This survey is approved with the following change: Question 65 must be revised to conform to OMB's 1997 standard for classification of race and ethnicity data by splitting the question into an ethnicity question (Hispanic or Latino: Yes or No) and a race question (American Indian or Alaska Native/Asian/Black or African American/Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander/White: Select one or more).
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/2007
6 Months From Approved
1,673
0
0
697
0
0
0
0
0
The purpose of this survey is to collect feedback from Peace Corps applicants on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Peace Corps medical clearance system. The Peace Corps medical clearance process is the system by which the agency determines whether an applicant is medically fit to become a Peace Corps Volunteer. The applicants who engaged in the medical clearance process are one of the best sources of information on whether the process is running effectively. Determining whether the medical clearance is processing applications efficiently and effectively is critical to the mission of the Peace Corps. There is no statutory or regulatory requirement for this information.
The Peace Corps Office of the Inspector General will use this information to evaluate the current status of the medical clearance system and to make recommendations for necessary changes in policy and/or systems.
The Office of the Inspector General at the Peace Corps is conducting an information collection pursuant to its obligation to conduct audits relating to the programs of the Peace Corps. See 5 USC Appx §§ 2(1) and 6(2). The audit concerns the medical clearance process for applicants for volunteer service in the Peace Corps. The medical clearance process at Peace Corps is integrally related to Peace Corps mission, as the Peace Corps Act mandates that applicants for Volunteer service in the Peace Corps receive Âhealth examinations preparatory to their service. 22 USC § 2504(e). The Office of the Inspector General is requesting emergency clearance in order to respond to new developments related to the safety and health of Volunteers, and in order to provide the Peace Corps with recommendations for improving the medical clearance system in FY 2008, which is also related to the safety and health of Volunteers.
There are multiple negative consequences to the Peace Corps medical services program and policies if this information from former applicants is not collected as soon as possible. Several former applicants have raised concerns to Peace Corps and Congress about the medical clearance process. In an effort to understand the problems with the medical clearance system from the applicants perspective we need to be responsive and open to feedback from applicants. Therefore, Peace Corps needs to systematically collect a statistically significant number of responses from former applicants in order to analyze and determine whether the recent criticism of the medical clearance process is random noise or if it constitutes a trend that is indicative of a problem that must be addressed quickly in order to ensure the safety and health of current Volunteers. Peace Corps is also concerned that qualified applicants may be dropping out of the application process because of disillusionment with the medical clearance process. By collecting this information, we hope to make it easier and more transparent for applicants to navigate through the medical clearance process; to make recommendations for any necessary changes that will better ensure the safety and health of Volunteers; and to streamline the process for applicants to become Peace Corps Volunteers.
We request your prompt approval of this information collection and assignment of a control number for the certification.
The Office of the Inspector General at the Peace Corps is conducting an emergency information collection pursuant to its obligation to conduct audits relating to the programs of the Peace Corps. See 5 USC Appx §§ 2(1) and 6(2). The audit concerns the medical clearance process for applicants for volunteer service in the Peace Corps. The medical clearance process at Peace Corps is integrally related to Peace Corps mission, as the Peace Corps Act mandates that applicants for Volunteer service in the Peace Corps receive Âhealth examinations preparatory to their service. 22 USC § 2504(e).
The Inspector General is undertaking this audit in order to assist the Peace Corps in ensuring that its medical clearance process has not become an impediment to Volunteer service.
As a result of two unanticipated events, it is critical for the Office of the Inspector General to evaluate the Peace Corps medical clearance system and provide recommendations for necessary changes in policies and procedures prior to the start of the next fiscal year.
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.
IG-Justification for 5 CFR 1320 Emergency Processing Edited.doc
Peace Corps Medical Clearance Survey