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###### Department of Veterans Affairs

          - [OMB Control No. 2900-0621] 

# AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. 

# ACTION:

Notice. 

# SUMMARY:

                        The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the                         **Federal Register**                         concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to consider if a medical malpractice payment is related to substandard care, professional incompetence or professional misconduct on the part of a physician, dentist, or other health care practitioner.                     

# DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 31, 2005. 

# ADDRESSES:

                        Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193E1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail                         *ann.bickoff@mail.va.gov*. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0621” in any correspondence.                     

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ann Bickoff at (202) 273-8310. 

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA. 

With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (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 or the use of other forms of information technology. 

*Title:*                     National Practitioner Data Bank Regulations.                 

*OMB Control Number:*                     2900-0621.                 

*Type of Review:*                     Extension of a currently approved collection.                 

*Abstract:*                     The National Practitioner Data Bank was established for the purpose of collecting and releasing                           ( print page 69993)                        certain information concerning physicians, dentists, and other licensed health care practitioners. VA will obtain information from the National Practitioner Data Bank concerning physicians, dentists, and other licensed health care practitioners who provide or seek to provide health care services at VA facilities and report information regarding malpractice payments and adverse clinical privileges action to the National Practitioner Data Bank.                 

*Affected Public:*                     Individuals or households.                 

*Estimated Total Annual Burden:*                     1,750 hours.                 

*Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:*                     5 hours.                 

*Frequency of Response:*                     One time.                 

*Estimated Number of Respondents:*                     350.                 

Dated: November 22, 2004. 

By direction of the Secretary. 

Loise Russell,

Director, Records Management Service. 

[FR Doc. 04-26465 Filed 11-30-04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 8320-01-P