Public Input | ACL Administration for Community Living

Open for Public Input

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Inventory of Adult Protective Services Practices and Service Innovations

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Inventory of Adult Protective Services Practices and Service Innovations as published in the Federal Register.

With respect to the following collection of information, ACL invites comments on our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including:

(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) the accuracy of ACL's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine burden estimates;

(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

Authority

The Elder Justice Act of 2009 requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to carry out a number of activities related to adult protective services (APS) (42 U.S.C. 1397m-1), including developing and disseminating information on APS best practices and conducting research related to the provision of APS.

Furthermore, the Elder Justice Coordinating Council included as its third recommendation for increasing federal involvement in addressing elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation: “develop a national APS system based upon standardized data collection and a core set of service provision standards and best practices.”

Background

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to initiate an Inventory of Adult Protective Services Practices and Service Innovations (APS Practice Survey) in early 2021. Under a contract with ACL, the National Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC) is conducting a national program evaluation of APS programs. As part of this evaluation, the APS Practice Survey will identify barriers to meeting policy mandates, and practice innovations and model programs that address such barriers and community-identified needs. It also seeks to identify practice variations in the way APS programs serve older adults and adults with disabilities.

The results of the survey will serve to advance the field of APS and will be useful to many audiences. It will provide baseline information regarding the status of APS programs and services, and the resulting information will help states and territories compare their program characteristics with those of other states and territories. The survey will provide a context for other researchers examining APS programs. It will inform ACL's efforts to support improvement of APS programs through activities such as innovation grants. Finally, it will inform the APS TARC team's efforts to develop resources to enhance APS programs around the country.

This survey has been developed to gather information on APS practices that is not available from other sources. As part of the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System (NAMRS), ACL collects descriptive data on state and territory agency policies through the Agency Component of that data collection.

Therefore, the proposed survey will not collect any background policy or data items. As part of the APS Program Evaluation, the APS TARC also conducted a detailed examination of state APS policies through development of individual state policy profiles. The profiles were based exclusively on extant information sources obtained without additional data requests from the states. Information on practices gathered in this survey will complement, but will not duplicate, these policy profiles.

Finally, the National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) conducted a survey of State APS programs in 2012, and the National Association of State Units on Aging and Disability (NASUAD) fielded a survey to its members, which are not APS programs, in January 2018 intended to update findings from the NAPSA 2012 survey. Since the survey replicates the original NAPSA survey, the questions in it are not focused on APS practice and are not directed at the same respondents as the proposed survey. As noted, a few topics in the original survey overlap with the proposed instrument, but the wording and focus of the few questions on similar topics are different. From this analysis, we conclude the proposed APS Practice Survey will yield vital information on APS practice not available from other sources.

Proposed Collection Efforts

The APS Practice Survey will collect state- and territory-specific practices for all aspects of APS casework practice, including staffing, intake, investigation, service planning and delivery, and quality assurance. Across these areas, the survey will collect information on practices such as community partnerships and use of assessment tools.

The APS Practice Survey will be administered online using SurveyMonkey or a similar commercial survey-programming tool. The online survey will include data validation routines to minimize errors or unintentional omissions and will include appropriate skip patterns to reduce burden. Respondents will be state and territory APS agencies, including APS agencies in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. No personally identifiable information will be collected.

A pilot version of The APS Practice Survey was tested in nine (9) diverse states between July and September 2017. Following their pretest of the survey instrument, pilot respondents participated in focus groups in which they provided recommendations on data collection procedures, views on the availability of data being requested, and estimates of the burden to each state and territory for completion of the survey. It is assumed that nearly every state and territory will participate and that time to develop a response will be similar to the experience of states during the pilot test. ACL has calculated the following burden estimates based on the results of the survey pilot test.

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by December 31, 2020.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to Stephanie Whittier Eliason Stephanie.WhittierEliason@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Stephanie Whittier Eliason

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stephanie Whittier Eliason, Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: (202) 795-7467, Email: Stephanie.WhittierEliason@acl.hhs.gov.

Public Input on National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (OMB 0985-0024) in a Federal Register Notice.

The National Survey of Older Americans Act (OAA) Participants information collection will include consumer assessment surveys for the Congregate and Home-delivered meal nutrition programs; Case Management, Homemaker, and Transportation Services; and the National Family Caregiver Support Program. This survey builds on earlier national pilot studies and surveys, as well as performance measurement tools developed by ACL grantees in the Performance Outcomes Measures Project (POMP). Changes identified as a result of these initiatives were incorporated into the last data collection package that was approved by OMB and are included in this proposed extension of a currently approved collection. This information will be used by ACL to track performance outcome measures; support budget requests; comply with the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRMA) reporting requirements; provide national benchmark information; and inform program development and management initiatives.

In addition to the proposed extension of the existing collection of information, ACL is requesting approval for a module on emergency preparedness to be added to the currently approved NSOAAP data collection effort. Older adults often have unique needs during an emergency or crisis. For example, they may have mobility challenges and/or chronic health conditions, or they may not have any family or friends nearby to support them. Support services that an older adult relies on to live at home, such as help from family caregivers, in-home health care, and home delivered meals, may be unavailable due to the disaster. These conditions increase a person's vulnerability and may lead to nursing home care that may have been otherwise avoidable. In addition, older adults may be hearing or vision impaired or have a cognitive impairment such as dementia, which may make it difficult to access and respond to emergency directions.

National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP)

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by January 19, 2021.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Susan.Jenkins@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Susan Jenkins.

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Adult Protective Service (APS) Programs

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Adult Protective Service (APS) Programs as published in the Federal Register.

With respect to the following collection of information, ACL invites comments on our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including:

(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) the accuracy of ACL's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine burden estimates;

(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

This data collection is an extension of ACL's investigation on the impact of COVID-19 on APS programs across the country. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing changes in APS policy and practice in several areas, including, but not limited to, a reduction of in-person interactions with clients, perpetrators, and collaterals. As ACL collects information on the impact of APS during the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid overdose death rates are rising at the same time. The opioid epidemic affects older adults through opioid misuse and is associated with increases in elder abuse including physical abuse, threatening behavior; emotional abuse; and financial exploitation.

The revisions to this study includes structured individual and group interviews with state administrators and local field staff to discuss opioid cases pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will reveal the characteristics of opioid cases in older adults and how APS staff are responding to these cases. In addition, it will compare how these cases are handled pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic by APS. The findings of the study will assist ACL in addressing the challenges of opioid cases under normal and emergency conditions. In particular, it will help to prioritize any policies and procedures during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to improve APS responses to these cases.

Phase I State Administrator Interview

Phase II Local Field Staff Interview

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by February 1, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Stephanie Whittier Eliason, Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Phone: (202) 795-7467, E: Mail Stephanie.WhittierEliason@acl.hhs.gov.

Closed Opportunities for Public Input

Public Comment on Prevention and Public Health Fund Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program Information Collection

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed Prevention and Public Health Fund Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program Information Collection announced in the Federal Register.

ACL invites comments on our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including:

(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) the accuracy of ACL's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine burden estimates;

(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques when appropriate, and other forms of information technology. The Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Grant Program is financed through the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF), most recently with FY 2020 PPHF funds. The statutory authority for these cooperative is contained in Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020 and Health Extenders Act of 2019, Public Law 116-59; the Older Americans Act (OAA) (Section 411); and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, 42 U.S.C. 300u-11 (Prevention and Public Health Fund).

The Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program supports a national resource center and awards competitive grants to implement and promote the sustainability of evidence-based community programs that have been proven to reduce the falls incidence and risk among for older adults. OMB approval of the existing set of Falls Prevention data collection tools (OMB Control Number, 0985-0039) expires on 03/31/2021. This data collection continues to be necessary for monitoring program operations and outcomes.

ACL/AoA proposes to use the following tools: (1) Semi-annual performance reports to monitor grantee progress; (2) a Host/Implementation Organization Information Form to record location of agencies that sponsor programs that will allow mapping of the delivery infrastructure; and (3) a set of tools used to collect information at each program completed by the program leaders (Program Information Cover Sheet and Attendance Log), a Participant Information Form to be completed by all participants, and a Post Program Survey to be completed by a random sample of participants.

ACL/AoA intends to continue using an online data entry system for the program and participant survey data.

Minor changes are being proposed to the currently approved tools. All changes proposed are based on feedback from a focus group that included a sub-set of current grantees and consultation with subject-matter experts.

Tools for review and comment:

- Falls Prevention Program Information Cover Sheet
- Participant Information Form
- Host/Implementation Organization Information Form
- Attendance Log
- Participant Post Program Survey
- Semi-Annual Performance Report Directions and Sample Template

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by November 27, 2020.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Shannon Skowronski. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Shannon Skowronski.

Public Comment on Proposed State Grants for Assistive Technology Program Annual Progress Report

ACL is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed collection of information. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This revision (ICR Rev) solicits comments on the information collection requirements related to the State Grants for Assistive Technology Program Annual Progress Report (AT APR).

Documents:

- AT Annual Progress Report
- AT Annual Progress Report Instruction Manual

Submit electronic comments to: Robert Groenendaal, Robert.Groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov.

Submit written comments on the collection of information to the Administration for Community Living 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201. Attention: Robert Groenendaal.

Comments must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by November 27, 2020.

Public Comment Open on Title III Supplemental Form to Financial Status Report

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed collection of information listed above. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the Proposed Extension without Change and solicits comments on the information collection requirements related to Title III Supplemental Form to Financial Status Report (SF-425).

With respect to the following collection of information, ACL invites comments on our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including:

(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) the accuracy of ACL's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine burden estimates;

(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

The Title III Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report (SF-425) is used by ACL/AoA for all grantees to obtain a more detailed understanding of how projects funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965, as amended, are being administered, and to ensure compliance with legislative requirements, pertinent Federal regulations and other applicable instructions and guidelines issued by the ACL. The level of data detail necessary is not available through the SF-425 form. The Supplemental Form provides necessary details on non-federal required match, administration expenditures, and Long Term Care Ombudsman expenditures.

Documents for review and feedback:

T-3 Supplemental Form
T-3 Supplemental Form Instructions

Annual Reports: In addition to submitting a State Plan every three years, states and outlying areas are required to submit annual progress reports on their activities. The data required in that progress report is specified in Section 4(f) of the AT Act. Section 7(d) of the AT Act requires that ACL submit to Congress an annual report on the activities conducted under the Act and an analysis of the progress of the states and outlying areas in meeting their measurable goals. This report must include a compilation and summary of the data collected under Section 4(f). In order to make this possible, states and outlying areas must provide their data uniformly. This data collection instrument was developed to ensure that all 56 states and outlying areas report data in a consistent manner in alignment with the requirements of Section 4(f). As stated above, ACL will use the information collected via this instrument to: (1) Complete the annual report to Congress required by the AT Act; (2) Comply with reporting requirements under the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRAMA) (Pub. L. 111-352); and (3) Assess the progress of states and outlying areas regarding measurable goals in their State Plans for AT. Data collected from the grantees will provide a national description of activities funded under the AT Act to increase the access to and acquisition of AT devices and services through statewide AT programs for individuals with disabilities. Data collected from grantees will also provide information for usage by Congress, the Department, and the public. In addition, ACL will use this data to inform program management, monitoring, and technical assistance efforts. While States will be able to use the data for internal management and program improvement.

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by October 19, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Alice Kelsey, Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, (202) 795-7342, Alice.Kelsey@ACL.hhs.gov.

The information collected through this data collection instrument is necessary for ACL and states to comply with Sections 4 and 7 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (AT Act). ACL is requesting a revision of the annual data collection instrument (OMB No. 0985-0042). Approval of 0985-0042 expires November 30, 2020. Section 4 of the AT Act authorizes grants to public agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (states and outlying areas). With these funds, the 56 states and outlying areas operate “Statewide AT Programs” that conduct activities to increase access to and acquisition of assistive technology (AT) for individuals with disabilities and older Americans. Divided into two comprehensive activity categories: “State-level Activities” and “State Leadership Activities.” According to Section 4 of the AT Act, as a condition of receiving a grant to support their Statewide AT Programs, the 56 states and outlying areas must provide to ACL: (1) Applications and (2) annual progress reports on their activities.

Applications: The application required of states and outlying areas is a three-year State Plan for Assistive Technology (State Plan for AT or State Plan) (OMB No. 0985-0048). The content of the State Plan for AT is based on the requirements in Section 4(d) of the AT Act. As a part of this State Plan, Section 4(d)(3) of the AT Act requires that states and outlying areas set measurable goals for addressing the assistive technology needs of individuals with disabilities in education, employment, community living and information technology/telecommunications. Every state and outlying area is required to include a minimum of seven prescribed measurable goals in its State Plan. These seven goals apply to all states and outlying areas in order to aggregate information on performance of the program at the national level. National aggregation of data related to these goals is necessary for the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRAMA) (Pub. L. 111-352), as well as an Annual Report to Congress (see “Section 7 Requirements Necessitating Collection” below).
Therefore, this data collection instrument provides a way for all 56 grantees—50 U.S. states, DC, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to collect and report data on their performance in a consistent manner, including a uniform survey to be given to consumers. This uniform survey is included as part of the data collection package.

