Extension (without change) of this PRA submission is approved through 9/30/2000 to allow for publication of the final HIPAA medical privacy regulation that will include policies related to the definition of identifiable data and minimum necessary disclosure. Upon publication of this rule, HCFA should immediately reevaluate the Systems of Records (SOR) notice for OASIS and its applicability to accrediting organizations. Over the next six months, HCFA must coordinate and discuss these policies on a regular basis with JCAHO and other deeming organi- zations. At this time, HCFA may not disclose to accrediting organizations identifiable OASIS data for performance of quality of care functions. However, it is possible that such organiza- tions may receive data for legitimate research purposes consistent with the SOR's routine use and HCFA's administrative procedures. In the meantime, HCFA must carefully evaluate its technical capabilities to encrypt/mask OASIS data and should be prepared to implement the medical privacy regulation when it is finalized. In a few months, HCFA should update OMB on its technical capabilities. The next submission for OMB review must include a copy of HCFA's industry software specifications and a summary description of vendor software and characteristics. Finally, HCFA must continue to evaluate opportunities to reduce burden, including enhanced population of data fields in recerti- fication and the refinement of the HAVEN software to reflect differing data needs based upon patient condition and severity (e.g. certain conditions may change infrequently and/or may be less vulnerable to deterioration in data quality during recertification.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
09/30/2000
09/30/2000
03/31/2000
8,200
0
10,492
967,600
0
1,238,056
25,780,000
0
32,987,000
This information collection contains a standard core assessment data set, the OASIS, that HHAs must use when collecting and evaluating adult nonmaternity patients.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.