Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 significantly changes many aspects of Information Collection by the Federal government. The act,which went into effect October 1, 1995 requires agencies to plan for the development of new collections of information and the extension of ongoing collections well in advance of sending proposals to OMB. Agencies must:

• Seek public comment on proposed collections of information through "60-day notices" in the Federal Register;
• Certify to OMB that efforts have been made to reduce the burden of the collection on small businesses, local government and other small entities, and
• Have in place a process for independent review of information collection requests prior to submission to OMB.

Each HHS Operating Division (OPDIV) has a Reports Clearance Officer charged with coordinating the information collection activities within their respective OPDIV. More information about this Act is available from DHHS at http://www.hhs.gov/oirm/infocollect/. (See related links outside of CMS at the bottom of the page.)