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.
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