Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs; Renewal of the Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education (APOE) and Request for Nominations, 10688-10690 [2015-04174]

Download as PDF 10688 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 39 / Friday, February 27, 2015 / Notices proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, you may make your request using one of following: 1. Access CMS’ Web site address at https://www.cms.hhs.gov/ PaperworkReductionActof1995. 2. Email your request, including your address, phone number, OMB number, and CMS document identifier, to Paperwork@cms.hhs.gov. 3. Call the Reports Clearance Office at (410) 786–1326. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Reports Clearance Office at (410) 786– 1326. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520), federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. The term ‘‘collection of information’’ is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment: 1. Type of Information Collection Request: Extension of a currently approved collection; Title of Information Collection: Affordable Care Act Information and Collection Requirements for Section 1115 Demonstration Projects; Use: This collection is necessary to ensure that states comply with regulatory and statutory requirements related to the development, implementation and evaluation of demonstration projects. States seeking waiver authority under Section 1115 are required to meet certain requirements for public notice, the evaluation of demonstration projects, and reports to the Secretary on the implementation of approved demonstrations. Form Number: CMS– 10341 (OMB control number 0938– 1162); Frequency: Yearly; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 37; Total Annual Responses: 130; Total Annual Hours: 13,910. (For policy questions regarding this collection mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Feb 26, 2015 Jkt 235001 contact Lane Terwilliger at 410–786– 2059.) 2. Type of Information Collection Request: New collection (Request for a new OMB control number); Title of Information Collection: Executive Summary Form for Research Identifiable Data; Use: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is responsible for administering the Medicare, Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Programs. We collect data to support the Agency’s mission and operations. These data include information about Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare claims, Medicare providers, and Medicaid eligibility and claims. We disclose the identifiable data consistent with the routine uses identified in the Privacy Act Systems of Records notices that are published in the Federal Register and the limitations on uses and disclosures that are set out in the HIPAA Privacy Rule. All requests for identifiable data are received and reviewed by the Division of Privacy Operations & Compliance (DPOC) in the Office of E-Health Standards and Services. The DPOC staff and the CMS Privacy Officer review the requests to determine if there is legal authorization for disclosure of the data. If legal authorization exists, the request is reviewed to ensure that the minimal data necessary is requested and approved for the project. Requests for identifiable data for research purposes must be submitted to and approved by the CMS Privacy Board. To assist the CMS Privacy Board with its review of research data requests, OIPDA has developed the Executive Summary (ES) forms. The ES collects all the information that the CMS Privacy Board needs to review and make a determination on whether the request meets the requirements for release of identifiable data for research purposes. We currently have three versions of the ES Form and an ES Supplement for Requestors of the National Death Index (NDI) Causes of Death Variables. Each meets the need for a different type of requestor. Form Number: CMS–10522 (OMB control number: 0938–New); Frequency: On occasion; Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Governments; Number of Respondents: 325; Total Annual Responses: 325; Total Annual Hours: 650. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Kim Elmo at 410–786–0161.) PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: February 24, 2015. William N. Parham, III, Director, Paperwork Reduction Staff, Office of Strategic Operations and Regulatory Affairs. [FR Doc. 2015–04113 Filed 2–26–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS–7036–N] Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Programs; Renewal of the Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education (APOE) and Request for Nominations Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice announces the renewal of the Advisory Panel (the Panel) on Outreach and Education (APOE) charter. It also requests nominations for individuals to serve on the APOE. DATES: Nominations will be considered if we receive them at the appropriate address, provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice, no later than 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (e.d.t.) on March 30, 2015. ADDRESSES: Mail nominations to the following address: Abigail Huffman, Designated Federal Official, Office of Communications, CMS, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop S1–13–05, Baltimore, MD 21244–1850 or email nominations to Abigail.Huffman1@cms.hhs.gov. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Abigail Huffman, Designated Federal Official, Office of Communications, CMS, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop S1–13–05, Baltimore, MD 21244, 410–786–0897, email Abigail.Huffman1@cms.hhs.gov or visit the Web site at https://www.cms.gov/ Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/ FACA/APOE.html. Press inquiries are handled through the CMS Press Office at (202) 690–6145. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Advisory Panel (the Panel) on Medicare Education (the predecessor to the APOE) was created in 1999 to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 39 / Friday, February 27, 2015 / Notices the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the effective implementation of national Medicare education programs, including with respect to the Medicare+Choice (M+C) program added by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Pub. L. 105–33). The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) (Pub. L. 108–173) expanded the existing health plan options and benefits available under the M+C program and renamed it the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. We have had substantial responsibilities to provide information to Medicare beneficiaries about the range of health plan options available and better tools to evaluate these options. Successful MA program implementation required us to consider the views and policy input from a variety of private sector constituents and to develop a broad range of public-private partnerships. In addition, the Secretary, and by delegation, the Administrator of CMS was authorized under Title I of MMA to establish the Medicare prescription drug benefit. The drug benefit allows beneficiaries to obtain qualified prescription drug coverage. In order to effectively administer the MA program and the Medicare prescription drug benefit, we have substantial responsibilities to provide information to Medicare beneficiaries about the range of health plan options and benefits available, and to develop better tools to evaluate these plans and benefits. The Affordable Care Act (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Pub. L. 111–148 and Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, Pub. L. 111–152) expanded the availability of other option for health care coverage and enacted a number of changes to Medicare as well as to Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Qualified individuals and qualified employers are now able to purchase private health insurance coverage through competitive marketplace called Affordable Insurance Exchange, (also called Health Insurance Marketplace, or ‘‘Marketplace’’). In order to effectively implement and administer these changes, we must provide information to consumers, providers, and other stakeholders pursuant to education and outreach programs regarding how these programs will change and the expanded range of health coverage options available, including private health insurance coverage through the Marketplace. The APOE allows us to consider a broad range of views and information from interested audiences in connection with this effort and to identify opportunities VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Feb 26, 2015 Jkt 235001 to enhance the effectiveness of education strategies concerning the Affordable Care Act. II. Provisions of This Notice A. Renewal of the APOE Pursuant to the charter approved on January 21, 2015, the APOE was renewed. The APOE will advise HHS and CMS on developing and implementing education programs that support individuals with or who are eligible for Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and the CHIP about options for selecting health care coverage under these and other programs envisioned under health care reform to ensure improved access to quality care, including prevention services. The scope of this Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) group also includes advising on education of providers and stakeholders with respect to the Affordable Care Act and certain provisions of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The charter will terminate on January 21, 2017, unless renewed by appropriate action. The APOE was chartered under 42 U.S.C. 222 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. The APOE is governed by provisions of Public Law 92–463, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory committees. Pursuant to the renewed charter, the APOE will advise the Secretary and the Administrator concerning optimal strategies for the following: • Developing and implementing education and outreach programs for individuals enrolled in, or eligible for, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or coverage available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. • Enhancing the federal government’s effectiveness in informing Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP consumers, issuers, providers, and stakeholders pursuant to education and outreach programs of issues regarding these programs, including the appropriate use of publicprivate partnerships to leverage the resources of the private sector in educating beneficiaries, providers, and stakeholders. • Expanding outreach to vulnerable and underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, in the context of Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP education programs. PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10689 • Assembling and sharing an information base of ‘‘best practices’’ for helping consumers evaluate health coverage options. • Building and leveraging existing community infrastructures for information, counseling, and assistance. • Drawing the program link between outreach and education, promoting consumer understanding of health care coverage choices, and facilitating consumer selection/enrollment; which in turn support the overarching goal of improved access to quality care, including prevention services, envisioned under the Affordable Care Act. B. Requests for Nominations The APOE shall consist of no more than 20 members. The Chair shall either be appointed from among the 20 members, or a federal official will be designated to serve as the Chair. The charter requires that meetings shall be held approximately four times per year. Members will be expected to attend all meetings. The members and the Chair shall be selected from authorities knowledgeable in one or more of the following fields: • Senior citizen advocacy • Outreach to minority and underserved communities • Health communications • Disease-related advocacy • Disability policy and access • Health economics research • Behavioral health • Health insurers and plans • Health IT • Social media • Direct patient care • Matters of labor and retirement Representatives of the general public may also serve on the APOE. This notice also announces that in July 2015, there will be 11 expired terms of membership and in October 2015, there will be an additional 2 expired terms of membership. This notice is an invitation to interested organizations or individuals to submit their nominations for membership for all 13 vacancies on the APOE (no self-nominations will be accepted). The Administrator will appoint new members to the APOE from among those candidates determined to have the expertise required to meet specific agency needs, and in a manner to ensure an appropriate balance of membership. We have an interest in ensuring that the interests of both women and men, members of all racial and ethnic groups, and disabled individuals are adequately represented on the APOE. Therefore, we encourage nominations of qualified candidates E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1 10690 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 39 / Friday, February 