Public Comment Open on Certification of Maintenance of Effort for Title III and Certification of Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Expenditures

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed collection of information listed above. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the Proposed Revision and solicits comments on the information collection requirements related to Certification of Maintenance of Effort for Title III and Certification of Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Expenditures.

The Certification of Maintenance of Effort under Title III and Certification of Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) Program Expenditures provide statutorily required information regarding each state's contribution to programs funded under the Older Americans Act and compliance with legislative requirements, pertinent Federal regulations, and other applicable instructions and guidelines issued by ACL. This information will be used for Federal oversight of Title III Programs and Long Term Care Ombudsman Program expenditures.

Documents for review and feedback:

Certification of Maintenance of Effort

Instructions for Completing the Certification of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Expenditures

Certification of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Expenditures

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Alice Kelsey, Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, (202) 795-7342, Alice.Kelsey@ACL.hhs.gov.

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by October 19, 2020.

Input needed on proposed revised data collection for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program Annual Sub-Recipients Report

ACL is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed revised collection and solicits comments on the information collection requirements related to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program Annual Sub-Recipients Report as published in the Federal Register.

The purpose of this data collection is to collect sub-award data from grantees, including agency name, address, and annual federal funds received. Congress requires this data collection for program monitoring for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, SEC. 50207 (b). This data collection allows the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Center for Innovation and Partnership (CIP) to communicate with Congress and the public on the SHIP network of agencies. This is a new data collection requiring State SHIP grantees to provide the amount of federal funds provided annually to each sub-contractor and sub-grantee that are delivering SHIP services. The data collected will be will be electronically posted on the ACL website to educate the network on who the SHIP state sub-recipients are and how much money they are receiving.

SHIP grantees are located in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The respondents for this data collection are grantees who meet with Medicare beneficiaries and older adults' in-group settings and in one-on-one sessions to educate them on Medicare.

Review the proposed data collection tool

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by September 29, 2020.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Margaret Flowers at Margaret.Flowers@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Margaret Flowers.

Comments on NIDILRR Grantee Annual Performance Reporting (APR) and Final Report Forms

This notice solicits comments on the Proposed Extension without Change and solicits comments on the information collection requirements related to the NIDILRR Grantee Annual Performance Reporting (APR) and Final Report Forms.

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Grantee Annual Performance Reporting (APR) and Final Report Forms collect data from all NIDILRR Grantees via a web-based reporting system and addresses specific HHS regulations that shall be met by applicants and grantees. HHS regulations that apply to NIDILRR Grant programs include Part 75 of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit requirements for HHS Awards. Specifically, § 75.342 which requires grantees to submit an annual performance report or, for the last year of a project, a final report that evaluates: (a) The grantee's progress in achieving the objectives in its approved application, (b) the effectiveness of the project in meeting the purposes of the program, and (c) the results of research and related activities.

Additionally, GPRA requires all federal agencies to implement performance measurement systems that include: (1) A five-year strategic plan, (2) an annual performance plan, and (3) an annual performance report. Currently, NIDILRR has met these requirements and has established performance indicators to meet the reporting requirements. The NIDILRR APR System currently includes reporting forms for all 10 of NIDILRR's grant programs.

Reporting forms for all 10 programs are web-based. Data collected through these forms (a) Facilitate program planning and management; (b) respond to ACL/HHS Grants Policy Administration Manual (GPAM) requirements and (c) respond to the reporting requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993.

NIDILRR uses the information gathered annually from these data collection efforts to provide Congress with the information mandated in GPRA, provide OMB information required for assessment of performance on GPRA indicators, and support its evaluation activities. Data collected from the 10 grant programs will provide a national description of the research activities of approximately 255 NIDILRR grantees. NIDILRR's GPRA plan must collect information to meet the following mandates: (a) Implementation of a comprehensive plan that includes goals and objectives; (b) measurement of the program's progress in meeting its objectives; and (c) submission of an annual report on program performance, including plans for program improvement, as appropriate. The data collection system addresses nearly all of the agency's GPRA indicators, either directly or by providing information for the agency's other review processes.

With respect to the following collection of information, ACL invites comments on our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including:

(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) the accuracy of ACL's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine burden estimates;

(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

Documents for review and comment:

1 - Annual Performance Report all but RFP
2 - Annual Final Report for RFP
3 - Annual Final Report for RFP

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by September 29, 2020.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Mary Darnell Mary.Darnell@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Mary Darnell.

Title VI Program Performance Report

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Title VI Program Performance Report (OMB 0985-0007) in the Federal Register Notice.

ACL is responsible for administering the Title VI Program Performance Report. The purpose of this data collection is to fulfill the annual programmatic reporting required by the Title VI Part A/B and C grants to American Indians, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian Programs to provide nutrition, supportive services and caregiver services to elders and their caregivers.

Title VI Program Performance Report

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) or postmarked Monday September 14, 2020 to Leslie Green at leslie.green@acl.hhs.gov, 202-868-9384.

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Data Reporting Tool

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed data collection for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Data Reporting Tool. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This Federal Register notice published on July 16, 2020, solicits comments on the Proposed Revision and solicits comments on the information collection requirements related to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Data Reporting Tool (ADP–DRT).

ACL invites comments on our burden estimates or any other aspect of this collection of information, including:

(1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of ACL’s functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2) the accuracy of ACL’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine burden estimates;
(3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques when appropriate, and other forms of information technology.

The Older American’s Act requires ACL to evaluate ‘‘demonstration projects that support the objectives of this Act, including activities to bring effective demonstration projects to scale with a prioritization of projects that address the needs of underserved populations, and promote partnerships among aging services, community-based organizations, and Medicare and Medicaid providers, plans, and health (including public health) systems. (Section 201 (42 U.S.C. 3011) Sec. 127. Research and Evaluation).

To fulfill the evaluation requirements and allow for optimal federal and state level management of ACL’s Alzheimer’s Disease Program, specific information must be collected from grantees. The current reporting tool is set to expire June 22, 2020. The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program (ADP) Project Officer has reviewed the current data collection procedures to ensure the acceptability of these items as appropriate and thorough evaluation of the program, while minimizing burden for grantees. The result of this process is the proposed modifications to the existing data collection tool. ACL is aware that different grantees have different data collection capabilities. It is understood that, following the approval of the modified data collection tool, ACL will work with its grantees to offer regular training to ensure minimal burden.

The proposed data collection tools may be found on the ACL website for review at https://nadrc.acl.gov/node/226 or by downloading this Excel spreadsheet.

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) or postmarked by Monday, September 14, 2020.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Erin Long (Erin.Long@acl.gov). Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Erin Long.

Strategic Framework for Action: State Opportunities to Integrate Services and Improve Outcomes for Older Adults and People with Disabilities

ACL seeks input on the Strategic Framework for Action: State Opportunities to Integrate Services and Improve Outcomes for Older Adults and People with Disabilities announced on June 10, 2020.

ACL developed the Strategic Framework to support state efforts to:

Address the holistic needs of older adults and people with disabilities through program coordination and integration with health care financing and delivery; and
Support partnerships across health care and social service organizations to improve health care outcomes and lower costs by effectively addressing social determinants of health.

Please submit feedback via email at ACLFramework@acl.hhs.gov by August 31, 2020.

ACL is particularly interested in receiving comments that answer the following questions:

What roles has your state played in supporting and enhancing Community Integrated Health Networks within your state?
Are there other issues related to financial management and oversight that should be included in the review of oversight considerations?
Do your state and sub-grantee agencies use financing strategies (e.g., blending and braiding) at the federal, state, and local levels to integrate and align various funding streams to broaden the reach of services? Please describe and comment on any barriers to blending and braiding of funds that would be helpful to address.
How have your state and sub-grantee agencies mitigated actual or perceived conflict of interest, especially related to intake & referrals, options counseling, or other benefits counseling while ensuring compliance with relevant program specifications, including Medicaid regulatory requirements?
How have your state and sub-grantee agencies ensured information will be used and shared in a way that appropriately maintains privacy and confidentiality protections?
The Strategic Framework discusses Older Americans Act implications extensively. Are there other statutory (or other) authorities or sources of funding that you think we should more robustly address in the Framework?
How has your state or agency approached the issue of risk and liability when considering potential revenue-generating partnerships?
In your experience, have you been able to successfully leverage Section 212 of the Older Americans Act to enter “into an agreement with a profitmaking organization […] to provide services to individuals or entities not otherwise receiving services” under the Act? If not, what barriers did you encounter?
This Strategic Framework seeks to identify best practices for engaging the aging and disability network to address social determinants of health. Are there other best practices in your state or region that we should include? Are there other social determinants of health that you think we should address?
This Strategic Framework also seeks to highlight effective approaches for collaboration across state agencies (Aging, Disability, Medicaid, Transportation, Housing, etc.) to improve program coordination and availability of services and supports to individuals in need. Are there approaches you have found to be successful or barriers to collaboration that need to be addressed?

Proposed Revision to Data Collection Materials: Evaluation of ACL’s American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs (OAA Title VI)

ACL is requesting a revision to one of the instruments in the evaluation of the Title VI programs. This evaluation will allow ACL to document the value of the Title VI programs for individuals, families, communities and tribes/tribal organizations. The data for this evaluation will be collected through focus groups for elders and caregiver program participants, and interviews with Title VI staff. ACL is revising the data collection to add an activity to assess how Title VI evaluation grantees have been using skills gained through the technical assistance portion of the evaluation. The revised data collection material is as follows:

- Evaluation Follow Up Tool

The data collection materials are available for public comment for 60 days (as published in the Federal Register on 05/19/2020).

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by July 20, 2020.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Kristen Hudgins at Kristen.hudgins@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Kristen Hudgins.

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Outcome evaluation of the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP)

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Outcome evaluation of the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) [OMB# 0985-XXXX] announced in this Federal Register Notice on April 13, 2020.

The mission of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) is to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of older adults, people with disabilities across the lifespan, and their families and caregivers. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves individuals living in long-term care facilities (nursing homes, residential care communities, such as assisted living and similar settings) and works to resolve resident problems related to poor care, violation of rights, and quality of life. Ombudsman programs also advocate at the local, state and national levels to promote policies and consumer protections to improve residents’ care and quality of life.

This data collection is part of an outcome evaluation of the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) designed to determine the efficacy of LTCOP in carrying out core functions as described in the Older Americans Act, the long-term impacts of the LTCOP’s for various stakeholders, what system advocacy among Ombudsman programs looks like, and effective or promising Ombudsman program practices. The efficacy of LTCOP in carrying out core functions as described in the Older Americans Act. ACL is interested in learning:

1. Are the critical functions, including federally mandated responsibilities, of the LTCOP at the state, and local levels, carried out effectively and efficiently?
2. How effective is the LTCOP in ensuring Ombudsman services for the full range of residents of long-term care facilities, including individuals with the greatest economic and social needs?
3. How cost-effective LTCOP strategies are, for example, the cost effectiveness of services offered through consultations, referrals, complaint handling, and via education and outreach activities.
4. What impact do LTCOPs have on long-term care practices, programs, and policies?
5. What impact do LTCOPs have on residents’ health, safety, welfare, well-being, and rights?

Act (OAA) programs such as Title VII Long- Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP), ACL/AoA seeks increased understanding of how these programs are operationalized at the state and local levels and their progress towards their goals and mission. This information will enable ACL/AoA to effectively report its results to the President, to Congress, to the Department of Health and Human Services and to the public.

The information will also aid in program refinement and continuous improvement. The more productive ACL/AoA’ s programs, the greater the number of older adults have access to a higher quality of life. Therefore, in addition to the legislative mandate under the OAA, it is important for program integrity and function to evaluate the LTCOP.

Documents:
- Interview Protocol: Stakeholders
- Focus Group Participant Information Survey: Residents and Family Members
- Focus Group Guide: Residents and Family Members
- Focus Group Participant Information Survey: Facility Staff
- Focus Group Guide: Facility Staff
- Facility Administrator Survey
- State Unit on Aging (SUA) Director Survey
- Former Ombudsman Survey

DATES: Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) or postmarked by Friday, June 12, 2020.

Submit electronic comments to: Susan.Jenkins@acl.hhs.gov.

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Susan Jenkins.

Proposed Data Collection: UCEDD Report

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service Annual Report [OMB# 0985-0030] in the following:

Federal Register Notice

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act of 2000) directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a system of program accountability to monitor the grantees funded under the DD Act of 2000. The program accountability system shall include the National Network of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Education, Research, and Service. The DD Act of 2000 states that the UCEDD Annual Report should contain information on progress made in achieving the projected goals of the Center for the previous year.

Reporting on the extent to which the goals were achieved; a description of the strategies that contributed to achieving the goals; the extent to which the goals were not achieved, a description of factors that impeded the achievement; and an accounting of the manner in which funds paid to the Center under this subtitle for a fiscal year were expended. Information on proposed revisions to the goals and a description of successful efforts to leverage funds, other than funds made available under the DD Act of 2000.

