Change Requests

Key Information

Previous ICR	202410-0651-019

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This collection of information is required by the provisions of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which became operational in June 1978 and is administered by the International Bureau (IB) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The provisions of the PCT have been implemented by the United States in Part IV of Title 35 of the U.S. Code (Chapters 35-37) and Subpart C of Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations (37 CFR 1.401-1.499). The purpose of the PCT is to provide a standardized filing format and procedure that allows an applicant to seek protection for an invention in several countries by filing one international application in one location, in one language, and paying one initial set of fees. The information in this collection is used by the public to submit a patent application under the PCT and by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to fulfill its obligation to process, search, and examine the application as directed by the treaty. The filing, search, written opinion, and publication procedures are provided for in Chapter I of the PCT. Additional procedures for a preliminary examination of PCT international applications are provided for in optional PCT Chapter II. Under Chapter I, an applicant can file an international application in the national or home office (Receiving Office (RO)) or the IB. The USPTO acts as the United States Receiving Office (RO/US) for international applications filed by residents and nationals of the United States. These applicants send most of their correspondence directly to the USPTO, but they may also file certain documents directly with the IB. The USPTO serves as an International Searching Authority (ISA) to perform searches and issues an international search report (ISR) and a written opinion on international applications. The USPTO also issues an international preliminary report on patentability (IPRP Chapter II) when acting as an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA). The RO reviews the application and, if it contains all of the necessary information, assigns a filing date to the application. The RO maintains the home copy of the international application and forwards the record copy of the application to the IB and the search copy to the ISA. The IB maintains the record copy of all international applications and publishes them 18 months after the earliest priority date, which is the earliest date for which a benefit is claimed. The ISA performs a search to determine whether there is any prior art relevant to the claims of the international application and will issue an international search report and written opinion as to whether each claim is novel, involves an inventive step, and is industrially applicable. The ISA then forwards the international search report and written opinion to the applicant and the IB. The IB will normally publish the application and search report 18 months after the priority date, unless early publication is requested by the applicant. Until international publication, no third person or national or regional office is allowed access to the international patent application unless so requested or authorized by the applicant. If the applicant wishes to withdraw the application (and does so before international publication), international publication does not take place. Under Chapter II of the Treaty, an applicant who has filed an international application in an RO can demand an international preliminary examination of the application by an IPEA, such as the USPTO. The Demand is made separately from the international application and contains prescribed particulars, language, and form. The International preliminary examination is a second evaluation of the potential patentability of the claimed invention, using the same standards on which the written opinion of the ISA was based. A copy of the examination report is sent to the applicant and to the IB.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202209-0651-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This collection covers information requirements related to civil actions and claims involving current or former employees of the USPTO. The rules under 37 CFR 104 outline procedures for service of process, demands for employee testimony and production of documents in legal proceedings, reports of unauthorized testimony, employee indemnification, and filing claims against the USPTO under the Federal Tort Claims Act (28 U.S.C. 2672). The public may also petition the USPTO under 37 CFR 104.3 to waive or suspend the rules for legal processes in extraordinary situations. Current and former USPTO employees also use this collection to forward service and demands to the Office of General Counsel, report unauthorized testimony, and request indemnification.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202209-1845-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Section 485 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) authorizes the administration of the Student Right-to-Know (SRK) regulations. These regulations are in 34 CFR 668.41 and 668.45 and relate to the retention, placement and post-graduate study by students at an institution.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202210-1125-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This information collection is necessary to determine the statutory eligibility for cancellation of removal of individual aliens determined to be removable from the U.S. and to provide information relevant to a favorable exercise of discretion.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202211-0938-012

