[Federal Register: August 27, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 166)]
[Notices]
[Page 52723-52724]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27au04-54]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
[CMS-1279-N2]
Medicare Program; Public Meeting of the Program Advisory and
Oversight Committee (PAOC) for Quality Standards and Competitive
Acquisition of Certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics,
Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)
AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
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SUMMARY: This notice announces the date, location, and registration
requirements for the first public meeting of the Program Advisory and
Oversight Committee (PAOC) for the competitive acquisition of certain
durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies
(DMEPOS). The October 6, 2004 meeting will provide a forum for the PAOC
to consider issues related to competitive bidding for DMEPOS items and
to furnish advice to the Secretary regarding these issues. Requirements
for the PAOC are specified by section 302 of the Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) (Pub. L. 108-
173). The public is invited to attend this meeting to observe the
committee's discussion. While non-committee members attending the
meeting as interested observers will not have the opportunity to make
oral comments or presentations, written comments will be accepted.
DATES: The Meeting: The PAOC meeting will take place on Wednesday,
October 6, 2004, 9 a.m. through 5 p.m.
ADDRESSES: The PAOC meeting will be held in the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS) Auditorium. Our address is 7500 Security
Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sean Dalenberg, (410) 786-0300.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Regulatory Background
On December 8, 2003, the President signed the Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Pub. L. 108-173).
Section 302 of MMA requires the Secretary of the Department of Health
and Human Services (the Secretary) to replace the current DME payment
methodology for certain items with a competitive acquisition process to
improve the effectiveness of Medicare's methodology for setting DME
payment amounts. The new bidding process will establish payment for
DME, and drugs and supplies used in conjunction with DME, but excluding
inhalation drugs and class III devices under the Food, Drug and
Cosmetic Act. In addition, this new bidding process will establish
payment for enteral nutrition and off-the-shelf orthotics. Section 302
of MMA also mandates implementation of an accreditation program and
development of quality standards for durable medical equipment,
prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS). The statute requires the
Secretary to establish the PAOC. The PAOC is responsible for providing
advice on the development and implementation of these provisions.
Specifically, section 302 of the MMA states that the PAOC shall
provide advice on the following:
Implementation of the Competitive Acquisition Program.
Establishment of financial standards for suppliers under
the program that take into account the needs of small providers.
Establishment of data collection requirements for the
efficient management of the program.
Development of proposals for efficient interaction among
manufacturers, providers of services, suppliers, and individuals.
Establishment of the quality standards.
The PAOC may also perform additional functions specified by the
Secretary. As specified in section 302(b)(1) of MMA, which amends
section 1847 of the Act by adding paragraph (c)(4), to specify that the
provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) are
not applicable for PAOC meetings.
On June 2, 2004, we published a notice in the Federal Register (69
FR 31125) entitled ``Request for Nominations for the Program Advisory
Oversight Committee for the Competitive Acquisition of Durable Medical
Equipment and Other Items'' requesting nominations from the public for
committee members. We are currently in the process of reviewing and
processing these nominations. The names of those selected as PAOC
members will be posted at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/suppliers/dmepos/compbid.
This Web site will also include the agenda for the first PAOC
meeting. Future dates and locations for PAOC meetings and agendas will
be made available at the above listed Web site address. The public may
also register on the list serve at the Web site for future PAOC
notifications.
II. Registration
PAOC Registration Procedures: Members of the public interested in
attending the October 6, 2004 meeting must register in advance by
either mail or e-mail as indicated below.
Each registrant must provide the following information: Name;
company name and address (if applicable); telephone and fax numbers; e-
mail address (if available); and any special needs requirements.
Because of staff and resource limitations, we cannot accept comments by
facsimile (FAX) transmission.
Special Accommodations: Persons attending the PAOC public meeting
with hearing or visual impairments, special requirements, or a
condition that requires special assistance or accommodation, must
provide this information upon registering for the meeting.
A CMS staff member will confirm your registration by mail, e-mail
or fax. We recommend that you retain a copy of this confirmation of
pre-registration to facilitate your entry into the building.
Registration By Mail: We must receive your registration by mail no
later than 5 p.m. on September 22, 2004 in order for you to obtain
access to the building. Please address mailed registrations to Sean
Dalenberg, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security
Boulevard, Mail Stop C5-08-27, Baltimore, MD 21244.
Registration By E-mail: If you wish to register electronically,
please submit your request to the following e-mail address:
sdalenberg@cms.hhs.gov. We must receive your registration no later than
5 p.m., September 22, 2004.
For Additional Information: Please contact our recorded Hotline at
410-786-9379.
III. Submission of Comments
Written comments from the public addressing topics discussed at the
meeting must be received by October 13, 2004. Please send your written
comments to Sean Dalenberg, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services,
7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C5-08-27, Baltimore, MD 21244. A
summary of the public meeting will be posted at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/suppliers/dmepos/compbid
after the meeting.
IV. General Information
This PAOC public meeting will be held in a Federal government
building; therefore, Federal security measures are in effect. In
planning your arrival, we recommend allowing additional time to clear
security. In order to gain access to the building and grounds, all
attendees
[[Page 52724]]
must be prepared to provide a government-issued photo identification.
Access may be denied to persons without proper identification. Security
measures will also include inspection of vehicles, inside and out, at
the entrance to the grounds. In addition, all persons entering the
building must pass through a metal detector. All items brought to CMS,
including personal items, computers, electronics, and cell phones are
subject to physical inspection.
Authority: Section 302 of the Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) (Pub. L. 108-173).
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.774,
Medicare--Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)
Dated: August 17, 2004.
Mark B. McClellan,
Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 04-19259 Filed 8-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P