Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on rapid response to electronic inquiries submitted to VA through the Inquiry Routing and Information System (IRIS).

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before July 16, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann W. Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (19E1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail ann.bickoff@mail.va.gov. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0619” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ann W. Bickoff (202) 273-8310 or Fax (202) 273-9381.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Inquiry Routing and Information System (IRIS).

OMB Control Number: 2900-0619.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: The World Wide Web is a powerful media for the delivery of information and services to veterans, dependents, and active duty personnel worldwide. IRIS allows a customer to submit questions, complaints, compliments, and suggestions directly to the appropriate office at any time and receive an answer more quickly than through standard mail. IRIS does not provide applications to veterans or serve as a conduit for patient data, etc.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Estimated Annual Burden: 5,000 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 10 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 30,000.