Public Input | ACL Administration for Community Living

Open for Public Input

Proposed Data Collections: Centers for Independent Living and Independent Living Services PPRs

ACL has submitted the proposed Centers for Independent Living (CIL) Program Performance Report and the Independent Living Services (ILS) Program Performance Report to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance. The public is invited to comment on these proposed data collections.

The ILS PPR and CIL PPR were previously combined into one submission. However, for the purposes of this data collection, the ILS PPR and CIL PPR are being submitted separately because they are separate collections of different information from different parties.

Comments regarding either data collection can be submitted through January 25, 2019 via:

e-mail to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL
fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL
mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For more information contact: Peter Nye, Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, (202) 795-7606 or peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov.

CIL PPR Documents:

ILS PPR Documents:

Proposed Data Collection: Inventory of Adult Protective Services Practices and Service Innovations

ACL is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on a new data collection, Inventory of Adult Protective Services Practices and Service Innovations.

Under a contract with ACL, the National Adult Protective Services Technical Assistance Resource Center (APS TARC) is conducting a national program evaluation of APS programs. As part of this evaluation, the APS Practice Survey will identify barriers to meeting policy mandates and practice innovations and model programs that address such barriers and community-identified needs. It also seeks to identify practice variations in the way APS programs serve older adults and adults with disabilities. The results of the survey will serve to advance the field of APS and will be useful to many audiences.

Comments may be submitted through February 25, 2019 to Stephanie Whittier Eliason via e-mail to stephanie.whittiereliason@acl.hhs.gov or by mail to: Administration for Community Living, Attention: Stephanie Whittier Eliason, 330 C St., SW, Washington, DC 20201.

Documents:

Instrument

Public Input on the Next TBI Technical Assistance and Resource Center

SUMMARY AND PURPOSE

The Administration for Community Living is seeking your best thoughts and ideas regarding the activities of and the supports and services provided by the next traumatic brain injury (TBI) technical assistance and resource center. ACL will award a new contract for the resource center in September 2019. ACL is interested in hearing from the entire TBI community, especially from current and former TBI State Partnership Program grantees, TBI survivors, and national and state TBI advocates. These groups will be most impacted by the new resource center, and their input is critical.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted electronically to tbi@acl.gov with “Thoughts and Ideas” in the subject line.

DATES: To be assured consideration, comments must be received by January 30, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this request, please email them to tbi@acl.gov with “Thoughts and Ideas” in the subject line. Please know, however, that we cannot answer questions regarding any future contract solicitation content or process with any information beyond what we have already included here.

PLEASE NOTE: This invitation is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the federal government or ACL. ACL does not intend to make any contract awards based on responses to this invitation or to otherwise pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the government's use of such information.

BACKGROUND

The Administration for Community Living

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) was established in April 2012 to better enable older adults and people with disabilities across their lifespan to fully engage and participate in their communities, make informed decisions, and exercise choice and control with regard to their independence, health, and well-being. ACL exists to help all Americans, including people with disabilities and older adults, live at home with the supports they need and participate in communities that value their contributions.

Programs operated by ACL have the expectation of community living as their foundation. ACL programs actively seek to create communities where the necessary information, opportunities, services, and supports are available and accessible so that people with and without disabilities, their families, and their support networks can live, learn, work, play, and prosper.

The Traumatic Brain Injury State Partnership Program

ACL has administered the TBI State Partnership Program since 2015, when the program was transferred from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The purpose of this program is to create and strengthen a system of services and supports that maximizes the independence, well-being, and health of people with TBIs across the lifespan, their family members, and their support networks.

The TBI State Partnership Program funds state agencies to increase and facilitate access to person-centered services and supports for all individuals with TBI, their families, and their support networks. State grantees work with a variety of populations including veterans, children, older adults, native populations, incarcerated individuals, and athletes. State Partnership Program grant recipients collaborate across state systems to increase the program’s reach and ensure that all systems have the competencies to best serve the TBI community. The program promotes systems change activities so that individual states can 1) evaluate their current structures and policies and 2) improve their systems (as needed) to better meet the needs of individuals with TBI and their families.

TBI Technical Assistance and Resource Center

HRSA, the previous administrating agency for the program, entered into a 5-year contract in 2014 with Grant Thornton for the services of a TBI Coordinating Center, the current technical assistance and resource center. The TBI Coordinating Center collaborates with state grantees and other TBI stakeholders to help all people in the TBI community find and access the information they need.

Currently, the TBI Coordinating Center provides assistance to the nationwide TBI community by:

Providing grantee and non-grantee state TBI programs with individualized technical assistance to help plan and develop effective programs that improve access to health and other services for individuals with TBI and their families; Sharing promising practices and lessons learned regarding the implementation of project activities and creation and/or incorporation of TBI services, funding, etc.; Offering best practices and tools for grantees and other state agencies to conduct state needs and resource assessments; Responding to questions about the federal TBI State Partnership Program and facilitating participation in program-related events; Providing on-site support staff to assist ACL in planning and implementing program activities; Supporting the development of an effective assessment approach for the program; Developing and expanding ACL’s TBI website (https://tbi.acl.gov) as well as searchable databases of information and resources; and Coordinating activities including webinars, conference calls, in-person conferences, and online resources (e.g., listservs and communities of practice) for both grantees and the public.