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The use of written notices to inform beneficiaries of their liability under specific conditions has been available since Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (the Act), section 1879, Limitation On Liability, was enacted in 1972 (P.L. 92-603). Similar required notification and liability protections are available under other sections of the Act: section 1834(a)(18) refund requirements for certain items when unsolicited telephone contacts are made, section 1834(j)(4) for the same types of items when there is neither a required advance coverage determination nor required supplier number; 1834(a)(15) also for advance determinations for these items and section 1842(l) applicable to physicians not accepting assignment. Implementing regulations are found at 42 CFR 411.404(b) and (c), and 411.408(d)(2) and (f), on written notice requirements. These statutory requirements apply only to Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage plans. Under section 1879 of the Act, Medicare beneficiaries may be held financially responsible for items or services usually covered under Medicare, but denied in an individual case under specific statutory exclusions, if the beneficiary is informed prior to furnishing the issues or services that Medicare is likely to deny payment. When required, the ABN is delivered by Part B paid physicians, providers (including institutional providers like outpatient hospitals) practitioners (such as chiropractors), and suppliers, as well as hospice providers and Religious Non-medical Health Care Institutions paid under Part A. Other Medicare institutional providers paid under Part A use other approved notice for this purpose.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202309-0938-006

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The primary function of the CMS 855S Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) supplier enrollment application is to gather information from a supplier that tells us who it is, whether it meets certain qualifications to be a health care supplier, where it renders its services or supplies, the identity of the owners of the enrolling entity, and information necessary to establish correct claims payment. The goal of this revision of the CMS 855S is to simplify and clarify the current data collection and to remove obsolete and/or redundant questions. Grammar and spelling errors were corrected. Limited informational text has been added within the application form and instructions in conjunction with links to websites when greater detail is needed by the supplier. To clarify current data collection differentiations and to be in sync with accreditation coding, Section 3D (“Products and Services Furnished by This Supplier”) has been updated. This revision does not offer any new material data collection.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202210-1845-007

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This is a request for an extension without change of the previously approved collection for requirements contained in 34 CFR 668.28 providing that a proprietary institution must derive at least 10% of its annual revenue from sources other than Federal funds.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202207-3133-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Federal Credit Union Act (at 12 U.S.C. 1761b(2)) requires that the boards of federal credit unions (FCU) arrange for adequate fidelity coverage for officers and employees having custody of or responsibility for handling funds. The regulation contains a number of reporting requirements where a credit union seeks to exercise flexibility under the regulations. These requirements enable NCUA to monitor the FCU’s financial condition for safety and soundness purposes and helps to assure that FCUs are properly and adequately protected against potential losses due to insider abuse such as fraud and embezzlement.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Abstract

This generic clearance for the new collection of certain information in immigration forms, which impacts nine information collections, was initiated to comply with E.O. 14161, Protecting the United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats, Section 2, which directs implementation of uniform vetting standards and necessitates the collection of all information necessary for a rigorous vetting and screening of all grounds of inadmissibility or bases for the denial of immigration-related benefits. See 90 FR 8451 (Jan. 20, 2025). Execution of the E.O. requires USCIS to collect standard data on immigration forms and/or systems to enable DHS to assess an alien’s eligibility to travel to or be admitted to the United States or to receive an immigration-related benefit from USCIS. The standard data to be collected from certain populations of individuals on applications for immigration-related benefits is necessary for the enhanced identity verification, vetting standards, and national security screening and inspection conducted by USCIS and required under the E.O. This data collection also is used to validate an applicant’s identity and to help determine whether such grant of a benefit poses a security or public-safety threat to the United States. There were 24 data elements identified that would constitute a new baseline threshold of data to be collected for identity verification and national security vetting. USCIS is conducting the generic clearance to obtain OMB approval of the 24 new data elements to be included on the nine impacted forms, where the information is not already collected. The impacted USCIS Forms include: N-400, I-131, I-192, I-485, I-589, I-590, I-730, I-751, and I-829.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202205-1845-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Department of Education (ED) is requesting renewal by extension of the information collection 1845-0026 for the Guaranty Agency Financial Report. There has been no change to the underlying statute or regulations. The Guaranty Agency Financial Report is used by a guaranty agency to request payments of reinsurance for defaulted student loans; make payments for amounts due to ED, for collections on default and lender of last resort loan (default) claims on which reinsurance has been paid and for refunding amounts previously paid for reinsurance claims. The form is also used to determine required reserve levels for agencies; and to collect debt information as required for the “Report on Accounts and Loans Receivable Due from the Public,” SF 220-9 (Schedule 9 Report) as required by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Key Information