In addition, the DD Act of 2000 states those grantees must also report on data collected regarding:

1. consumer satisfaction with the advocacy;
2. capacity building;
3. systemic change activities initiated by the UCEDD;
4. the extent to which the UCEDD’s advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change activities provided results through improvements; and
5. the extent to which collaboration was achieved in the areas of advocacy, capacity building, and systemic change.

UCEDD is a discretionary grant program that supports States the operation and administration of a national network of UCEDDs in the States. UCEDDS are interdisciplinary education, research, and public service units of universities, public or not-for-profit entities associated with universities that engage in core functions. For example, provision of interdisciplinary pre-service preparation and continuing education of students and fellows; provision of community services, including training or technical assistance; conduct of research; and dissemination of information.

Addressing, directly or indirectly one or more of the areas of emphasis such as, quality assurance, education and early intervention, child care, health, employment, housing, transportation, recreation, and other services available or offered to individuals in a community, including formal and informal community supports, that affect their quality of life.

Currently, UCEDDs engage in four broad tasks: conducting interdisciplinary training, promoting exemplary community service programs and providing technical assistance at all levels from local service delivery to community and state governments, conducting research, and disseminating information to the field.

Comments must be submitted electronically or postmarked by May 4, 2020

Submit electronic comments to: Pamela.OBrien@acl.hhs.gov.

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Pamela O'Brien.

Instrument: UCEDD Annual Report Template

Proposed Data Collection: Annual SMP/SHIP National Training Conference Survey

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Annual SMP/SHIP National Training Conference Survey OMB #0985-New

View Federal Register Notice.

The Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling (OHIC) hosts an annual national training conference for the federally funded programs that it administers. The audience for this training conference includes attendees from State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) programs, which are two nationally recognized programs that provide Medicare information and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and help fight Medicare fraud through prevention and education. Grantee leadership is required to attend this training annually to ensure they receive critical information and technical assistance needed to help them successfully meet the requirements of their grant awards. Grantees are encouraged to bring up to three (3) people from each program. Programs operate in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.

The information collected in this survey is necessary to ensure that ACL is meeting the technical assistance needs of the attendees and to capture valuable feedback to be used for future training meetings. By gathering feedback on the quality of the training and content provided, we can ensure attendee satisfaction and gather information for future planning. ACL administers a contract to develop and provide the training conference evaluation tool for ACL’s approval. They also disseminate a tool to all participants following each training conference to evaluate attendee satisfaction. This training conference survey is introduced and explained during the program specific meetings and during the general session on the first day of the training conference. The survey is not mandatory, but is reinforced as a way for ACL to provide useful, engaging sessions that assist the attendees in successfully meeting the requirements of their grant awards. This evaluation tool will gather feedback on the quality of the training and content provided and the experience of the attendees to be used for future planning.

Document: SHIP-SMP Conference Evaluation Template

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by April 7, 2020.

Submit electronic comments to: Marissa.Whitehouse@acl.hhs.gov.

Submit written comments to: Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Marissa Whitehouse.

Public Input Requested on New State Plan for Independent Living Instrument

ACL seeks public input on the proposed new data collection for the New State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) Instrument and Instructions in the Federal Register Notice.

The purposes of this data collection are to address changes to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that result from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, 29 U.S.C. 32 and to increase the State Plan for Independent Living Instrument’s and Instructions’ clarity, conciseness, and precision. The revised Instrument and Instructions reflect the core services that WIOA requires. The revised Instrument and Instructions explain the state matching requirement. The revised documents include legal basis and certifications, DSE assurances, and SILC assurances. The revised Instrument and Instructions include a chart for the financial plan, a chart for centers for independent living’s service areas and oversight, and a signatures section.

Documents:

- Public Comment Summary of Changes
- Instrument and Instructions

Contact Peter Nye, Administration for Community Living, Washington, D.C. 20201, (202) 795-7606, or OILPPRAComments@acl.hhs.gov.

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by March 9, 2020.

Continuing Data Collection: SHIP-SMP Survey of One-on-One Assistance

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the SHIP-SMP Survey of One-on-One Assistance, Formerly the “National Beneficiary Survey of State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)” OMB #0985-0057 in the following:

Federal Register Notice

The SHIP-SMP Survey of One-on-One Assistance is a survey of individuals who meet with team members from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). These services help Medicare beneficiaries understand their Medicare benefits and options. These services also increase the ability of beneficiaries to identify and report fraud, waste, and abuse within health care programs generally, and Medicare/Medicaid specifically.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) was created under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. This section of the law authorized the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make grants to states to establish and maintain health insurance advisory service programs for Medicare beneficiaries. Grant funds were made available to support information, counseling, and assistance activities related to Medicare, Medicaid, and other health insurance options. SHIP grantees provide free, in-depth, unbiased, one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.

The SMP mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers, to prevent, detect, and report suspected healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.

SMP grantees support ACL’s goals of promoting increased choice and greater independence among older adults and individuals with disabilities. SMP activities also serve to enhance the financial, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of older adults, thereby increasing their capacity to maintain security in retirement and make better financial and healthcare choices.

SMP team members provide one-on-one assistance, and when needed, serve as consumer advocates to resolve billing disputes/issues.

The SHIP-SMP Survey of One-on-One Assistance will gauge individuals’ satisfaction with the services provided by SHIP and SMP team members. This survey is a renewal of the existing “National Beneficiary Survey of State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)”. That survey was conducted over a three-year period beginning on October 1, 2017, and will conclude on March 30, 2020. To date, this survey has generated over 2500 responses, all of which were submitted voluntarily.

ACL requests renewal of the survey to continue the collection performed in Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Reports developed for FY18 and FY19 participants have provided an overall measure of satisfaction with SHIP’s one-on-one assistance services and have provided insight into the relationship between inputs (information provided, time between initial contact and services received) and overall satisfaction. The renewed collection will survey recipients of both SHIP and SMP one-on-one assistance but will not increase the number of surveys collected.

ACL will draw a representative sample of customers who received assistance from each program by focusing only on non-redundant individuals (i.e., a random sample without replacement of individuals who receive SHIP and/or SMP one-on-one assistance).

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Sara.Vogler@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Sara Vogler.

Comments are due by February 28, 2020.

Document: Survey of One-on-One Assistance

Continuing Data Collection: SHIP-SMP Survey of Group Outreach and Education Events

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the SHIP-SMP Survey of Group Outreach and Education Events, formerly the “Senior Medicare Program National Beneficiary Survey” OMB# 0985-0056 in the following Federal Register Notice

The SHIP-SMP Survey of Group Outreach and Education Events is a survey of individuals who attend outreach and education events provided by the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). These events help Medicare beneficiaries understand their Medicare benefits and options. These events also increase the ability of beneficiaries to identify fraud, waste, and abuse within health care programs generally, and Medicare/Medicaid specifically.

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program was authorized in 1997 under Titles II and IV of the Older Americans Act, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriation Act of 1997 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The SMP mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers, to prevent, detect, and report suspected healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.

SMP grantees support ACL’s goals of promoting increased choice and greater independence among older adults and individuals with disabilities. SMP activities enhance the financial, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of older adults, thereby increasing their capacity to maintain security in retirement and make better financial and healthcare choices.

SHIP-SMP grantees provide group outreach and education through presentation events, and this collection will survey the attendees of those events. The SHIP-SMP Survey of Group Outreach and Education Events will focus on group outreach and education events and the individuals who attend them, to determine if the target audience is satisfied with the information they are receiving. This is a renewal of the existing Senior Medicare Program National Beneficiary Survey, which received clearance on August 28, 2017, with ICR Reference Number 201702-0985-003 and OMB Control Number 0985-0056. That survey was conducted over a three-year period beginning on October 1, 2017, and will conclude on March 30, 2020. To date, the Senior Medicare Program National Beneficiary Survey has generated over 5000 responses, all of which were submitted anonymously and voluntarily.

ACL requests renewal of the survey to continue the collection performed in Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Reports developed for FY18 and FY19 participants have provided an overall measure of presentation attendee satisfaction and have provided insight into the relationship between presentation inputs (information provided, access to presentations) and overall satisfaction. The renewed survey will include both SHIP and SMP presentations and will survey every participating state and territory at least once each year.

Comments are due by February 28, 2020.

Document: Survey of Group Outreach and Education Events

Proposed Data Collection: SHIP and SMP Data Performance Reports and Information Collection Tools

ACL seeks comment on proposed data collection for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). The purpose of this data collection is to collect performance data from grantees, grantee team members, and partners. Congress requires this data collection for program monitoring and Government Performance Results Act (GPRA) purposes. This data collection allows the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Center for Innovation and Partnership (CIP) to communicate with Congress and the public on the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program, the Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act (MIPPA) program, and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) activities. In addition to the SHIP Data Performance Reports and Information Collection (OMB #0985-0040), this revision incorporates the expired SMP Report collection (OMB#0985-0024) and the ADRC collection (OMB #0985-0062) into one tool.

The SHIP, SMP, MIPPA, and ADRC programs are located in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In order to ensure that grantees' report activity accurately and consistently it is imperative that these data collection tools remain active. The respondents for this data collection are grantees, grantee team members, and partners who meet with Medicare beneficiaries and older adults' in-group settings and in one-on-one sessions to educate them on the importance of being aware of Medicare fraud, error and abuse, and having the knowledge to protect the Medicare system.

ACL is proposing to combine these three collection tools to reduce burden on the grantees, grantee team members, and partners as many of the individuals working on these programs, collecting information, and reporting results are the same at the local level. Combining these tools will reduce the need for duplicate or triplicate reporting of activities in separate tools further reducing the time and effort in reporting outcomes and activities. In addition, this combination will allow for further clarification on when, where, and how activities are being conducted across these ACL programs further informing performance outcomes.

Documents:

- SHIP Tracking and Reporting System (STARS) Final Form Fields
- SMP Information and Reporting System (SIRS) Final Form Fields

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling, OHIC@acl.hhs.gov, the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Rebecca Kinney.

Comments must be submitted electronically or postmarked by 11:59 p.m. (EST) Friday February 28, 2020.

Input needed: Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Advisory Council

If you are (or once were) a grandparent or other older relative raising children, or if your organization provides support for those who are, the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren needs your help to identify:

- Best practices, resources, and other useful information for grandparents and other older relatives raising children;
- Gaps in available resources;
- Unique needs of children affected by opioid misuse; and
- Unique needs of members of Native American tribes.

This information will be used to plan the Council’s future activities and ultimately will be included in a report to Congress, which also will be shared publicly.

To submit your input, please answer these questions no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on February 7, 2020.

Input needed: RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council

ACL is seeking input on the challenges faced by family caregivers from individuals and organizations that capture the breadth of the family caregiving experience. This information will be used to assist the RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council in developing its initial report to Congress and to inform the development of the national family caregiving strategy. It also will be used to help the Council plan future activities, including public listening sessions that will begin in 2020.

To submit your input, please answer these questions no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on February 7, 2020.

Proposed Data Collection for National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the National Adult Maltreatment Reporting System in the following:

Federal Register Notice

This data collection effort is in response to the Elder Justice Act of 2009, which amended title XX of the Social Security Act [42.U.S.C. 13976 et seq.]. These provisions require that the Secretary of HHS “collects and disseminates data annually relating to the abuse, exploitation, and neglect of elders in coordination with the Department of Justice” [Sec. 2041(a)(1)(B)], and “conducts research related to the provision of adult protective services” [Sec. 2041(a)(1)(D)].

Furthermore, the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) included as its third recommendation for increasing federal involvement in addressing elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation: Develop a national adult protective services (APS) system based upon standardized data collection and a core set of service provision standards and best practices. NAMRS is a voluntary system that since FFY2016 has been collecting on an annual basis both summary and de-identified case-level data on APS investigations submitted by states. NAMRS consists of three components:

ACL proposes to collect descriptive data on state agency and practices from all states through the “Agency Component,” and Case-level, non-identifiable data on persons who receive an investigation by APS in response to an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation through “Case Component” For states that are unable to submit a case-level file through the “Case Component,” a “Key Indicators Component” will be available for them to submit data on a smaller set of core items.

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by Monday, January 13, 2020.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to Stephanie Whittier Eliason, Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, at Stephanie.WhittierEliason@acl.hhs.gov.

ACL provides technical assistance to states to assist in the preparation of their data submissions. Respondents are state APS agencies and APS agencies in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands, and American Samoa (states, hereafter). No personally identifiable information is collected.

Documents:

NAMRS-Agency Component

NAMRS-Case Component

NAMRS-Key Indicator Component

Proposed Data Collection: DD Council State Plans

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the Development Disabilities State Plan in the following:

Federal Register Notice

The State Councils on Developmental Disabilities (Councils) are authorized in Subtitle B, of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act), as amended. The Councils are required to submit a five-year State plan, any State desiring to receive assistance under this subtitle shall submit to the Secretary, and obtain approval of, a 5-year strategic State plan under this section. The requirement for a State plan is also further emphasized in the regulations in: (a) In order to receive Federal financial assistance under this subpart, each State Developmental Disabilities Council must prepare and submit to the Secretary, and have in effect, a State Plan which meets the requirements of sections 122 and 124 of the Act and these regulations.