WHAT WE HOPE TO LEARN FROM THIS INVITATION

As ACL prepares for the next TBI technical assistance and resource center contract, we are sending out this invitation in order to get the perspective, thoughts, and ideas of current and former TBI State Partnership Program grantees, TBI survivors, and the entire TBI community. We want to hear how TBI stakeholders believe the next technical assistance and resource center contract can be the most beneficial to them and have the greatest possible impact for the TBI community as a whole.

The creation of a new contract in 2019 represents an opportunity to reimagine the relationship between ACL and the TBI community. The TBI technical assistance and resource center represents a significant part of the federal investment in improving the quality of life for people with TBI, their families, and their support networks. We want this new center to increase the impact the program has on helping people live well with TBI.

Respondents to this invitation should feel free to submit comments, thoughts, and ideas about any aspect of the TBI State Partnership Program and/or the TBI technical assistance and resource center. For example:

- How have past activities of the TBI Coordinating Center benefitted you and your affiliated programs?
- What design components (e.g., activities, tools, resources) would best help states create and strengthen their systems of services and supports in order to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of people with TBI, their family members, and their support networks?
- How could the new TBI technical assistance and resource center best benefit the larger TBI community?
- What is the best way to measure the impact and effectiveness of the new TBI technical assistance and resource center both on state systems and on people living with TBI?

Proposed Data Collection: No Wrong Door (NWD) System Management Tool

ACL is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed new data collection for No Wrong Door (NWD) Systems in the Federal Register. The purpose of this data collection is to provide a platform for documenting key elements that are necessary to evaluate the progress of the NWD System model, track performance measures, and identify gaps and best practices. ACL also requests comments on data collection for the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program through the same Federal Register Notice, which proposes to collect data to evaluate the impact of the VDC program.

The NWD System vision is a joint effort by ACL, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and states. NWD Systems provide the infrastructure to streamline access to long term services and supports (LTSS) options for all populations by promoting the collaboration of local service organizations. The VDC program is an evidence-based self-directed program whereby aging and disability network agencies within a state’s NWD System provide facilitated assessment and care planning, arrange fiscal management services and provide ongoing counseling and support to Veterans, their families and caregivers.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: ami.patel@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments to Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Ami Patel.

Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on January 2, 2019.

Documents:

Closed Opportunities for Public Input

Request for Comment on New State Plans for Independent Living

The Independent Living Administration (ILA) published in the Federal Register Notice for a 60-day public review and comment on the proposed extension without change of the State Plans for Independent Living (SPILs) (OMB Control Number 0985-0044). ILA is proposing to extend the currently approved forms for one year while we work on a revision that addresses changes required as a result of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. ILA plans to publish a revised SPIL instrument and instructions prior to the expiration of the extension request.

The SPIL is jointly developed by the Statewide Independent Living Council chairperson and the directors of the centers for independent living in the state after receiving public input from individuals throughout the state. The SPIL is then signed by the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) chairperson—on the Council’s behalf and at the Council’s direction—and not less than 51 percent of centers for independent living directors in the state. ACL reviews the SPIL for compliance with the Rehabilitation Act and 45 CFR part 1329 and approves it. The SPIL also serves as a primary planning document for continuous monitoring of, and technical assistance to, the state independent living programs to ensure appropriate planning, financial support and coordination, and other assistance to appropriately address, on a statewide basis, needs for the provision of independent living services in the state.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information to: Peter Nye at peter.nye@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information to Administration for Community Living, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: Peter Nye.

Comments must be submitted by midnight on December 18, 2018.

Request for Comment on New Independent Living Services Program Performance Report

The Independent Living Administration (ILA) published in the Federal Register Notice for a 60-day public review and comment on the proposed extension with change of the Independent Living Services Program Performance Report (ILS PPR) (OMB Control Number 0985-0043). ILA is proposing to extend the currently approved form for two years while we revise the form. ILA plans to publish a revised ILS PPR before the expiration of the extension request.

The Independent Living Services (ILS) program provides financial assistance, through formula grants, to states and territories for providing, expanding, and improving the provision of independent living services. The Designated State Entity (DSE) is the agency that, on behalf of the state, receives, accounts for, and disburses funds received under Subchapter B of the Act. Funds are also made available for the provisions of training and technical assistance to SILCs.

ILS PPR Instrument ILS PPR Instructions

Comments must be submitted by midnight on December 18, 2018.

Request for Comment on New Centers for Independent Living Program Performance Report

The Independent Living Administration (ILA) published in the Federal Register Notice for a 60-day public review and comment on the proposed new data collection of the Centers for Independent Living Program Performance Report (CIL PPR) (OMB Control Number 0985-NEW). ILA is proposing to use this form for one year while we develop an updated form. ILA plans to publish a revised ILS PPR before the expiration of the extension request.

The CIL PPR is submitted annually by CILs in all states receiving Subchapter C funds. The PPRs are used by ACL to assess CILs’ compliance with Title VII of the Act, and with 45 CFR 1329 of the Code of Federal Regulations and with applicable provisions of the HHS Regulations at 45 CFR Part 75. The PPR serves as the primary basis for ACL’s monitoring activities in fulfillment of its responsibilities under Sections 706 and 722 of the Act. The PPR is also used by ACL to design CIL and SILC training and technical assistance programs authorized by Section 721 of the Act.

CIL PPR Instrument CIL PPR Instructions

Comments must be submitted by midnight on December 18, 2018.

