The 2008 survey differs from earlier surveys by (a) shifting its focus from the mental health providers' organization level to the providers' point-of-service level, (b) introducing more client/patient-oriented questions, (c) including best practices questions, and (d) simplifying the questions to improve response rate. On average, each mental health organization has three service locations. It is this service location, or facility-level, that is the focus of this revised survey.
Although the 2008 NSMHTF is now at the facility level (13,831 facilities compared with 4,160 organizations), the total hour burden is 632 hours less than the 14,463 hours estimated for the 2004 IMHO. The decrease is due to the reduction in the complexity of questions used in the organization level survey and the use of a single questionnaire with easier questions that require less effort (resources) to answer.
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.