Additionally, data is collected in the State Plan and submitted to Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AIDD) for compliance with the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010 (GPRAMA). In the State Plans, the Councils provide to AIDD future year targets for outcome performance measures. These targets are reported to Congress under GPRAMA.

As required by the statute, the Council is responsible for the development and submission of the State plan, and is then responsible for implementation of the activities described in the plan. Further, the Council updates the Plan annually during the five years. The State plan provides information on individuals with developmental disabilities in the State, and a description of the services available to them and their families. The plan further sets forth the goals and specific objectives to be achieved by the State in pursuing systems change and capacity building in order to more effectively meet the service needs of this population. It describes State priorities, strategies, and actions, and the allocation of funds to meet these goals and objectives.

The State Plan is used in three ways. First, it is used by the individual Council as a planning document to guide it's planning and execution processes. Secondly, it provides a mechanism in the State whereby individual citizens, as well as the State government, are made aware of the goals and objectives of the Council and have an opportunity to provide comments on them during its development. Finally, the State plan provides to the Department a stewardship tool; the staff of the Department provides some technical assistance to Councils and monitor compliance with Subtitle B of the DD Act, as an adjunct to on-site monitoring. The stewardship role of the State plan is useful both for providing technical assistance during the planning process, during the execution process, and also during program site visits.

Documents:

DDC State Plan Template

DDC State Plan-Annual Work Plan

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by Monday, January 13, 2020.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to Sara Newell-Perez. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Sara Newell-Perez.

ACL Seeks Public Input on Future Priorities for the Elder Justice Coordinating Council

Summary and Purpose

The Administration for Community Living is seeking your best thoughts and ideas regarding the activities of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council. The Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) wants to hear from the American public, researchers, practitioners, and especially survivors of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation to know what the EJCC should prioritize in the next biennium.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted electronically to ejcc@acl.hhs.gov with “Thoughts and Ideas” in the subject line.

DATES: To be assured consideration, comments must be received by December 31, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this request, please email them to ejcc@acl.hhs.gov with “Thoughts and Ideas” in the subject line. This is a resource mailbox established to receive public input on priorities for the EJCC, and should not be used to request information beyond the scope of this public input opportunity.

PLEASE NOTE: This invitation is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the federal government or the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL does not intend to make any grant or contract awards based on responses to this invitation, or to otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the government's use of such information.

Do not use this mailbox to report suspicions of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Report any suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation to your state’s Adult Protective Services.

ACL is not authorized to receive personally identifiable information through this public comment opportunity, beyond the contact information of the person submitting input. Please do not include any other personally identifiable information in your comment. For example, do not include the name, address, phone number or Social Security number of any individual you believe has experienced abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. We will immediately delete and not review any submission that includes personally identifiable information.

Background

Passed in 2010, the Elder Justice Act establishes the Elder Justice Coordinating Council to coordinate activities related to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation across the federal government. The Elder Justice Coordinating Council is directed by the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary serves as the Chair of the Council. The HHS Secretary has assigned responsibility for implementing the Coordinating Council to the Administration on Aging (AoA) within ACL. AoA has long been engaged in efforts to protect older individuals from elder abuse including financial exploitation, physical abuse, neglect, psychological abuse, and sexual abuse. Through the Older Americans Act, AoA endeavors preserve the rights of older people and protect those who may not be able to protect themselves.

The Elder Justice Act also names the Attorney General (AG) of the U.S. as a permanent member of the Council. In addition to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the AG, the statute provides for inclusion as Council members the heads of each federal department, agency, or governmental entity identified as administering programs related to abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.

The Elder Justice Coordinating Council is a federal entity charged with identifying and proposing solutions to the problems surrounding elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. The Council is a permanent group, which meets twice a year, with the goal of better coordinating the federal response to the elder abuse problem. The Coordinating Council will receive continuous input and support from an Elder Justice Interagency Working Group, a group of federal employees in Cabinet-level departments and federal agencies with expertise in the field of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

You can visit the Elder Justice Coordinating Council page on the ACL website for more information about the EJCC’s past and current activities and products.

What We Hope to Learn from this Invitation

AoA and the EJCC are preparing and planning for the council’s future activities, building off of past work including publishing the Eight (8) Recommendations For Increased Federal Involvement In Addressing Elder Abuse, Neglect And Exploitation. Through this invitation, ACL seeks to hear how public and professional elder justice stakeholders believe the Elder Justice Coordinating Council can be the most beneficial to promoting elder justice and have the greatest positive impact for survivors of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation and their communities.

Respondents to this invitation should feel free to submit comments, thoughts, and ideas about any aspect of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council. Examples of the type of comments include:

How have past activities of the EJCC benefitted you and your affiliated programs?
What activities, tools, resources, or components would best help states create and strengthen their systems of services and supports in order to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of people at risk for elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation, their family members, and their support networks?
How could the EJCC best benefit the larger elder justice community?
What is the best way to measure the impact and effectiveness of the Elder Justice Coordinating Council both on state systems and on survivors of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation?

Proposed Data Collection: OAA State Program Report

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the State Program Report in the following Federal Register Notice

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking OMB approval to continue collecting data using the State Program Report after expiration on 12/31/2019. This is a revision request to the 2016 approved version of the Reporting Requirements for Title III and VII State Program Report Definitions. The currently approved version of the State Program Report (SPR) includes language intended for usage in FY 2023. Since these data elements are not required for usage until FY 2023, under the Paperwork Reduction Act ACL is required to update the information collection (IC) to contain only the language and requirements for collection years 2020-2023. Removing the proposed FY 2023 language from the currently approved SPR causes a revision to OMB 0985-0008. ACL intends to seek OMB approval under a new OMB control number for the FY 2023-2026 data elements allowing usage of 0985-0008 until the new IC is approved and ready for usage.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) requires annual program performance reports from States, the District of Columbia, and Territories. The SPR collects information about how State Agencies on Aging expend their OAA funds as well as funding from other sources for OAA authorized supportive services. The SPR also collects information on the demographic and functional status of the recipients, and is a key source for ACL performance measurement. The information submitted by Title III grantees is AoA’s principle source for data and information on programs and services funded under the Older Americans Act (OAA). The SPR serves as the Program Performance Report for the state grantees to meet their annual grantee reporting requirements and includes the data required by the OAA be reported in the AoA Annual Report to Congress. This IC is summary data of services for seniors provided or managed by State Units on Aging (SUA) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Data is submitted annually by the 50 states, four Territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands), and Washington, D.C. The SPR includes information on the number of people served, the number of units of specific services, Title III expenditures, total expenditures, number of state and local staff, number of providers, and major accomplishments.

Documents:

State Program Report

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by Thursday, December 12, 2019.

Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL;
fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or
by mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

Proposed Revisions to Existing Data Collection: Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program

ACL has submitted the proposed collection of information listed below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This 30-day Federal Register notice collects comments on the information collection requirements related to ACL's Chronic Disease Self-Management Education grant program (Proposed Extension with Changes of a Currently Approved Collection [ICR Rev]).

The purpose of this data collection is to monitor program operations and outcomes. This data collection will also support ACL in tracking performance outcomes and efficiency measures with respect to the annual and long-term performance targets established in compliance with the Government Performance Results Modernization Act (GPRMA).

All changes proposed are based on feedback from a focus group that included a sub-set of current grantees, as well as consultation with subject matter experts. The changes are intended to clarify and simplify the forms, while ensuring the continued capture of necessary information.

Documents:

Program Information Cover Sheet
CDSME Attendance Log
CDSME Participant Survey

Submit written comments on the collection of information by:

(a) Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL;

(b) Fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or

(c) By mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

Comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on November 22, 2019.

For additional information, contact Kristie Kulinski, kristie.kulinski@acl.hhs.gov.

Proposed Data Collection: Older Americans Act State Program Report

ACL seeks public input on the proposed data collection for the State Program Report in the following:

Federal Register Notice

Document: State Program Report

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by Monday October 29, 2019.

Proposed Data Collection: TBI IC

ACL published a 60-day Federal Register Notice from 11/13/2017-01/12/2018 (Vol. 82, No.217 pp. 52305-52306). ACL received a large volume of substantive stakeholder comments, causing revisions to the IC based on those public comments. The period in publication between the 60-day FRN and 30-day FRN, allowed ACL to thoughtfully review and apply the significant number of substantive public comments to the proposed new TBI IC.

In order to remain compliant with PRA 5 CFR 1320.8(d), ACL has published this Federal Register Notice for an abbreviated public comment period prior to publishing a 30-day FRN and submittal to OMB. ACL solicits comments during this abbreviated public comment period regarding: (1) the accuracy of ACL's revised estimate of the burden for the proposed collection of information performance reporting data elements and (2) whether the proposed revisions to the collection of information enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.

The goal of the federal Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Partnership Program is to help state and local agencies develop resources so all individuals with TBI and their families will have accessible, available, and appropriate services and supports. The TBI State Partnership Program funds the development and implementation of statewide systems that ensure access to TBI related services, including transitional services, rehabilitation, education and employment, and long-term community support. To best monitor, guide, and support TBI State Partnership Program grantees, ACL needs regular information about the grantees’ activities and outcomes. The simplest, least burdensome and most useful way to accomplish this goal is to require grantees to submit information as part of their required semiannual reports via the proposed electronic data submission instrument.

Document: TBI Instrument

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by Tuesday October 22, 2019.

Proposed Data Collection: Adult Protective Services Client Outcome Study

ACL seeks public input on the proposed new data collection for the Adult Protective Services Client Outcome Study in the following Federal Register Notice.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking OMB approval to collect data using new information collection tools that examine if and how APS programs make a difference in the lives of APS clients. APS programs are provided by state and local governments nationwide and serve older adults and adults with disabilities in need of assistance due to maltreatment, which can include: Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; financial exploitation; neglect; and self-neglect. APS is an important avenue through which maltreatment is reported to law enforcement or other agencies.

Specifically, the data collection will help examine (1) what changes clients report as a result of receiving APS services; (2) how satisfied clients are with the APS services they receive; (3) to what extent clients report APS helps them achieve their goals; (4) to what extent clients report APS supports their right to self-determination; (5) to what extent APS programs affect client safety (risk of maltreatment); (6) how APS program intervene to reduce client risk of maltreatment; (7) what factors help or hinder APS efforts to reduce risk of maltreatment; (8) to what extent APS programs affect client well-being (e.g., quality of life, financial, physical health, etc.); (9) how APS programs intervene to improve client-well-being; and (10) what factors help or hinder APS efforts to improve client well-being. The data collection will be conducted with three target populations: (1) APS clients, (2) APS caseworkers, and (3) APS leaders. APS leaders will consist of APS state and APS county leaders.

Client Data Form Client Questionnaire

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by Monday October 21, 2019.

New State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) Instrument and Instructions

ACL seeks public input on the proposed new data collection for the new State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) Instrument and Instructions published in the Federal Register on August 12, 2019.

View the new SPIL Instrument and Instructions.

Submit comments to:

Peter Nye at peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov.

Comments on the collection of information must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. (EST) or postmarked by October 11, 2019.

For additional information, contact: Peter Nye, Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, (202) 795-7606, or peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov.

Request for Information: Monitoring Status Changes in Cognitive Health Among Homebound Older Adults

The Administration for Community Living is seeking input from stakeholders including academic and research universities, area agencies on aging (AAAs), State Units on Aging (SUAs), Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Centers on Independent Living, and non-profit organizations on assessing changes in cognitive health among homebound older adults. Cognitive health – which falls under the broad, umbrella term of brain health – refers to a person’s capacity to “remember, learn, plan, concentrate, and maintain a clear, active mind." Homebound older adults – when compared to non-homebound older adults – exhibit greater declines and may experience declines in cognitive health that can affect their quality of life and functional independence.

We are seeking input and responses to the following list of questions:

What are the characteristics of older adults for whom you conduct cognitive screening tests? What screening test and/or (psychometric) instruments (e.g. tests of recall, attention, processing speed, etc.) does your organization use to measure cognitive health? What is the length and format (e.g. in-person, paper-and-pencil, telephone, web-based, tablet, smartphone, etc.) used to administer these screening tests and/or instruments to the population of older adults you test?; What is the frequency with which your organization administers these tests and/or instruments and the duration over which cognitive health is monitored?; What is your estimate of the general cost per person for administering the test or instrument? What happens when changes are detected in a person’s cognitive health and how is this information used?; and What are the intended health outcomes (e.g., screening for a research study, early identification and detection, improvement through exposure to new interventions, reductions in re-hospitalization, etc.) sought from monitoring cognitive health over a period of time?

Purpose:

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gain feedback and input on existing efforts to monitor status changes to cognitive health in the homebound older adult population from individuals or groups including – but not limited to – those in the academic and research communities, Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), State Units on Aging (SUAs), Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Centers for Independent Living, and nonprofit organizations among others.

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the federal government or the Administration for Community Living. ACL does not intend to make any awards based on response to this RFI or to otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted to or for the government’s use of such information.