Proposed Data Collection: On Protection and Advocacy Annual Program Performance Report

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed new data collection for protection and advocacy systems. The proposed new data collection will replace four existing Protection and Advocacy Program Performance Reports and other revisions. The four annual reports include the Developmental Disabilities Protection and Advocacy Systems Program Performance Report, the Protection and Advocacy for Assistive Technology Program Performance Report, the Protection and Advocacy Voting Access Annual Report, and the Protection and Advocacy for Traumatic Brain Injury Program Performance Report. It is proposed that the four forms be combined by creating the One Protection and Advocacy Annual Program Performance Report form.

Submit electronic comments on the collection of information by email to: Clare.Huerta@acl.hhs.gov. Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 11, 2018.

For more information contact:
Clare Huerta, Administration for Community Living, Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Office of Program Support, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC
(202) 795-7301
Clare.Huerta@acl.hhs.gov

Documents:

Proposed One PPR Template

Proposed Guidance for Completing One PPR

Seeking nominations for members of the public to serve on the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

The number of grandparents and other older relatives who are caring for children is significant and growing, in part due to the opioid crisis. Although caregivers' lives are enhanced by the experience, providing full-time care to children can decrease caregivers' abilities to address their own health and well-being needs.

Recognizing that these caregivers would benefit from improved coordination of resources intended to support them, as well as better dissemination of information about those resources, the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act (Pub. L. 115-196) established an Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.

The Advisory Council will identify, promote, coordinate, and disseminate to the public information, resources, and the best practices available to help grandparents and other older relatives both meet the needs of the children in their care; and maintain their own physical and mental health and emotional well-being.

In addition to members from federal departments and agencies who play a role in these issues, the Advisory Council will include at least one grandparent who is raising a grandchild, and at least one older relative caring for children.

Responsibilities:

The Advisory Council will develop a report that includes best practices, resources, and other useful information for grandparents and other older relatives raising children. This report will be delivered to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Congress, and the state agencies responsible for carrying out family caregiver programs. The initial report will be submitted within six months, with an update submitted within two years. The Advisory Council will establish a process for obtaining public input to inform the development of both the initial report and the subsequent update

To Nominate:
Anyone may nominate themselves and/or one or more qualified grandparents raising grandchildren and/or older relative caregivers of children for membership on the Advisory Committee. ACL also welcomes nominations of others who may be able to provide subject matter expertise or technical contributions to the Advisory Council. This may include (but is not limited to) professionals in academia, providers of supportive services, mental/behavioral health experts, legal and financial service providers, and others who serve these populations.

Nomination packages must include:

- A nomination letter not to exceed one (1) page that provides the reason(s) for nominating the individual, and a description of their relevant experience and/or professional expertise;
- Contact information for the nominee (name, title (if applicable), address, phone, and email address).
- The nominee's resume (not to exceed two (2) pages), if the nomination is based on their professional capacity. For all others, a resume or a written summary of qualifications and life experience (not to exceed two (2) pages) may be submitted, but is not required.

Nominees will be appointed based on their demonstrated knowledge, qualifications, and professional or personal experience related to the purpose and scope of the Advisory Council. Members will be appointed for the full life of the Advisory Council, which will sunset in January 2021.

Nominations may be submitted as follows:

Email:Send to: RAISEAct@acl.hhs.gov (specify the name of the nominee in the email subject line)
Mail or express delivery: Submit materials to: Family Caregiving Advisory Council, Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201

Nominations must be received or postmarked by Monday, December 3, 2018

For more information

Complete information about the Advisory Council, including roles and responsibilities of members, can be found in the S upporting Grandparents Raising Grandparents Act. Additional information also can be found in the Federal Register notice, which was published on Oct. 12, 2018.

For questions, please contact Whitney Bailey at Whitney.Bailey@acl.hhs.gov.

Seeking nominations for members of the public to serve on the Family Caregiving Advisory Council

Deadline: Monday, December 3, 2018

The RAISE Family Caregivers Act directed the establishment of the Family Caregiving Advisory Council to provide recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on effective models of both family caregiving and support to family caregivers, as well as improving coordination across federal government programs.

In addition to non-voting members from federal departments and agencies who play role in these issues, the Advisory Council will include up to 15 voting members who reflect the diversity of family caregivers and people who receive support, with at least one from each of the following constituencies:

- Caregivers
- Older adults who need long-term services and supports
- Individuals with disabilities Health care and social service providers
- Providers of long-term services and supports
- Employers
- Paraprofessional workers
- State and local officials
- Accreditation bodies
- Veterans

Nominations must be received or postmarked by Monday, December 3, 2018.

Nominees will be appointed based on their demonstrated knowledge, qualifications, and professional or personal experience related to the purpose and scope of the Advisory Council. Members will be appointed for the full life of the Advisory Council, which will sunset in January 2021.

Advisory Council Responsibilities:

The Advisory Council is required to meet quarterly during its first year and at least three times each year thereafter. Meetings will be open to the public. Advisory Council members will be expected to meaningfully and substantively participate in at least one subcommittee, which will meet periodically between meetings of the full Advisory Council.

Within 12 months, the Advisory Council will develop an initial report, which will be used by the Department of Health and Human Services to inform the development of a national family caregiving strategy. The Advisory Council also will support biannual updates to that strategy, and provide an annual report on its implementation and ongoing development to Congress, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the state agencies responsible for carrying out family caregiver programs.

