Medicare Program; Request for Nominations and Meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, August 28, 2006, 42852-42854 [E6-11948]

Download as PDF rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES 42852 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 145 / Friday, July 28, 2006 / Notices (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden. We are, however, requesting an emergency review of the information collection referenced below. In compliance with the requirement of section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the following requirements for emergency review. We are requesting an emergency review because the collection of this information is needed before the expiration of the normal time limits under OMB’s regulations at 5 CFR 1320(a)(2)(ii). This is necessary to ensure compliance with an initiative of the Administration. We cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures because of an unanticipated event. The evaluation is to study the MMA Section 702 demonstration, ‘‘Clarify the Definition of Homebound.’’ The 2-year demonstration in three regions is to test the effect of deeming certain beneficiaries homebound for purposes of meeting the Medicare home health benefit eligibility requirements. The demonstration began October 2004, and since October 2004, enrollment into the demonstration has been exceedingly small—a total of about 50 beneficiaries. This has occurred despite the fact that CMS has conducted a broad variety of outreach efforts to beneficiaries, home health agencies, and the public. Activities have included special conference calls; demonstration Website; public meetings; mass mailings to physician groups, insurers, hospitals, governments, aging offices, independent living centers, and others who have contact with disabled beneficiaries; letters of information to stakeholders; emails to home health agencies and advocacy organizations; attendance/ booths/presentations at meetings; article placements; and special messages on carrier and intermediary Medicare explanation of benefits letters. The purpose of the survey is to understand barriers that may have operated to impede enrollment in the demonstration, such as problems with eligibility definitions, other reasons why beneficiaries may not have qualified, and any other relevant information that agencies may be able to provide. The survey will also be used to understand the way agencies in the demonstration states apply the homebound eligibility VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:47 Jul 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 criteria in practice. In addition, qualitative information so far has indicated that the role of the homebound criterion may have changed since the Medicare manual was revised to allow for home health beneficiaries to attend religious services and adult day care. If the revised definition has reduced concerns about the restrictiveness of the homebound eligibility criterion, we believe this information is important to include in the report to Congress. The original motivation for the demonstration was to loosen restrictions for certain types of beneficiaries. 1. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection; Title of Information Collection: Home Health Agency Survey on the Medicare Home Health Independence Demonstration; Use: The research evaluation for this information collection is being conducted under contract with Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR) will use the quantitative data collected with the home health agency survey to supplement the qualitative data collected from other central stakeholders to understand the reasons for the low enrollment rate for the demonstration and ways to change the home health eligibility requirements. MPR has designed this mail questionnaire to collect information from the home health agencies in the following domains: Interpretation of the homebound rule, impact of the homebound rule upon their admissions and discharges, understanding of the demonstration eligibility criteria and determination of the eligibility status of their caseloads. This information will be used by Congress to understand why the demand within the Medicare population for the homebound waiver did not materialize as anticipated. Form Number: CMS–10201 (OMB#: 0938NEW); Frequency: Reporting—One-time; Affected Public: Business or other forprofit, Not-for-profit institutions, and State, Local or Tribal governments; Number of Respondents: 120; Total Annual Responses: 120; Total Annual Hours: 60. CMS is requesting OMB review and approval of this collection by September 1, 2006, with a 180-day approval period. Written comments and recommendations will be considered from the public if received by the individuals designated below by August 27, 2006. To obtain copies of the supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed paperwork collections referenced above, access CMS’ Web site address at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/ PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 regulations/pra or E-mail your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov, or call the Reports Clearance Office on (410) 786–1326. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden or any other aspect of these collections of information requirements. However, as noted above, comments on these information collection and recordkeeping requirements must be mailed and/or faxed to the designees referenced below by August 27, 2006: CMS, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs, Division of Regulations Development—B, Attn: William N. Parham, III, Room C4–26– 05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244–1850, and, OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, Attention: Carolyn Lovett, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. Fax Number: (202) 395–6974. Dated: July 20, 2006. Michelle Shortt, Director, Regulations Development Group, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs. [FR Doc. E6–12037 Filed 7–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS–1527–N] Medicare Program; Request for Nominations and Meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, August 28, 2006 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice announces a request for nominations and the quarterly meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (the Council). The Council will meet to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and manual instructions related to physicians’ services, as identified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary). This meeting is open to the public. In addition, this notice invites all organizations representing physicians to submit nominations for consideration to fill five seats that will be vacated by current Council members in 2007. E:\FR\FM\28JYN1.SGM 28JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 145 / Friday, July 28, 2006 / Notices The Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 28, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. e.d.t. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in Room 705A, 7th floor, in the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201. Meeting Registration: Persons wishing to attend this meeting must register by contacting Kelly Buchanan, the Designated Federal Official (DFO), by email at PPAC@cms.hhs.gov or by telephone at (410) 786–6132, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. This meeting will be held in a Federal Government Building, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, and persons attending the meeting will be required to show a photographic identification, preferably a valid driver’s license, and will be listed on an approved security list before persons are permitted entrance. Persons not registered in advance will not be permitted into the Hubert H. Humphrey Building and will not be permitted to attend the Council meeting. Nomination Requirements: Nominations must be submitted by medical organizations representing physicians. Nominees must have submitted at least 250 claims for physician services under the Medicare program in the previous year. 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 conflicts of interest, potential candidates will be asked to provide detailed information concerning financial holdings, consultant positions, research grants, and contracts. Consideration will be given to each nominee with regard to his or her leadership credentials, geographic and demographic factors, and projected Practicing Physicians Advisory Council needs. Final selections will incorporate the above criteria to maintain a committee membership that is fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented and the committee’s function. Selections will be made by February 2007 with new members sworn in during the May 2007 meeting. All nominating organizations will be notified in writing of those candidates selected for committee membership. Nominations to fill vacancies will be considered if received at the appropriate address, no later than 5 p.m. e.d.t., September 15, 2006. Mail or deliver nominations to the following address: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:47 Jul 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 Management, Division of Provider Relations and Evaluations, Attention: Kelly Buchanan, Designated Federal Official, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C4–11–07, Baltimore, Maryland 21244–1850. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Buchanan, (410) 786–6132, or email PPAC@cms.hhs.gov. News media representatives must contact the CMS Press Office, (202) 690–6145. Please refer to the CMS Advisory Committees’ Information Line (1–877–449–5659 toll free), (410) 786–9379 local) or the Internet at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/ home/regsguidance.asp for additional information and updates on committee activities. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces the quarterly meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (the Council). The Secretary is mandated by section 1868(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (the Act) to appoint a Practicing Physicians Advisory Council based on nominations submitted by medical organizations representing physicians. The Council meets quarterly to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and manual instructions related to physicians’ services, as identified by the Secretary. To the extent feasible and consistent with statutory deadlines, the Council’s consultation must occur before Federal Register publication of the proposed changes. The Council submits an annual report on its recommendations to the Secretary and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) not later than December 31 of each year. The Council consists of 15 physicians, including the Chair. Members of the Council include both participating and nonparticipating physicians, and physicians practicing in rural and underserved urban areas. At least 11 members of the Council must be physicians as described in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act; that is, Statelicensed doctors of medicine or osteopathy. The remaining 4 members may include dentists, podiatrists, optometrists and chiropractors. Members serve for overlapping 4-year terms; terms of more than 2 years are contingent upon the renewal of the Council by appropriate action before its termination. Section 1868(a)(2) of the Act provides that the Council meet quarterly to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and manual issuances that relate to physicians’ services, identified PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42853 by the Secretary. Section 1868(a)(3) of the Act provides for payment of expenses and per diem for Council members in the same manner as members of other advisory committees appointed by the Secretary. In addition to making these payments, the Department of Health and Human Services and CMS provide management and support services to the Council. The Secretary will appoint new members to the Council from among those candidates determined to have the expertise required to meet specific agency needs in a manner to ensure appropriate balance of the Council’s membership. The Council held its first meeting on May 11, 1992. The current members are: Anthony Senagore, M.D., Chairperson; Jose Azocar, M.D.; M. Leroy Sprang, M.D.; Karen S. Williams, M.D.; Peter Grimm, D.O.; Carlos R. Hamilton, M.D.; Dennis K. Iglar, M.D.; Joe Johnson, D.C.; Vincent J. Bufalino, M.D.; Tye J. Ouzounian, M.D.; Geraldine O’Shea, D.O.; Laura B. Powers, M.D.; Gregory J. Przybylski, M.D.; Jeffrey A. Ross, DPM, M.D.; and Robert L. Urata, M.D. The meeting will commence with the Council’s Executive Director providing a status report, and the CMS responses to the recommendations made by the Council at the May 22, 2006 meeting, as well as prior meeting recommendations. Additionally, an update will be provided on the Physician Regulatory Issues Team. In accordance with the Council charter, we are requesting assistance with the following agenda topics: • Medicare Pricing for Fee-for-Service and Medicare Advantage Plans • Pay for Performance: Cost Measurement Development • Practice Expense Update • Medically Unbelievably Edits (MUEs): Update • 5-Year Review and Physician Fee Schedule For additional information and clarification on these topics, contact the DFO as provided in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Individual physicians or medical organizations that represent physicians wishing to make a 5-minute oral presentation on agenda issues must contact the DFO by 12 noon, e.d.t., August 11, 2006, to be scheduled. Testimony is limited to agenda topics only. The number of oral presentations may be limited by the time available. A written copy of the presenter’s oral remarks must be submitted to Kelly Buchanan, DFO, no later than 12 noon, e.d.t., August 11, 2006, for distribution to Council members for review before the meeting. Physicians and medical E:\FR\FM\28JYN1.SGM 28JYN1 42854 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 145 / Friday, July 28, 2006 / Notices organizations not scheduled to speak may also submit written comments to the DFO for distribution no later than 12 noon, e.d.t., August 11, 2006. The meeting is open to the public, but attendance is limited to the space available. Special Accommodations: Individuals requiring sign language interpretation or other special accommodation must contact the DFO by e-mail at PPAC@cms.hhs.gov or by telephone at (410) 786–6132 at least 10 days before the meeting. Authority: (Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ee) and section 10(a) of Pub. L. 92–463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2, section 10(a)).) Dated: July 14, 2006. Mark B. McClellan Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. [FR Doc. E6–11948 Filed 7–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS–2251–N] RIN 0938–ZA17 State Children’s Health Insurance Program; Final Allotments to States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories and Commonwealths for Fiscal Year 2007 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. ACTION: Notice. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: Title XXI of the Social Security Act (the Act) authorizes payment of Federal matching funds to States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories and Commonwealths to initiate and expand health insurance coverage to uninsured, low-income children under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This notice sets forth the final allotments of Federal funding available to each State, the District of Columbia, and each U.S. Territory and Commonwealth for fiscal year 2007. States may implement SCHIP through a separate State program under title XXI of the Act, an expansion of a State Medicaid program under title XIX of the Act, or a combination of both. EFFECTIVE DATE: This notice is effective on August 28, 2006. Final allotments are available for expenditures after October 1, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Strauss, (410) 786–2019. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:47 Jul 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Purpose of This Notice This notice sets forth the allotments available to each State, the District of Columbia, and each U.S. Territory and Commonwealth for fiscal year (FY) 2007 under title XXI of the Social Security Act (the Act). Final allotments for a fiscal year are available to match expenditures under an approved State child health plan for 3 fiscal years, including the year for which the final allotment was provided. The FY 2007 allotments will be available to States for FY 2007, and unexpended amounts may be carried over to 2008 and 2009. Federal funds appropriated for title XXI are limited, and the law specifies a formula to divide the total annual appropriation into individual allotments available for each State, the District of Columbia, and each U.S. Territory and Commonwealth with an approved child health plan. Section 2104(b) of the Act requires States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories and Commonwealths to have an approved child health plan for the fiscal year in order for the Secretary to provide an allotment for that fiscal year. All States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories and Commonwealths have approved plans for FY 2007. Therefore, the FY 2007 allotments contained in this notice pertain to all States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories and Commonwealths. II. Methodology for Determining Final Allotments for States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories and Commonwealths This notice specifies, in the table under section III, the final FY 2007 allotments available to individual States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories and Commonwealths for either child health assistance expenditures under approved State child health plans or for claiming an enhanced Federal medical assistance percentage rate for certain SCHIPrelated Medicaid expenditures. As discussed below, the FY 2007 final allotments have been calculated to reflect the methodology for determining an allotment amount for each State, the District of Columbia, and each U.S. Territory and Commonwealth as prescribed by section 2104(b) of the Act. Section 2104(a) of the Act provides that, for purposes of providing allotments to the 50 States and the District of Columbia, the following amounts are appropriated: $4,295,000,000 for FY 1998; $4,275,000,000 for each FY 1999 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 through FY 2001; $3,150,000,000 for each FY 2002 through FY 2004; $4,050,000,000 for each FY 2005 through FY 2006; and $5,000,000,000 for FY 2007. However, under section 2104(c) of the Act, 0.25 percent of the total amount appropriated each year is available for allotment to the U.S. Territories and Commonwealths of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The total amounts are allotted to the U.S. Territories and Commonwealths according to the following percentages: Puerto Rico, 91.6 percent; Guam, 3.5 percent; the Virgin Islands, 2.6 percent; American Samoa, 1.2 percent; and the Northern Mariana Islands, 1.1 percent. Section 2104(c)(4)(B) of the Act provides for additional amounts for allotment to the Territories and Commonwealths: $34,200,000 for each FY 2000 through FY 2001; $25,200,000 for each FY 2002 through FY 2004; $32,400,000 for each FY 2005 through FY 2006; and $40,000,000 for FY 2007. Since, for FY 2007, title XXI of the Act provides an additional $40,000,000 for allotment to the U.S. Territories and Commonwealths, the total amount available for allotment to the U.S. Territories and Commonwealths in FY 2007 is $52,500,000; that is, $40,000,000 plus $12,500,000 (0.25 percent of the FY 2007 appropriation of $5,000,000,000). Therefore, the total amount available nationally for allotment for the 50 States and the District of Columbia for FY 2007 was determined in accordance with the following formula: AT = S2104(a)—T2104(c) AT = Total amount available for allotment to the 50 States and the District of Columbia for the fiscal year. S2104(a) = Total appropriation for the fiscal year indicated in section 2104(a) of the Act. For FY 2007, this is $5,000,000,000. T2104(c) = Total amount available for allotment for the U.S. Territories and Commonwealths; determined under section 2104(c) of the Act as 0.25 percent of the total appropriation for the 50 States and the District of Columbia. For FY 2007, this is: .0025 × $5,000,000,000 = $12,500,000. Therefore, for FY 2007, the total amount available for allotment to the 50 States and the District of Columbia is $4,987,500,000. This was determined as follows: AT ($4,987,500,000) = S2104(a) ($5,000,000,000)—T2104(c) ($12,500,000). For purposes of the following discussion, the term ‘‘State,’’ as defined in section 2104(b)(1)(D)(ii) of the Act, E:\FR\FM\28JYN1.SGM 28JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 145 (Friday, July 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42852-42854]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11948]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[CMS-1527-N]


