[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 140 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42755-42756]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-17837]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Resources and Services Administration


The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on the Designation of 
Medically Underserved Populations and Health Professions Shortage Areas

AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), HHS.

ACTION: Notice of establishment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Authority: The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on the Designation 
of Medically Underserved Populations (MUPs) and Health Professions 
Shortage Areas (HPSAs) was specifically mandated by Section 5602 of 
Public Law 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 
2010 (ACA). The Negotiated Rulemaking process is described at 5 U.S.C. 
561-569, the Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990, Public Law 101-648. 
Each Negotiated Rulemaking Committee is also governed by the provisions 
of Public Law 92-463 (5 U.S.C., App.), which sets forth standards for 
the formation and use of advisory committees.
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 5602 of the ACA, HRSA plans to establish a 
comprehensive methodology and criteria for Designation of MUPs and 
Primary Care HPSAs [under Sections 330(b)(3) and 332 of the Public 
Health Service (PHS) Act, respectively], using a Negotiated Rulemaking 
process. To do this, HRSA announces the establishment of the Negotiated 
Rulemaking Committee on the Designation of Medically Underserved 
Populations and Health Professions Shortage Areas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Jordan, Senior Analyst, Office of 
Shortage Designation, Bureau of Health Professions; e-mail 
[email protected]; telephone (301) 594-0197.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 5602 of the Patient Protection and 
Affordable Care Act of 2010 mandates the Negotiated Rulemaking 
Committee within the Department of Health and Human Services. To comply 
with the authorizing directive and guidelines

[[Page 42756]]

under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), a charter has been 
filed with the Committee Management Secretariat in the General Services 
Administration (GSA), the appropriate committees in the Senate and U.S. 
House of Representatives, and the Library of Congress to establish the 
Advisory Board as a non-discretionary Federal advisory committee. The 
charter was filed on June 29, 2010.

Objectives and Scope of Activities

    The purpose of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee on Designation 
of MUPs and HPSAs is to provide advice and make recommendations to the 
Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Administrator, 
Health Resources and Services Administration, with respect to 
developing a new rule containing a revised methodology, criteria and 
process for such designations.

Membership and Designation

    The Committee shall be limited to 25 members, unless it is 
determined that a greater number of members is necessary for the 
functioning of the Committee or to achieve balanced membership, 
including the one Government employee representing HRSA/DHHS. A neutral 
facilitator, approved by the Committee, shall act as Chair. Members 
shall be chosen for their ability to represent the various interests 
that will be significantly affected by the rule, and/or for technical 
expertise related to indicators and methodologies potentially useful in 
defining medical underservice and health professions shortage. Members 
shall be invited to serve for the duration of the Committee.

Administrative Management and Support

    HRSA will provide funding and administrative support for the 
Negotiated Rulemaking Committee to the extent permitted by law within 
existing appropriations. Management and oversight for support services 
provided to the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will be provided by the 
Bureau of Health Professions, HRSA.
    A copy of the Committee charter can be obtained from the designated 
contacts or by accessing the FACA database that is maintained by the 
GSA Committee Management Secretariat. The Web site for the FACA 
database is  http://fido.gov/facadatabase/.

    Dated: July 16, 2010.
Mary K. Wakefield,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2010-17837 Filed 7-21-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-15-P