SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. In addition, the PRA also requires federal agencies to provide a 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each new proposed collection, each proposed extension of the existing collection of information, and each reinstatement of previously approved information collection before submitting the collection to the OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, we are publishing this notice of a proposed data collection as described below.

The OMB is particularly interested in comments that will help:

1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

2. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

4. Minimize the burden of collecting information on those to respond, including using appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic responses; and

5. Assess information collection costs.

Proposed Project

National Tuberculosis (TB) Laboratory Services Survey—New—National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Background and Brief Description

The purpose of National Tuberculosis (TB) Laboratory Services Survey is to conduct a comprehensive, national update of a prior tuberculosis (TB) laboratory services assessment by collecting current information on U.S. laboratories' capacity, capabilities, and accessibility to deliver high-quality mycobacteriology diagnostic services. An electronic survey will be developed collaboratively with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and distributed by APHL via email with an embedded link to no more than 1,000 clinical, commercial, federal, academic medical, and public health laboratories. The survey will collect information on laboratory services, testing methods and volumes, specimen types, referral and reference testing practices, specimen handling and transport, reporting practices, training needs, and proficiency testing and quality assurance. The project aims to assess testing service offerings, volumes, methods, and referral practices, to identify gaps that impede timely, accurate TB diagnosis.

Responses will be collected and analyzed by APHL. All respondent data will be handled securely. Data will be electronically stored on APHL servers. Raw data may be shared with CDC. Any information on specific individuals included on behalf of the organization submitting responses will be removed prior to APHL providing data to CDC. CDC may be engaged in the project by consulting on analysis or interpretation. In addition, aggregate summaries may be provided to CDC after analysis of responses by APHL.

CDC requests OMB approval for a total estimated annual burden of 417 hours. Respondents will not receive federal funds to participate in this project. There are no additional costs to respondents other than their time.

91 FR 67579