To nominate:

Anyone may nominate themselves and/or one or more qualified individuals for membership on the Advisory Committee. Nomination packages must include:

- A nomination letter not to exceed one (1) page that provides the reason(s) for nominating the individual, and a description of their relevant experience and/or professional expertise;
- Contact information for the nominee (name, title (if applicable), address, phone, and email address).
- The nominee's resume (not to exceed two (2) pages), if the nomination is based on their professional capacity. For all others, a resume or a written summary of qualifications and life experience (not to exceed two (2) pages) may be submitted, but is not required.

Nominations may be submitted as follows:

Email:Send to: RAISEAct@acl.hhs.gov (specify the name of the nominee in the email subject line)
Mail or express delivery: Submit materials to: Family Caregiving Advisory Council, Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20201

Nominations must be received or postmarked by Monday, December 3, 2018.

For more information

Complete information about the Advisory Council, including roles and responsibilities of members, can be found in the full text of the RAISE Family Caregivers Act. Additional information also can be found in the Federal Register notice, which was published on Oct. 12, 2018.

For questions, please contact Whitney Bailey at Whitney.Bailey@acl.hhs.gov.

Proposed Revisions to Existing Data Collection Related to American Indian, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs (Title VI)

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to an existing data collection related to the American Indian, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs (Title VI). The purpose of this data collection is to fulfill requirements of the Older Americans Act and the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRA Modernization Act) of 2010 and related program performance activities. This announcement has been published in the Federal Register.

The proposed revisions are intended to better align with comparable data collected for ACL’s other nutritional, supportive, and caregiving grants. Proposed changes include adding data components and updating others for more accurate reporting of persons served and activities provided through the Title VI-funded programs. The revised data collection will provide data necessary to determine the effectiveness of the program.

Submit any comments or questions about the proposed documents below to kristen.hudgins@acl.hhs.gov.

Written comments on the information collection proposal should be mailed to the following address within the 60-day comment period by October 15:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Community Living,
Washington DC 20201,
Attention: Kristen Hudgins

For further information contact Kristen Hudgins by telephone at (202) 795-7732 or by email at kristen.hudgins@acl.hhs.gov.

Document:

Title VI PPR Indicators Revision

New Data Collection; National Center on Law and Elder Rights (NCLER)

ACL seeks public comments on information collection requirements related to ACL’s National Center on Law and Elder Rights. The proposed collection of information represents new information requested from aging/disability networks to fulfill requirements regarding the provision of services and overall performance of ACL legal assistance programs.

Comments can be submitted through August 23, 2018 by:

email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL;
fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or
by mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg.,
725 17th St. N.W.
, rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For more information contact Omar Valverde at omar.valverde@acl.hhs.gov or 202-795-7460.

Documents:

State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Annual Program Performance Report

The proposed DD Council PPR has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review. The public is invited to submit comments thru July 16, 2018. Submit written comments by:

Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or

Document: DD Councils Proposed PPR

by mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

Revisions to the State Program Performance Report For State Units On Aging (Older Americans Act Titles III and VII (Chapters 3 and 4)

The formal announcement of the 30-day opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on April 2, 2018. Comments must be submitted by May 2, 2018.

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to the existing data collection materials for the State Program Performance Report For State Units On Aging (Older Americans Act Titles III and VII (Chapters 3 and 4). The currently approved materials are effective 2016 – 2019; significant revisions to the SPR were last implemented in 2005.

This proposed revisions include significant reductions in the data collected. Factors that influenced the proposed revision of the SPR include:

The need to modernize the data structure to allow for more efficient reporting and the ability to use current technology for reporting and analysis; The interest in aligning data elements within and across data collections; The need to consider alternative data elements that reflect the current Aging Network and long-term care services and supports; and The need to reduce reporting burden while enhancing data quality. The proposed SPR revision reduces the number of data elements reported by 70% and the amount of time for completion by 30% compared to the current 2016-2019 SPR.

For additional information, please contact ACL's Office of Performance and Evaluation at SPRredesign.comments@acl.hhs.gov.

Written comments on the proposed data collection materials may be submitted by:

Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL Fax to 202.395.5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or Mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL

A notice soliciting comments for 60 days was published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2017, Vol. 82, No. 104, pp. 25293-25294. Responses to the comments received can be found here.

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP)

The formal announcement of the 30-day opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on February 20, 2018. Comments must be submitted by March 22, 2018.

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to the existing data collection materials for the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP).

The revisions to the survey are intended to:

Reduce reporting burden on the Area Agencies on Aging while obtaining needed annual performance measures
Improve usability of the data by incorporating some new items and removing others, based on public comments, results of recent evaluations of the Older Americans’ Act programs, and input from an expert workgroup.

The data collection materials are as follows:

These materials were published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2017. ACL received comments from 64 organizations and 15 individuals

Most comments requested improved methodology for collecting gender identity. ACL plans to conduct cognitive testing of the questions in the redesigned tools, including the gender question. The information gathered through this cognitive testing may lead to changes in the way questions are worded in later years.

Other public comments supported the: a) longitudinal methodology; b) collection of data on sexual orientation; c) inclusion of a rotating module on discrimination; and d) limiting of burden on the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). Because those comments were supportive, no changes were made as a result.

Comments may be submitted as follows:
Fax: 202-395-5806
Email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov , Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL

Comments must be submitted by March 22, 2018.

For additional information, please contact: Heather Menne at 202-795-7733 or Heather.Menne@acl.hhs.gov

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program

ACL seeks comments on a proposed information collection for the ACL Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program. OMB approval of the existing set of Falls Prevention data collection tools expires on 01/31/2018.

The Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs supports competitive grants to implement and sustain evidence-based community programs that have been proven to reduce the incidence of falls for older adults and older adults with disabilities. The purpose of this effort is to collect information necessary for monitoring program operations and outcomes for these grants.

