90 FR 158 pg. 40460 - 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Eligibility Questionnaire for HAVANA Act Payments

Type: NOTICEVolume: 90Number: 158Page: 40460
Docket number: [Public Notice: 12786]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2025-15801 Filed 8-18-25; 8:45 am]
Agency: State Department
Official PDF Version:  PDF Version
Page: 40460

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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice: 12786]

60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Eligibility Questionnaire for HAVANA Act Payments

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to October 20, 2025.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering "Docket Number: DOS-2025-0137" in the Search field. Then click the "Comment Now" button and complete the comment form.

Email: HAProcessing@state.gov.

You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to the Employee Assistance Branch, who may be reached at HAProcessing@state.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title of Information Collection: Eligibility Questionnaire for HAVANA Act Payments

OMB Control Number: 1405-0250

Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection

Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection

Originating Office: PERT, Office of Employee Relations, Employee Benefits and Assistance Division, Employee Assistance Branch (PERT/ER/EBA/EA)

Form Number: DS-4316

Respondents: Department of State employees, former employees, and their dependents, and the qualified physicians whom they have consulted.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 30

Estimated Number of Responses: 30

Average Time per Response: 30 minutes

Total Estimated Burden Time: 15 hours

Frequency: On occasion

Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain or Retain a Benefit

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.

• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.

• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.

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

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

• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

On October 8, 2021, the "Helping American Victims Affected by Neurological Attacks" (HAVANA) Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 117-46) was signed into law. In this statute, Congress authorized federal agencies to make payments to affected current employees, former employees, and their dependents for qualifying injuries to the brain. The DS-4316 provides the required medical substantiation for claims filed pursuant to the HAVANA Act and the Department's rule (22 CFR part 135).

Methodology

An individual wishing to make a claim under the HAVANA Act IFR will fill out the "Patient Demographics" portion of the DS-4316, and provide it to a U.S. board certified physician as defined in the Department rules. The physician will complete the form after examining the individual and reviewing their records and will fax or email the completed form to the Department.

Andrew Flashberg,

Acting Employee Relations Office Director, Bureau of Personnel and Training, U.S. Department of State.

[FR Doc. 2025-15801 Filed 8-18-25; 8:45 am]

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