This information collection covers the
Commission's Rural Health Care Program. The Rural Health Care
Program is part of the Commission's universal service efforts and
provides support for telecommunications and broadband services for
eligible health care providers. This collection allows the
Commission to collect information necessary to commit funding for
eligible health care providers and to conduct oversight of health
care providers and service providers participating in the
program.
The Commission is reporting
program changes/increases to the total number of annual responses
of +667, and program changes/increases to the total annual burden
hours of +272. These program changes are due to the change of
information collection requirements applicable to the RHC Program
as a result of the 2023 Third Report and Order. There are no
adjustments to this information collection.
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.