81 FR 13994 - Telephone Enrollment in the VA Healthcare System
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 51 (March 16, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 51 (March 16, 2016)
| Page Range | 13994-13997 | |
| FR Document | 2016-05680 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 16, 2016)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 13994-13997] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-05680] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS 38 CFR Part 17 RIN 2900-AP68 Telephone Enrollment in the VA Healthcare System AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Interim final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This rulemaking amends VA's medical regulations to allow veterans to complete applications for health care enrollment by telephone by providing application information to a VA employee, agreeing to VA's provisions regarding copayment liability and assignment of third-party insurance benefits, and attesting to the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided over the phone. This action will make it easier for veterans to apply to enroll and will speed VA processing of applications. [[Page 13995]] DATES: Effective Date: This rule is effective on March 16, 2016. Applicability dates: This rule applies on March 15, 2016, to veterans who served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998, and were discharged or released from active service on or after January 28, 2003. This rule applies to all other veterans on and after July 5, 2016. Comment Date: Comments must be received on or before May 16, 2016. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted through www.Regulations.gov; by mail or hand-delivery to Director, Regulation Policy and Management (02REG), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW., Room 1066, Washington, DC 20420; or by fax to (202) 273-9026. Comments should indicate that they are submitted in response to [``RIN 2900-AP68--Telephone enrollment in the VA healthcare system.''] Copies of comments received will be available for public inspection in the Office of Regulation Policy and Management, Room 1066, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). Please call (202) 461-4902 for an appointment. (This is not a toll-free number.) In addition, during the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mathew J. Eitutis, Acting Director, Member Services 3401 SW 21st St. Building 9 Topeka, KS 66604; 785-925- 0605. (This is not a toll-free number.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1710 of title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.), authorizes VA to provide health care to veterans, and section 1705 requires VA to enroll most veterans in the VA healthcare system before providing health care. This rulemaking amends VA's enrollment regulations, Sec. 17.36(d)(1) of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), to allow veterans to apply for enrollment in the VA healthcare system by telephone, in addition to submitting an application on paper or online. Submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment in the VA health care system. VA's regulation at 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1) has allowed veterans to apply for enrollment in VA health care in two ways, by submitting a signed paper application on the VA Form 10-10EZ or by completing that application online. The current regulation provides for submission of the form to a VA medical facility, which any veteran may. The mailing address on the form, however, is to a VA office not in a VA medical facility. We propose to revise the regulation to explicitly include that the veteran may also submit the form to the address on the form, consistent with actual practice. This change also makes the rule more transparent, showing how veterans actually access VA health care. The current paper application and its online counterpart include the veteran's consent to pay any copayments the law requires the veteran pay for treatment or services, 38 U.S.C. 1710 and 1722A, and to assign insurance benefits to VA. 38 U.S.C. 1729; 42 U.S.C. 2651. The application also includes a notification of the consequences of making a materially false statement in an application for enrollment. Under the existing regulations, it is VA's practice to assist veterans in filling out the VA Form 10-10EZ, which often occurs when veterans call a designated telephone number; however, in order to complete the application process, VA currently requires the veteran's signature. In these cases, a VA employee enters into the VA application form the information the veteran provides over the telephone, then VA mails the form to the veteran to sign and return to VA. With this rulemaking, VA is now able to complete the entire enrollment application for the veteran based on information given and attestations made by the veteran over the telephone that are legally equivalent to those in VA Form 10-10EZ. Analysis of our current application process persuades us we can potentially enroll veterans more quickly using this method, particularly those who are transitioning from active duty to veteran status. We also believe the new process will be less burdensome on veterans. To accomplish a telephone application for enrollment under revised Sec. 17.36(d)(1), a VA employee will verify the veteran's identify based on information already in VA's records or records VA can access, and obtain the information necessary to complete the veteran's application. The VA employee will also inform the veteran of the consequences of making a materially false statement and explain the VA copayment obligation and the assignment of benefits provision. With respect to the copayment obligation, VA is required by law to charge some veterans a copayment for treatment or services. 