0001 SS Sect. B

Supporting Statement B
[Accounts Receivable Confirmations]
OMB Control Number 1012-0001
Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods
The agency should be prepared to justify its decision not to use statistical methods in any case
where such methods might reduce burden or improve accuracy of results. When the question
“Does this ICR contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods?” is checked "Yes," the
following documentation should be included in Supporting Statement B to the extent that it
applies to the methods proposed:
1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any
sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities
(e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the
universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in
tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample.
Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been
conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.
The OIG agent selects the initial small sample of payors. The agent’s audit procedures policy,
including sampling procedures and sample thresholds, is proprietary information. Therefore, we
do not know the exact methodology the agent uses in determining the initial sample. However,
ONRR assumes that the agent used standard auditing procedures in selecting an initial sample
size. Standard auditing procedures employ random selection procedures and statistical
evaluation techniques in representative testing, to eliminate the risk of bias and quantify the
sampling confidence achieved.
The OIG agent bases the evidential matter he or she obtained from the sample on the reasoning
that the characteristics he or she finds in a representative sample of a population are reasonably
accurate reflections of the characteristics he or she would find in the whole of that population.
Therefore, if auditors see similar negative attributes across the initial responses, standard
auditing procedures would call for an expansion of the sample to other payors to determine if
that negative attribute is systemic. Therefore, because there is potential to expand beyond an
initial sample, ONRR estimates that there may be approximately 48 respondents annually.
2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information including:
* Statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection,
* Estimation procedure,
* Degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification,
* Unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures, and

*

Any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

Not applicable in this collection.
3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The
accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended
uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any
collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.
Not applicable in this collection.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an
effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve
utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or
more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately
or in combination with the main collection of information.
Not applicable in this collection.
5. Provide the names and telephone numbers of individuals consulted on statistical aspects
of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s)
who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.
Not applicable in this collection.