The proposed revisions to the existing data collection are intended to: a) reduce reporting burden on grantees, while still capturing necessary information; and b) make changes to the wording and formatting of some of the measures in the pre-test and post program survey to improve the usability of the forms and data (changes proposed as a result of input from a grantee workgroup and national experts in falls prevention).

Submit comments by March 5, 2018, about the proposed documents below to:

(a) Email to: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL;

(b) fax to 202–395–5806, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL; or

(c) by mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725, 17th St. NW, Rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

- Falls Attendance Log
- Falls Prevention Program Information Cover Sheet
- Semi-Annual Performance Report Directions and Sample Template
- Host Organization Information Form
- Participant Information Form
- Participant Post Program Survey

For further information, contact Shannon Skowronski by email at shannon.skowronski@acl.hhs.gov or by telephone at (202) 795-7438.

Request for Information: Opioid Use Disorder Among People with Disabilities

A new Request for Information (RFI) from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has been released today about opioids and people with disabilities.

NIDILRR is seeking input on the following areas related to the opioid public health emergency and people with disabilities. People with disabilities often experience chronic pain and, as a result, sometimes use opioids to address their pain. We are interested in understanding: 1) whether people with disabilities have been diagnosed and are being treated for an opioid use disorder, and 2) are clinics or community organizations observing a sizeable population of people with disabilities seeking treatment for opioid use disorder? If so, are current treatment strategies adequate and, if applicable, how is your organization adapting treatment strategies for people with disabilities?

NIDILRR is issuing this RFI to obtain input on the incidence of opioid use disorder among people with disabilities. This information will help NIDILRR determine what research might be needed to inform interventions and/or policies to mitigate the effects of opioid use disorder on people with disabilities. Topics of particular interest include opioid use among common subgroups of people with disabilities and their secondary conditions, and/or the effectiveness of existing or adapted treatment strategies for opioid use disorder among people with disabilities.

Please visit the link to view the RFI and for more details about the process to submit comments. Comments must be submitted by February 20, 2018.

Within ACL, NIDILRR works to generate new knowledge and promote its effective use to improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community; and to expand society's capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for people with disabilities. NIDILRR conducts its work through grants that support research and development.

Proposed Data Collection: National Center on Law and Elder Rights (NCLER)

ACL is seeking comments from the public on a proposed collection of information from legal and aging/disability service professionals. The collection will ensure that the National Center on Law and Elder Rights creates and prioritizes the training, case consultations, and technical assistance resources it was contracted to provide.

The information to be requested by ACL from legal and aging/disability professionals fall into the following areas:

requests for training, case consultation, and technical assistance through an online, secure Uniform Resource Support Request Tool
general requests for Legal Training (including the volume of Webinar registrations); Case Consultation and Technical Assistance
information about satisfaction and use of the services and support received in order to enable ACL to measure performance outcomes.

Electronic comments can be submitted by February 5, 2018 to Omar Valverde at omar.valverde@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information by mail to Omar Valverde, Administration for Community Living, Washington, D.C. 20201.

For more information contact Omar Valverde at omar.valverde@acl.hhs.gov or (202) 795-7460.

Materials:

Proposed Changes to the National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS)

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to the existing data collection materials for the National Ombudsman Reporting system (NORS)

Notice of the 30-day comment period was published in the Federal Register on February 23, 2018. Comments must be submitted by March 26, 2018 via:

Fax to 202-395-5806 (Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL) Email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov (Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL) Mail to The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. N.W., rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, (Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL)

ACL received comments from 18 individuals and groups. In general, there were no significant comments on the proposed data elements. Instead, comments focused on ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. These comments were very helpful and many of the proposed edits and language suggestions were adopted. Comments regarding reporting burden specifically focused on the term: “Residential Care Community” and on challenges with coding a complaint on behalf of one or more complainant, i.e. a “group complaint” (Table 1, code C5). In response to these comments, ACL revised the definition of “Residential Care Community,” and removed the group complaint data element (Table 1, code C5). Some commenters expressed concerns about the cost to update and revise their reporting systems, but the estimates of impact on data collection burden varied. Since the comments were not consistent in this area no changes have been made. Additional concerns about the wording in proposed definitions and requests to add additional data collection elements are addressed in the response to comments tables.

Despite the concerns addressed, there was an overall positive tone to the comments. State Ombudsman programs largely support the changes made by ACL to NORS. They indicated they appreciate ACL’s efforts to incorporate many of the revisions previously recommended. Further, they indicated these changes will result in more accurate and consistent reporting as well as more precise identification of trends and the systems advocacy needed to address common complaints.

Comments in Response to the 60 day Federal Register Notice

Detailed response to 60 day proposed revisions (published in the Federal Register, Vol. 81, No.152, Page 52438 August 8, 2016.)

Table 1-ACL response to comments Table 2-ACL response to comments Table 3-ACL response to comments Introduction to Revised NORS Crosswalk A Crosswalk B

Background Materials:

1) Crosswalks: Old National Ombudsman Reporting System (NORS) data collection to new NORS data collection

The data collection materials for public comment are as follows:

NORS Table 1: Case Level NORS Table 2: Complaint Codes NORS Table 3: Program Information

The proposed revisions are intended to:

Reduce reporting burden on the States’ Ombudsman Programs while obtaining needed annual performance measures; Improve usability of the data by incorporating some new items and removing others, based on recommendations of state Ombudsman programs and other stakeholders; Enhance ACL’s ability to understand and report on LTCO program operations, and the experience of long-term care facility residents; and Reflect changes in Ombudsman program operations and long-term supports and services policies, research, and practices

Proposed Data Collection: Performance Measures for the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Partnership Program

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has created an opportunity for the public to comment on a proposed collection of information. We are asking for comments on proposed semiannual performance measures for the ACL Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) State Partnership program. The program’s purpose is to increase access to rehabilitation and other services for individuals living with traumatic brain injury.