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

VETS administers funds for the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) grant on an annual basis. The approval of this form will create the use of standardized formats for grant recipients’ preparation of the budget and budget narrative. In accordance with 2 C.F.R. Appendix I to Part 200(b)(4)(ii)(I), VETS’ annual FOA requires the submission of a budget narrative for VETS’ applicants to show that their proposed costs are allowable under 2 C.F.R. § 200.403 and are necessary and reasonable for carrying out the HVRP grant. Collecting this information via this form helps to ensure that requested data is provided in a uniform way, reporting burdens are minimized, errors in budget formulation and calculation are nullified, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents are described in its instructions.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202209-1845-004

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Department of Education (the Department) is submitting the Lender’s Interest and Special Allowance Request & Report, ED Form 799 for extension of the current OMB approval. The information collected on the ED Form 799 is needed to pay interest and special allowance to holders of Federal Family Education Loans, for internal financial reporting, budgetary projections, and for audit and lender reviews by the Department, Servicers, External Auditors and Government Accountability Office (GAO). The legal authority for collecting this information is Title IV, Part B of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 (“the HERA”), (Pub. L. 109-171). The Department is requesting the continual approval for regulatory sections 682.304 and 682.414.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202203-1845-009

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This is a request for a reinstatement without change of a previously approved collection for the record keeping requirements contained in 34 CFR 674.53, 674.56, 674.57, 674.58 and 674.59. The information collections in these regulations are necessary to determine Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins Loan) Program borrower’s eligibility to receive program benefits and to prevent fraud and abuse of program funds. There has been no change to the regulatory requirements.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202212-0607-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The information collected from local building permit officials is needed by field representatives to correctly list and sample permits for the Survey of Construction. Data on housing starts are obtained from these permits.

Key Information

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

FINAL RULE: GENERIC ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR LICENSING OF NEW NUCLEAR REACTORS The current submission is a request for a new clearance number, to be discontinued once the burden and associated information collections can be transferred into 3150-0021 (10 CFR Part 51). The final rule amends the regulations that govern the NRC's environmental reviews of new nuclear reactor applications under NEPA. The NRC's regulations in § 51.45, “Environmental report,” require each applicant to prepare and submit an environmental report which includes, among other things, a description of the proposed action, a statement of its purposes, a description of the environment affected, and a discussion of the environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives. The rulemaking codifies the generic findings of NUREG-2249, “Generic Environmental Impact Statement for Licensing of New Nuclear Reactors” (NR GEIS), which presents impact analyses for the environmental issues common to many new nuclear reactors that can be addressed generically, thereby eliminating the need to repeatedly reproduce the same analyses each time a licensing application is submitted. The rule reduces burden on an applicant based on potential simplifications in the environmental report that an applicant must submit to the NRC associated with a new nuclear reactor licensing application. The applicant’s environmental report must assess the environmental impacts of constructing and operating a new nuclear reactor and of alternatives that meet the purpose and need. The applicant is not required to assess the environmental impacts of NR GEIS Category 1 issues (i.e., issues for which a generic analysis is possible) if (1) the applicant has demonstrated that its project is bounded by the applicable nuclear power plant parameter envelope and site parameter envelope values and assumptions, and (2) the applicant has not identified any new and significant information that would change the conclusions in the NR GEIS. If a value or assumption is not met or bounded, then the applicant may be able to limit its analysis to just the impact of not meeting the value or assumption. Similarly, if the applicant identifies new and significant information that would change the conclusions in this NR GEIS, then the applicant may be able to limit its analysis to just the impact of the new and significant information.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202210-1845-008

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

This is a request for an extension without change of a currently approved collection, 1845-0156 Accreditation Participation and Disclosures. These regulations are §668.26 – End of an institution’s participations in the Title IV, HEA programs and §668.43 – Institutional and programmatic information. There have been no changes to the regulations or burden assessment.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202201-0720-004

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The survey will solicit information from TRICARE beneficiaries who have given birth in the specified reporting period (initial survey for beneficiaries who gave birth in calendar year 2021; follow up surveys sent to beneficiaries who give birth each calendar year quarter through the end of 2026, with the final survey sent in early 2027).

