HRSA Federal Office of Rural Health Policy (FORHP) has requested approval to create a new monthly, aggregate data report to collect information on COVID-19 testing conducted by Rural Health Clinic (RHC) organizations. Respondents are RHC organizations who received funding for COVID-19 testing and related expenses. HRSA issued funding as one-time payments to 2,406 RHC organizations based on the number of certified clinic sites they operate, providing $49,461.42 per clinic site (4,549 RHC clinic sites total across the country). The organizations were identified by Tax ID number and an organization may operate one or more RHC sites which were identified by unique CMS Certification Numbers (CCN). Data report information is needed to comply with federal requirements to monitor funds distributed under The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.
Approval of the RHC COVID-19 Reporting Portal is time-sensitive to meet federal reporting requirements as outlined in the American Rescue Plan Act legislation. Because of the urgent nature of the COVID-19 pandemic response, combined with the quick disbursement of and the short-term duration of this funding (one time disbursement in June 2021 of 2-year funds), it is important for HRSA to obtain data as quickly as possible.
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.