### 28040 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Notices

via the Federal eRulemaking portal by inputting ‘‘Information Collection 9000–
0014 ’’ under the heading ‘‘Enter Keyword or ID’’ and selecting ‘‘ Search’’

. Select the link ‘‘ Submit a Comment’’ that corresponds with ‘‘Information Collection 9000–0014 ’’ . Follow the instructions provided at the ‘‘ Submit a Comment’’ screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and

‘‘Information Collection 9000–0014 ’’ on your attached document.

• Fax: 202–501–4067.

• Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), 1275 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20417. Attn: Hada Flowers/IC 9000–0014.

Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite Information Collection 9000–0014, in all correspondence related to this collection. All comments received will be posted without change
to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal and/or business confidential information provided.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Ms. Clare McFadden, Procurement Analyst, Contract Policy Branch, GSA (202) 501– 0044 or e-mail clare.mcfadden@gsa.gov.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  A. Purpose

Standard Form 1413, Statement and Acknowledgment, is used by all executive agencies, including the Department of Defense, to obtain a statement from contractors that the proper clauses have been included in subcontracts. The form includes a signed contractor acknowledgment of the inclusion of those clauses in the subcontract. B. Annual Reporting Burden

Respondents: 31,500. Responses per Respondent: 2. Total Responses: 63,000. Hours per Response: .05. Total Burden Hours: 3,150. Obtaining Copies of Proposals: Requesters may obtain a copy of the information collection documents from the General Services Administration, Regulatory Secretariat Branch (MVCB), 1275 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20417, telephone (202) 501–4755. Please cite OMB Control No. 9000–0014, Statement and Acknowledgment (Standard Form 1413), in all correspondence.

Dated: April 27, 2011. Millisa Gary, Acting Director, Office of Governmentwide Acquisition Policy.
[FR Doc. 2011–11876 Filed 5–12–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 6820–EP–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND**  **HUMAN SERVICES**

**Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services** 

**[CMS–2375–PN]**

**Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Application by the Joint Commission**  **for Continued Deeming Authority for Critical Access Hospitals** 

**AGENCY :**  Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.

**ACTION :**  Proposed Notice.

**SUMMARY :**  This proposed notice with comment period acknowledges the receipt of an application from the Joint Commission for continued recognition as a national accrediting organization for critical access hospitals (CAHs) that wish to participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs. Section 1865(a)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act requires that within 60 days of receipt of an organization’s complete application, we publish a notice that identifies the national accrediting body making the request, describes the nature of the request, and provides at least a 30-day public comment period.

**DATES :**  To be assured consideration, comments must be received at one of the addresses provided below, no later than 5 p.m. on June 13, 2011.

**ADDRESSES :**  In commenting, please refer to file code CMS–2375–PN. Because of staff and resource limitations, we cannot accept comments by facsimile (FAX) transmission.

You may submit comments in one of four ways (no duplicates, please):

1. Electronically. You may submit electronic comments on specific issues in this regulation to http:// www.cms.hhs.gov/eRulemaking. Click on the link ‘‘ Submit electronic comments on CMS regulations with an open comment period. ’’ (Attachments should be in Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or Excel; however, we prefer Microsoft Word.)

2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments (one original and two copies) to the following address ONLY:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS– 2375–PN, P.O. Box 8016, Baltimore, MD 21244–8016. Please allow sufficient time for mailed comments to be received before the close of the comment period.

3. By express or overnight mail. You may send written comments (one original and two copies) to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS–2375–PN, Mail Stop C4–26–05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD
21244–1850.

4. By hand or courier. If you prefer, you may deliver (by hand or courier) your written comments (one original and two copies) before the close of the comment period to one of the following addresses. If you intend to deliver your comments to the Baltimore address, please call telephone number (410) 786– 9994 in advance to schedule your arrival with one of our staff members.

Room 445–G, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201; or 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD
21244–1850.

(Because access to the interior of the HHH Building is not readily available to persons without Federal Government identification, commenters are encouraged to leave their comments in the CMS drop slots located in the main lobby of the building. A stamp-in clock is available for persons wishing to retain a proof of filing by stamping in and retaining an extra copy of the comments being filed.)

Comments mailed to the addresses indicated as appropriate for hand or courier delivery may be delayed and received after the comment period.

For information on viewing public comments, see the beginning of the

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION** section.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  L. Tyler Whitaker, (410) 786–5236. Patricia Chmielewski, (410) 786–6899.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :** 

Submitting Comments: We welcome comments from the public on all issues set forth in this proposed notice to assist us in fully considering issues and developing policies. You can assist us by referencing the file code CMS–2375– PN and the specific ‘‘issue identifier’’ that precedes the section on which you choose to comment.

Inspection of Public Comments: All comments received before the close of the comment period are available for viewing by the public, including any personally identifiable or confidential business information that is included in a comment. We post all comments received before the close of the comment period on the following Web site as soon as possible after they have been received: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ eRulemaking. Click on the link

‘‘Electronic Comments on CMS Regulations ’’ on that Web site to view public comments.

