[Federal Register: April 10, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 68)]
[Notices]
[Page 16408-16409]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10ap09-88]
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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 (USPSTF)
AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS.
ACTION: Solicits nominations for new members of USPSTF.
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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, panel of outside experts that makes
evidence-based recommendations to the health care community and the
public 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 evidence reviews prior
to discussing and making recommendations on preventive services,
drafting final recommendation documents, and participating in
workgroups on specific topics or methods.
To obtain a diversity of perspectives, and enhance opportunities,
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, whether
financial, professional, or other conflicts, that would impair the
scientific integrity of the work of the USPSTF.
DATES: All nominations submitted in writing or electronically, and
received by Friday, May 15, 2009, will be considered for appointment to
the USPSTF.
Nominated individuals will be selected for the USPSTF on the basis
of
[[Page 16409]]
their qualifications (in particular, those that address the required
qualifications, outlined above) and the current expertise needs of the
USPSTF. It is anticipated that four indMduals will be invited to serve
on the USPSTF beginning in January, 2010. All individuals will be
considered; however, strongest consideration will be given to
individuals with demonstrated expertise in a specific area such as
obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, nursing and methodology. 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,
http://dreamless.keenspot.com/comic.rss.
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.
Nominee Selection
Appointments to the USPSTF will be made 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 nominations, 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
uspstaskforce@ahrg.hhs.gov
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 clinical 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). AHRQ is charged with
the dissemination of recommendations. In addition to hard copy
materials (that may be obtained from the Publications Clearinghouse),
current USPSTF recommendations and associated evidence reviews are
available on the Internet (http://www.preventiveservices.ahrg.gov).
Dated: March 27, 2009.
Carolyn M. Clancy,
Director.
[FR Doc. E9-8040 Filed 4-9-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-90-P