Background:

According to cross-sectional data collected in 2011 by the National Health and Aging Trends Study, approximately 2 million (5.59 percent) of the older adult Medicare population were completely or mostly homebound. A number of studies comparing the health profiles of homebound older adults – as compared to non-homebound older adults – consistently report that homebound older adults tend to be older in age, have multiple chronic conditions, and more frequently use healthcare services including emergency department visits.

Underscoring the potential importance of tracking cognitive health among the homebound older adult population is recent evidence finding that self-reported memory difficulties are a strong predictor of the homebound status of older adults [3] and evidence that screening tools and measures may prove useful in identifying those who may be experiencing cognitive decline or dementia despite not having a diagnosis.

What We Hope to Learn From this Invitation:

ACL is issuing this RFI to obtain input on existing efforts to monitor status changes in cognition in the homebound older adult population. This information will help ACL better understand what services, supports, and innovations are needed to inform interventions and/or policies to address declines in cognitive health that occur over time in the homebound older adult population.

Comment Due Date:

To be assured consideration, comments must be received by 5 pm EST on October 5, 2019.

Comments should be submitted electronically to Dr. Vijeth Iyengar (vijeth.iyengar@acl.hhs.gov) with “RFI-Cognitive Health Status Changes Homebound Older Adults” in the subject line.

For Further Information Contact:

Dr. Vijeth Iyengar (vijeth.iyengar@acl.hhs.gov) with “RFI-Cognitive Health Status Changes Homebound Older Adults” in the subject line.

It would be helpful to this RFI and ACL if you could structure your response in the following way:

Name of respondent Preferred contact email Organizational affiliation(s)

Addresses:

Comments should be submitted electronically to Dr. Vijeth Iyengar (vijeth.iyengar@acl.hhs.gov) with “RFI-Cognitive Health Status Changes Homebound Older Adults” in the subject line.

Response to questions in the order they appear in the summary section of this RFI

Input on Older Americans Act, Title VI Grant Application

ACL seeks public input on the proposed new data collection for the Older Americans Act, Title VI Grant Application. (View Federal Register Notice).

The purpose of this data collection is to improve and standardize the format of the application. The proposed application will align better with the revised Title VI Program Performance Report data collection under 0985-0059. It will eliminate duplicate reporting requirements for grantees.

In addition, the proposed data collection materials have been updated to align better with the requirements of the Older Americans Act and Federal regulations. They will also improve data quality and grantee accountability. The data collected will be related to the eligibility of Federally-recognized Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations for grant funds under this program and their capacity to deliver services to elders.

Document:

Application for Older Americans Act, Title VI 2020-2023 Grant Funds

The point of contact is Rhonda Schwartz, Rhonda.Schwartz@acl.hhs.gov, (617) 565-1165.

Input must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) or postmarked by September 9, 2019.

Proposed Revisions to Existing Data Collection: Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Program

ACL seeks public input on the proposed revisions to an existing data collection related to the Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) program in the following Federal Register Notice.

Documents:

Program Information Cover Sheet CDSME Attendance Log CDSME Participant Survey

For additional information, contact Kristie Kulinski, kristie.kulinski@acl.hhs.gov.

Comments must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET on September 9, 2019.

Proposed Removal of Regulations: Supportive and Nutritional Services to Older Hawaiian Natives program

In response to Executive Order 13777, Sec. 3(d), which directs agencies to repeal existing regulations that are “outdated, unnecessary or ineffective” from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), HHS is removing 45 CFR part 1323, Grants for Supportive and Nutritional Services to Older Hawaiian Natives.

These regulations were promulgated in 1988. Since that time ACL's Administration on Aging has worked with stakeholders to clarify guidance and issues through the regular grant application, reporting and technical assistance processes, eliminating the need for additional regulations. In addition, the regulations are duplicative of statutory language. The removal of the regulations will not create any challenges for the Supportive and Nutritional Services to Older Hawaiian Natives program or for other programs funded under the Older Americans Act.

Submit comments to:

Vicki Gottlich
Director, Center for Policy and Evaluation
Administration for Community Living
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
330 C Street SW
Washington, DC 20201

Or via email to: Vicki.Gottlich@acl.hhs.gov

Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on September 3, 2019.

Request for Information: Nutrition and Aging Network Providers

ACL is seeking feedback from Nutrition and Aging Network Providers (i.e., State Units on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging, local nutrition service providers, etc.) on: 1) the types of nutrition programs and services technical assistance you are currently or have previously received; and 2) the types of nutrition programs and services technical assistance that you would find useful in the future.

Please respond to the following two questions:

Question #1: What nutrition programs and services technical assistance have you received from ACL, AoA’s National Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging (https://nutritionandaging.org/), or other individuals or organizations (within or outside of the Aging Network) for your nutrition-related efforts and challenges ?

Question #2: What technical assistance topics and formats do you think would be most useful to help with your future nutrition-related efforts and challenges? Examples could include things like trainings, webinars, expert consultation, or tangible resources (i.e., fact sheets, issue briefs, etc.).

It would be helpful to ACL if you could structure your response in the following way:

• Name of respondent

• Preferred contact email

• Organizational affiliation(s)

• Response to Question #1

• Response to Question #2

Detailed information about the OAA Nutrition Programs can be found here: https://acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services.

Comment Due Date: To be assured consideration, comments must be received by August 2, 2019.

Submit to this address: Comments should be submitted electronically to healthpromotion@acl.hhs.gov with “RFI – Nutrition” in the subject line.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Contact Shannon Skowronski at healthpromotion@acl.hhs.gov with “RFI – Nutrition” in the subject line.

BACKGROUND:

Through the Older Americans Act (OAA) Nutrition Program, ACL’s Administration on Aging (AoA) provides grants to states to help support nutrition services for older people throughout the country. These services include the Congregate Nutrition Program and the Home-Delivered Nutrition Program, which provide healthy meals in group settings such as senior centers and faith-based locations, as well as in the homes of older adults. Through the Aging Network’s meal providers, the programs provide a range of services including nutrition screening, assessment, education, and counseling. Nutrition services also provide an important link to other supportive in-home and community-based supports such as homemaker and home-health aide services, transportation, physical activity and chronic disease self-management programs, home repair and modification, and falls prevention programs.

Nutrition services are authorized under Title III-C of the OAA. Designed to promote the general health and well-being of older individuals, the services are intended to:

• Reduce hunger and food insecurity,

• Promote socialization, and

• Delay the onset of adverse health conditions.

OAA Nutrition formula funding is distributed annually to designated State Units on Aging in 50 states and 6 territories. OAA Nutrition programs target adults age 60 and older – with a particular focus on serving those who are in greatest social and economic need. About 5,000 providers together serve more than 900,000 meals a day in communities across the country.

Older Americans Act, Title VI Grant Application

ACL seeks public input on the proposed new data collection for the Older Americans Act, Title VI Grant Application. (View Federal Register Notice).

Document:

Application for Older Americans Act, Title VI 2020-2023 Grant Funds

The point of contact is Rhonda Schwartz, Rhonda.Schwartz@acl.hhs.gov, (617) 565-1165.

Input is due by 11:59 pm ET, Friday, August 2, 2019.

Request for Information on 2016 National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State Adult Protective Services (APS) Systems

A new Request for Information (RFI) from the Administration on Aging (AoA) Office of Elder Justice and Adult Protective Services (OEJAPS) at ACL has been released today to obtain input from stakeholders on updates to the 2016 National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for State APS Systems (Guidelines).

Feedback must be submitted by May 31, 2019, to ejpubliccomments@acl.hhs.gov with “RFI APS Guidelines Updates” in the subject line.

ACL developed the first National Voluntary Consensus Guidelines for APS in 2016, and published the Guidelines in 2017. In that document, ACL established a two-year interval by which to re-engage in the stakeholder consensus process to review and update the Guidelines. Consistent with this schedule, ACL initiated the process to revisit the Guidelines to incorporate new research findings and new focus areas for APS practices and policies in fall 2018. Additionally, ACL is leveraging this update to the Guidelines to identify research gaps in the area of APS, as well as determine the best intervals to periodically update the Guidelines. Comments on all parts of the original and suggested updates to the Guidelines are welcome. Specifically, ACL is seeking input on the following areas:

1. Suggested updates to the Guidelines;
2. Additional topics to be considered for inclusion in the Guidelines;
3. Topic areas for which research on APS practices is lacking;
4. Frequency at which ACL should re-engage stakeholders in the consensus process to update the Guidelines, and ideas on the most efficient way for stakeholders to provide input.

The Guidelines do not constitute any standard or regulation, do not create new legal obligations or impose any mandates or requirements, and do not create nor confer any rights for, or on, any person. The purpose of the Guidelines is to highlight effective and promising APS practices and encourage the adoption of these practices and the development of policies that support these practices across states.

Please review the RFI and for more information and details about the process for providing feedback. The 2016 Guidelines, the suggested updates, and a summary of recent literature supporting the suggested updates, are available on ACL’s Consensus Voluntary Guidelines webpage. Feedback must be submitted by May 31, 2019.

Public Input Needed on New Data Collection for No Wrong Door (NWD) Systems

ACL seeks public input on the proposed new data collection for No Wrong Door (NWD) Systems in the Federal Register. The purpose of this data collection is to provide a platform for documenting key elements that are necessary to evaluate the progress of the NWD System model, track performance measures, and identify gaps and best practices. ACL also requests comments on data collection for the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program through the same Federal Register Notice, which proposes to collect data to evaluate the impact of the VDC program.

The NWD System vision is a joint effort by ACL, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and states. NWD Systems provide the infrastructure to streamline access to long term services and supports (LTSS) options for all populations by promoting the collaboration of local service organizations. The VDC program is an evidence-based self-directed program whereby aging and disability network agencies within a state’s NWD System provide facilitated assessment and care planning, arrange fiscal management services, and provide ongoing counseling and support to veterans, their families and caregivers.

Documents:

NWD System Management Tool

Veteran Directed Care Tool

For additional information, please contact joseph.lugo@acl.hhs.gov.

Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on April 18, 2019.

Written comments on the proposed data collection materials may be submitted by:

Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL;

Fax to: 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or

Mail to the: Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

A 60-day Federal Register Notice was published in the Federal Register on August 15, 2018, Vol. 83, No. 158, pp. 40519-40520 and can be found here.

Request for Input on Data Collection Related to American Indian, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs

The formal announcement of the 30-day opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on March 4, 2019. Comments must be submitted by April 3, 2019.

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to an existing data collection related to the American Indian, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs (Title VI). The purpose of this data collection is to fulfill requirements of the Older Americans Act and the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRA Modernization Act) of 2010 and related program performance activities. This announcement has been published in the Federal Register.

The proposed revisions are intended to better align with comparable data collected for ACL’s other nutritional, supportive, and caregiving grants. Proposed changes include adding data components and updating others for more accurate reporting of persons served and activities provided through the Title VI-funded programs. The revised data collection will provide data necessary to determine the effectiveness of the program. View the document to provide feedback.

For additional information, please contact Kristen Hudgins in ACL's Office of Performance and Evaluation at kristen.hudgins@acl.hhs.gov .

Written comments on the proposed data collection materials may be submitted by:

Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov , Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL Fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or Mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

A 60-day Federal Register Notice was published in the Federal Register on August 15, 2018, Vol. 83, No. 158, pp. 40519-40520. Responses to the comments received can be found here.

Proposed Data Collection: Inventory of Adult Protective Services Practices and Service Innovations

ACL is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on a new data collection, Inventory of Adult Protective Services Practices and Service Innovations.

Under a contract with ACL, the National Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC) is conducting a national program evaluation of APS programs. As part of this evaluation, the APS Practice Survey will identify barriers to meeting policy mandates and practice innovations and model programs that address such barriers and community-identified needs. It also seeks to identify practice variations in the way APS programs serve older adults and adults with disabilities. The results of the survey will serve to advance the field of APS and will be useful to many audiences.

Comments may be submitted through February 25, 2019 to Stephanie Whittier Eliason via e-mail to stephanie.whittiereliason@acl.hhs.gov or by mail to: Administration for Community Living, Attention: Stephanie Whittier Eliason, 330 C St., SW, Washington, DC 20201.

Documents:

Instrument

Public Input on the Next TBI Technical Assistance and Resource Center

SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Administration for Community Living is seeking your best thoughts and ideas regarding the activities of and the supports and services provided by the next traumatic brain injury (TBI) technical assistance and resource center. ACL will award a new contract for the resource center in September 2019. ACL is interested in hearing from the entire TBI community, especially from current and former TBI State Partnership Program grantees, TBI survivors, and national and state TBI advocates. These groups will be most impacted by the new resource center, and their input is critical.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted electronically to tbi@acl.gov with “Thoughts and Ideas” in the subject line.

DATES: To be assured consideration, comments must be received by January 30, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this request, please email them to tbi@acl.gov with “Thoughts and Ideas” in the subject line. Please know, however, that we cannot answer questions regarding any future contract solicitation content or process with any information beyond what we have already included here.

PLEASE NOTE: This invitation is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the federal government or ACL. ACL does not intend to make any contract awards based on responses to this invitation or to otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the government's use of such information.

