01-17052. Advisory Commission; Request for Nominations for Voting Members

AGENCY:

Health Resources and Services Administration.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is requesting nominations to fill three vacancies on the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV). The ACCV was established by Title XXI of the Public Health Service Act (the Act), as enacted by Public Law (P.L.) 99-660 and as subsequently amended, and advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) on issues related to implementation of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Cheryl A. Lee, Principal Staff Liaison, Policy Analysis Branch, Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation, at [phone].

DATES:

Nominations are to be submitted by August 8, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

All nominations are to be submitted to the Director, Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation, Bureau of Health Professions, HRSA, Parklawn Building, Room 8A-46, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the authorities that established the ACCV, via the Federal Advisory Committee Act of October 6, 1972 (Pub. L. 92-463) and section 2119 of the Act, 42 U.S.C. 300aa-19, as added by Pub. L. 99-660 and amended, HRSA is requesting nominations for three voting members of the ACCV.

The ACCV advises the Secretary on the implementation of the VICP. The activities of the ACCV include: Recommending changes in the Vaccine Injury Table at its own initiative or as the result of the filing of a petition; advising the Secretary in implementing section 2127 regarding the need for childhood vaccination products that result in fewer or no significant adverse reactions; surveying Federal, State, and local programs and activities related to gathering information on injuries associated with the administration of childhood vaccines, including the adverse reaction reporting requirements of section 2125(b); advising the Secretary on the methods of obtaining, compiling, publishing, and using credible data related to the frequency and severity of adverse reactions associated with childhood vaccines; and recommending to the Director, National Vaccine Program Office that vaccine safety research be conducted on various vaccine injuries.

The ACCV consists of nine voting members appointed by the Secretary as follows: three health professionals, who are not employees of the United States government and have expertise in the health care of children, the epidemiology, etiology and prevention of childhood diseases, and the adverse reactions associated with vaccines, at least two shall be pediatricians; three members from the general public, at least two are legal representatives (parents or guardians) of children who have suffered a vaccine-related injury or death; and three attorneys, at least one shall be an attorney whose specialty includes representation of persons who have suffered a vaccine-related injury or death, and one shall be an attorney whose specialty includes representation of vaccine manufacturers. In addition, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (or the designees of such officials) serve as nonvoting ex officio members.

Specifically, HRSA is requesting nominations for three voting members of the ACCV representing: (1) A pediatrician with special experience in childhood diseases; (2) an attorney whose specialty includes representation of persons who have suffered a vaccine-related injury or death; and (3) a member from the general public who is a legal representative (parent or legal guardian) of a child who has suffered a vaccine-related injury or death. Nominees will be invited to serve 3-year terms beginning January 1, 2002, and ending December 31, 2004.

Interested persons may nominate one or more qualified persons for membership on the ACCV. Nominations shall state that the nominee is willing to serve as a member of the ACCV and appears to have no conflict of interest that would preclude the ACCV membership. Potential candidates will be asked to provide detailed information concerning consultancies, research grants, or contracts to permit evaluation of possible sources of conflicts of interest. A curriculum vitae or resume should be submitted with the nomination.

The Department of Health and Human Services has special interest in assuring that women, minority groups, and the physically disabled are adequately represented on advisory committees; and therefore, extends particular encouragement to nominations for appropriately qualified female, minority, or physically disabled candidates.

Dated: June 29, 2001.

Elizabeth M. Duke,

Acting Administrator, HRSA.