[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29516-29517]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-11191]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Solicitation for Nominations for Members of the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force
AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS.
ACTION: Solicits nominations for new members.
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SUMMARY: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) invites
nominations of individuals qualified to serve as members of the U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
The USPSTF, a standing, independent panel of outside experts that
makes evidence-based recommendations regarding the provision of
clinical preventive services, is composed of members appointed to serve
for four year terms with an option for reappointment. New members are
selected each year to replace approximately one fourth of the USPSTF
members, i.e., those who are completing their appointments. Individuals
nominated but not appointed in previous years, as well as those newly
nominated, are considered in the annual selection process.
USPSTF members meet three times a year for two days in the
Washington, DC area. Between meetings, member duties include reviewing
and preparing comments (off site) on systematic
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evidence reviews prior to discussing and making recommendations on
preventive services, drafting final recommendation documents, and
participating in workgroups on specific topics or methods.
AHRQ particularly encourages nominations of women, members of
minority populations, and persons with disabilities. Interested
individuals can self nominate. Organizations and individuals may
nominate one or more persons qualified for membership on the USPSTF.
Qualification Requirements: The mission of the USPSTF is to produce
evidence-based recommendations on the appropriate screening,
counseling, and provision of preventive medication for asymptomatic
patients seen in the primary care setting. Therefore, in order to
qualify for the USPSTF, an applicant or nominee must demonstrate the
following:
1. Knowledge and experience in the critical evaluation of research
published in peer reviewed literature and in the methods of evidence
review;
2. Understanding and experience in the application of synthesized
evidence to clinical decision-making and/or policy;
3. Expertise in disease prevention and health promotion;
4. Ability to work collaboratively with peers; and,
5. Clinical expertise in the primary health care of children and/or
adults, and/or expertise in counseling and behavioral interventions for
primary care patients.
Some USPSTF members without primary health care clinical experience
may be selected based on their expertise in methodological issues such
as medical decision making, clinical epidemiology, behavioral medicine,
and health economics.
Consideration will be given to individuals who are recognized
nationally for scientific leadership within their field of expertise.
Applicants must have no substantial conflicts of interest that would
impair the scientific integrity of the work of the USPSTF including
financial, intellectual, or other conflicts.
DATES: All nominations submitted in writing or electronically, and
received by Friday, June 20, 2008, will be considered for appointment
to the USPSTF.
Nominated individuals will be selected for the USPSTF on the basis
of their qualifications (in particular, those that address the required
qualifications, outlined above) and the current expertise needs of the
USPSTF. It is anticipated that three individuals will be invited to
serve on the USPSTF beginning in January, 2009. All individuals will be
considered; however, strongest consideration will be given to
individuals with expertise in family medicine, behavioral medicine, and
obstetrics/gynecology. AHRQ will retain and consider for future
vacancies the nominations of those not selected during this cycle.
ADDRESSES: Submit your responses either in writing or electronically
to: Gloria Washington, ATTN: USPSTF Nominations, Center for Primary
Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships, Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850,
[email protected].
Nomination Submissions
Nominations may be submitted in writing or electronically, but must
include (1) the applicant's current curriculum vitae and contact
information, including mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone
number and (2) a letter explaining how this individual meets the
qualification requirements and how he/she would contribute to the
USPSTF. The letter should also attest to the nominee's willingness to
serve as a member of the USPSTF.
AHRQ will later ask persons under serious consideration for
membership to provide detailed information that will permit evaluation
of possible significant conflicts of interest. Such information will
concern matters such as financial holdings, consultancies, and research
grants or contracts.
Nomination Selection
Nominations for the USPSTF will be selected on the basis of
qualifications as outlined above (see Qualification Requirements) and
the current expertise needs of the USPSTF.
Arrangement for Public Inspection
Nominations and applications are kept on file at the Center for
Primary Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships, AHRQ, and are
available for review during business hours. AHRQ does not reply to
individual responses, but considers all nominations in selecting
members. Information regarded as private and personal, such as a
nominee's social security number, home and e-mail addresses, home
telephone and fax numbers, or names of family members will not be
disclosed to the public. This is in accord with AHRQ confidentiality
policies and Department of Health and Human Services regulations (45
CFR 5.67).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gloria Washington at
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Under Title IX of the Public Health Service Act, AHRQ is charged
with enhancing the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of
health care services and access to such services. 42 U.S.C. 299(b).
AHRQ accomplishes these goals through scientific research and promotion
of improvements in clinical practice, including prevention of diseases
and other health conditions, and improvements in the organization,
financing, and delivery of health care services. See 42 U.S.C. 299(b).
The USPSTF is a panel of outside experts that makes independent
evidence-based recommendations regarding the provision of clinical
preventive services. The USPSTF was first established in 1984 under the
auspices of the U.S. Public Health Service. Currently, the USPSTF is
convened by the Director of AHRQ, and AHRQ provides ongoing
administrative, research and technical support for the USPSTF's
operation. The USPSTF is charged with rigorously evaluating the
effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and appropriateness of clinical
preventive services and formulating or updating recommendations for
primary care clinicians regarding the appropriate provision of
preventive services. See 42 U.S.C. 299b4(a)(1). Current USPSTF
recommendations and associated evidence reviews are available on the
Internet (http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov).
Dated: May 8, 2008.
Carolyn M. Clancy,
Director.
[FR Doc. E8-11191 Filed 5-20-08; 8:45 am]
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