Comments received timely will also be available for public inspection as


### 28041 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Notices

they are received, generally beginning approximately 3 weeks after publication of a document, at the headquarters of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244, Monday through Friday of each week from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment to view public comments, phone 1–800–743–3951. I. Background

Under the Medicare program, eligible beneficiaries may receive covered services in a critical access hospital (CAH) provided certain requirements are met. Sections 1820(c)(2)(B) and 1861(mm) of the Social Security Act (the Act) establish distinct criteria for facilities seeking designation as a CAH. Regulations concerning provider agreements are at 42 CFR part 489 and those pertaining to activities relating to the survey and certification of facilities are at 42 CFR part 488. The regulations at 42 CFR part 485, subpart F specify the conditions that a CAH must meet in order to participate in the Medicare program, and the scope of covered services. The conditions for Medicare payment for CAHs are set forth at § 413.70.

Generally, in order to enter into a provider agreement with the Medicare program, a CAH must first be certified by a State survey agency as complying with the conditions or requirements set forth in part 485, subpart F. Thereafter, the CAH is subject to regular surveys by a State survey agency to determine whether it continues to meet these requirements. There is an alternative, however, to surveys by State agencies.

Section 1865(a)(1) of the Act provides that, if a provider entity demonstrates through accreditation by an approved national accrediting organization that all applicable Medicare conditions are met or exceeded, we will deem those provider entities as having met the requirements. Accreditation by an accrediting organization is voluntary and is not required for Medicare participation.

If an accrediting organization is recognized by the Secretary as having standards for accreditation that meet or exceed Medicare requirements, any provider entity accredited by the national accrediting body’s approved program would be deemed to meet the Medicare conditions. A national accrediting organization applying for deeming authority under part 488, subpart A must provide us with reasonable assurance that the accrediting organization requires the accredited provider entities to meet requirements that are at least as stringent as the Medicare conditions. The regulations concerning the reapproval of accrediting organizations are set forth at § 488.4 and § 488.8(d)(3). The regulations at § 488.8(d)(3) require accrediting organizations to reapply for continued deeming authority every six years or sooner as determined by us.

The Joint Commission’s term of approval as a recognized accreditation program for CAHs expires November 21,
2011. II. Approval of Deeming Organizations

Section 1865(a)(2) of the Act and our regulations at § 488.8(a) require that our findings concerning review and reapproval of a national accrediting organization’s requirements consider, among other factors, the applying accrediting organization’s: Requirements for accreditation; survey procedures; resources for conducting required surveys; capacity to furnish information for use in enforcement activities; monitoring procedures for provider entities found not in compliance with the conditions or requirements; and ability to provide us with the necessary data for validation.

Section 1865(a)(3)(A) of the Act further requires that we publish, within 60 days of receipt of an organization’s complete application, a notice identifying the national accrediting body making the request, describing the nature of the request, and providing at least a 30-day public comment period. We have 210 days from the receipt of a complete application to publish notice of approval or denial of the application.

The purpose of this proposed notice is to inform the public of the Joint Commission’s request for continued deeming authority for CAHs. This notice also solicits public comment on whether the Joint Commission’s requirements meet or exceed the Medicare conditions for participation for CAHs. III. Evaluation of Deeming Authority Request

The Joint Commission submitted all the necessary materials to enable us to make a determination concerning its request for reapproval as a deeming organization for CAHs. This application was determined to be complete April 1, 2011. Under section 1865(a)(2) of the Act and our regulations at § 488.8 (Federal review of accrediting organizations), our review and evaluation of the Joint Commission will be conducted in accordance with, but not necessarily limited to, the following factors:

• The equivalency of the Joint Commission’s standards for a CAH as compared with CMS’ CAH conditions of participation.

• The Joint Commission’s survey process to determine the following:

++ The composition of the survey team, surveyor qualifications, and the ability of the organization to provide continuing surveyor training.

++ The comparability of the Joint Commission’s processes to those of State agencies, including survey frequency, and the ability to investigate and respond appropriately to complaints against accredited facilities.

++ The Joint Commission’s processes and procedures for monitoring CAHs found out of compliance with the Joint Commission’s program requirements. These monitoring procedures are used only when the Joint Commission identifies noncompliance. If noncompliance is identified through validation reviews, the State survey agency monitors corrections as specified at § 488.7(d).

++ The Joint Commission’s capacity to report deficiencies to the surveyed facilities and respond to the facility’s plan of correction in a timely manner.

++ The Joint Commission’s capacity to provide us with electronic data and reports necessary for effective validation and assessment of the organization’s
survey process.

++ The adequacy of the Joint Commission’s staff and other resources, and its financial viability.

++ The Joint Commission’s capacity to adequately fund required surveys.

++ The Joint Commission’s policies with respect to whether surveys are announced or unannounced, to assure that surveys are unannounced.