38 U.S.C. 1710 and 1722A. As part of the telephone application, the VA employee will provide notice to the veteran that he or she is agreeing to make applicable copayments and that by accepting care or services from VA, he or she may be subject to copayment obligations. In addition, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 1729 and 42 U.S.C. 2651, VA is authorized to recover or collect from a veteran's health plan or other legally responsible third party for the reasonable charges of nonservice- connected VA care or services. As part of the telephone application, the VA employee will obtain the veteran's verbal consent to assign his or her third-party insurance benefits to VA and inform the veteran that in order to pursue third-party collections, VA may disclose certain information about the veteran and his or her treatment. The VA employee will obtain the veteran's verbal assurance of his or her understanding of these potential consequences and obligations and continued intent to apply for enrollment in the VA healthcare system. After those steps are complete, the veteran will attest to the accuracy and authenticity of the information provided in the application and must provide verbal confirmation that he or she consents to VA copayment obligations and third-party billing procedures. These steps will be considered to complete the application process in the same manner as submitting the online application or signed paper form under current regulations. By adding the telephone application to VA's regulations with this amendment, VA will now offer three ways to enroll under 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1). For clarity, we are reorganizing paragraph (d)(1) to show the three alternatives as (d)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii). Paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (ii) restate the existing means to apply, by paper submission in person or by mail, (d)(1)(i); or online, (d)(1)(ii). We are removing the Web address from the regulation at new paragraph (d)(1)(iii) because VA may change the location of its Web application in the future. Veterans are informed of the Web address in a number of other media. New paragraph (d)(1)(iii) authorizes applications to be completed over the telephone by calling a designated phone number, submitting application information verbally, attesting to the accuracy and authenticity of the verbal application for enrollment and consenting to VA's copayment obligations and third-party billing procedures. We will begin telephone applications in two phases. Veterans in the first applicability date group (first group) are eligible to receive cost-free VA health care for combat-related conditions and enrollment in Priority Group 6 for 5 years after their separation from active duty. 38 U.S.C. 1710(e). Because these veterans are eligible for a benefit [[Page 13996]] Congress created with a limited duration, their opportunity to enroll in VA health care with enhanced Priority Group assignment is passing quickly. For this reason, VA will take telephone applications from them first. Beginning March 15, 2016, VA will telephone veterans in the first group with pending applications for enrollment in VA health care to offer them an opportunity to complete their applications by telephone. Veterans in the first group without pending applications may begin calling VA on March 15, 2016, to apply by telephone to enroll in VA health care. All veterans who are not in the first group may begin calling VA on July 5, 2016, to apply by telephone to enroll in VA health care. The phased initiation of telephone applications permits VA to best marshal limited resources as we perfect the program, which we can only do by processing real applications this new way, while preparing to marshal the additional resources necessary to serve all applicants for enrollment in VA health care who wish to apply by telephone. Although we could wait until we develop the capacity to serve all potential applicants from the first day of this program, that would delay initiating telephone application, and there is no good reason for that delay. Administrative Procedure Act The Secretary of Veterans Affairs finds that there is good cause under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) to publish this rule without prior opportunity for public comment. Failure to authorize verbal applications as soon as possible is contrary to the public interest because it prolongs current delays in processing applications for enrollment in the VA healthcare system. Recently separated combat veterans comprise a large portion of new applicants for VA health care, with an especially great need for immediate access to care. Prompt processing of applications for enrollment in the VA health care system will ease their transition to civilian life. Any delay in initiating an available, viable means of enrolling this group would be detrimental to their well-being and consequently contrary to the public interest. We are dispensing with the 30-day delay requirement for the effective date of a rule for good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3). The object of this rulemaking is to expedite the healthcare application and enrollment process. We anticipate that this regulation will be uncontroversial and believe that any further delay in allowing VA to complete applications by telephone would be contrary to the public interest, for the same reasons described above. Effect of Rulemaking The Code of Federal Regulations, as revised by this interim final rulemaking, will represent the exclusive legal authority on this subject. No contrary rules or procedures are authorized. All VA guidance must be read to conform with this interim final rulemaking if possible or, if not possible, such guidance is superseded by this rulemaking. Paperwork Reduction Act Although this action contains provisions constituting collections of information, at 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1), under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), no new or proposed revised collections of information are associated with this interim final rule. It will amend an approved collection by allowing a new method for veterans to submit the requested information, but this change will not affect the burden on the public under the approved collection. The information collection requirements for 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1) are currently approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and have been assigned OMB control numbers 2900-0091. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Secretary hereby certifies that this interim final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as they are defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612. This interim final rule will directly affect only individuals and will not directly affect small entities. Therefore, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), this rulemaking is exempt from the initial and final regulatory flexibility analysis requirements of 5 U.S.C. 603 and 604. Executive Order 12866 and 13563 Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, when regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, and other advantages; distributive impacts; and equity). Executive Order 13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review) emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting flexibility. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) defines a ``significant regulatory action,'' requiring review by OMB, unless OMB waives such review, as ``any regulatory action that is likely to result in a rule that may: (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in this Executive Order.'' The economic, interagency, budgetary, legal, and policy implications of this interim final rule have been examined, and it has been determined not to be a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. VA's impact analysis can be found as a supporting document at http://www.regulations.gov, usually within 48 hours after the rulemaking document is published. Additionally, a copy of the rulemaking and its impact analysis are available on VA's Web site at http://www.va.gov/orpm/, by following the link for ``VA Regulations Published From FY 2004 Through Fiscal Year to Date.'' Unfunded Mandates The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires, at 2 U.S.C. 1532, that agencies prepare an assessment of anticipated costs and benefits before issuing any rule that may result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million or more (adjusted annually for inflation) in any one year. This interim final rule will have no such effect on State, local, and tribal governments, or on the private sector. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance numbers and titles for the programs affected by this document are 64.007, Blind Rehabilitation Centers; 64.008, Veterans Domiciliary Care; 64.009, Veterans Medical Care Benefits; 64.010, Veterans Nursing Home Care; 64.011, Veterans Dental Care; 64.012, Veterans Prescription Service; 64.013, Veterans Prosthetic Appliances; 64.014, Veterans State Domiciliary Care; 64.015, Veterans State Nursing Home Care; [[Page 13997]] 64.018, Sharing Specialized Medical Resources; 64.019, Veterans Rehabilitation Alcohol and Drug Dependence; 64.022, Veterans Home Based Primary Care; and 64.024, VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program. Signing Authority The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or designee, approved this document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as an official document of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Robert D. Snyder, Interim Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs, approved this document on February 9, 2016, for publication. List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 17 Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Alcoholism, Claims, Day care, Dental health, Drug abuse, Government contracts, Grant programs-health, Grant programs-veterans, Health care, Health facilities, Health professions, Health records, Homeless, Medical and Dental schools, Medical devices, Medical research, Mental health programs, Nursing homes, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Travel and transportation expenses, Veterans. Dated: March 9, 2016. Michael P. Shores, Chief Impact Analyst, Office of Regulation Policy & Management, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs. For the reasons stated in the preamble, Department of Veterans Affairs proposes to amend 38 CFR part 17 as follows: PART 17--MEDICAL 0 1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows: Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, and as noted in specific sections. 0 2. Amend Sec. 17.36 to revise paragraph (d)(1) to read as follows: Sec. 17.36 Enrollment--provision of hospital and outpatient care to veterans. * * * * * (d) * * * (1) Application for enrollment. A veteran who wishes to be enrolled must apply by submitting a VA Form 10-10EZ: (i) To a VA medical facility or by mail it to the U.S. Postal address on the form; or (ii) Online at the designated World Wide Web internet address; or (iii) By calling a designated telephone number and submitting application information verbally. To complete a telephone application, the veteran seeking enrollment must attest to the accuracy and authenticity of their verbal application for enrollment and consent to VA's copayment requirements and third-party billing procedures. * * * * * [FR Doc. 2016-05680 Filed 3-15-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P
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(6) Private foundations or research or originating and terminating outside the prohibitions of, this part and remitting
educational institutes engaging in United States, provided that neither the such payments to Cuba.
transactions authorized by § 515.576. originator nor the beneficiary is a person ■ 16. In § 515.585, revise the section
* * * * * subject to U.S. jurisdiction. heading, add paragraph (c), and revise
■ 12. In § 515.575, redesignate the Note (e) Unblocking of certain previously Note 3 to § 515.585 to read as follows:
to paragraph (a) as Note 1 to paragraph blocked funds transfers authorized. Any
banking institution, as defined in § 515.585 Certain transactions in third
(a) and add Note 2 to paragraph (a) to countries.