Key Information

Previous ICR	202203-0920-008

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Annual Vital Statistics Occurrence Report is used by State and/or county vital registration offices to report to the Federal government annual counts of marriages and divorces/annulments in support of the National Vital Statistics System. The data is routinely available in each reporting office as a by-product of ongoing activities. Final counts of marriages and divorces are requested from all 50 States, District of Columbia, New York City, American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, as well as the counties of New Mexico for all months of a given year. NCHS has submitted a Reinstatement ICR for an additional three-year approval. There is no change to the previously approved burden hours.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202211-3060-017

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Staff at the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) agree with staff from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) that first responders may communicate with base station repeaters in the other country provided the licensee of the base station repeater first issues its written consent to the licensee of the responder’s radio. Staff at PSHSB advises applicants to include a description of how it intends to interoperate with licensees from Canada if it is filing an application to operate under any of the cross-border scenarios described in Public Notice DA 16-739.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202305-0938-012

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Unless permitted or required by law, the Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule prohibit covered entities from disclosing an individual's protected health information to a third party without a valid privacy authorization. The authorization must include specified core elements and certain statements. Medicare beneficiaries will use the "Medicare Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information" to authorize Medicare to diclose their protected health information to a third party.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202410-1902-008

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The proposals in the NOPR would, if implemented, revise the information collection activities in FERC-549C. This NOPR seeks to incorporate by reference a modified WGQ Version 4.0. This modification added a new standard, WGQ Standard No. 0.3.30, to the Additional Standards manual, which supports a natural gas transportation service provider in posting scheduled quantity information for power plants directly connected to the pipeline, as part of the newly established Gas Electric Coordination category. This modification establishes a new information posting category, Gas Electric Coordination, for use by a transportation service provider as part of its Informational Postings Web site. The revised WGQ Standard No. 4.3.23 creates a central location on an Informational Postings Web site where a transportation service provider can post publicly available data, including scheduled quantity information, to help RTOs/ISOs and other parties access these data. Further, a new standard was added WGQ Standard No. 5.3.74 under the Capacity Release Related Standards manual, to support the inclusion of geographic information when a natural gas transportation service provider issues a critical notice, such as geographic information of impacted areas, locations, and pipeline facilities.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202309-3060-006

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

47 CFR Section 1.1206 requires that parties who make ex parte presentations in "permit-but-disclose" proceedings before the FCC must submit a copy of their presentation to the Office of the FCC Secretary . The availability of the ex parte materials helps to ensure that interested parties/persons have fair notice of presentations made to the Commission and the development of a complete record.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202212-3060-005

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Section 73.682(d) of the Commission's rules incorporates by reference the Advanced Television Systems Committee, Inc. ("ATSC") Program System and Information Protocol ("PSIP") standard A/65C. PSIP data is transmitted along with a TV broadcast station's digital signal and provides viewers (via their DTV receivers) with information about the station and what is being broadcast, such as program information. The Commission has recognized the utility that the ATSC PSIP standard offers for both broadcasters and consumers (or viewers) of digital television ("DTV").

Key Information

Previous ICR	202211-3060-013

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

Pursuant to Section 64.703(a), operator services providers (OSPs) are required to disclose, audibly and distinctly to the consumer, at no charge and before connecting any interstate call, how to obtain rate quotations, including any applicable surcharges. Section 64.709 codifies the requirements of OSPs to file informational tariffs with the Commission. Section 64.710 requires providers of interstate operator services to inmates at correctional institutions to identify themselves, audibly and distinctly, to the party to be billed, among other things.

Key Information

Previous ICR	202212-3060-003

Federal Register Notices

Authorizing Statutes

Abstract

The Commission is seeking a three year extension from the Office of Management and Budget for the information collection requirements contained in this collection.