++ The Joint Commission’s agreement to provide us with a copy of the most current accreditation survey together with any other information related to the survey as we may require (including corrective action plans). IV. Response to Public Comments and Notice Upon Completion of Evaluation

Because of the large number of public comments we normally receive on Federal Register documents, we are not able to acknowledge or respond to them individually. We will consider all comments we receive by the date and time specified in the **DATES** section of this preamble, and, when we proceed with a subsequent document, we will respond to the comments in the preamble to that document.

Upon completion of our evaluation, including evaluation of comments received as a result of this notice, we will publish a final notice in the Federal Register announcing the result of our evaluation.


### 28042 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 93 / Friday, May 13, 2011 / Notices

V. Collection of Information Requirements

This document does not impose information collection and recordkeeping requirements. Consequently, it need not be reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under the authority of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 35). VI. Regulatory Impact Statement

In accordance with the provisions of Executive Order 12866, the Office of Management and Budget did not review this proposed notice.

In accordance with Executive Order 13132, we have determined that this proposed notice would not have a significant effect on the rights of States, local or tribal governments.

Authority: Section 1865 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395bb). (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.778, Medical Assistance Program; No. 93.773 Medicare—Hospital Insurance Program; and No. 93.774, Medicare—Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)

Dated: May 4, 2011. Donald M. Berwick, Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 2011–11705 Filed 5–12–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4120–01–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES** 

**Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services** 

**[CMS–7031–NC2]**

**Announcement of Notice; Proposed Establishment of a Federally Funded**  **Research and Development Center— Second Notice** 

**AGENCY :**  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS).

**ACTION :**  Notice.

**SUMMARY :**  This notice announces our intention to sponsor a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) to facilitate the modernization of business processes and supporting systems and their operations. This is the second of three notices which must be published over a 90-day period in order to advise the public of the agency’s intention to sponsor an FFRDC.

**DATES :**  We must receive comments on or before July 5, 2011.

**ADDRESSES :**  Comments on this notice must be mailed to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Candice Savoy, Contracting Officer, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mailstop C2–01–10, Baltimore, MD 21244 or e-mail at Candice.Savoy@cms.hhs.gov.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Candice Savoy, (410) 786–7494 or Candice.Savoy@cms.hhs.gov.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an operating division within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), intends to sponsor a study and analysis, delivery system, simulations, and cost modeling Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) to facilitate the modernization of business processes and supporting systems and their operations. Some of the broad task areas that will be utilized include strategic/tactical planning, conceptual planning, design and engineering, procurement assistance, organizational planning, research and development, continuous process improvement, IV&V/compliance, and security planning. Further analysis will consist of expert advice and guidance in the areas of program and project management focused on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of strategic information management, prototyping, demonstrations, and technical activities.The FFRDC may also be utilized by nonsponsors, within DHHS.

The FFRDC will be established under the authority of 48 CFR 35.017.

The contractor will be available to provide a wide range of support including, but not limited to:

• Strategic/tactical planning including assisting with planning for future CMS program policy, innovation, development, and support for Medicare and Medicaid.

• Conceptual planning including operations, analysis, requirements, procedures, and analytic support.

• Design and engineering including technical architecture direction.

• Procurement assistance, review/ recommendations for current contract processes to include, contract reform, technical guidance, price and cost estimating, support and source selection evaluation support.

• Organizational planning including functional and gap analysis.

• Research and development, assessment of new technologies and advice on medical and technical innovation and health information.

• Continuous process improvement, ILC/current practices review and recommendations, implementation of best practices and code reviews. • IV&V/Compliance, DUA surveillance and Web site content review.

• Security including Security Assessments and Security Test and Evaluations (ST&E). Identify, define, and resolve problems as an integral part of the sponsor’s management team.

• Providing independent analysis about DHHS vulnerabilities and the effectiveness of systems deployed to make DHHS more effective in providing healthcare services and implementation of new healthcare initiatives.

• Providing intra-departmental and inter-agency cross-cutting, risk-informed analysis of alternative resource approaches.

• Developing and deploying analytical tools and techniques to evaluate system alternatives (for example, policy-operations-technology tradeoffs), and life-cycle costs that have broad application across CMS.

• Developing measurable performance metrics, models, and simulations for determining progress in securing DHHS data or other authorized data sources, (non-DHHS data sources, such as the census data or Department of Labor data, Veterans Administration, Department of Defense, data in developing performance metrics, and models).

• Providing independent and objective operational test and evaluation analysis support.

• Developing recommendations for guidance on the best practices for standards, particularly to improve the inter-operability of DHHS components.

• Assessing technologies and evaluating technology test-beds for accurate simulation of operational conditions and delivery system innovation models.

• Supporting critical thinking about the DHHS enterprise, business intelligence and analytic tools that can be applied consistently across DHHS and CMS programs.

• Supporting systems integration, data management, and data exchangethat contribute to a larger DHHS intraand inter-agency enterprise as well as collaboration with State, local tribalgovernments, the business sector (forprofit and not-for-profit), academia and the public.

• Providing recommendations for standards for top-level DHHS systems requirements and performance metrics best practices for an integrated DHHS approach to systems solutions and structured and unstructured data architecture.

• Understanding key DHHS organizations and their specific role and major acquisition requirements and