read as follows: § 515.314, that is a person subject to
U.S. jurisdiction is authorized to * * * * *
§ 515.575 Humanitarian projects. unblock and return to the originator or (c) Individuals who are persons
* * * * * originating financial institution or their subject to U.S. jurisdiction who are
(a) * * * successor-in-interest previously blocked located in a third country are authorized
funds transfers that could have been to purchase or acquire merchandise
Note 2 to paragraph (a): Transactions subject to the prohibitions in § 515.204,
authorized by this paragraph include the processed pursuant to paragraph (d) of
provision of grants or awards for this section, § 515.562(b), or including Cuban-origin goods, for
humanitarian projects in or related to Cuba § 515.579(b) if the processing of those personal consumption while in a third
that are designed to directly benefit the transfers would have been authorized country, and to receive or obtain
Cuban people as set forth in paragraph (b) of had they been sent under the current services from Cuba or a Cuban national
this section. text of those provisions. Persons subject that are ordinarily incident to travel and
to U.S. jurisdiction unblocking funds maintenance within that country.
* * * * *
transfers that were originally blocked on Note to paragraph (c): This section does
■ 13. In § 515.577, revise paragraph (e) not authorize the importation of
or after August 25, 1997, pursuant to
to read as follows: merchandise, including as accompanied
this section must submit a report to the
§ 515.577 Authorized transactions Department of the Treasury, Office of baggage. Please see § 515.544 for an
necessary and ordinarily incident to Foreign Assets Control, Attn: Sanctions authorization to import certain Cuban-origin
publishing. merchandise from a third country.
Compliance & Evaluation Division, 1500
* * * * * Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Freedman’s * * * * *
(e) Section 515.564(a)(2) authorizes Bank Building, Washington, DC 20220 Note 3 to § 515.585: Except as provided in
the travel-related transactions set forth within 10 business days from the date paragraph (c) of this section, this section does
in § 515.560(c) and such additional such funds transfers are released. Such not authorize any transactions prohibited by
transactions that are directly incident to reports shall include the following: § 515.204, including the purchase and sale of
attendance at or organization of * * * * * Cuban-origin goods.
professional meetings that are necessary (g) Any banking institution, as * * * * *
and ordinarily incident to the defined in § 515.314, that is a person
publishing and marketing of written Dated: March 11, 2016.
subject to U.S. jurisdiction is authorized
publications. to accept, process, and give value to John E. Smith,
■ 14. In § 515.578, revise the section U.S. dollar monetary instruments Acting Director, Office of Foreign Assets
heading, paragraph (d), and add a Note presented for processing and payment Control.
to § 515.578 to read as follows: by a banking institution located in a [FR Doc. 2016–06018 Filed 3–15–16; 8:45 am]
third country that is not a person subject BILLING CODE 4810–AL–P
§ 515.578 Exportation, reexportation, and
importation of certain internet-based
to U.S. jurisdiction or a Cuban national
services; importation of software. and that has received the U.S. dollar
monetary instruments from a financial DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
* * * * *
institution that is a national of Cuba for AFFAIRS
(d) Software. The importation into the
which it maintains a correspondent
United States of Cuban-origin software 38 CFR Part 17
account and which received the U.S.
is authorized.
dollar monetary instruments in RIN 2900–AP68
* * * * * connection with an underlying
Note to § 515.578: For general licenses transaction that is authorized, exempt, Telephone Enrollment in the VA
authorizing physical and business presence or otherwise not prohibited by this part, Healthcare System
in Cuba for certain persons, see § 515.573. An such as dollars spent in Cuba by
authorization related to business presence authorized travelers or a third-country AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.
was previously included in this section. For transaction that is not prohibited by this ACTION: Interim final rule.
an authorization of certain
telecommunications-related services, see
part.
