SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) is the agency responsible for administration of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA), and the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). 33 U.S.C. 939 (LHWCA) and 5 U.S.C. 8104 and 8111 (FECA) authorize OWCP to pay for approved vocational rehabilitation services to eligible workers with work-related disabilities. In order to decide whether to approve a rehabilitation plan, OWCP must receive a copy of the plan, supporting vocational testing materials and the estimated cost to implement the plan, broken down to show the fees, supplies, tuition and worker maintenance payments that are contemplated. OWCP also must receive the signatures of the ( printed page 57660) worker and the rehabilitation counselor to show that the worker agrees to follow the proposed plan, and that the proposed plan is appropriate. Form OWCP-16 is the standard format for the collection of this information. The regulations implementing these statutes allow for the collection of information needed for OWCP to determine if a rehabilitation plan should be approved and payment of any related expenses should be authorized. (LHWCA, 20 CFR 702.506 and 702.507; FECA, 20 CFR 10.518, 10.519).

See: Longshore References:

• www.dol.gov/​agencies/​owcp/​dlhwc/​lhwca.
• www.ecfr.gov/​current/​title-20/​chapter-VI/​subchapter-A/​part-702/​subpart-E/​section-702.506.

See: FECA References:

• www.dol.gov/​agencies/​owcp/​FECA/​regs/​statutes/​feca.
• www.ecfr.gov/​current/​title-20/​chapter-I/​subchapter-B/​part-10.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

OWCP is soliciting comments concerning the proposed information collection related to Rehabilitation Plan and Award. OWCP is particularly interested in comments that:

• Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information has practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of OWCP/DFEC/DLHWC's estimate of the burden related to the information collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used in the estimate;
• Suggest methods to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the information collection on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology,e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Documents related to this information collection request are available at regulations.gov. Questions about the information collection requirements may be directed to the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

This information collection request concerns the Rehabilitation Plan and Award, Form OWCP-16. OWCP has updated the data with respect to the number of respondents, responses, burden hours, and burden costs supporting this information collection request from the previous information collection request.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Agency: Office of Workers' Compensation Programs OWCP.

OMB Number: 1240-0045.

Affected Public: Individuals or Households.

Number of Respondents: 1,430.

Frequency: On Occasion.

Number of Responses: 1,430.

Annual Burden Hours: 715.

Annual Respondent or Recordkeeper Cost: $0.00.

OWCP: 1240-0045: Rehabilitation Plan and Award.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the proposed information collection request; they will become a matter of public record and will be available at www.reginfo.gov.

91 FR 57659