Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 concerning opportunity for public comment on proposed collections of information, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the information collection plans, call the SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer on (240) 276-0361.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 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 through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Proposed Project: SAMHSA Generic Clearance for the Collection of Qualitative Research and Assessment (OMB No. 0930-0397)—Extension

Section 505 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa-4) establishes the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Among other responsibilities, the statute directs CBHSQ to coordinate SAMHSA's integrated data strategy; provide statistical and analytical support for SAMHSA activities; recommend performance metrics to evaluate activities supported by SAMHSA; and coordinate efforts to improve the quality of SAMHSA services and the evaluation of activities carried out by the agency.

Consistent with these authorities, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is requesting an extension to the generic clearance for purposes of conducting qualitative research to gain a better understanding of emerging substance use and mental health policy issues, improve the development and quality of instruments, and to ensure SAMHSA leadership, centers and offices have recent data and information for program and policy decision-making. This request is an extension of a previously approved collection. There are no changes to the information collection requirements or burden. Editorial and clarifying revisions have been made to the Supporting Statement to improve accuracy, clarity, and consistency; these revisions do not change the scope or burden of the approved collection. By qualitative feedback we mean information that provides useful insights into perceptions and opinions but are not statistical surveys that yield results that can be generalized beyond the population of study.

This collection of information is necessary to enable SAMHSA to receive feedback in an efficient, timely manner, in accordance with our mission to lead public health and service delivery efforts. that treat mental illness, especially serious mental illness, prevent substance abuse and addiction, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring access and better outcomes for all. SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families. SAMHSA pursues this mission by providing grant funding opportunities and guidance to states and territories, as well as tribal and local communities; technical assistance to grantees and practitioners; publishing and sharing resources for individuals and family members seeking information on prevention, treatment and recovery; collecting, analyzing, and sharing behavioral health data; collaborating with other Federal agencies to evaluate programs and improve policies; and raising awareness of available resources through educational messaging campaigns and events. Activities conducted under this generic clearance may support program improvement, research and assessment, instrument development, identification of emerging behavioral health issues, and other appropriate internal information needs.

Send comments to SAMHSA Reports Clearance Officer, 5600 Fisher Lane, Room 15E57A, Rockville, MD 20852 OR email a copy to samhsapra@samhsa.hhs.gov. Written comments should be received by December 8, 2026.