SUMMARY: This rulemaking amends VA’s
§ 515.542. Note to paragraph (g): Correspondent medical regulations to allow veterans to
accounts used for transactions authorized complete applications for health care
■ 15. In § 515.584, revise paragraph (d) pursuant to § 515.584(g) may be denominated
and paragraph (e) introductory text, add in U.S. dollars.
enrollment by telephone by providing
paragraph (g), a Note to paragraph (g), application information to a VA
and paragraph (h) to read as follows: (h) Any banking institution, as employee, agreeing to VA’s provisions
defined in § 515.314, that is a person regarding copayment liability and
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§ 515.584 Certain financial transactions subject to U.S. jurisdiction is authorized assignment of third-party insurance
involving Cuba. to open and maintain accounts solely in benefits, and attesting to the accuracy
* * * * * the name of a Cuban national located in and authenticity of the information
(d) Funds transfers. Any banking Cuba for the purposes only of receiving provided over the phone. This action
institution, as defined in § 515.314, that payments in the United States in will make it easier for veterans to apply
is a person subject to U.S. jurisdiction connection with transactions authorized to enroll and will speed VA processing
is authorized to process funds transfers pursuant to, or exempt from the of applications.
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DATES: Effective Date: This rule is is to a VA office not in a VA medical addition, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 1729
effective on March 16, 2016. facility. We propose to revise the and 42 U.S.C. 2651, VA is authorized to
Applicability dates: This rule applies on regulation to explicitly include that the recover or collect from a veteran’s
March 15, 2016, to veterans who served veteran may also submit the form to the health plan or other legally responsible
in a theater of combat operations after address on the form, consistent with third party for the reasonable charges of
November 11, 1998, and were actual practice. This change also makes nonservice-connected VA care or
discharged or released from active the rule more transparent, showing how services. As part of the telephone
service on or after January 28, 2003. veterans actually access VA health care. application, the VA employee will
This rule applies to all other veterans on The current paper application and its obtain the veteran’s verbal consent to
and after July 5, 2016. online counterpart include the veteran’s assign his or her third-party insurance
Comment Date: Comments must be consent to pay any copayments the law benefits to VA and inform the veteran
received on or before May 16, 2016. requires the veteran pay for treatment or that in order to pursue third-party
ADDRESSES: Written comments may be services, 38 U.S.C. 1710 and 1722A, and collections, VA may disclose certain
submitted through to assign insurance benefits to VA. 38 information about the veteran and his or
www.Regulations.gov; by mail or hand- U.S.C. 1729; 42 U.S.C. 2651. The her treatment.
delivery to Director, Regulation Policy application also includes a notification The VA employee will obtain the
and Management (02REG), Department of the consequences of making a veteran’s verbal assurance of his or her
of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont materially false statement in an understanding of these potential
Avenue NW., Room 1066, Washington, application for enrollment. consequences and obligations and
DC 20420; or by fax to (202) 273–9026. Under the existing regulations, it is continued intent to apply for enrollment
Comments should indicate that they are VA’s practice to assist veterans in filling in the VA healthcare system. After those
submitted in response to [‘‘RIN 2900– out the VA Form 10–10EZ, which often steps are complete, the veteran will
AP68—Telephone enrollment in the VA occurs when veterans call a designated attest to the accuracy and authenticity of
healthcare system.’’] Copies of telephone number; however, in order to the information provided in the
comments received will be available for complete the application process, VA application and must provide verbal
public inspection in the Office of currently requires the veteran’s confirmation that he or she consents to
Regulation Policy and Management, signature. In these cases, a VA employee VA copayment obligations and third-
enters into the VA application form the party billing procedures. These steps
Room 1066, between the hours of 8:00
information the veteran provides over will be considered to complete the
a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through
the telephone, then VA mails the form application process in the same manner
Friday (except holidays). Please call
to the veteran to sign and return to VA. as submitting the online application or
(202) 461–4902 for an appointment.
With this rulemaking, VA is now able to signed paper form under current
(This is not a toll-free number.) In
complete the entire enrollment regulations.
addition, during the comment period,
application for the veteran based on By adding the telephone application
comments may be viewed online
information given and attestations made to VA’s regulations with this
through the Federal Docket Management
by the veteran over the telephone that amendment, VA will now offer three
System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov.
are legally equivalent to those in VA ways to enroll under 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Form 10–10EZ. Analysis of our current For clarity, we are reorganizing
Mathew J. Eitutis, Acting Director, application process persuades us we can paragraph (d)(1) to show the three
Member Services 3401 SW 21st St. potentially enroll veterans more quickly alternatives as (d)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii).