We are seeking to collect information from grantees on a semiannual basis regarding:

- The types of practices, protocols, and activities performed by each grantee;
- The cost of each grant-funded activity;
- The number and types of people the grantees serve;
- The number and types of individuals who receive TBI-related home and community-based services; and
- The involvement of people with TBI in advisory and program support roles.

Access the draft TBI performance measures here. See also the notice in the Federal Register. Comments must be received by January 12, 2018. You may send your comments about the proposed collection by email to TBI@acl.gov or by mail to:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Community Living

330 C Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20201

Attention: Thom Campbell

If you need further information, please contact Thom Campbell at (202) 795-7263.

Proposed Survey Instrument: Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program

ACL seeks comments on a proposed renewal, with revisions, to an existing information collection for the ACL Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Program. OMB approval of the existing set of Falls Prevention data collection tools expires on 01/31/2018.

Submit comments by December 4, 2017, about the proposed documents below to: shannon.skowronski@acl.hhs.gov.

Submit written comments about the collection of information by mail to the following address:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

Administration for Community Living,

Washington DC 20201,

Attention: Shannon Skowronski

For further information contact Shannon Skowronski by telephone at (202) 795-7438 or by email at shannon.skowronski@acl.hhs.gov.

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: DD Councils Program Performance Report

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on a proposed revision to an existing data collection related to the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Annual Program Performance Report (PPR). On an annual basis, each Council must submit a PPR to describe the extent to which annual progress is being achieved on the 5-year State plan goals.

Comments can be submitted thru December 3, 2017, via e-mail to Sara.Newell-Perez@acl.hhs.gov or by mail to Sara Newell-Perez, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street, SW, Room 1108B, Washington, D.C. 20201.

DD Councils Proposed PPR

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: State Grants for Assistive Technology Program State Plan

ACL is announcing that the proposed revision to an existing information collection related to the State Grants for Assistive Technology Program State Plan for AT (formerly the 664 Report) has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review and clearance.

Submit comments by January 3, 2018, electronically to Robert.Groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov or by mail to: Robert Groenendaal, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, Washington, D.C. 20201.

For more information contact Robert Groenendaal at (202) 795-7356 or Robert.Groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov.

Document:

Proposed State Plan for Assistive Technology and Instructions

Proposed Changes to Survey Instrument: National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants

ACL seeks public input on proposed revisions to an existing data collection related to the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP). The purpose of this data collection is to fulfill requirements of the Older Americans Act and the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRA Modernization Act) of 2010 and related program performance activities. The Notice of Comment Request is published in the Federal Register (Vol. 82, No. 185, 44800-44802) and will be open for public comment until November 27, 2017.

The proposed revisions are intended to: a) reduce reporting burden on the area agencies on aging while still being able to report annual performance measures; and b) incorporate or remove a small number of items to improve usability of the data based on prior public comment, results of recent evaluations of the Older Americans’ Act programs, and the input from an expert workgroup.

Submit comments by November 27, 2017, about the proposed documents below to heather.menne@acl.hhs.gov.

Written comments on the information collection proposal should be mailed to the following address:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Community Living,
Washington DC 20201,
Attention: Heather Menne

For further information contact Heather Menne by telephone at (202) 795-7733 or by email at heather.menne@acl.hhs.gov.

Documents:

Proposed changes in information Collection: Maintenance of Effort under Title III and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Expenditures

ACL seeks comments on:

Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection (OMB Approval Number 0985-0004), and
Maintenance of Effort for Title III and extension of, and minor revisions due to statutory language changes to the Certification of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Expenditures.

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on October 23, 2017.

ACL submitted a proposed collection of information to OMB for review and clearance, and is requesting approval for a three-year extension of the currently approved data collection with modifications.

The Certification of Maintenance of Effort under Tittle III and Certification of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Expenditures provide statutorily required information on each state’s contribution to programs funded under the Older Americans Act. This includes compliance with legislative requirements, pertinent Federal regulations, and other applicable instructions and guidelines issued by ACL.

Also, minor changes are being proposed to the LTCO Expenditures Certification, and an accompanying document, which provide specific statutory references on Ombudsman program minimum funding, non-supplanting requirements, and state authorization to expend Title III-B funds on Ombudsman activities.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by November 22, 2017.

Submit written comments on the collection of information: by fax at 202.395.5806 or by email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For further information contact Jesse E. Moore, Jr. at (202) 795-7578.

Other Useful Information:

Proposed Survey Instrument: State Grants for Assistive Technology Program Annual Progress Report

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing that the proposed collection of information listed above has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (the PRA). This 30-day notice requests comments on the information collection requirements related to a proposed Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection (ICR-Rev). The revision would allow ACL to continue to collect information necessary to determine grantee compliance with Section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as Amended (AT Act).

Submit written comments by November 3, 2017 via fax at (202) 395-5806 or by email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For more information contact Robert Groenendaal at (202) 795-7356 or robert.groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov.

