02-14838. Request for Nominations for Nonvoting Representatives of Consumer Interests on Public Advisory Panels or Committees

AGENCY:

Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting nominations for nonvoting consumer representatives to serve on certain device panels of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee in the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). Nominations will be accepted for current vacancies and for those that will or may occur through July 31, 2003. FDA has a special interest in ensuring that women, minority groups, individuals with disabilities, and small businesses are adequately represented on advisory committees and, therefore, encourages nominations for appropriately qualified candidates from these groups.

DATES:

Nominations for vacancies listed in this notice should be received by July 12, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

All nominations and curricula vitae (which include nominee's office address, telephone number, and e-mail address) should be submitted in writing to Linda Ann Sherman, Advisory Committee and Oversight Management Staff (HF-4), Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, e-mail: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

FDA is requesting nominations for nonvoting members representing consumer interests for the vacancies listed as follows:

Medical Devices Panels	Approximate Date Consumer Representative Is Needed
Anesthesiology and Respiratory Therapy	Immediately
Circulatory System	July 1, 2002
Gastroenterology and Urology	Jan. 1, 2003
General Hospital and Personal Use	Jan. 1, 2003
Immunology	Mar. 1, 2003
Microbiology	Mar. 1, 2003
Molecular and Clinical Genetics	June 1, 2003
Radiological	Feb. 1, 2003

I. Function

The functions of the medical device panels are to: (1) Review and evaluate data on the safety and effectiveness of marketed and investigational devices and make recommendations for their regulation; (2) advise the Commissioner of Food and Drugs regarding recommended classification or reclassification of these devices into one of three regulatory categories; (3) advise on any possible risks to health associated with the use of devices; (4) advise on formulation of product development protocols; (5) review premarket approval applications for medical devices; (6) review guidelines and guidance documents; (7) recommend exemption to certain devices from the application of portions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act)); (8) advise on the necessity to ban a device; (9) respond to requests from the agency to review and make recommendations on specific issues or problems concerning the safety and effectiveness of devices; and (10) make recommendations on the quality in the design of clinical studies regarding the safety and effectiveness of marketed and investigational devices.

II. Consumer Representation

Section 520(f)(3) of the act (21 U.S.C. 360j(f)(3)), as amended by the Medical Device Amendments of 1976, provides that each medical device panel include as a member one nonvoting representative of consumer interests.

III. Nomination Procedure

Any interested person may nominate one or more qualified persons as a member of a particular advisory committee or panel to represent consumer interests as identified in this notice. Self-nominations are also accepted. To be eligible for selection, the applicant's experience and/or education will be evaluated against Federal civil service criteria for the position to which the person will be appointed.

Nominations shall include a complete curriculum vitae of each nominee and shall state that the nominee is aware of the nomination, is willing to serve as a member, and appears to have no conflict of interest that would preclude membership. FDA will ask the potential candidates to provide detailed information concerning such matters as financial holdings, employment, and research grants and/or contracts to permit evaluation of possible sources of conflict of interest. The nomination should state whether the nominee is interested only in a particular advisory committee or panel or in any advisory committee or panel. The term of office is up to 4 years, depending on the appointment date.

IV. Selection Procedure

Selection of members representing consumer interests is conducted through procedures which include use of a consortium of consumer organizations which has the responsibility for recommending candidates for the agency's selection. Candidates should possess appropriate qualifications to understand and contribute to the committee's work.

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: June 5, 2002.

William K. Hubbard,

Senior Associate Commissioner for Policy, Planning, and Legislation.