Approved without change for three years, as requested. OMB agrees that, should the authorizing legislation lapse, DOL shall submit form 83-D to discontinue this collection of information. OMB also notes that DOL plans to publish final rules for mental health parity after Congress has addressed the substance of the law, not simply extending it.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2011
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2008
200
0
200
110
0
10
216
0
0
The Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 requires parity between the dollar limits imposed on mental health benefits and those imposed on medical/surgical benefits offered by group health plans and issuers. Upon receipt of notice that a plan claims exemption from these requirements, participants and beneficiaries may request a summary of the information upon which the exemption was based. This ICR covers the calculation and disclosure of information on which the exemption was based.
The Department has made two changes that will increase the burden estimates. It adjusted the wage and postal rates to account for costs increases between 2004 and 2007, and has added an hour burden for preparing summary documentation.
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.