available healthcare. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

The DHHS Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) invites nominations from interested organizations and knowledgeable individuals for a Stakeholder Group to support the work of the Effective Health Care Program, funded under Section 1013 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003. The goals of this program are to develop evidence on the effectiveness and comparative effectiveness of different treatments and health care interventions of importance to the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Child Health Insurance. To achieve these goals, AHRQ is supporting projects to review, synthesize, generate and translate published and unpublished scientific evidence, as well as identify important issues for which existing scientific evidence is insufficient to inform decisions about health care. This evidence will be made readily available to all heath care decision-makers. The Stakeholder Group is critical to the success of this project, providing input to the program in collaboration with the Effective Health Care Scientific Resource Center (currently based at the Oregon Evidence-based Practice Center). The role of the Stakeholder Group will be to: Provide input on critical research information gaps for practice and policy and on identifying and developing the key research questions to address these gaps. Provide input on implementation issues for Effective Heath Care program reports and findings. Define information needs and identify types of projects that will be most useful. Provide feedback from report users. Provide guidance on the program as a whole for quality improvement. Provide guidance on how the program can have more of an impact with users. Members will serve as volunteers for a two-year period from October 2007 through September 2009. Stakeholder Group members will attend 3-4 meetings per year as part of this process. Meetings will be held in Rockville, MD and Portland, Oregon. Meetings will be 1-2 days in length. The Scientific Resource Center (SRC) will make the travel arrangements. The first meeting will be held on October 26, 2007, in Rockville, MD. Members are expected to actively participate in meetings and to engage in related activities by phone and e-mail between meetings. Between-meeting work may include assisting with agenda planning and session preparation for Stakeholder meetings, consulting with SRC or AHRQ staff on constituency issues, and serving as a resource to the Effective Health Care Program. It is anticipated that the Stakeholder Group member time commitment between meetings will not exceed 10 hours. The Stakeholder Group will be composed of up to 15 members. The group will represent several broad constituencies of stakeholders and decision-makers at the policy, system, and clinical levels, which will include: Third party healthcare payers (including, but not limited to public State or Federal Medicare or Medicaid programs, and private insurance health plans and Health maintenance Organizations). Employers and health-related business groups. Pharmacy and therapeutic committees. Healthcare providers. Patient/consumer organizations. Consumers of Federal and State beneficiary programs. Healthcare industry professional organizations. Academic researchers (including, but not limited to those with expertise in evidence-based methods and effectiveness and translational research). Self-nominations are encouraged. Materials to be submitted are a cover letter and curriculum vitae or similar supportive documentation. The cover letter will provide information on how the nominee's experience, skills and roles fit with the composition and goals of the Stakeholder Group as described above. Specific information on nominee experience in the constituency groups described above is required. Nominees chosen for the Stakeholder Group will be required to declare and submit conflict of interest documentation. This will not necessarily preclude service. Nominees may indicate their willingness to be considered in subsequent calls for nominations if not selected for this Stakeholder Group in their supporting documentation. All nominations received by submission deadline will be reviewed by a committee composed of representatives from AHRQ and the SRC. Nominees who best represent the broad constituencies described as the goal for composition of the Stakeholder Group will be selected and notified by September 28, 2007. In addition, AHRQ is interested in fostering diversity and including representatives of, or individuals with expertise regarding, populations experiencing health care disparities and in this case individuals with expertise regarding chronic conditions and health care needs of the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) populations.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to allow the proposed information collection project: 2008-2009 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Insurance Component (MEPS-IC). In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

There is a growing demand for healthcare data from many sectors. Key drivers for this demand have been surging interest in healthcare performance measurement and the information systems needed to aggregate, process and transmit healthcare data from which measures of health care quality may be derived and to which the measures could be applied. This need has raised the question of responsibility for safeguarding the data beyond the original care setting. This issue has led various stakeholders to propose the formation of a public-private national health care data stewardship organization with oversight of the various uses of healthcare data, as described below. For the purpose of achieving a broader understanding of the issues that establishment of such an entity may present, input is requested from the public and private sectors on the concept of a national health data stewardship entity (NHDSE). The primary purpose of this RFI is to gather information to foster broad stakeholder discussion; there are no current plans to issue a related request for proposals (RFP).

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are announcing a 2-day joint public workshop entitled ``Implementation of Risk Minimization Action Plans (RiskMAPs) to Support Quality Use of Pharmaceuticals: Opportunities and Challenges.'' This public workshop is intended to seek constructive input from a wide range of stakeholders, including clinicians, pharmacists, patients, third party payers of care, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, researchers, and innovators in health information technology (HIT), to help in the development and implementation of mechanisms to minimize the risks of pharmaceuticals with unusual safety and patient monitoring concerns. This meeting is an initial step that is part of FDA's commitment to monitor the performance of RiskMAPs consistent with the goal articulated in the proposed PDUFA IV agreement to undertake regular follow up of these plans.

AHRQ invites nominations of topics for evidence reports, technology assessments, and comparative and effectiveness reviews conducted by its Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPC) Program relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of common diseases and clinical conditions, as well as topics relating to the organization and financing of health care. Previous evidence reports and comparative effectiveness reviews can be found at https:// www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcix.htm and https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ products/progress.cfm, respectively.

In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the National Advisory Council for Healthcare Research and Quality.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project: ``Development of an Electronic System for Reporting Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Primary Care Practice (MEADERS).'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C., 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on December 12th, 2006 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.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project: ``Pilot Study of Proposed Medical Office Surveys on Patient Safety.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2006 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.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project: ``Evaluation of the Implementation and Impact of Pay-for- Quality Programs.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on October 24, 2006 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.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project: ``Development of an Electronic System for Reporting Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events in Primary Care Practice (MEADERS).'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project: ``Pilot Study of Proposed Medical Office Surveys on Patient Safety.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project: ``Evaluation of a Medication Therapy Management Program to Improve Patient Safety in Medicare Beneficiaries.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

This notice announces the intention of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) allow the proposed information collection project: ``Evaluation of the Implementation and Impact of Pay-for- Quality Programs.'' In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), AHRQ invites the public to comment on this proposed information collection.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is soliciting the submission of instruments or items that measure how well health plans, hospitals, clinicians, and group practices address health literacy issues. Based on a literature review and an assessment of currently available questionnaires, AHRQ identified the need to develop a new health literacy module of the CAHPS[supreg] survey. The intent of the planned module is to examine patients' perspectives on how well health information is communicated to them by healthcare professionals in greater detail than before. The intent of the new module is to provide information to health plans, hospitals, clinicians, group practices, and other interested parties regarding quality of health information delivered to patients. Based on prior work, there are several functional areas that the planned instrument could address. These include the clarity and usability of provided health information related to: (a) Preventive services (e.g., risk and benefits of the service, explanation of screening results; (b) health problems/concerns (e.g., information on how to stay healthy or prevent illness); (c) treatment choices, instructions, or goals (e.g., pros and cons of each treatment option); and (d) medications (e.g., reason for taking medications, instructions on how to take medications, possible side effects). AHRQ is especially interested in measures of patients' assessments of written communications (e.g., instructions for self-care, health promotion materials), and the use and effectiveness of educational techniques to ensure patient's comprehension of health information (e.g., allowing time for questions, repeating information, using visual aids, employing health educators to review treatment plans and follow-up). AHRQ is also interested in measures that assess the quality of services supporting health information delivery such as language assistance (e.g., availability and timeliness of interpreter services, availability of patient education materials in other language), and administrative assistance (e.g., assistance in completing medical paperwork).