BACKGROUND

The Administration for Community Living

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) was established in April 2012 to better enable older adults and people with disabilities across their lifespan to fully engage and participate in their communities, make informed decisions, and exercise choice and control with regard to their independence, health, and well-being. ACL exists to help all Americans, including people with disabilities and older adults, live at home with the supports they need and participate in communities that value their contributions.

Programs operated by ACL have the expectation of community living as their foundation. ACL programs actively seek to create communities where the necessary information, opportunities, services, and supports are available and accessible so that people with and without disabilities, their families, and their support networks can live, learn, work, play, and prosper.

The Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program

ACL has administered the TBI State Partnership Program since 2015, when the program was transferred from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The purpose of this program is to create and strengthen a system of services and supports that maximizes the independence, well-being, and health of people with TBIs across the lifespan, their family members, and their support networks.

The TBI State Partnership Program funds state agencies to increase and facilitate access to person-centered services and supports for all individuals with TBI, their families, and their support networks. State grantees work with a variety of populations including veterans, children, older adults, native populations, incarcerated individuals, and athletes. State Partnership Program grant recipients collaborate across state systems to increase the program’s reach and ensure that all systems have the competencies to best serve the TBI community. The program promotes systems change activities so that individual states can 1) evaluate their current structures and policies and 2) improve their systems (as needed) to better meet the needs of individuals with TBI and their families.

TBI Technical Assistance and Resource Center

HRSA, the previous administrating agency for the program, entered into a 5-year contract in 2014 with Grant Thornton for the services of a TBI Coordinating Center, the current technical assistance and resource center. The TBI Coordinating Center collaborates with state grantees and other TBI stakeholders to help all people in the TBI community find and access the information they need.

Currently, the TBI Coordinating Center provides assistance to the nationwide TBI community by:

Providing grantee and non-grantee state TBI programs with individualized technical assistance to help plan and develop effective programs that improve access to health and other services for individuals with TBI and their families; Sharing promising practices and lessons learned regarding the implementation of project activities and creation and/or incorporation of TBI services, funding, etc.; Offering best practices and tools for grantees and other state agencies to conduct state needs and resource assessments; Responding to questions about the federal TBI State Partnership Program and facilitating participation in program-related events; Providing on-site support staff to assist ACL in planning and implementing program activities; Supporting the development of an effective assessment approach for the program; Developing and expanding ACL’s TBI website (https://tbi.acl.gov) as well as searchable databases of information and resources; and Coordinating activities including webinars, conference calls, in-person conferences, and online resources (e.g., listservs and communities of practice) for both grantees and the public.

WHAT WE HOPE TO LEARN FROM THIS INVITATION

As ACL prepares for the next TBI technical assistance and resource center contract, we are sending out this invitation in order to get the perspective, thoughts, and ideas of current and former TBI State Partnership Program grantees, TBI survivors, and the entire TBI community. We want to hear how TBI stakeholders believe the next technical assistance and resource center contract can be the most beneficial to them and have the greatest possible impact for the TBI community as a whole.

The creation of a new contract in 2019 represents an opportunity to reimagine the relationship between ACL and the TBI community. The TBI technical assistance and resource center represents a significant part of the federal investment in improving the quality of life for people with TBI, their families, and their support networks. We want this new center to increase the impact the program has on helping people live well with TBI.

Respondents to this invitation should feel free to submit comments, thoughts, and ideas about any aspect of the TBI State Partnership Program and/or the TBI technical assistance and resource center. For example:

- How have past activities of the TBI Coordinating Center benefitted you and your affiliated programs?
- What design components (e.g., activities, tools, resources) would best help states create and strengthen their systems of services and supports in order to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of people with TBI, their family members, and their support networks?
- How could the new TBI technical assistance and resource center best benefit the larger TBI community?
- What is the best way to measure the impact and effectiveness of the new TBI technical assistance and resource center both on state systems and on people living with TBI?

Proposed Data Collections: Centers for Independent Living and Independent Living Services PPRs

ACL has submitted the proposed Centers for Independent Living (CIL) Program Performance Report and the Independent Living Services (ILS) Program Performance Report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance. The public is invited to comment on these proposed data collections.

The ILS PPR and CIL PPR were previously combined into one submission. However, for the purposes of this data collection, the ILS PPR and CIL PPR are being submitted separately because they are separate collections of different information from different parties.

Comments regarding either data collection can be submitted through January 25, 2019. (Please note that an incorrect date was published in the Federal Register on 12/26/18). Comments can be submitted via:

e-mail to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL
fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL
mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For more information contact: Peter Nye, Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, (202) 795-7606 or peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov.

CIL PPR Documents:

ILS PPR Documents:

Proposed Data Collection: No Wrong Door (NWD) System Management Tool

ACL is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed new data collection for No Wrong Door (NWD) Systems in the Federal Register. The purpose of this data collection is to provide a platform for documenting key elements that are necessary to evaluate the progress of the NWD System model, track performance measures, and identify gaps and best practices. ACL also requests comments on data collection for the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program through the same Federal Register Notice, which proposes to collect data to evaluate the impact of the VDC program.

The NWD System vision is a joint effort by ACL, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and states. NWD Systems provide the infrastructure to streamline access to long term services and supports (LTSS) options for all populations by promoting the collaboration of local service organizations. The VDC program is an evidence-based self-directed program whereby aging and disability network agencies within a state’s NWD System provide facilitated assessment and care planning, arrange fiscal management services and provide ongoing counseling and support to Veterans, their families and caregivers.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: ami.patel@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments to Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Ami Patel.

Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 2, 2019.

Documents:

Request for Comment on New State Plans for Independent Living

The Independent Living Administration (ILA) published in the Federal Register Notice for a 60-day public review and comment on the proposed extension without change of the State Plans for Independent Living (SPILs) (OMB Control Number 0985-0044). ILA is proposing to extend the currently approved forms for one year while we work on a revision that addresses changes required as a result of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. ILA plans to publish a revised SPIL instrument and instructions prior to the expiration of the extension request.

The SPIL is jointly developed by the Statewide Independent Living Council chairperson and the directors of the centers for independent living in the state after receiving public input from individuals throughout the state. The SPIL is then signed by the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) chairperson—on the Council’s behalf and at the Council’s direction—and not less than 51 percent of centers for independent living directors in the state. ACL reviews the SPIL for compliance with the Rehabilitation Act and 45 CFR part 1329 and approves it. The SPIL also serves as a primary planning document for continuous monitoring of, and technical assistance to, the state independent living programs to ensure appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately address, on a statewide basis, needs for the provision of independent living services in the state.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Peter Nye at peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Peter Nye.

Comments must be submitted by midnight on December 18, 2018.

Request for Comment on New Independent Living Services Program Performance Report

The Independent Living Administration (ILA) published in the Federal Register Notice for a 60-day public review and comment on the proposed extension with change of the Independent Living Services Program Performance Report (ILS PPR) (OMB Control Number 0985-0043). ILA is proposing to extend the currently approved form for two years while we revise the form. ILA plans to publish a revised ILS PPR before the expiration of the extension request.

The Independent Living Services (ILS) program provides financial assistance, through formula grants, to states and territories for providing, expanding, and improving the provision of independent living services. The Designated State Entity (DSE) is the agency that, on behalf of the state, receives, accounts for, and disburses funds received under Subchapter B of the Act. Funds are also made available for the provisions of training and technical assistance to SILCs.

ILS PPR Instrument ILS PPR Instructions

Comments must be submitted by midnight on December 18, 2018.

Request for Comment on New Centers for Independent Living Program Performance Report

The Independent Living Administration (ILA) published in the Federal Register Notice for a 60-day public review and comment on the proposed new data collection of the Centers for Independent Living Program Performance Report (CIL PPR) (OMB Control Number 0985-NEW). ILA is proposing to use this form for one year while we develop an updated form. ILA plans to publish a revised ILS PPR before the expiration of the extension request.

The CIL PPR is submitted annually by CILs in all states receiving Subchapter C funds. The PPRs are used by ACL to assess CILs’ compliance with Title VII of the Act, and with 45 CFR 1329 of the Code of Federal Regulations and with applicable provisions of the HHS Regulations at 45 CFR Part 75. The PPR serves as the primary basis for ACL’s monitoring activities in fulfillment of its responsibilities under Sections 706 and 722 of the Act. The PPR is also used by ACL to design CIL and SILC training and technical assistance programs authorized by Section 721 of the Act.

CIL PPR Instrument CIL PPR Instructions

Comments must be submitted by midnight on December 18, 2018.

Proposed Data Collection: On Protection and Advocacy Annual Program Performance Report

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed new data collection for protection and advocacy systems. The proposed new data collection will replace four existing Protection and Advocacy Program Performance Reports and other revisions. The four annual reports include the Developmental Disabilities Protection and Advocacy Systems Program Performance Report, the Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology Program Performance Report, the Protection and Advocacy Voting Access Annual Report, and the Protection and Advocacy for Traumatic Brain Injury Program Performance Report. It is proposed that the four forms be combined by creating the One Protection and Advocacy Annual Program Performance Report form.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information by email to: Clare.Huerta@acl.hhs.gov. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 11, 2018.

For more information contact:
Clare Huerta, Administration for Community Living, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Program Support, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC
(202) 795-7301
Clare.Huerta@acl.hhs.gov

Documents:

Proposed One PPR Template

Proposed Guidance for Completing One PPR

Seeking nominations for members of the public to serve on the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

The number of grandparents and other older relatives who are caring for children is significant and growing, in part due to the opioid crisis. Although caregivers' lives are enhanced by the experience, providing full-time care to children can decrease caregivers' abilities to address their own health and well-being needs.

Recognizing that these caregivers would benefit from improved coordination of resources intended to support them, as well as better dissemination of information about those resources, the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act (Pub. L. 115-196) established an Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

The Advisory Council will identify, promote, coordinate, and disseminate to the public information, resources, and the best practices available to help grandparents and other older relatives both meet the needs of the children in their care; and maintain their own physical and mental health and emotional well-being.

In addition to members from federal departments and agencies who play a role in these issues, the Advisory Council will include at least one grandparent who is raising a grandchild, and at least one older relative caring for children.

Responsibilities:

The Advisory Council will develop a report that includes best practices, resources, and other useful information for grandparents and other older relatives raising children. This report will be delivered to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Congress, and the state agencies responsible for carrying out family caregiver programs. The initial report will be submitted within six months, with an update submitted within two years. The Advisory Council will establish a process for obtaining public input to inform the development of both the initial report and the subsequent update

To Nominate:
Anyone may nominate themselves and/or one or more qualified grandparents raising grandchildren and/or older relative caregivers of children for membership on the Advisory Committee. ACL also welcomes nominations of others who may be able to provide subject matter expertise or technical contributions to the Advisory Council. This may include (but is not limited to) professionals in academia, providers of supportive services, mental/behavioral health experts, legal and financial service providers, and others who serve these populations.

Nomination packages must include:

- A nomination letter not to exceed one (1) page that provides the reason(s) for nominating the individual, and a description of their relevant experience and/or professional expertise;
- Contact information for the nominee (name, title (if applicable), address, phone, and email address).
- The nominee's resume (not to exceed two (2) pages), if the nomination is based on their professional capacity. For all others, a resume or a written summary of qualifications and life experience (not to exceed two (2) pages) may be submitted, but is not required.

Nominees will be appointed based on their demonstrated knowledge, qualifications, and professional or personal experience related to the purpose and scope of the Advisory Council. Members will be appointed for the full life of the Advisory Council, which will sunset in January 2021.

Nominations may be submitted as follows:

Email:Send to: RAISEAct@acl.hhs.gov (specify the name of the nominee in the email subject line)
Mail or express delivery: Submit materials to: Family Caregiving Advisory Council, Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201

Nominations must be received or postmarked by Monday, December 3, 2018

For more information

Complete information about the Advisory Council, including roles and responsibilities of members, can be found in the S upporting Grandparents Raising Grandparents Act. Additional information also can be found in the Federal Register notice, which was published on Oct. 12, 2018.

For questions, please contact Whitney Bailey at Whitney.Bailey@acl.hhs.gov.

Seeking nominations for members of the public to serve on the Family Caregiving Advisory Council

Deadline: Monday, December 3, 2018

The RAISE Family Caregivers Act directed the establishment of the Family Caregiving Advisory Council to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on effective models of both family caregiving and support to family caregivers, as well as improving coordination across federal government programs.

In addition to non-voting members from federal departments and agencies who play role in these issues, the Advisory Council will include up to 15 voting members who reflect the diversity of family caregivers and people who receive support, with at least one from each of the following constituencies:

- Caregivers
- Older adults who need long-term services and supports
- Individuals with disabilities Health care and social service providers
- Providers of long-term services and supports
- Employers
- Paraprofessional workers
- State and local officials
- Accreditation bodies
- Veterans

Nominations must be received or postmarked by Monday, December 3, 2018.

Nominees will be appointed based on their demonstrated knowledge, qualifications, and professional or personal experience related to the purpose and scope of the Advisory Council. Members will be appointed for the full life of the Advisory Council, which will sunset in January 2021.

