[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 215 (Monday, November 8, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60821-60822]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29150]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Care Financing Administration
[HCFA-1093-N]
Medicare Program; Request for Nominations for the Practicing
Physicians Advisory Council
AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This notice requests nominations from medical organizations
representing physicians for individuals to serve on the Practicing
Physicians Advisory Council (the Council).
Section 4112 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990
established the Council to advise the Secretary of the Department of
Health and Human Services on proposed regulations and manual issuances
related to physicians' services. There will be four Council vacancies
on February 28, 2000.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Nominations will be considered if they are received no
later than December 15, 1999, at 5 p.m., e.s.t.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver nominations to Paul Rudolf, MD, JD,
Executive Director, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, Center for
Health Plans and Providers, Office of Professional Relations, Health
Care Financing Administration, Room 435 H, Hubert H. Humphrey Building,
200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201, (202) 690-7418.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Rudolf, MD, JD, Executive
Director, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, (202) 690-7418.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4112 of the Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-508) 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).
Section 1868(a) of the Act requires that the Council 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 doctors 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, as well as 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 notice is an invitation to all organizations representing
physicians to submit nominees for membership on the Council. Current
members whose terms expire in year 2000 will be considered for
reappointment if they are renominated. The Secretary will appoint new
members to the Council from among those candidates determined to have
the expertise required to meet specific agency needs and in a manner to
ensure appropriate balance of membership.
Each nomination must state that the nominee has expressed a
willingness to serve as a Council member and must be accompanied by a
short resume or description of the nominee's experience. To permit an
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 to discuss proposed changes in regulations and manual
issuances that relate to physicians' services identified by the
Secretary. Council members are expected to participate in all meetings.
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 members of other advisory committees. In addition to making
these payments, the Department of Health and Human
[[Page 60822]]
Services provides management and support services to the Council.
Authority: Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395ee) and section 10(a) of Public Law 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App.2,
section 10(a)); 45 CFR part 11.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773,
Medicare--Hospital Insurance; and Program No. 93.774, Medicare--
Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)
Dated: November 2, 1999.
Michael M. Hash,
Deputy Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 99-29150 Filed 11-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P
