[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 202 (Thursday, October 20, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-25988]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: October 20, 1994]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
[OPL-002-N]
Medicare Program; Request for Nominations for Members for the
Practicing Physicians Advisory Council
AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with section 1868(a) of the Social Security Act,
this notice requests nominations from medical organizations
representing physicians for individuals to serve on the Practicing
Physicians Advisory Council. Four vacancies will occur on February 28,
1995.
DATES: Nominations from medical organizations will be considered if we
receive them at the appropriate address, as provided below, no later
than 5 p.m. on December 19, 1994.
ADDRESSES: You may mail or deliver nominations for membership to the
following address: Health Care Financing Administration, Office of the
Administrator, Attention: Martha DiSario, Room 314-G, Hubert H.
Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Martha DiSario, Executive Director,
Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, (202) 690-7874.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4112 of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90) (Public Law 101-508), enacted on
November 5, 1990, added a new section 1868 to the Social Security Act
(the Act), which established the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council
(the Council). The Council advises the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services (the Secretary) on proposed regulations and
manual issuances related to physicians' services. An advisory committee
created by the Congress, such as this one, is subject to the provisions
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2), and, since
this committee advises the Secretary, it is also subject to our
regulations in 45 CFR Part 11--Committee Management.
Section 1868(a) of the Act provides that the Council must consist
of 15 physicians, each of whom must have submitted at least 250 claims
for physicians' services under Medicare in the previous year. At least
11 Council members must be physicians as defined in section 1861(r)(1)
of the Act, that is, State-licensed physicians of medicine or
osteopathy. The other four Council members may include dentists,
podiatrists, optometrists, and chiropractors. The Council must include
both participating and nonparticipating physicians, and physicians
practicing in rural and underserved urban areas.
In addition, section 1868(a) of the Act provides that nominations
to the Secretary for Council membership must be made by medical
organizations representing physicians. This is an invitation to all
medical organizations representing physicians to submit nominees for
membership on the Council. Current members whose terms expire in 1995
will be considered for reappointment. Final selection from among
qualified candidates for each vacancy will be determined by the
expertise required to meet specific agency needs and in a manner to
ensure appropriate balance of membership. From these nominations, the
Secretary will appoint the members of the Council. Each nomination must
state that the nominee has expressed a willingness to serve as a
Council member and has provided a short resume or description of the
nominee's experience. To permit evaluation of possible sources of
conflict of interest, potential candidates will be asked to provide
detailed information concerning financial holdings, consultant
positions, research grants, and contracts.
Section 1868(b) of the Act provides that the Council meet once each
calendar quarter, as requested by the Secretary, to discuss proposed
changes in regulations and manual issuances that relate to physicians'
services.
Section 1868(c) of the Act provides for payment of expenses and a
per diem allowance for Council members at a rate equal to payment
provided to members of other advisory committees. In addition to making
these payments, the Department of Health and Human Services provides
management and support services to the Council.
(Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ee); 5
U.S.C. App. 2; and 45 CFR Part 11)
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.774,
Medicare--Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)
Dated: October 14, 1994.
Bruce C. Vladeck,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 94-25988 Filed 10-19-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P