Advisory Council Responsibilities:

The Advisory Council is required to meet quarterly during its first year and at least three times each year thereafter. Meetings will be open to the public. Advisory Council members will be expected to meaningfully and substantively participate in at least one subcommittee, which will meet periodically between meetings of the full Advisory Council.

Within 12 months, the Advisory Council will develop an initial report, which will be used by the Department of Health and Human Services to inform the development of a national family caregiving strategy. The Advisory Council also will support biannual updates to that strategy, and provide an annual report on its implementation and ongoing development to Congress, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the state agencies responsible for carrying out family caregiver programs.

To nominate:

Anyone may nominate themselves and/or one or more qualified individuals for membership on the Advisory Committee. Nomination packages must include:

- A nomination letter not to exceed one (1) page that provides the reason(s) for nominating the individual, and a description of their relevant experience and/or professional expertise;
- Contact information for the nominee (name, title (if applicable), address, phone, and email address).
- The nominee's resume (not to exceed two (2) pages), if the nomination is based on their professional capacity. For all others, a resume or a written summary of qualifications and life experience (not to exceed two (2) pages) may be submitted, but is not required.

Nominations may be submitted as follows:

Email:Send to: RAISEAct@acl.hhs.gov (specify the name of the nominee in the email subject line)
Mail or express delivery: Submit materials to: Family Caregiving Advisory Council, Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201

Nominations must be received or postmarked by Monday, December 3, 2018.

For more information

Complete information about the Advisory Council, including roles and responsibilities of members, can be found in the full text of the RAISE Family Caregivers Act. Additional information also can be found in the Federal Register notice, which was published on Oct. 12, 2018.

For questions, please contact Whitney Bailey at Whitney.Bailey@acl.hhs.gov.

Proposed Revisions to Existing Data Collection Related to American Indian, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs (Title VI)

Submit any comments or questions about the proposed documents below to kristen.hudgins@acl.hhs.gov.

Written comments on the information collection proposal should be mailed to the following address within the 60-day comment period by October 15:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Community Living,
Washington DC 20201,
Attention: Kristen Hudgins

For further information contact Kristen Hudgins by telephone at (202) 795-7732 or by email at kristen.hudgins@acl.hhs.gov.

Document:

Title VI PPR Indicators Revision

New Data Collection; National Center on Law and Elder Rights (NCLER)

ACL seeks public comments on information collection requirements related to ACL’s National Center on Law and Elder Rights. The proposed collection of information represents new information requested from aging/disability networks to fulfill requirements regarding the provision of services and overall performance of ACL legal assistance programs.

Comments can be submitted through August 23, 2018 by:

email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL;
fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or
by mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. N.W., rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For more information contact Omar Valverde at omar.valverde@acl.hhs.gov or 202-795-7460.

Documents:

State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Annual Program Performance Report

The proposed DD Council PPR has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review. The public is invited to submit comments thru July 16, 2018. Submit written comments by:

Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or

Document: DD Councils Proposed PPR

by mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

Revisions to the State Program Performance Report For State Units On Aging (Older Americans Act Titles III and VII (Chapters 3 and 4)

The formal announcement of the 30-day opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on April 2, 2018. Comments must be submitted by May 2, 2018.

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to the existing data collection materials for the State Program Performance Report For State Units On Aging (Older Americans Act Titles III and VII (Chapters 3 and 4). The currently approved materials are effective 2016 – 2019; significant revisions to the SPR were last implemented in 2005.

This proposed revisions include significant reductions in the data collected. Factors that influenced the proposed revision of the SPR include:

The need to modernize the data structure to allow for more efficient reporting and the ability to use current technology for reporting and analysis; The interest in aligning data elements within and across data collections; The need to consider alternative data elements that reflect the current Aging Network and long-term care services and supports; and The need to reduce reporting burden while enhancing data quality. The proposed SPR revision reduces the number of data elements reported by 70% and the amount of time for completion by 30% compared to the current 2016-2019 SPR.

For additional information, please contact ACL's Office of Performance and Evaluation at SPRredesign.comments@acl.hhs.gov.

Written comments on the proposed data collection materials may be submitted by:

Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL Fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or Mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL

A notice soliciting comments for 60 days was published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2017, Vol. 82, No. 104, pp. 25293-25294. Responses to the comments received can be found here.

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP)

The formal announcement of the 30-day opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on February 20, 2018. Comments must be submitted by March 22, 2018.

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to the existing data collection materials for the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP).

The revisions to the survey are intended to:

Reduce reporting burden on the Area Agencies on Aging while obtaining needed annual performance measures
Improve usability of the data by incorporating some new items and removing others, based on public comments, results of recent evaluations of the Older Americans’ Act programs, and input from an expert workgroup.

The data collection materials are as follows:

These materials were published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2017. ACL received comments from 64 organizations and 15 individuals

Most comments requested improved methodology for collecting gender identity. ACL plans to conduct cognitive testing of the questions in the redesigned tools, including the gender question. The information gathered through this cognitive testing may lead to changes in the way questions are worded in later years.

Other public comments supported the: a) longitudinal methodology; b) collection of data on sexual orientation; c) inclusion of a rotating module on discrimination; and d) limiting of burden on the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Because those comments were supportive, no changes were made as a result.

Comments may be submitted as follows:
Fax: 202-395-5806
Email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov , Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL

Comments must be submitted by March 22, 2018.

For additional information, please contact: Heather Menne at 202-795-7733 or Heather.Menne@acl.hhs.gov

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program

ACL seeks comments on a proposed information collection for the ACL Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program. OMB approval of the existing set of Falls Prevention data collection tools expires on 01/31/2018.

The Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs supports competitive grants to implement and sustain evidence-based community programs that have been proven to reduce the incidence of falls for older adults and older adults with disabilities. The purpose of this effort is to collect information necessary for monitoring program operations and outcomes for these grants.

The proposed revisions to the existing data collection are intended to: a) reduce reporting burden on grantees, while still capturing necessary information; and b) make changes to the wording and formatting of some of the measures in the pre-test and post program survey to improve the usability of the forms and data (changes proposed as a result of input from a grantee workgroup and national experts in falls prevention).

Submit comments by March 5, 2018, about the proposed documents below to:

(a) Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL;

(b) fax to 202–395–5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or

(c) by mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725, 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

- Falls Attendance Log
- Falls Prevention Program Information Cover Sheet
- Semi-Annual Performance Report Directions and Sample Template
- Host Organization Information Form
- Participant Information Form
- Participant Post Program Survey

For further information, contact Shannon Skowronski by email at shannon.skowronski@acl.hhs.gov or by telephone at (202) 795-7438.

Request for Information: Opioid Use Disorder Among People with Disabilities

A new Request for Information (RFI) from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has been released today about opioids and people with disabilities.

NIDILRR is seeking input on the following areas related to the opioid public health emergency and people with disabilities. People with disabilities often experience chronic pain and, as a result, sometimes use opioids to address their pain. We are interested in understanding: 1) whether people with disabilities have been diagnosed and are being treated for an opioid use disorder, and 2) are clinics or community organizations observing a sizeable population of people with disabilities seeking treatment for opioid use disorder? If so, are current treatment strategies adequate and, if applicable, how is your organization adapting treatment strategies for people with disabilities?

NIDILRR is issuing this RFI to obtain input on the incidence of opioid use disorder among people with disabilities. This information will help NIDILRR determine what research might be needed to inform interventions and/or policies to mitigate the effects of opioid use disorder on people with disabilities. Topics of particular interest include opioid use among common subgroups of people with disabilities and their secondary conditions, and/or the effectiveness of existing or adapted treatment strategies for opioid use disorder among people with disabilities.

Please visit the link to view the RFI and for more details about the process to submit comments. Comments must be submitted by February 20, 2018.

Within ACL, NIDILRR works to generate new knowledge and promote its effective use to improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community; and to expand society's capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for people with disabilities. NIDILRR conducts its work through grants that support research and development.

Proposed Data Collection: National Center on Law and Elder Rights (NCLER)

ACL is seeking comments from the public on a proposed collection of information from legal and aging/disability service professionals. The collection will ensure that the National Center on Law and Elder Rights creates and prioritizes the training, case consultations, and technical assistance resources it was contracted to provide.

The information to be requested by ACL from legal and aging/disability professionals fall into the following areas:

requests for training, case consultation, and technical assistance through an online, secure Uniform Resource Support Request Tool
general requests for Legal Training (including the volume of Webinar registrations); Case Consultation and Technical Assistance
information about satisfaction and use of the services and support received in order to enable ACL to measure performance outcomes.

Electronic comments can be submitted by February 5, 2018 to Omar Valverde at omar.valverde@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information by mail to Omar Valverde, Administration for Community Living, Washington, D.C. 20201.

For more information contact Omar Valverde at omar.valverde@acl.hhs.gov or (202) 795-7460.

Materials:

Proposed Changes to the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS)

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to the existing data collection materials for the National Ombudsman Reporting system (NORS)

Notice of the 30-day comment period was published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2018. Comments must be submitted by March 26, 2018 via:

Fax to 202-395-5806 (Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL) Email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov (Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL) Mail to The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. N.W., rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, (Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL)

ACL received comments from 18 individuals and groups. In general, there were no significant comments on the proposed data elements. Instead, comments focused on ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. These comments were very helpful and many of the proposed edits and language suggestions were adopted. Comments regarding reporting burden specifically focused on the term: “Residential Care Community” and on challenges with coding a complaint on behalf of one or more complainant, i.e. a “group complaint” (Table 1, code C5). In response to these comments, ACL revised the definition of “Residential Care Community,” and removed the group complaint data element (Table 1, code C5). Some commenters expressed concerns about the cost to update and revise their reporting systems, but the estimates of impact on data collection burden varied. Since the comments were not consistent in this area no changes have been made. Additional concerns about the wording in proposed definitions and requests to add additional data collection elements are addressed in the response to comments tables.

Despite the concerns addressed, there was an overall positive tone to the comments. State Ombudsman programs largely support the changes made by ACL to NORS. They indicated they appreciate ACL’s efforts to incorporate many of the revisions previously recommended. Further, they indicated these changes will result in more accurate and consistent reporting as well as more precise identification of trends and the systems advocacy needed to address common complaints.

Comments in Response to the 60 day Federal Register Notice

Detailed response to 60 day proposed revisions (published in the Federal Register, Vol. 81, No.152, Page 52438 August 8, 2016.)

Table 1-ACL response to comments Table 2-ACL response to comments Table 3-ACL response to comments Introduction to Revised NORS Crosswalk A Crosswalk B

Background Materials:

1) Crosswalks: Old National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) data collection to new NORS data collection

The data collection materials for public comment are as follows:

NORS Table 1: Case Level NORS Table 2: Complaint Codes NORS Table 3: Program Information

The proposed revisions are intended to:

Reduce reporting burden on the States’ Ombudsman Programs while obtaining needed annual performance measures; Improve usability of the data by incorporating some new items and removing others, based on recommendations of state Ombudsman programs and other stakeholders; Enhance ACL’s ability to understand and report on LTCO program operations, and the experience of long-term care facility residents; and Reflect changes in Ombudsman program operations and long-term supports and services policies, research, and practices

Proposed Data Collection: Performance Measures for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Partnership Program

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has created an opportunity for the public to comment on a proposed collection of information. We are asking for comments on proposed semiannual performance measures for the ACL Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Partnership program. The program’s purpose is to increase access to rehabilitation and other services for individuals living with traumatic brain injury.

We are seeking to collect information from grantees on a semiannual basis regarding:

- The types of practices, protocols, and activities performed by each grantee;
- The cost of each grant-funded activity;
- The number and types of people the grantees serve;
- The number and types of individuals who receive TBI-related home and community-based services; and
- The involvement of people with TBI in advisory and program support roles.

Access the draft TBI performance measures here. See also the notice in the Federal Register. Comments must be received by January 12, 2018. You may send your comments about the proposed collection by email to TBI@acl.gov or by mail to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Community Living

330 C Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20201

Attention: Thom Campbell

If you need further information, please contact Thom Campbell at (202) 795-7263.

Proposed Survey Instrument: Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program

ACL seeks comments on a proposed renewal, with revisions, to an existing information collection for the ACL Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program. OMB approval of the existing set of Falls Prevention data collection tools expires on 01/31/2018.

Submit comments by December 4, 2017, about the proposed documents below to: shannon.skowronski@acl.hhs.gov.

Submit written comments about the collection of information by mail to the following address:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

Administration for Community Living,

Washington DC 20201,

Attention: Shannon Skowronski

For further information contact Shannon Skowronski by telephone at (202) 795-7438 or by email at shannon.skowronski@acl.hhs.gov.

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: DD Councils Program Performance Report

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on a proposed revision to an existing data collection related to the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Annual Program Performance Report (PPR). On an annual basis, each Council must submit a PPR to describe the extent to which annual progress is being achieved on the 5-year State plan goals.

Comments can be submitted thru December 3, 2017, via e-mail to Sara.Newell-Perez@acl.hhs.gov or by mail to Sara Newell-Perez, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street, SW, Room 1108B, Washington, D.C. 20201.

DD Councils Proposed PPR

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: State Grants for Assistive Technology Program State Plan

ACL is announcing that the proposed revision to an existing information collection related to the State Grants for Assistive Technology Program State Plan for AT (formerly the 664 Report) has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance.

