This information is used by CMS to direct its contractor, including Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs), to focus on particular areas of improvement, and to develop quality improvement initiatives. The information is made available to hospitals for their use in internal quality improvement initiatives. Most importantly, this information is available to Medicare beneficiaries, as well as to the general public, to provide hospital information to assist them in making decisions about their health care.
The program has increased the number of measures included in its data collection requirements. However, the newly proposed measures have data submission via a web-based tool, either directly to CMS or via the NHSN. These increases are in adherence to section 3013 of ACA which requires CMS to identify gaps where no quality measures exist and existing quality measures that need improvement, updating, or expansion.
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.