U.S. Federal Register: School-Based Active Surveillance (SBAS) of ME/CFS among schoolchildren
Source: U.S. Federal Register
Vol. 91, #81, pp 22821-22822
Date: April 28, 2026
URL:
https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...rms-undergoing-paperwork-reduction-act-review
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-28/pdf/2026-08238.pdf
[A Notice by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
------------------------------------------------------
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information
collection request titled 'School-Based Active Surveillance (SBAS) of
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Among Schoolchildren'
to the Office of Management and budget (OMB) for review and approval.
CDC previously published a 'Proposed Data Collection Submitted for
Public Comment and Recommendations' notice on February 11, 2026 to
obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC received two
comments related to the previous notice. This notice serves to allow an
additional 30 days for public and affected agency comments.
CDC will accept all comments for this proposed information collection
project. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested
in comments that:
(a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have practical utility;
(b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
(c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be
collected;
(d) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who
are to respond, including, through the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses; and
(e) Assess information collection costs.
To request additional information on the proposed project or to obtain a
copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call (404)
639-7570. Comments and recommendations for the proposed information
collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice
to,
http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain.
Find this particular information collection by selecting 'Currently
under 30-day Review-Open for Public Comments' or by using the search
function. Direct written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items
contained in this notice to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of
Management and Budget,
725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503 or by
fax to (202) 395-5806. Provide written comments within 30 days of notice
publication.
Proposed Project
School-Based Active Surveillance (SBAS) of Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Among Schoolchildren
(OMB Control No. 0920-1396, Exp. 4/30/2026)-Revision-National Center for
Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
Background and Brief Description
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a complex,
chronic, debilitating multi-system disease, affects up to 3.3 million
persons in the United States. However, about 90% of people with ME/CFS
have not received an official diagnosis from a healthcare professional.
ME/CFS affects between 0.10% and 0.75% children and adolescents, which
often goes undiagnosed by healthcare professionals.
Data on chronic conditions among schoolchildren, such as asthma, has
been collected over the years, but there has been little to no emphasis
on ME/CFS in the United States. Chronic conditions among school-aged
children likely account for a high proportion of chronic school
absenteeism and school withdrawal. Conducting active surveillance among
students using school nurses could expedite the diagnosis and management
of children who present with symptoms commonly seen in ME/CFS. This
involves educating school nurses about ME/CFS and its related syndromes,
how to best approach parents and guardians when suggesting the
diagnosis, and how to support the educational success of students with
chronic diseases. National active surveillance in schools for ME/CFS
coupled with education of school nurses about ME/CFS could help improve
measuring the burden of ME/CFS in children and provide insights for
future plans to improve healthcare in children suffering from ME/CFS and
other chronic health conditions.
In the next phase of this project, we will expand the active
surveillance project beyond the pilot schools to include additional
schools in the pilot states as well as in other states. In this national
rollout, school nurses will continue to receive education on data
collection and ME/CFs as well as technical assistance and training on
using the electronic data collection reporting platform. The SBAS
project will extend the currently approved collection to involve more
school nurses (respondents). This effort will help us to track ME/CFS
symptom burden in addition to the ME/CFS prevalence.
CDC requests OMB approval for a three-year Revision with an estimated
annual burden of 951 hours. There is no cost to respondents other than
their time to participate.
[Table removed: Estimated Annualized Burden Hours]
Jeffrey M. Zirger,
Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Public Health
Ethics and Regulations, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 2026-08238 Filed 4-27-26; 8:45 am]
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