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[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 218 (Thursday, November 10, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 70148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29144]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[Document Identifier: CMS-10415]

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS.

    In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 
Services (CMS) is publishing the following summary of proposed 
collections for public comment. Interested persons are invited to send 
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this 
collection of information, including any of the following subjects: (1) 
The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for 
the proper performance of the agency's functions; (2) the accuracy of 
the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology to minimize the information collection burden.
    1. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection; Title of 
Information Collection: State Exchange Certification Application Use: 
All States (including the 50 States, consortia of States, and the 
District of Columbia herein referred to as States) have the opportunity 
under Section 1311(b) of the Affordable Care Act to establish an 
Exchange no later than January 1, 2014.
    Given the innovative nature of Exchanges and the statutorily-
prescribed relationship between the Secretary and States in their 
development and operation, it is critical that the Secretary work 
closely with States to provide necessary guidance and technical 
assistance to ensure that States can meet the prescribed timelines, 
federal requirements, and goals of the statute.
    States seeking to establish an Exchange must build an Exchange that 
meets the requirements set out in Section 1311(d) of the Affordable 
Care Act. In order to ensure that a State seeking certification as a 
State Exchange meets all applicable requirements the Secretary will 
require a State to submit an application for approval during the Fall 
of 2012 and to demonstrate operational readiness through virtual and 
on-site readiness review. Submission of this application may be through 
various means including online or by paper. This application may be 
adjusted to reflect final rules. Form Number: CMS-10415 (OCN: 0938-New) 
Frequency: Once; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal governments; 
Number of Respondents: 56; Number of Responses: 56; Total Annual Hours: 
11,816. (For policy questions regarding this collection, contact Sarah 
Summer (301) 492-4443. For all other issues call (410) 786-1326.)
    To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms 
for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS' 
Web site at http://www.cms.gov/PaperworkReductionActof1995/PRAL/list.asp#TopOfPage or email your request, including your address, phone 
number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to 
Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov, or call the Reports Clearance Office at 410-786-
1326.
    In commenting on the proposed information collections please 
reference the document identifier or OMB control number. To be assured 
consideration, comments and recommendations must be submitted in one of 
the following ways by January 9, 2012:
    1. Electronically. You may submit your comments electronically to 
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for ``Comment or 
Submission'' or ``More Search Options'' to find the information 
collection document(s) accepting comments.
    2. By regular mail. You may mail written comments to the following 
address: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, 
Division of Regulations Development, Attention: Document Identifier/OMB 
Control Number, Room C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, 
Maryland 21244-1850.

    Dated: November 7, 2011.
Martique Jones,
Director, Regulations Development Group, Division B, Office of 
Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2011-29144 Filed 11-9-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P
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