This generic Information Collection
Request (ICR) is being revised to: 1) remove verbiage limiting data
collection to activation of the Incident Management Structure, 2)
broaden categories under which data may be collected to increase
its utilization, and 3) provide clarity regarding the data
elements. Available information in anticipation of, during and
following public health incident responses is often incomplete, is
not easily validated by state and local health authorities, and is
sometimes conflicting. This lack of reliable information often
creates a high level of uncertainty with potential negative impacts
on public health response operations. The Epidemic Information
Exchange (Epi-X) is CDC's Web-based communication system for
securely communicating in immediate anticipation of, during and
following public health emergencies that have multi-jurisdictional
impacts and implications. CDC has recognized a need to expand the
use of Epi-X to collect specific response related information in
anticipation of, during and following public health emergencies.
Proposed data collection instruments under this generic ICR will be
designed to ensure ready access to public health and disease
epidemiology information in anticipation of, during and following a
public health incident emergency response. Data will be collected
under the Epi-X ICR using a web-based tool.
US Code:
42
USC 241 Name of Law: Public Health Service Act
This is a request for
revisions; there is no change in the burden hours. This ICR is
being revised to 1) remove verbiage limiting data collection to
activation of the Incident Management Structure (IMS), 2) broaden
categories under which data may be collected to increase its
utilization, and 3) provide clarity regarding the data
elements.
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.