Submit comments by January 3, 2018, electronically to Robert.Groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov or by mail to: Robert Groenendaal, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Washington, D.C. 20201.

For more information contact Robert Groenendaal at (202) 795-7356 or Robert.Groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov.

Document:

Proposed State Plan for Assistive Technology and Instructions

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to an existing data collection related to the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP). The purpose of this data collection is to fulfill requirements of the Older Americans Act and the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRA Modernization Act) of 2010 and related program performance activities. The Notice of Comment Request is published in the Federal Register (Vol. 82, No. 185, 44800-44802) and will be open for public comment until November 27, 2017.

The proposed revisions are intended to: a) reduce reporting burden on the area agencies on aging while still being able to report annual performance measures; and b) incorporate or remove a small number of items to improve usability of the data based on prior public comment, results of recent evaluations of the Older Americans’ Act programs, and the input from an expert workgroup.

Submit comments by November 27, 2017, about the proposed documents below to heather.menne@acl.hhs.gov.

Written comments on the information collection proposal should be mailed to the following address:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Community Living,
Washington DC 20201,
Attention: Heather Menne

For further information contact Heather Menne by telephone at (202) 795-7733 or by email at heather.menne@acl.hhs.gov.

Documents:

Proposed changes in information Collection: Maintenance of Effort under Title III and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Expenditures

ACL seeks comments on:

Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection (OMB Approval Number 0985-0004), and
Maintenance of Effort for Title III and extension of, and minor revisions due to statutory language changes to the Certification of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Expenditures.

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on October 23, 2017.

ACL submitted a proposed collection of information to OMB for review and clearance, and is requesting approval for a three-year extension of the currently approved data collection with modifications.

The Certification of Maintenance of Effort under Tittle III and Certification of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Expenditures provide statutorily required information on each state’s contribution to programs funded under the Older Americans Act. This includes compliance with legislative requirements, pertinent Federal regulations, and other applicable instructions and guidelines issued by ACL.

Also, minor changes are being proposed to the LTCO Expenditures Certification, and an accompanying document, which provide specific statutory references on Ombudsman program minimum funding, non-supplanting requirements, and state authorization to expend Title III-B funds on Ombudsman activities.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by November 22, 2017.

Submit written comments on the collection of information: by fax at 202.395.5806 or by email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For further information contact Jesse E. Moore, Jr. at (202) 795-7578.

Other Useful Information:

Proposed Survey Instrument: State Grants for Assistive Technology Program Annual Progress Report

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing that the proposed collection of information listed above has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA). This 30-day notice requests comments on the information collection requirements related to a proposed Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection (ICR-Rev). The revision would allow ACL to continue to collect information necessary to determine grantee compliance with Section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as Amended (AT Act).

Submit written comments by November 3, 2017 via fax at (202) 395-5806 or by email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For more information contact Robert Groenendaal at (202) 795-7356 or robert.groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov.

Documents:

Proposed changes to the Title III (of the Older Americans Act) Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on September 27, 2017.

The Title III Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report (SF-425) is used to collect additional information about how projects funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act are being administered, and to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and federal regulations/guidance. Specifically, this form collects details on non-federal required match, administration expenditures, Older Relative Caregivers expenditures, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman expenditures.

Minor changes are being proposed to it to reflect changes in statutory language found in the 2016 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Specifically, the phrase “Grandparents Only” has been changed to “Older Relative Caregivers,” the new term in the OAA that describes this population of eligible service recipients. The accompanying instructions for completing the Title III Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report were also modified to include this same language. References in the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) have been updated addressing financial reporting requirements, and non-substantive technical edits have been made to the instructions.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by October 27th, 2017.

Submit written comments on the collection of information by October 27th by fax to (202) 395-5806, or by email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov , Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For further information contact Jesse E. Moore, Jr. at (202) 795-7578.

Other Useful Information:

30 Day Federal Register Notice for Title III Supplemental (SF425)

ACL Title III Supplemental Form and Instructions 2017

HHS seeks input on FY 2018 - 2022 Strategic Plan Draft

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has provided a draft of its FY 2018 – 2022 Strategic Plan for comments. The draft is a part of the strategic planning process under the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 and gives agency stakeholders an opportunity to provide comments on the plan.

The strategic planning consultation process is an opportunity to refine and strengthen the HHS Strategic Plan FY 2018 – 2022.

Comments may be provided for each goal and objective. Please submit your comments by October 26, 2017.

Submit comments here via HHS.

Submit comments here via Federal Register.

View the HHS Draft Strategic Plan FY 2018-2022 here.

Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Independent Living Programs Annual Performance Reports

Annual Performance Reports for the Centers for Independent Living (CILs), designated State entities (DSEs), and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILC) (704 Parts I and II reports.)

This 30-Day notice requests comments on a proposed Extension Without Changes of a Currently Approved Information Collection (ICR Ext) (OMB approval number 0985-0023). The extension would allow ACL to continue to collect information necessary to determine grantee compliance with Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

ACL received a large number of public comments resulting from a 60-day Federal register notice for the 704 Part II report. In response to the comments, ACL is proposing to extend the currently approved forms for one year while we work on a revision that addresses all the comments from the 60-day notice regarding the updated form.

Submit written comments on the collection of information by October 16 by fax to 202.395.5806 or by email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For more information contact Veronica Hogan at (202) 795-7365 or veronica.hogan@acl.hhs.gov.

Documents:

Proposed Information Collection: AT Act

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on ACL’s intention to collect information necessary to determine grantee compliance with Section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (AT Act). Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information and to allow 60 days for public comment. This notice solicits comments on a proposed revision to an existing data collection related to the State Grants for Assistive Technology Program Annual Progress Report (AT APR), formerly the 572 Report (0985-0042).

Submit electronic comments by Friday, September 15, 2017 on the collection of information to: Robert.Groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information by mail to Robert Groenendaal, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street, SW, Room 1317B Washington, D.C. 20201.

Documents:

Proposed Survey Instrument: National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP)

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2017.

ACL has submitted the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance, as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This instrument will be used to conduct a three-year survey of participants in programs funded by the Older Americans Act. These national surveys provide a portrait of who receives these services and how they assess the quality of the services received.

The proposed survey instrument was published for public comment in the Federal Register in Vol. 82, No. 13457 on March 13, 2017. ACL received comments from 89 organizations and just over 13,900 individuals. The majority of the comments requested that ACL retain demographic questions on sexual orientation/ gender identity. In addition, comments addressed: a) methodological, survey design, and sampling considerations; b) concern about the survey length; and c) recommendations to modify and/or add clarifying questions throughout the survey.

Based on this input, ACL has made minor changes to the survey instrument. These changes include:

Retaining the primary question regarding sexual orientation
Clarifying language about Family Caregiver Services
Clarifying the meaning of "calcium-rich soy products" in the surveys of recipients of both congregate and home-delivered meals
Adding language to explain that "home delivered meals" and "Meals on Wheels" may be used interchangeably in survey questions

The public now has the opportunity to provide input on the revised survey instrument to OMB. To be considered, comments on the proposed survey instrument must be received by OMB by July 24, 2017. Comments may be submitted by:

Fax: 202-395-5806
Email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL

Proposed changes to the Title III (of the Older Americans Act) Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on June 20, 2017.

Minor changes are being proposed to it to reflect changes in statutory language found in the 2016 reauthorization of the OAA. Specifically, the phrase “Grandparents Only” has been changed to “Older Relative Caregivers,” the new term in the OAA that describes this population of eligible service recipients. Similarly, the accompanying instructions for completing the Title III Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report were also modified to include this same language. References in the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) have been updated addressing financial reporting requirements and non-substantive technical edits have been made to the instructions.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by August 21, 2017.

Please send electronic comments on the information collection proposal to jesse.moore@acl.hhs.gov. Written comments on the information collection proposal should be mailed to the following address:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Community Living,
Washington DC 20201,
Attention: Jesse Moore

For further information contact Jesse E. Moore, Jr. at (202) 795-7578.

Proposed Revisions: Older Americans Act Title III and VII, Chapters 3 and 4 Annual State Program Performance Report (SPR)

On June 1, 2017, ACL released the proposed revisions for the Older Americans Act Title III and VII, Chapters 3 and 4 Annual State Program Performance Report (SPR) for public comment. The Notice of Comment Request is now published in the Federal Register (Vol. 82, No. 104, page 25293 -25294) and will be open for public comment until July 31, 2017.

Review the proposed State Program Performance Report Requirements Draft 2017 (DOCX, 141KB) and proposed State Program Performance Report Attachment A Definitions Draft 2017 (DOCX, 141KB) found at ACL’s data website AGID (https://agid.acl.gov/) under the “What’s New” section.

The SPR and the software system used to submit the SPR are being redesigned for the first time since 2005. The proposed redesigned SPR will collect quantitative data from State Units on Aging (SUAs) on the Older Americans Act Title III and Title VII Chapters 3 and 4 programs. The purpose of this data collection is to fulfill requirements of the Older Americans Act and the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRA Modernization Act) of 2010 and related program performance activities.

These reporting requirements are a revision of those which are currently in effect (2016-2019). The factors that influenced the revision of the SPR, include: 1) the need to modernize the data structure to allow for more efficient reporting and the ability to use current technology for reporting and analysis; 2) the interest in aligning data elements within and across data collections; 3) the need to consider alternative data elements that reflect the current Aging Network and long-term care services and supports; and 4) the need to reduce reporting burden while enhancing data quality. The revised SPR reduces the number of data elements reported by 70% compared to the 2016-2019 SPR.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by July 31, 2017.

Please send electronic comments on the information collection proposal to SPRredesign.comment@acl.hhs.gov. Written comments on the information collection proposal should be mailed to the following address:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Community Living,
Washington DC 20201,
Attention: Jennifer Klocinski

For further information contact Jennifer Klocinski by telephone at (202) 795-7377 or by email at SPRredesign.comments@acl.hhs.gov.

Data Collection Materials: Evaluation of ACL's American Indian, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs (OAA Title VI)

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on June 20, 2017.

The evaluation of these programs will allow ACL to document the value of the Title VI programs for individuals, families, communities and tribes/tribal organizations. The data for this evaluation will be collected through focus groups for elders and caregiver program participants, interviews with Title VI staff, and a survey for caregiver program participants. The data collection materials are as follows:

- Moderator Guides for Focus Groups with tribal elders, caregivers, and program staff.
- Guides for interviews with tribal elders and program staff.
- Caregiver Survey.

The data collection materials were available for public comment for 60 days (as published in the Federal Register on Feb. 23, 2017); none were received.

Comments may be submitted as follows:

Fax: 202-395-5806
Email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL
Mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. N.W., rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by July 20, 2017.

For additional information, please contact: Kristen Hudgins at 202-795-7732 or via email at kristen.hudgins@acl.hhs.gov.

Forms for Annual Performance Reports and Final Reports by NIDILRR Grantees

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on May 24, 2017.

The Web-based system used for Reporting Year 2016 reporting incorporated a number of features to meet NIDILRR’s information needs while minimizing burden. To further reduce burden, the proposed form is designed so that, instead of describing their accomplishments, grantees simply select their most important accomplishments from among the outputs they report. Data from grant applications, such as contact and budget information, are preloaded for efficiency. To facilitate grantee and NIDILRR staff review of information submitted, the system includes system-generated tables that summarize information entered in specific sections. The Web-based system also carries forward information from one section of the form to the next; for example, information on outcome-oriented goals is carried forward for convenient linkage with projects/activities and publications.

NIDILRR and HHS will use the information gathered to support program evaluation and oversight and to provide Congress and OMB with required data. Data collected from the 10 grant programs will provide a national description of the research activities of approximately 275 NIDILRR grantees per year in fiscal years 2017-2019.

The data collection materials were available for public comment for 60 days (as published in the Federal Register on Jan. 24, 2017); none were received. The Annual Performance Report form and Final Report form have now been submitted to OMB for final clearance; that process includes a 30-day public comment period.

Comments may be submitted as follows:

Fax: 202-395-5806

Email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by June 23, 2017

For additional information, please contact: Mary Darnell, (202) 795-7337; Mary.Darnell@acl.hhs.gov

Proposed Changes: State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Annual Program Performance Report

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on ACL’s intention to collect information necessary to determining grantee compliance with Part B of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act). Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the proposed action. This notice solicits comments on a proposed revision to an existing data collection related to the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Annual Program Performance Report (PPR). On an annual basis, the Council must submit a Program Performance Report (PPR) to described the extent to which annual progress is being achieved on the 5 year state plan goals. The PPR will be used by (1) the Council as a planning document to track progress made in meeting state plan goals; (2) the citizenry of the State as a mechanism for monitoring progress and activities on the plans of the Council; (3) the Department as a stewardship tool, for ensuring compliance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, as one basis for monitoring and providing technical assistance (e.g., during site visits), and as a support for management decision making.

PPR Template for Comments (PDF)

Comments can be submitted by e-mail to Sara Newell-Perez at Sara.Newell-Perez@acl.hhs.gov.