Medicare Program; Request for Nominations and Meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, August 18, 2008, 43451-43453 [E8-17057]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 144 / Friday, July 25, 2008 / Notices
in their area(s) of expertise, but it is not
necessary that any member be an expert
in all of the areas listed above. For
purposes of this Panel, consultants,
independent contractors, and
individuals in private practice are not
considered as being full-time employees
of hospitals, hospital systems, or other
Medicare providers that are paid under
the Medicare hospital OPPS. Panel
members serve up to 4-year terms. A
member may serve after the expiration
of his or her term until a successor has
been sworn in. All terms are contingent
upon the renewal of the Panel’s Charter
by appropriate action before its
termination. The Secretary re-chartered
the APC Panel effective November 21,
2006.
II. Announcement of New Members
The Panel may consist of a Chair and
up to 15 Panel members who serve
without compensation, according to an
advance written agreement. Travel,
meals, lodging, and related expenses for
the meeting are reimbursed in
accordance with standard Government
travel regulations. We have a special
interest in ensuring that women,
minorities, representatives from various
geographical locations, and the
physically challenged are adequately
represented on the Panel.
The Secretary, or his designee,
appoints new members to the Panel
from among those candidates
determined to have the required
expertise. New appointments are made
in a manner that ensures a balanced
membership.
The Panel presently consists of the
following 15 members and a Chair: (The
asterisk [*] indicates a Panel member
whose term expires on 06/30/2008, and
the double asterisk [**] indicates Panel
members whose terms expire on 09/30/
2008.)
• Edith Hambrick, M.D., J.D., Chair
• Gloryanne Bryant, B.S., R.H.I.A.,
R.H.I.T., C.C.S.
• Patrick Grusenmeyer, Sc.D., M.P.A.,
F.A.C.H.
• Hazel Kimmel, R.N., C.C.S., C.P.C.*
• Michael D. Mills, Ph.D., M.S.P.H.
• Thomas M. Munger, M.D., F.A.C.C.
• Agatha L. Nolen, D.Ph., M.S.
• Beverly Khnie Philip, M.D.
• Louis Potters, M.D., F.A.C.R.**
• Russ Ranallo, M.S.
• James V. Rawson, M.D.
• Michael A. Ross, M.D., F.A.C.E.P.
• Judie S. Snipes, R.N., M.B.A.,
F.A.C.H.E.**
• Patricia Spencer-Cisek, M.S.,
A.P.R.N.–BC, A.O.C.N.
• Kim Allan Williams, M.D., F.A.C.C.,
F.A.B.C.
• Robert Matthew Zwolak, M.D.,
Ph.D., F.A.C.S.
On February 22, 2008, we published
the notice titled ‘‘Request for
Nominations to the Advisory Panel on
Ambulatory Payment Classification
Groups’’ (CMS–1395–N) in the Federal
Register (FR) requesting nominations to
the Panel replacing Panel members
whose terms would expire prior to or on
September 30, 2008. As a result of that
FR notice, we are announcing three new
members to the Panel. One new 4-year
appointment commences on August 1,
2008, and two new 4-year appointments
commence on October 1, 2008, as
indicated below:
New panel members
Terms
• Kathleen M. Graham, RN, MSHA, CPHQ ...................................................................................................................
• Randall A. Oyer, MD ....................................................................................................................................................
• Judith T. Kelly, BSHA, RHIT, RHIA, CCS ...................................................................................................................
Note: Ms. Graham replaces Ms. Kimmel
whose term expires 06/30/2008 when she
retires. Dr. Oyer will replace Dr. Potters, and
Ms. Kelly will replace Ms. Snipes. Ms.
Snipes’ and Dr. Potters’ terms expire on 09/
30/2008.
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
Program No. 93.773, Medicare—Hospital
Insurance; and Program No. 93.774,
Medicare—Supplementary Medical
Insurance Program)
Dated: July 9, 2008.
Kerry Weems,
Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. E8–17169 Filed 7–24–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
[CMS–1558–N]
Medicare Program; Request for
Nominations and Meeting of the
Practicing Physicians Advisory
Council, August 18, 2008
Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
AGENCY:
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Jkt 214001
ACTION:
Notice.
SUMMARY: This notice invites all
organizations representing physicians to
submit nominations for consideration to
fill two seats on the Practicing
Physicians Advisory Council (the
Council) that will be vacated by current
Council members in 2009. This notice
also announces a quarterly meeting of
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.
DATES: Meeting Date: Monday, August
18, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. e.d.t.
Deadline for Registration Without
Oral Presentation: Thursday, August 14,
2008, 12 noon, e.d.t.
Deadline for Registration of Oral
Presentations: Friday, August 1, 2008,
12 noon, e.d.t.
Deadline for Submission of Oral
Remarks and Written Comments:
Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 12 noon,
e.d.t.
