OMB approves these revised forms (see attached CMS response) through 1/2002 under the firm condition that in the next few months, they are republished and opened for public comment along with the proposed rules governing provider enrollment. In addition, with the exception of the flexible 90-day schedule for updates, CMS must revise these forms and instructions to ensure that the scope, frequency, and general administration of these forms does not change from previously approved policy. OMB believes that it would have been most beneficial to initially release these forms with proposed rule so that the public could review all of CMS' enrollment policies as a comprehensive package. The rulemakings ultimately will have implications for the burden and practical utility of these forms. However to date, HHS has not submitted the enrollment rules for OMB review pursuant to E.O. No. 12866 review. In addition, the provider enrollment rules must be subjected to full public comment and entire rulemaking process affroded by the APA. The full rulemaking process (from proposed to final rulemaking) typically takes at least a year to complete. In the meantime, these revised forms can provide preliminary burden relief to the industry and respond to numerous concerns expressed in the town meetings at the end of the last Administration. Therefore, OMB approves these forms for short term use but expects to consider all amendments suggested in the context of the future enrollment rulemakings.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
02/28/2002
02/28/2002
09/30/2001
604,000
0
225,000
435,000
0
435,000
0
0
0
This information is needed to enroll providers and suppliers into the Medicare program by identifying them, and verifying their qualifications and eligibility to participate in Medicare, and to price and pay their claims. The current HCFA 855 and its iterations are being revised for simplicity and clarity.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Medicare Federal Health Care Provider/Supplier Enrollment Application