Building 9 Topeka, KS 66604; 785–925– using this method, particularly those Paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (ii) restate the
0605. (This is not a toll-free number.) who are transitioning from active duty existing means to apply, by paper
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section to veteran status. We also believe the submission in person or by mail,
1710 of title 38, United States Code new process will be less burdensome on (d)(1)(i); or online, (d)(1)(ii). We are
(U.S.C.), authorizes VA to provide veterans. removing the Web address from the
health care to veterans, and section 1705 To accomplish a telephone regulation at new paragraph (d)(1)(iii)
requires VA to enroll most veterans in application for enrollment under because VA may change the location of
the VA healthcare system before revised § 17.36(d)(1), a VA employee its Web application in the future.
providing health care. This rulemaking will verify the veteran’s identify based Veterans are informed of the Web
amends VA’s enrollment regulations, on information already in VA’s records address in a number of other media.
§ 17.36(d)(1) of title 38, Code of Federal or records VA can access, and obtain the New paragraph (d)(1)(iii) authorizes
Regulations (CFR), to allow veterans to information necessary to complete the applications to be completed over the
apply for enrollment in the VA veteran’s application. The VA employee telephone by calling a designated phone
healthcare system by telephone, in will also inform the veteran of the number, submitting application
addition to submitting an application on consequences of making a materially information verbally, attesting to the
paper or online. Submitting an false statement and explain the VA accuracy and authenticity of the verbal
application does not guarantee copayment obligation and the application for enrollment and
enrollment in the VA health care assignment of benefits provision. consenting to VA’s copayment
system. With respect to the copayment obligations and third-party billing
VA’s regulation at 38 CFR 17.36(d)(1) obligation, VA is required by law to procedures.
has allowed veterans to apply for charge some veterans a copayment for We will begin telephone applications
enrollment in VA health care in two treatment or services. 38 U.S.C. 1710 in two phases. Veterans in the first
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ways, by submitting a signed paper and 1722A. As part of the telephone applicability date group (first group) are
application on the VA Form 10–10EZ or application, the VA employee will eligible to receive cost-free VA health
by completing that application online. provide notice to the veteran that he or care for combat-related conditions and
The current regulation provides for she is agreeing to make applicable enrollment in Priority Group 6 for 5
submission of the form to a VA medical copayments and that by accepting care years after their separation from active
facility, which any veteran may. The or services from VA, he or she may be duty. 38 U.S.C. 1710(e). Because these
mailing address on the form, however, subject to copayment obligations. In veterans are eligible for a benefit
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64.018, Sharing Specialized Medical information verbally. To complete a The Commission will send a copy of
Resources; 64.019, Veterans telephone application, the veteran this Memorandum Opinion and Order
Rehabilitation Alcohol and Drug seeking enrollment must attest to the to Congress and the Government
Dependence; 64.022, Veterans Home accuracy and authenticity of their verbal Accountability Office pursuant to the
Based Primary Care; and 64.024, VA application for enrollment and consent Congressional Review Act, see 5 U.S.C.
Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem to VA’s copayment requirements and 801(a)(1)(A).
Program. third-party billing procedures.
List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 76
Signing Authority * * * * *
Administrative practice and
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or [FR Doc. 2016–05680 Filed 3–15–16; 8:45 am]
procedure; Cable television; Equal
designee, approved this document and BILLING CODE 8320–01–P
employment opportunity; Political
authorized the undersigned to sign and candidates; Reporting and
submit the document to the Office of the recordkeeping requirements.
Federal Register for publication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
Federal Communications Commission.
electronically as an official document of COMMISSION
Marlene H. Dortch,
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Robert D. Snyder, Interim Chief of Staff, 47 CFR Part 76 Secretary.
Department of Veterans Affairs, [CS Docket No. 97–80; FCC 16–18] Final Rules
approved this document on February 9,
Commercial Availability of Navigation For the reasons discussed in the
2016, for publication.
Devices preamble, the Federal Communications
List of Subjects in 38 CFR Part 17 Commission amends 47 CFR part 76 as
Administrative practice and AGENCY: Federal Communications follows:
procedure, Alcohol abuse, Alcoholism, Commission.