Documents:

Proposed changes to the Title III (of the Older Americans Act) Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on September 27, 2017.

The Title III Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report (SF-425) is used to collect additional information about how projects funded under Title III of the Older Americans Act are being administered, and to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and federal regulations/guidance. Specifically, this form collects details on non-federal required match, administration expenditures, Older Relative Caregivers expenditures, and Long-Term Care Ombudsman expenditures.

Minor changes are being proposed to it to reflect changes in statutory language found in the 2016 reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Specifically, the phrase “Grandparents Only” has been changed to “Older Relative Caregivers,” the new term in the OAA that describes this population of eligible service recipients. The accompanying instructions for completing the Title III Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report were also modified to include this same language. References in the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) have been updated addressing financial reporting requirements, and non-substantive technical edits have been made to the instructions.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by October 27th, 2017.

Submit written comments on the collection of information by October 27th by fax to (202) 395-5806, or by email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov , Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For further information contact Jesse E. Moore, Jr. at (202) 795-7578.

Other Useful Information:

30 Day Federal Register Notice for Title III Supplemental (SF425)

ACL Title III Supplemental Form and Instructions 2017

HHS seeks input on FY 2018 - 2022 Strategic Plan Draft

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has provided a draft of its FY 2018 – 2022 Strategic Plan for comments. The draft is a part of the strategic planning process under the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 and gives agency stakeholders an opportunity to provide comments on the plan.

The strategic planning consultation process is an opportunity to refine and strengthen the HHS Strategic Plan FY 2018 – 2022.

Comments may be provided for each goal and objective. Please submit your comments by October 26, 2017.

Submit comments here via HHS.

Submit comments here via Federal Register.

View the HHS Draft Strategic Plan FY 2018-2022 here.

Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Independent Living Programs Annual Performance Reports

Annual Performance Reports for the Centers for Independent Living (CILs), designated State entities (DSEs), and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILC) (704 Parts I and II reports.)

This 30-Day notice requests comments on a proposed Extension Without Changes of a Currently Approved Information Collection (ICR Ext) (OMB approval number 0985-0023). The extension would allow ACL to continue to collect information necessary to determine grantee compliance with Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

ACL received a large number of public comments resulting from a 60-day Federal register notice for the 704 Part II report. In response to the comments, ACL is proposing to extend the currently approved forms for one year while we work on a revision that addresses all the comments from the 60-day notice regarding the updated form.

Submit written comments on the collection of information by October 16 by fax to 202.395.5806 or by email to OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

For more information contact Veronica Hogan at (202) 795-7365 or veronica.hogan@acl.hhs.gov.

Documents:

Proposed Information Collection: AT Act

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on ACL’s intention to collect information necessary to determine grantee compliance with Section 4 of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, as amended (AT Act). Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information and to allow 60 days for public comment. This notice solicits comments on a proposed revision to an existing data collection related to the State Grants for Assistive Technology Program Annual Progress Report (AT APR), formerly the 572 Report (0985-0042).

Submit electronic comments by Friday, September 15, 2017 on the collection of information to: Robert.Groenendaal@acl.hhs.gov. Submit written comments on the collection of information by mail to Robert Groenendaal, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, 330 C Street, SW, Room 1317B Washington, D.C. 20201.

Documents:

Proposed Survey Instrument: National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP)

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on June 22, 2017.

ACL has submitted the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance, as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act. This instrument will be used to conduct a three-year survey of participants in programs funded by the Older Americans Act. These national surveys provide a portrait of who receives these services and how they assess the quality of the services received.

The proposed survey instrument was published for public comment in the Federal Register in Vol. 82, No. 13457 on March 13, 2017. ACL received comments from 89 organizations and just over 13,900 individuals. The majority of the comments requested that ACL retain demographic questions on sexual orientation/ gender identity. In addition, comments addressed: a) methodological, survey design, and sampling considerations; b) concern about the survey length; and c) recommendations to modify and/or add clarifying questions throughout the survey.

Based on this input, ACL has made minor changes to the survey instrument. These changes include:

Retaining the primary question regarding sexual orientation
Clarifying language about Family Caregiver Services
Clarifying the meaning of "calcium-rich soy products" in the surveys of recipients of both congregate and home-delivered meals
Adding language to explain that "home delivered meals" and "Meals on Wheels" may be used interchangeably in survey questions

The public now has the opportunity to provide input on the revised survey instrument to OMB. To be considered, comments on the proposed survey instrument must be received by OMB by July 24, 2017. Comments may be submitted by:

Fax: 202-395-5806
Email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL

Proposed changes to the Title III (of the Older Americans Act) Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on June 20, 2017.

Minor changes are being proposed to it to reflect changes in statutory language found in the 2016 reauthorization of the OAA. Specifically, the phrase “Grandparents Only” has been changed to “Older Relative Caregivers,” the new term in the OAA that describes this population of eligible service recipients. Similarly, the accompanying instructions for completing the Title III Supplemental Form to the Financial Status Report were also modified to include this same language. References in the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) have been updated addressing financial reporting requirements and non-substantive technical edits have been made to the instructions.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by August 21, 2017.

Please send electronic comments on the information collection proposal to jesse.moore@acl.hhs.gov. Written comments on the information collection proposal should be mailed to the following address:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Community Living,
Washington DC 20201,
Attention: Jesse Moore

For further information contact Jesse E. Moore, Jr. at (202) 795-7578.