Medicare Program; Request for Nominations and Meeting of the 
Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, August 28, 2006

AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces a request for nominations and the 
quarterly meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (the 
Council). The Council will meet to discuss certain proposed changes in 
regulations and manual instructions related to physicians' services, as 
identified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the 
Secretary). This meeting is open to the public. In addition, this 
notice invites all organizations representing physicians to submit 
nominations for consideration to fill five seats that will be vacated 
by current Council members in 2007.

[[Page 42853]]


DATES: The Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 28, 2006, 
from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. e.d.t.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in Room 705A, 7th floor, in the 
Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, 
DC 20201.
    Meeting Registration: Persons wishing to attend this meeting must 
register by contacting Kelly Buchanan, the Designated Federal Official 
(DFO), by e-mail at PPAC@cms.hhs.gov or by telephone at (410) 786-6132, 
at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. This meeting will be held 
in a Federal Government Building, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, and 
persons attending the meeting will be required to show a photographic 
identification, preferably a valid driver's license, and will be listed 
on an approved security list before persons are permitted entrance. 
Persons not registered in advance will not be permitted into the Hubert 
H. Humphrey Building and will not be permitted to attend the Council 
meeting.
    Nomination Requirements: Nominations must be submitted by medical 
organizations representing physicians. Nominees must have submitted at 
least 250 claims for physician services under the Medicare program in 
the previous year. 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 conflicts of 
interest, potential candidates will be asked to provide detailed 
information concerning financial holdings, consultant positions, 
research grants, and contracts. Consideration will be given to each 
nominee with regard to his or her leadership credentials, geographic 
and demographic factors, and projected Practicing Physicians Advisory 
Council needs. Final selections will incorporate the above criteria to 
maintain a committee membership that is fairly balanced in terms of 
points of view represented and the committee's function. Selections 
will be made by February 2007 with new members sworn in during the May 
2007 meeting. All nominating organizations will be notified in writing 
of those candidates selected for committee membership.
    Nominations to fill vacancies will be considered if received at the 
appropriate address, no later than 5 p.m. e.d.t., September 15, 2006. 
Mail or deliver nominations to the following address: Centers for 
Medicare and Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare Management, 
Division of Provider Relations and Evaluations, Attention: Kelly 
Buchanan, Designated Federal Official, Practicing Physicians Advisory 
Council, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C4-11-07, Baltimore, 
Maryland 21244-1850.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Buchanan, (410) 786-6132, or e-
mail PPAC@cms.hhs.gov. News media representatives must contact the CMS 
Press Office, (202) 690-6145. Please refer to the CMS Advisory 
Committees' Information Line (1-877-449-5659 toll free), (410) 786-9379 
local) or the Internet at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/home/regsguidance.asp 
for additional information and updates on committee activities.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with section 10(a) of the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces the quarterly 
meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (the Council). 
The Secretary is mandated by section 1868(a)(1) of the Social Security 
Act (the Act) to appoint a Practicing Physicians Advisory Council based 
on nominations submitted by medical organizations representing 
physicians. The Council meets quarterly to discuss certain proposed 
changes in regulations and manual instructions related to physicians' 
services, as identified by the Secretary. To the extent feasible and 
