[Federal Register: May 2, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 84)] [Notices] [Page 25860] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr02my06-94] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment Standards Administration Proposed Collection; Comment Request ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employment Standards Administration is soliciting comments concerning the proposed collection: Health Insurance Claim Form (OWCP-1500). A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addressee section of this Notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addressee section below on or before July 3, 2006. ADDRESSES: Ms. Hazel M. Bell, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Room S-3201, Washington, DC 20210, telephone (202) 693-0418, fax (202) 693-1451, E-mail bell.hazel@dol.gov. Please use only one method of transmission for comments (mail, fax, or E- mail). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background: The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is the agency responsible for administration of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), 5 U.S.C. 8101, et seq., the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA), 30 U.S.C. 901 et seq. and the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000 (EEOICPA), 42 U.S.C. 7384 et seq. All three of these statutes require that OWCP pay for medical treatment of beneficiaries; BLBA also requires that OWCP pay for medical examinations and related diagnostic services to determine eligibility for benefits under that statute. In order to determine whether billed amounts are appropriate, OWCP needs to identify the patient, the injury or illness that was treated or diagnosed, the specific services that are rendered and their relationship to the work-related injury or illness. The regulations implementing these statutes require the use of Form OWCP-1500 for medical bills submitted by certain physicians and other providers (20 CFR 10.801, 30.701, 725.405, 725.406, 725.701 and 725.704). The OWCP- 1500 is used by OWCP and contractor bill payment staff to process bills for medical services provided by medical professionals other than medical services provided by hospitals, pharmacies, and certain other providers. This information collection is currently approved for use through November 30, 2006. II. Review Focus: The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments which:Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. III. Current Actions: The Department of Labor seeks approval for the extension of this information collection in order to carry out its responsibility to provide payment for certain covered medical services to injured employees who are covered under FECA, BLBA and EEOICPA. Type of Review: Extension. Agency: Employment Standards Administration. Title: Health Insurance Claim Form. OMB Number: 1215-0055. Agency Number: OWCP-1500. Affected Public: Individual or households; Business or other for- profit; Not-for-profit institutions. Total Respondents: 735,000. Total Responses: 2,940,000. Time per Response: 7 minutes. Frequency: On occasion. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 343,574. Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0. Total Burden Cost (operating/maintenance): $0. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: April 27, 2006. Ruben L. Wiley, Chief, Branch of Management Review and Internal Control, Division of Financial Management, Office of Management, Administration and Planning, Employment Standards Administration. [FR Doc. E6-6600 Filed 5-1-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-CR-P