Claims, Day care, Dental health, Drug ACTION: Final rule. PART 76—MULTICHANNEL VIDEO
abuse, Government contracts, Grant AND CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE
SUMMARY: The Commission amends a
programs-health, Grant programs- set-top box rule to eliminate a ■ 1. The authority citation for part 76
veterans, Health care, Health facilities, requirement that multichannel video continues to read as follows:
Health professions, Health records, programming distributors rely on
Homeless, Medical and Dental schools, Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 152, 153, 154,
separated security in devices that they 301, 302, 302a, 303, 303a, 307, 308, 309, 312,
Medical devices, Medical research, sell, lease, or otherwise provide to 315, 317, 325, 338, 339, 340, 341, 503, 521,
Mental health programs, Nursing subscribers. 522, 531, 532, 534, 535, 536, 537, 543, 544,
homes, Reporting and recordkeeping 544a, 545, 548, 549, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560,
requirements, Travel and transportation DATES: Effective April 15, 2016.
561, 571, 572, 573.
expenses, Veterans. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brendan Murray, Brendan.Murray@ ■ 2. Revise § 76.1204 to read as follows:
Dated: March 9, 2016.
fcc.gov, of the Media Bureau, Policy § 76.1204 Availability of equipment
Michael P. Shores,
Division, (202) 418–1573. performing conditional access or security
Chief Impact Analyst, Office of Regulation
Policy & Management, Office of the General SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section functions.
Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs. 106 of the STELA Reauthorization Act (a)(1) A multichannel video
of 2014, Public Law 113–200, Section programming distributor that utilizes
For the reasons stated in the 106(a), 128 Stat. 2059, 2063–4 (2014), Navigation Devices to perform
preamble, Department of Veterans states that the ‘‘second sentence of
Affairs proposes to amend 38 CFR part conditional access functions shall make
section 76.1204(a)(1) of title 47, Code of available equipment that incorporates
17 as follows: Federal Regulations, terminates effective only the conditional access functions of
PART 17—MEDICAL on’’ December 4, 2015. That second such devices.
sentence is the portion of our rules that (2) The foregoing requirement shall
■ 1. The authority citation for part 17 we commonly refer to as the not apply to a multichannel video
continues to read as follows: ‘‘integration ban,’’ and it required cable programming distributor that supports
Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501, and as noted in operators to rely on identical security the active use by subscribers of
specific sections. elements for leased devices and Navigation Devices that:
consumer-owned devices. Section 106 (i) Operate throughout the continental
■ 2. Amend § 17.36 to revise paragraph goes on to state that by June 1, 2016, United States, and
(d)(1) to read as follows: ‘‘the Commission shall complete all (ii) Are available from retail outlets
§ 17.36 Enrollment—provision of hospital actions necessary to remove the and other vendors throughout the
and outpatient care to veterans. sentence’’ from our rules. With this United States that are not affiliated with
* * * * * Order, we remove that sentence from the owner or operator of the
(d) * * * our rules. multichannel video programming
(1) Application for enrollment. A This document does not contain system.
veteran who wishes to be enrolled must information collection requirements (b) Conditional access function
apply by submitting a VA Form 10– subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act equipment made available pursuant to
10EZ: of 1995, Public Law 104–13. In addition, paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES
(i) To a VA medical facility or by mail therefore, it does not contain any designed to connect to and function
it to the U.S. Postal address on the form; information collection burden for small with other Navigation Devices available
or business concerns with fewer than 25 through the use of a commonly used
(ii) Online at the designated World employees, pursuant to the Small interface or an interface that conforms to
Wide Web internet address; or Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, appropriate technical standards
(iii) By calling a designated telephone Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C. promulgated by a national standards
number and submitting application 3506(c)(4). organization.
VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\16MRR1.SGM 16MRR1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_14045/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2016-03-15 23:44:40
Document Modified: 2016-03-15 23:44:40
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Rules and Regulations | |
| Action | Interim final rule. | |
| Contact | Mathew J. Eitutis, Acting Director, Member Services 3401 SW 21st St. Building 9 Topeka, KS 66604; 785-925- 0605. (This is not a toll-free number.) | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 13994 | |
| RIN Number | 2900-AP68 | |
| CFR Associated | Administrative Practice and Procedure; Alcohol Abuse; Alcoholism; Claims; Day Care; Dental Health; Drug Abuse; Government Contracts; Grant Programs-Health; Grant Programs-Veterans; Health Care; Health Facilities; Health Professions; Health Records; Homeless; Medical and Dental Schools; Medical Devices; Medical Research; Mental Health Programs; Nursing Homes; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements; Travel and Transportation Expenses and Veterans |
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