[Federal Register: August 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 156)]
[Notices]               
[Page 50204]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13au04-83]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

 
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the intention of the Agency for 
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to request the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) to allow the proposed information 
collection project: ``Voluntary Customer Surveys Generic Clearance for 
the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality'' (formerly known as 
Voluntary Customer Satisfaction Survey Generic Clearance for the Agency 
for Healthcare Research and Quality). In accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), AHRQ invites the public 
to comment on this proposed information collection request to allow 
AHRQ to conduct customers surveys. This proposed information collection 
was previously published in the Federal Register on July 13, 2004 and 
allowed 60 Days for public comment. No public comments were received. 
The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 Days for public 
comment.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by September 13, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be submitted to: John Kraemer, at 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB at the following 
email address John Kraemer@omb.eop.gov and the fax number is (202) 395-
6974.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cynthia D. McMichael, AHRQ, Reports 
Clearance Officer, (301) 427-1651.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed Project: ``Voluntary Customer Surveys Generic Clearance for 
the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality''

    In response to Executive Order 12862, the Agency for Healthcare 
Research and Quality (AHRQ) plans to conduct voluntary customer surveys 
to assess strengths and weaknesses in agency program services. Customer 
surveys to be conducted by AHRQ may include readership surveys from 
individuals using AHRQ automated and electronic technology databases to 
determine satisfaction with the information provided or surveys to 
assess effects of the grants streamlining efforts.
    Results of these surveys will be used in future program planning 
iniatives and to redirect resources and efforts, as needed, to improve 
AHRQ program services. The current clearance will expire September 30, 
2004. This is a request for a generic approval from OMB to conduct 
customer surveys over the next three years.

Method of Collection

    The data will be collected using a combination of methodologies 
appropriate to each survey. These methodologies include:
     Evaluation forms;
     Mail surveys;
     Focus groups;
     Automated and electronic technology (e.g., email, web-
based surveys, instant fax, AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse customer 
feedback) and,
     Telephone surveys.

                                       Estimated Annual Respondent Burden
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                                                                                      Average
                         Type of survey                               No. of          burden/     Total hours of
                                                                    respondents      response         burden
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Mail/Telephone Surveys..........................................          51,200          .15              7,680
Automated/Web-based.............................................          52,000          .163             8,476
Focus Groups....................................................             200         1.0                 200

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Request for Comments

    In accordance with the above cited Paperwork Reduction Act 
legislation, comments on the AHRQ's information collection are 
requested with regard to any of the following: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
functions of AHRQ, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the 
burden (including hours and costs) of the proposed collection of 
information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of 
the collection of information on respondents, including the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will summarized and 
included in the request for OMB approval of the proposed information 
collection. All comments will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: August 6, 2004.
Carolyn M. Clancy,
Director.
[FR Doc. 04-18653 Filed 8-12-04; 8:45 am]

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