Deadline for Requesting Special
Accommodations: Monday, August 11,
2008, 12 noon, e.d.t.
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08/01/2008–07/31/2012
10/01/2008–09/30/2012
10/01/2008–09/30/2012
Deadline for Submitting Nominations:
Friday, September 12, 2008, 5 p.m. e.d.t.
ADDRESSES: Meeting Location: The
meeting will be held in the Multipurpose Room, 1st floor, at the CMS
Central Office, 7500 Security Boulevard,
Baltimore, Maryland 21244.
Submission of Testimony:
Testimonies should be mailed to Kelly
Buchanan, Designated Federal Official
(DFO), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail
stop C4–13–07, Baltimore, MD 21244–
1850, or contact the DFO via e-mail at
PPAC_hhs@cms.hhs.gov.
Submission of Nominations: Mail or
deliver nominations to the 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 C4–13–07,
Baltimore, Maryland 21244–1850.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kelly Buchanan, DFO, (410) 786–6132,
or e-mail PPAC_hhs@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–
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mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
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:
I. Background
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 physician
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.
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
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17:15 Jul 24, 2008
Jkt 214001
appropriate balance of the Council’s
membership.
The Council held its first meeting on
May 11, 1992. The current members are:
Vincent J. Bufalino, M.D., Chairperson;
M. Leroy Sprang, M.D.; Karen S.
Williams, M.D.; Joseph A. Giaimo, D.O.;
Jonathan E. Siff, M.D., MBA; John E.
Arradondo, M.D., MPH; Fredrica E.
Smith, M.D.; Pamela A. Howard, M.D.;
Tye J. Ouzounian, M.D.; Christopher J.
Standaert, M.D.; Arthur D. Snow, Jr.,
M.D.; Gregory J. Przybylski, M.D.; Jeffrey
A. Ross, DPM, M.D.; Roger L. Jordan,
O.D.; and Janice A. Kirsch, M.D.
II. 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.
All candidates are advised to consider
the time commitment of 1 full-day
meeting, quarterly. If a candidate’s
current responsibilities preclude this
level of commitment, we urge the
individual to reconsider his or her
nomination.
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
PPAC needs. Final selections will
incorporate these 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 2009 with new members
sworn in during the May 2009 meeting.
Nominations to fill vacancies on the
Council will be considered if received at
the address listed in the ADDRESSES
section of the notice, no later than the
date listed in the DATES section of this
notice. All nominating organizations
will be notified in writing of those
candidates selected for committee
membership.
III. Meeting Format and Agenda
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 19, 2008 meeting, as
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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:
• Physician Fee Schedule Proposed
Rule
• Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC)
Update
• Demonstration Projects
• DME Update
• Outpatient Prospective Payment
System (OPPS) and Ambulatory
Surgical Center (ASC) Proposed Rules
• Medicare Contractor Provider
Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS)
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 present a 5-minute oral
testimony on agenda issues must
register with the DFO by the date listed
in the DATES section of this notice.
Testimony is limited to agenda topics
only. The number of oral testimonies
may be limited by the time available. A
written copy of the presenter’s oral
remarks must be submitted to the DFO
for distribution to Council members for
review before the meeting by the date
listed in the DATES section of this notice.
Physicians and medical organizations
not scheduled to speak may also submit
written comments to the DFO for
distribution by the date listed in the
DATES section of this notice.
IV. Meeting Registration and Security
Information
The meeting is open to the public, but
attendance is limited to the space
available. Persons wishing to attend this
meeting must register by contacting the
DFO at the address listed in the
ADDRESSES section of this notice or by
telephone at (410) 786–6132 by the date
specified in the DATES section of this
notice.
Since this meeting will be held in a
Federal Government Building, the CMS
Central Office, Federal security
measures are applicable. In planning
your arrival time, we recommend
allowing additional time to clear
security. To gain access to the building,
participants will be required to show a
government-issued photo identification
(for example, driver’s license, or
passport), and must be listed on an
approved security list before persons are
permitted entrance. Persons not
registered in advance will not be
permitted into the CMS Central Office
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and will not be permitted to attend the
Council meeting.
All persons entering the building
must pass through a metal detector. In
addition, all items brought to the CMS
Central Office, whether personal or for
the purpose of presentation, are subject
to inspection. We cannot assume
responsibility for coordinating the
receipt, transfer, transport, storage, setup, safety, or timely arrival of any
personal belongings or items used for
the purpose of presentation.
Individuals requiring sign language
interpretation or other special
accommodation must contact the DFO
via the contact information specified in
the FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
section of this notice by the date listed
in the DATES section of this notice.
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 8, 2008.
Kerry Weems,
Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare
& Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. E8–17057 Filed 7–24–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
Science Advisory Board to the
National Center for Toxicological
Research; Notice of Meeting
AGENCY:
Food and Drug Administration,
HHS.
mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES
ACTION:
Notice.