Proposed Revisions: Older Americans Act Title III and VII, Chapters 3 and 4 Annual State Program Performance Report (SPR)

On June 1, 2017, ACL released the proposed revisions for the Older Americans Act Title III and VII, Chapters 3 and 4 Annual State Program Performance Report (SPR) for public comment. The Notice of Comment Request is now published in the Federal Register (Vol. 82, No. 104, page 25293 -25294) and will be open for public comment until July 31, 2017.

Review the proposed State Program Performance Report Requirements Draft 2017 (DOCX, 141KB) and proposed State Program Performance Report Attachment A Definitions Draft 2017 (DOCX, 141KB) found at ACL’s data website AGID (https://agid.acl.gov/) under the “What’s New” section.

The SPR and the software system used to submit the SPR are being redesigned for the first time since 2005. The proposed redesigned SPR will collect quantitative data from State Units on Aging (SUAs) on the Older Americans Act Title III and Title VII Chapters 3 and 4 programs. The purpose of this data collection is to fulfill requirements of the Older Americans Act and the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRA Modernization Act) of 2010 and related program performance activities.

These reporting requirements are a revision of those which are currently in effect (2016-2019). The factors that influenced the revision of the SPR, include: 1) the need to modernize the data structure to allow for more efficient reporting and the ability to use current technology for reporting and analysis; 2) the interest in aligning data elements within and across data collections; 3) the need to consider alternative data elements that reflect the current Aging Network and long-term care services and supports; and 4) the need to reduce reporting burden while enhancing data quality. The revised SPR reduces the number of data elements reported by 70% compared to the 2016-2019 SPR.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by July 31, 2017.

Please send electronic comments on the information collection proposal to SPRredesign.comment@acl.hhs.gov. Written comments on the information collection proposal should be mailed to the following address:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Community Living,
Washington DC 20201,
Attention: Jennifer Klocinski

For further information contact Jennifer Klocinski by telephone at (202) 795-7377 or by email at SPRredesign.comments@acl.hhs.gov.

Data Collection Materials: Evaluation of ACL's American Indian, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiian Programs (OAA Title VI)

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on June 20, 2017.

The evaluation of these programs will allow ACL to document the value of the Title VI programs for individuals, families, communities and tribes/tribal organizations. The data for this evaluation will be collected through focus groups for elders and caregiver program participants, interviews with Title VI staff, and a survey for caregiver program participants. The data collection materials are as follows:

- Moderator Guides for Focus Groups with tribal elders, caregivers, and program staff.
- Guides for interviews with tribal elders and program staff.
- Caregiver Survey.

The data collection materials were available for public comment for 60 days (as published in the Federal Register on Feb. 23, 2017); none were received.

Comments may be submitted as follows:

Fax: 202-395-5806
Email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL
Mail to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, New Executive Office Bldg., 725 17th St. N.W., rm. 10235, Washington, DC 20503, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL.

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by July 20, 2017.

For additional information, please contact: Kristen Hudgins at 202-795-7732 or via email at kristen.hudgins@acl.hhs.gov.

Forms for Annual Performance Reports and Final Reports by NIDILRR Grantees

The formal announcement of the opportunity to comment on these materials was published in the Federal Register on May 24, 2017.

The Web-based system used for Reporting Year 2016 reporting incorporated a number of features to meet NIDILRR’s information needs while minimizing burden. To further reduce burden, the proposed form is designed so that, instead of describing their accomplishments, grantees simply select their most important accomplishments from among the outputs they report. Data from grant applications, such as contact and budget information, are preloaded for efficiency. To facilitate grantee and NIDILRR staff review of information submitted, the system includes system-generated tables that summarize information entered in specific sections. The Web-based system also carries forward information from one section of the form to the next; for example, information on outcome-oriented goals is carried forward for convenient linkage with projects/activities and publications.

NIDILRR and HHS will use the information gathered to support program evaluation and oversight and to provide Congress and OMB with required data. Data collected from the 10 grant programs will provide a national description of the research activities of approximately 275 NIDILRR grantees per year in fiscal years 2017-2019.

The data collection materials were available for public comment for 60 days (as published in the Federal Register on Jan. 24, 2017); none were received. The Annual Performance Report form and Final Report form have now been submitted to OMB for final clearance; that process includes a 30-day public comment period.

Comments may be submitted as follows:

Fax: 202-395-5806

Email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for ACL

To be considered, comments on the proposed revisions must be received by June 23, 2017

For additional information, please contact: Mary Darnell, (202) 795-7337; Mary.Darnell@acl.hhs.gov

Proposed Changes: State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Annual Program Performance Report

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on ACL’s intention to collect information necessary to determining grantee compliance with Part B of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act). Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish a notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of an existing collection of information, and to allow 60 days for public comment in response to the proposed action. This notice solicits comments on a proposed revision to an existing data collection related to the State Councils on Developmental Disabilities Annual Program Performance Report (PPR). On an annual basis, the Council must submit a Program Performance Report (PPR) to described the extent to which annual progress is being achieved on the 5 year state plan goals. The PPR will be used by (1) the Council as a planning document to track progress made in meeting state plan goals; (2) the citizenry of the State as a mechanism for monitoring progress and activities on the plans of the Council; (3) the Department as a stewardship tool, for ensuring compliance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, as one basis for monitoring and providing technical assistance (e.g., during site visits), and as a support for management decision making.

PPR Template for Comments (PDF)

Comments can be submitted by e-mail to Sara Newell-Perez at Sara.Newell-Perez@acl.hhs.gov.