27, 2015 / Notices who can represent these interests. Any interested organization or person may nominate one or more qualified persons. Each nomination must include a letter stating that the nominee has expressed a willingness to serve as a Panel member and must be accompanied by a curricula vitae and a brief biographical summary of the nominee’s experience. While we are looking for experts in a number of fields, our most critical needs are for experts in aging, social media, tribal affairs, matters of labor and retirement, health economics research, behavioral health, health insurers and plans, direct patient care, racial/ethnic health/disparities, disability, quality, pharmacy, social work, rural health, CHIP, and state programs/Medicaid. We are requesting that all curricula vitae include the following: • Date of birth • Place of birth • Title and current position • Professional affiliation • Home and business address • Telephone and fax numbers • Email address • List of areas of expertise Phone interviews of nominees may also be requested after review of the nominations. In order to permit an evaluation of possible sources of conflict of interest, potential candidates will be asked to provide detailed information concerning such matters as financial holdings, consultancies, and research grants or contracts. Members are invited to serve for 2year terms, contingent upon the renewal of the APOE by appropriate action prior to its termination. A member may serve after the expiration of that member’s term until a successor takes office. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term shall be appointed for the remainder of that term. III. Copies of the Charter mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES The Secretary’s Charter for the APOE is available on the CMS Web site at: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-andGuidance/Guidance/FACA/APOE.html or you may obtain a copy of the charter by submitting a request to the contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Authority: Sec. 222 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 217a) and sec. 10(a) of Pub. L. 92–463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2, sec. 10(a) and 41 CFR 102–3). (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.733, Medicare—Hospital Insurance Program; and Program No. 93.774, Medicare—Supplementary Medical Insurance Program) VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Feb 26, 2015 Jkt 235001 Dated: February 23, 2015. Marilyn Tavenner, Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. [FR Doc. 2015–04174 Filed 2–26–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS–1636–N] Medicare Program: Notice of Four Membership Appointments to the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice announces four new membership appointments to the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment (the Panel). The four new appointments to the Panel will each serve a four-year period. The new members have terms that began on January 14, 2015 and continue through January 31, 2019. The purpose of the Panel is to advise the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services concerning the clinical integrity of the Ambulatory Payment Classification groups and their relative payment weights. The Panel also addresses and makes recommendations regarding supervision of hospital outpatient services. The advice provided by the Panel will be considered as we prepare the annual updates for the hospital outpatient prospective payment system. DATES: March 30, 2015. ADDRESSES: Web site: For additional information on the Panel meeting dates, agenda topics, copy of the charter, and updates to the Panel’s activities, we refer readers to our Web site at the following address: https:// www.cms.gov/Regulations-andGuidance/Guidance/FACA/Advisory PanelonAmbulatoryPayment ClassificationGroups.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Designated Federal Official (DFO): Carol Schwartz, DFO, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop: C4–04–25, Woodlawn, MD 21244–1850. Phone: (410) 786–3985. Email: APCPanel@ cms.hhs.gov. SUMMARY: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 I. Background The Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) is required by section 1833(t)(9)(A) of the Social Security Act (the Act) (42 U.S.C. 1395l(t)(9)(A)) and is allowed by section 222 of the Public Health Service Act (PHS Act) (42 U.S.C. 217(a)) to consult with an expert outside advisory panel on the clinical integrity of the Ambulatory Payment Classification groups and relative payment weights, which are major elements of the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), and the appropriate supervision level for hospital outpatient services. The Panel is governed by the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Pub. L. 92–463), as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory panels. The Panel Charter provides that the Panel shall meet up to three times annually. We consider the technical advice provided by the Panel as we prepare the proposed and final rules to update the OPPS for the following calendar year. The Panel shall consist of a chair and up to 15 members who are full-time employees of hospitals, hospital systems, or other Medicare providers. The Secretary or a designee selects the Panel membership based upon either self-nominations or nominations submitted by Medicare providers and other interested organizations. New appointments are made in a manner that ensures a balanced membership under the FACA guidelines. The Panel presently consists of the following members and a Chair. • Edith Hambrick, M.D., J.D., Chair, CMS Medical Officer • Karen Borman, M.D., F.A.C.S. • Jim Nelson, M.B.A., C.P.A., F.H.F.M.A. • Leah Osbahr, M.A., M.P.H. • Jacqueline Phillips • Johnathan Pregler, M.D. • Traci Rabine • Michael Rabovsky, M.D. • Wendy Resnick, F.H.F.M.A. • Marianna V. Spanaki-Varelas, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. • Gale Walker • Kris Zimmer II. Provisions of the Notice We published a notice in the Federal Register on September 23, 2014, entitled ‘‘Medicare Program; Solicitation of Nominations to the Advisory Panel on Hospital Outpatient Payment (79 FR 56808). The notice solicited nominations for up to four new members to fill the vacancies on the E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 39 (Friday, February 27, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10688-10690]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-04174]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[CMS-7036-N]


Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's 
Health Insurance Programs; Renewal of the Advisory Panel on Outreach 
and Education (APOE) and Request for Nominations

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

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice announces the renewal of the Advisory Panel (the 
Panel) on Outreach and Education (APOE) charter. It also requests 
nominations for individuals to serve on the APOE.

DATES: Nominations will be considered if we receive them at the 
appropriate address, provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice, 
no later than 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (e.d.t.) on March 30, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Mail nominations to the following address: Abigail Huffman, 
Designated Federal Official, Office of Communications, CMS, 7500 
Security Boulevard, Mail Stop S1-13-05, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850 or 
email nominations to Abigail.Huffman1@cms.hhs.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Abigail Huffman, Designated Federal 
Official, Office of Communications, CMS, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail 
Stop S1-13-05, Baltimore, MD 21244, 410-786-0897, email 
Abigail.Huffman1@cms.hhs.gov or visit the Web site at https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/FACA/APOE.html. Press 
inquiries are handled through the CMS Press Office at (202) 690-6145.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The Advisory Panel (the Panel) on Medicare Education (the 
predecessor to the APOE) was created in 1999 to advise and make 
recommendations to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS), and

[[Page 10689]]

the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 
on the effective implementation of national Medicare education 
programs, including with respect to the Medicare+Choice (M+C) program 
added by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (Pub. L. 105-33).
    The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) (Pub. L. 108-173) 
expanded the existing health plan options and benefits available under 
the M+C program and renamed it the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. We 
have had substantial responsibilities to provide information to 
Medicare beneficiaries about the range of health plan options available 
and better tools to evaluate these options. Successful MA program 
implementation required us to consider the views and policy input from 
a variety of private sector constituents and to develop a broad range 
of public-private partnerships.
    In addition, the Secretary, and by delegation, the Administrator of 
CMS was authorized under Title I of MMA to establish the Medicare 
prescription drug benefit. The drug benefit allows beneficiaries to 
obtain qualified prescription drug coverage. In order to effectively 
administer the MA program and the Medicare prescription drug benefit, 
we have substantial responsibilities to provide information to Medicare 
beneficiaries about the range of health plan options and benefits 
available, and to develop better tools to evaluate these plans and 
benefits.
    The Affordable Care Act (Patient Protection and Affordable Care 
Act, Pub. L. 111-148 and Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act 
of 2010, Pub. L. 111-152) expanded the availability of other option for 
health care coverage and enacted a number of changes to Medicare as 
well as to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 
Qualified individuals and qualified employers are now able to purchase 
private health insurance coverage through competitive marketplace 
called Affordable Insurance Exchange, (also called Health Insurance 
Marketplace, or ``Marketplace''). In order to effectively implement and 
administer these changes, we must provide information to consumers, 
providers, and other stakeholders pursuant to education and outreach 
programs regarding how these programs will change and the expanded 
range of health coverage options available, including private health 
insurance coverage through the Marketplace. The APOE allows us to 
consider a broad range of views and information from interested 
audiences in connection with this effort and to identify opportunities 
to enhance the effectiveness of education strategies concerning the 
Affordable Care Act.

