2017-21173. Request for Nominations for Voting Members on a Public Advisory Committee; the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee

AGENCY:

Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting nominations for members to serve on the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, Office of Science, Center for Tobacco Products.

FDA seeks to include the views of women and men, members of all racial and ethnic groups, and individuals with and without disabilities on its advisory committees and, therefore, encourages nominations of appropriately qualified candidates from these groups.

DATES:

Nominations received on or before December 4, 2017 will be given first consideration for membership on the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Nominations received after December 4, 2017 will be considered for nomination to the committee as later vacancies occur.

ADDRESSES:

All nominations for membership should be sent electronically by logging into the FDA Advisory Nomination Portal: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/​scripts/​FACTRSPortal/​FACTRS/​index.cfm or by mail to Advisory Committee Oversight and Management Staff, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 32, Rm. 5103, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Regarding all nomination questions for membership: Caryn Cohen, Office of Science, Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Tobacco Products, Document Control Center, Building 71, Rm. G335, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 1-877-287-1373 (choose Option 5), [e-mail].

Information about becoming a member on an FDA advisory committee can also be obtained by visiting FDA's Web site by using the following link: https://www.fda.gov/​AdvisoryCommittees/​default.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

FDA is requesting nomination for voting members on the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee.

I. General Description of the Committee Duties

The Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (the Committee) advises the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (the Commissioner) or designee in discharging responsibilities related to the regulation of tobacco products. The Committee reviews and evaluates safety, dependence, and health issues relating to tobacco products and provides appropriate advice, information, and recommendations to the Commissioner.

II. Criteria for Voting Members

The Committee consists of 12 members including the Chair. Members and the Chair are selected by the Commissioner or designee from among individuals knowledgeable in the fields of medicine, medical ethics, science, or technology involving the manufacture, evaluation, or use of tobacco products. Almost all non-Federal members of this committee serve as Special Government Employees. The Committee includes nine technically qualified voting members, selected by the Commissioner or designee. The nine voting members include seven members who are physicians, dentists, scientists, or health care professionals practicing in the area of oncology, pulmonology, cardiology, toxicology, pharmacology, addiction, or any other relevant specialty. The nine voting members also include one member who is an officer or employee of a State or local government or of the Federal Government, and one member who is a representative of the general public. Almost all non-Federal members of this committee serve as Special Government Employees. Members will be invited to serve for terms of up to 4 years.

III. Nomination Procedures

Any interested person may nominate one or more qualified individuals for membership on the advisory committee. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominations must include a current, complete résumé or curriculum vitae for each nominee and a signed copy of the Acknowledgement and Consent form available at the FDA Advisory Nomination Portal (see ADDRESSES). Nominations must also specify the advisory committee for which the nominee is recommended. Nominations must also acknowledge that the nominee is aware of the nomination unless self-nominated. FDA will ask potential candidates to provide detailed information concerning such matters related to financial holdings, employment, and research grants and/or contracts to permit evaluation of possible sources of conflicts of interest.

This notice is issued under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. app. 2) and 21 CFR part 14, relating to advisory committees.

Dated: September 27, 2017.

Anna K. Abram,

Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Planning, Legislation, and Analysis.