This notice announces a forthcoming
meeting of a public advisory committee
of the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). At least one portion of the
meeting will be closed to the public.
Name of Committee: Science
Advisory Board (SAB) to the National
Center for Toxicological Research
(NCTR).
General Function of the Committee:
The Board advises the Director, NCTR,
in establishing, implementing and
evaluating the research programs that
assist the Commissioner of Food and
Drugs in fulfilling his responsibilities.
The Board provides an extra-agency
review in ensuring that the research
programs at NCTR are scientifically
sound and pertinent.
Date and Time: The meeting will be
held on August 12, 2008, from 8:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. and on August 13, 2008,
from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: August 12, 2008, NCTR SAB
Conference Room B–12, 3900 NCTR Dr.,
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Jefferson, AR 72079. August 13, 2008,
University of Arkansas for Medical
Sciences, Stevens Spine Center, Hamlin
Board Room, 501 Jack Stevens Dr., Little
Rock, AR 72205.
Contact Person: Margaret Miller,
Designated Federal Official, National
Center for Toxicological Research (HFT–
10), Food and Drug Administration,
5600 Fishers Lane, rm. 9C–05,
Rockville, MD 20857, 301–827–6693, or
FDA Advisory Committee Information
Line, 1–800–741–8138 (301–443–0572
in the Washington, DC area), code 301–
451–2559. Please call the Information
Line for up-to-date information on this
meeting. A notice in the Federal
Register about last minute modifications
that impact a previously announced
advisory committee meeting cannot
always be published quickly enough to
provide timely notice. Therefore, you
should always check the agency’s Web
site and call the appropriate advisory
committee hot line/phone line to learn
about possible modifications before
coming to the meeting.
Agenda: On August 12, 2008, the SAB
will hear presentations from the NCTR
Divisions that will update them on
ongoing research activities. The SAB
will be presented with the responses to
two evaluations, one of the Division of
Microbiology and one of the Division of
Biochemical Toxicology. The evaluation
of the Division of Microbiology was the
product of an on-site review visit
conducted of the Division in August
2007. The evaluation of the Division of
Biochemical Toxicology was the
product of an on-site review in April
2008. The responses will address the
issues raised and recommendations
made by the site visit teams. On August
13, 2008, the NCTR Director will
provide a Center-wide update on
scientific endeavors and will discuss the
NCTR realignment and strategic focus.
FDA intends to make background
material available to the public no later
than 2 business days before the meeting.
If FDA is unable to post the background
material on its Web site prior to the
meeting, the background material will
be made publicly available at the
location of the advisory committee
meeting, and the background material
will be posted on FDA’s Web site after
the meeting. Background material is
available at https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/
dockets/ac/acmenu.htm, click on the
year 2008 and scroll down to the
appropriate advisory committee link.
Procedure: On August 12, 2008, from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and August 13,
2008, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., the
meeting is open to the public. Interested
persons may present data, information,
or views, orally or in writing, on issues
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43453
pending before the committee. Written
submissions may be made to the contact
person on or before August 5, 2008. Oral
presentations from the public will be
scheduled on August 12, 2008, between
approximately 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Those desiring to make formal oral
presentations should notify the contact
person and submit a brief statement of
the general nature of the evidence or
arguments they wish to present, the
names and addresses of proposed
participants, and an indication of the
approximate time requested to make
their presentation on or before August 1,
2008. Time allotted for each
presentation may be limited. If the
number of registrants requesting to
speak is greater than can be reasonably
accommodated during the scheduled
open public hearing session, FDA may
conduct a lottery to determine the
speakers for the scheduled open public
hearing session. The contact person will
notify interested persons regarding their
request to speak by August 4, 2008.
Closed Committee Deliberations: On
August 13, 2008, from approximately 11
a.m. to 1 p.m., the meeting will be
closed to permit discussion where
disclosure would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy (5 U.S.C. 552b(c) (6)). This
portion of the meeting will be closed to
permit discussion of issues related to
personnel progress and promotion.
Persons attending FDA’s advisory
committee meetings are advised that the
agency is not responsible for providing
access to electrical outlets.
FDA welcomes the attendance of the
public at its advisory committee
meetings and will make every effort to
accommodate persons with physical
disabilities or special needs. If you
require special accommodations due to
a disability, please contact Margaret
Miller at least 7 days in advance of the
meeting.
FDA is committed to the orderly
conduct of its advisory committee
meetings. Please visit our Web site at
https://www.fda.gov/oc/advisory/
default.htm for procedures on public
conduct during advisory committee
meetings.
Notice of this meeting is given under
the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
U.S.C. app. 2).
Dated: July 17, 2008.
