Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health and Human Services (HHS).

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

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 the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

DATES:

Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by August 21, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain . Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, please access the CMS PRA website by copying and pasting the following web address into your web browser: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/PaperworkReductionActof1995/PRA-Listing .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

William Parham at (410) 786–4669.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. The term “collection of information” is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment:

1. Type of Information Collection Request: Reinstatement without change of a previously approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Home Health Agency Cost Report; Use: The Form CMS–1728–20 cost report is used to determine a provider's reasonable cost incurred in furnishing medical services to Medicare beneficiaries and reimbursement due to or from a provider. The Form CMS–1728–20 cost report is also used for annual rate setting and payment refinement activities, including developing a home health market basket. Additionally, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) uses the home health cost report data to calculate Medicare margins, to formulate recommendations to Congress regarding the HHA PPS, and to conduct additional analysis of the HHA PPS.

The primary function of the cost report is to implement the principles of cost reimbursement which require that HHAs maintain sufficient financial records and statistical data for proper determination of costs payable under the program. The S series of worksheets collects the provider's location, CBSA, date of certification, operations, and unduplicated census days. The A series of worksheets collects the provider's trial balance of expenses for overhead costs, direct patient care services by level of care, and non-revenue generating cost centers. The B series of worksheets allocates the overhead costs to the revenue and non-revenue generating cost centers using functional statistical bases. The C series of worksheets computes the average cost per visit for HHA services. The D series of worksheets are Medicare specific and are used to determine reimbursement due to the provider or program. The F series of worksheets collect data from a provider's balance sheet and income statement. Form Number: CMS–1728–20 (OMB control number: 0938–0022); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: Private Sector—Business or other for-profits, Not-for-profit institutions; Number of Respondents: 10,944; Total Annual Responses: 10,944; Total Annual Hours: 2,134,080. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact LuAnn Piccione at (410) 786–5423.)