II. Provisions of This Notice

A. Renewal of the APOE

    Pursuant to the charter approved on January 21, 2015, the APOE was 
renewed. The APOE will advise HHS and CMS on developing and 
implementing education programs that support individuals with or who 
are eligible for Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and 
the CHIP about options for selecting health care coverage under these 
and other programs envisioned under health care reform to ensure 
improved access to quality care, including prevention services. The 
scope of this Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) group also includes 
advising on education of providers and stakeholders with respect to the 
Affordable Care Act and certain provisions of the Health Information 
Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act enacted as 
part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
    The charter will terminate on January 21, 2017, unless renewed by 
appropriate action. The APOE was chartered under 42 U.S.C. 222 of the 
Public Health Service Act, as amended. The APOE is governed by 
provisions of Public Law 92-463, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), 
which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory 
committees.
    Pursuant to the renewed charter, the APOE will advise the Secretary 
and the Administrator concerning optimal strategies for the following:
     Developing and implementing education and outreach 
programs for individuals enrolled in, or eligible for, Medicare, 
Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or 
coverage available through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
     Enhancing the federal government's effectiveness in 
informing Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP 
consumers, issuers, providers, and stakeholders pursuant to education 
and outreach programs of issues regarding these programs, including the 
appropriate use of public-private partnerships to leverage the 
resources of the private sector in educating beneficiaries, providers, 
and stakeholders.
     Expanding outreach to vulnerable and underserved 
communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, in the context of 
Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP education 
programs.
     Assembling and sharing an information base of ``best 
practices'' for helping consumers evaluate health coverage options.
     Building and leveraging existing community infrastructures 
for information, counseling, and assistance.
     Drawing the program link between outreach and education, 
promoting consumer understanding of health care coverage choices, and 
facilitating consumer selection/enrollment; which in turn support the 
overarching goal of improved access to quality care, including 
prevention services, envisioned under the Affordable Care Act.

B. Requests for Nominations

    The APOE shall consist of no more than 20 members. The Chair shall 
either be appointed from among the 20 members, or a federal official 
will be designated to serve as the Chair. The charter requires that 
meetings shall be held approximately four times per year. Members will 
be expected to attend all meetings. The members and the Chair shall be 
selected from authorities knowledgeable in one or more of the following 
fields:

 Senior citizen advocacy
 Outreach to minority and underserved communities
 Health communications
 Disease-related advocacy
 Disability policy and access
 Health economics research
 Behavioral health
 Health insurers and plans
 Health IT
 Social media
 Direct patient care
 Matters of labor and retirement

Representatives of the general public may also serve on the APOE.
    This notice also announces that in July 2015, there will be 11 
expired terms of membership and in October 2015, there will be an 
additional 2 expired terms of membership. This notice is an invitation 
to interested organizations or individuals to submit their nominations 
for membership for all 13 vacancies on the APOE (no self-nominations 
will be accepted). The Administrator will appoint new members to the 
APOE from among those candidates determined to have the expertise 
required to meet specific agency needs, and in a manner to ensure an 
appropriate balance of membership. We have an interest in ensuring that 
the interests of both women and men, members of all racial and ethnic 
groups, and disabled individuals are adequately represented on the 
APOE. Therefore, we encourage nominations of qualified candidates

[[Page 10690]]

who can represent these interests. Any interested organization or 
person may nominate one or more qualified persons.
    Each nomination must include a letter stating that the nominee has 
expressed a willingness to serve as a Panel member and must be 
accompanied by a curricula vitae and a brief biographical summary of 
the nominee's experience.
    While we are looking for experts in a number of fields, our most 
critical needs are for experts in aging, social media, tribal affairs, 
matters of labor and retirement, health economics research, behavioral 
health, health insurers and plans, direct patient care, racial/ethnic 
health/disparities, disability, quality, pharmacy, social work, rural 
health, CHIP, and state programs/Medicaid.
    We are requesting that all curricula vitae include the following:

 Date of birth
 Place of birth
 Title and current position
 Professional affiliation
 Home and business address
 Telephone and fax numbers
 Email address
 List of areas of expertise

Phone interviews of nominees may also be requested after review of the 
nominations.
    In order to permit an evaluation of possible sources of conflict of 
interest, potential candidates will be asked to provide detailed 
information concerning such matters as financial holdings, 
consultancies, and research grants or contracts.
    Members are invited to serve for 2-year terms, contingent upon the 
renewal of the APOE by appropriate action prior to its termination. A 
member may serve after the expiration of that member's term until a 
successor takes office. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy for an 
unexpired term shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.

III. Copies of the Charter

    The Secretary's Charter for the APOE is available on the CMS Web 
site at: https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/FACA/APOE.html or you may obtain a copy of the charter by submitting a 
request to the contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 
section of this notice.

    Authority:  Sec. 222 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
217a) and sec. 10(a) of Pub. L. 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2, sec. 10(a) 
and 41 CFR 102-3).

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.733, 
Medicare--Hospital Insurance Program; and Program No. 93.774, 
Medicare--Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)


    Dated: February 23, 2015.
Marilyn Tavenner,
Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 2015-04174 Filed 2-26-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P
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