Randall W. Lutter,
Deputy Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. E8–17136 Filed 7–24–08; 8:45 am]
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 144 (Friday, July 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43451-43453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-17057]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
[CMS-1558-N]
Medicare Program; Request for Nominations and Meeting of the
Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, August 18, 2008
AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice invites all organizations representing physicians
to submit nominations for consideration to fill two seats on the
Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (the Council) that will be
vacated by current Council members in 2009. This notice also announces
a quarterly meeting of 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.
DATES: Meeting Date: Monday, August 18, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
e.d.t.
Deadline for Registration Without Oral Presentation: Thursday,
August 14, 2008, 12 noon, e.d.t.
Deadline for Registration of Oral Presentations: Friday, August 1,
2008, 12 noon, e.d.t.
Deadline for Submission of Oral Remarks and Written Comments:
Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 12 noon, e.d.t.
Deadline for Requesting Special Accommodations: Monday, August 11,
2008, 12 noon, e.d.t.
Deadline for Submitting Nominations: Friday, September 12, 2008, 5
p.m. e.d.t.
ADDRESSES: Meeting Location: The meeting will be held in the Multi-
purpose Room, 1st floor, at the CMS Central Office, 7500 Security
Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244.
Submission of Testimony: Testimonies should be mailed to Kelly
Buchanan, Designated Federal Official (DFO), Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail stop C4-13-07,
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, or contact the DFO via e-mail at PPAC_
hhs@cms.hhs.gov.
Submission of Nominations: Mail or deliver nominations to the
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 C4-13-07,
Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly Buchanan, DFO, (410) 786-6132,
or e-mail PPAC_hhs@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-
[[Page 43452]]
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:
I. Background
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 physician 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.
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: Vincent J. Bufalino, M.D., Chairperson; M. Leroy Sprang,
M.D.; Karen S. Williams, M.D.; Joseph A. Giaimo, D.O.; Jonathan E.
Siff, M.D., MBA; John E. Arradondo, M.D., MPH; Fredrica E. Smith, M.D.;
Pamela A. Howard, M.D.; Tye J. Ouzounian, M.D.; Christopher J.
Standaert, M.D.; Arthur D. Snow, Jr., M.D.; Gregory J. Przybylski,
M.D.; Jeffrey A. Ross, DPM, M.D.; Roger L. Jordan, O.D.; and Janice A.
Kirsch, M.D.
II. 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. All candidates are advised
to consider the time commitment of 1 full-day meeting, quarterly. If a
candidate's current responsibilities preclude this level of commitment,
we urge the individual to reconsider his or her nomination.
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 PPAC needs. Final selections
will incorporate these 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 2009 with new
members sworn in during the May 2009 meeting.
Nominations to fill vacancies on the Council will be considered if
received at the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of the notice,
no later than the date listed in the DATES section of this notice. All
nominating organizations will be notified in writing of those
candidates selected for committee membership.
III. Meeting Format and Agenda
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 19, 2008 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:
Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Update
Demonstration Projects
DME Update
Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and
Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Proposed Rules
Medicare Contractor Provider Satisfaction Survey (MCPSS)
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 present a 5-minute oral testimony
on agenda issues must register with the DFO by the date listed in the
DATES section of this notice. Testimony is limited to agenda topics
only. The number of oral testimonies may be limited by the time
available. A written copy of the presenter's oral remarks must be
submitted to the DFO for distribution to Council members for review
before the meeting by the date listed in the DATES section of this
notice. Physicians and medical organizations not scheduled to speak may
also submit written comments to the DFO for distribution by the date
listed in the DATES section of this notice.
IV. Meeting Registration and Security Information
The meeting is open to the public, but attendance is limited to the
space available. Persons wishing to attend this meeting must register
by contacting the DFO at the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of
this notice or by telephone at (410) 786-6132 by the date specified in
the DATES section of this notice.
Since this meeting will be held in a Federal Government Building,
the CMS Central Office, Federal security measures are applicable. In
planning your arrival time, we recommend allowing additional time to
clear security. To gain access to the building, participants will be
required to show a government-issued photo identification (for example,
driver's license, or passport), and must be listed on an approved
security list before persons are permitted entrance. Persons not
registered in advance will not be permitted into the CMS Central Office
[[Page 43453]]
and will not be permitted to attend the Council meeting.
All persons entering the building must pass through a metal
detector. In addition, all items brought to the CMS Central Office,
whether personal or for the purpose of presentation, are subject to
inspection. We cannot assume responsibility for coordinating the
receipt, transfer, transport, storage, set-up, safety, or timely
arrival of any personal belongings or items used for the purpose of
presentation.
Individuals requiring sign language interpretation or other special
accommodation must contact the DFO via the contact information
specified in the FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice
by the date listed in the DATES section of this notice.
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 8, 2008.
Kerry Weems,
Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. E8-17057 Filed 7-24-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P