consistent with statutory deadlines, the Council's consultation must 
occur before Federal Register publication of the proposed changes. The 
Council submits an annual report on its recommendations to the 
Secretary and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 
Services (CMS) not later than December 31 of each year.
    The Council consists of 15 physicians, including the Chair. Members 
of the Council include both participating and nonparticipating 
physicians, and physicians practicing in rural and underserved urban 
areas. At least 11 members of the Council must be physicians as 
described in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act; that is, State-licensed 
doctors of medicine or osteopathy. The remaining 4 members may include 
dentists, podiatrists, optometrists and chiropractors. Members serve 
for overlapping 4-year terms; terms of more than 2 years are contingent 
upon the renewal of the Council by appropriate action before its 
termination.
    Section 1868(a)(2) of the Act provides that the Council meet 
quarterly to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and manual 
issuances that relate to physicians' services, identified by the 
Secretary. Section 1868(a)(3) of the Act provides for payment of 
expenses and per diem for Council members in the same manner as members 
of other advisory committees appointed by the Secretary. In addition to 
making these payments, the Department of Health and Human Services and 
CMS provide management and support services to the Council. The 
Secretary will appoint new members to the Council from among those 
candidates determined to have the expertise required to meet specific 
agency needs in a manner to ensure appropriate balance of the Council's 
membership.
    The Council held its first meeting on May 11, 1992. The current 
members are: Anthony Senagore, M.D., Chairperson; Jose Azocar, M.D.; M. 
Leroy Sprang, M.D.; Karen S. Williams, M.D.; Peter Grimm, D.O.; Carlos 
R. Hamilton, M.D.; Dennis K. Iglar, M.D.; Joe Johnson, D.C.; Vincent J. 
Bufalino, M.D.; Tye J. Ouzounian, M.D.; Geraldine O'Shea, D.O.; Laura 
B. Powers, M.D.; Gregory J. Przybylski, M.D.; Jeffrey A. Ross, DPM, 
M.D.; and Robert L. Urata, M.D.
    The meeting will commence with the Council's Executive Director 
providing a status report, and the CMS responses to the recommendations 
made by the Council at the May 22, 2006 meeting, as well as prior 
meeting recommendations. Additionally, an update will be provided on 
the Physician Regulatory Issues Team. In accordance with the Council 
charter, we are requesting assistance with the following agenda topics:
     Medicare Pricing for Fee-for-Service and Medicare 
Advantage Plans
     Pay for Performance: Cost Measurement Development
     Practice Expense Update
     Medically Unbelievably Edits (MUEs): Update
     5-Year Review and Physician Fee Schedule
    For additional information and clarification on these topics, 
contact the DFO as provided in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section of this notice. Individual physicians or medical organizations 
that represent physicians wishing to make a 5-minute oral presentation 
on agenda issues must contact the DFO by 12 noon, e.d.t., August 11, 
2006, to be scheduled. Testimony is limited to agenda topics only. The 
number of oral presentations may be limited by the time available. A 
written copy of the presenter's oral remarks must be submitted to Kelly 
Buchanan, DFO, no later than 12 noon, e.d.t., August 11, 2006, for 
distribution to Council members for review before the meeting. 
Physicians and medical

[[Page 42854]]

organizations not scheduled to speak may also submit written comments 
to the DFO for distribution no later than 12 noon, e.d.t., August 11, 
2006. The meeting is open to the public, but attendance is limited to 
the space available.
    Special Accommodations: Individuals requiring sign language 
interpretation or other special accommodation must contact the DFO by 
e-mail at PPAC@cms.hhs.gov or by telephone at (410) 786-6132 at least 
10 days before the meeting.

    Authority: (Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1395ee) and section 10(a) of Pub. L. 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2, 
section 10(a)).)

    Dated: July 14, 2006.
Mark B. McClellan
Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. E6-11948 Filed 7-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P

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