Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority, 81341-81344 [2015-32749]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Notices received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, found in brackets in the heading of this document, into the ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts and/or go to the Division of Dockets Management, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. FDA held a workshop on ‘‘Clinical Trial Designs in Emerging Infectious Diseases’’ in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a step in collecting information. The objectives of the workshop were to: (1) Discuss the deployment of investigational products in the context of emerging infectious diseases, drawing on the lessons learned in the Ebola virus epidemic; (2) explore the strengths and weaknesses of different clinical trial designs for establishing the safety and efficacy of investigational products for the treatment and/or prevention of lifethreatening emerging infectious diseases (EID) in resource-limited settings from scientific, ethical, and operational perspectives; (3) identify areas of consensus and areas needing further discussion, with the goal of formulating acceptable options for the deployment of investigational products in clinical trials for future EIDs; and (4) discuss planning and other factors that can impact on the ability to establish clinical trials in a timely fashion to evaluate investigational therapies. The meeting agenda, transcripts, and web cast recordings are available on the FDA Web site at https://www.fda.gov/ emergencypreparedness/ counterterrorism/ medicalcountermeasures/aboutmcmi/ ucm466153.htm. The meeting agenda and transcripts will also be available in the docket. FDA is opening this docket to provide an avenue for the public to submit additional information that may be relevant to the design and conduct of clinical trials for establishing the safety and efficacy of investigational products for the treatment and/or prevention of life-threatening emerging infectious diseases. Individuals submitting comments are specifically invited to address the scientific, ethical, and practical considerations that should be taken into account when designing and implementing clinical trials for future emerging infectious diseases in resource-limited settings. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:17 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 Dated: December 23, 2015. Leslie Kux, Associate Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. 2015–32724 Filed 12–28–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4164–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Resources and Services Administration Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority 81341 Section RQ–20, Functions Delete the functional statement for the Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ) and replace in its entirety. This notice reflects organizational changes in Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ). Specifically, this notice: (1) Abolish the Office of Workforce Development and Analysis; (RQA); (2) abolishes the Office of Health Careers (RQB); and (3) updates the functional statement for the Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ). Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ) This notice amends Part R of the Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) (60 FR 56605, as amended November 6, 1995; as last amended at 80 FR 66545–66546 dated October 29, 2015). This notice reflects organizational changes in the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ). Specifically, this notice: (1) Abolishes the Office of Workforce Development and Analysis (RQA); (2) abolishes the Office of Health Careers (RQB); and (3) updates the functional statement for the Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ). The Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) improves the health of the nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations by developing, implementing, evaluating, and refining programs that strengthen the nation’s health care workforce. BHW programs support a diverse, culturally competent workforce by addressing components including: Education and training; recruitment and retention; financial support for students, faculty, and practitioners; supporting institutions; data analysis; and evaluation and coordination of health workforce activities. These efforts support development of a skilled health workforce serving in areas of the nation with the greatest need. Chapter RQ—Bureau of Health Workforce Office of the Associate Administrator (RQ) Section RQ–10, Organization Delete the organizational structure for the Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ) and replace in its entirety. The Bureau of Health Workforce is headed by the Associate Administrator, who reports directly to the Administrator, Health Resources and Services Administration. 1. Office of the Associate Administrator (RQ); 2. Division of Policy and Shortage Designation (RQ1); 3. Division of Business Operations (RQ2); 4. Division of External Affairs (RQ3); 5. National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (RQ4); 6. Division of Medicine and Dentistry (RQ5); 7. Division of Nursing and Public Health (RQ6); 8. Division of Practitioner Data Bank (RQ7); 9. Division of Participant Support and Compliance (RQ8); 10. Division of Health Careers and Financial Support (RQ9); 11. Division of National Health Service Corps (RQC); and 12. Division of Regional Operations (RQD). The Office of the Associate Administrator provides overall leadership, direction, coordination, and planning in support of the BHW’s programs designed to help meet the health professions workforce needs of the nation and improve the health of the nation’s underserved communities and vulnerable populations. The office guides and directs the bureau’s workforce analysis efforts and provides guidance and support for advisory councils. Additionally, the office provides direction by coordinating the recruitment, education, training, and retention of diverse health professionals in the healthcare system and supporting communities’ efforts to build more integrated and sustainable systems of care. Specifically: (1) Directs and provides policy guidance for workforce recruitment, student and faculty assistance, training, and placement of health professionals to serve in underserved areas; (2) directs the bureau’s health professions workforce data collection and analysis efforts in support of BHW’s programs, and provides oversight for the evaluation of grantee performance and program outcomes; (3) guides and supports work PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1 81342 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Notices of advisory councils, and coordinates the bureau’s Federal Advisory Committees’ management activities; (4) provides leadership, and guides bureau programs in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce; (5) establishes program goals, objectives, and priorities, and provides oversight as to their execution; (6) maintains effective relationships within HRSA and with other federal and nonfederal agencies, state, and local governments, and other public and private organizations concerned with health workforce development and improving access to health care for the nation’s underserved; (7) represents the bureau, agency, and federal government, as designated, on national committees maintaining effective relationships within HRSA and with other federal and non-federal agencies, state and local governments, and other public and private organizations concerned with health personnel development, and improving access to health care for the nation’s underserved; (8) plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates bureau-wide management activities, i.e., budget, personnel, procurements, delegations of authority, and responsibilities related to the awarding of the BHW funds; and (9) coordinates, reviews, and provides clearance of correspondence and official documents entering and leaving the bureau. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Executive Office (RQ) The Executive Office collaborates with BHW leadership to plan, coordinate, and direct bureau-wide administrative management activities. Specifically: (1) Executes the bureau’s budget; (2) provides human resource services regarding all aspects of personnel management, workforce planning, and the allocation and utilization of personnel resources; (3) coordinates the business management functions for the bureau’s grants programs; (4) plans, directs, and coordinates bureau-wide administrative management activities, i.e., budget, personnel, procurements, delegations of authority, and responsibilities related to the awarding of BHW funds; (5) coordinates and supports the Bureau’s quality and internal control efforts; (6) provides additional support services including the acquisition, management, and maintenance of supplies, equipment, space, training, and travel; and (7) assumes special projects or takes responsibility for issues as tasked by the bureau’s leadership. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:17 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 Division of Policy and Shortage Designation (RQ1) The Division of Policy and Shortage Designation serves as the focal point for the development of the BHW programs and policies. Specifically: (1) Leads and coordinates the analysis, development, and drafting of policies impacting bureau programs; (2) coordinates program planning, and tracking of legislation and other information related to BHW’s programs; (3) directly supports national efforts to analyze and address equitable distribution of health professionals for access to health care for underserved populations; (4) reviews requests for and designates health professional shortage areas and medically-underserved areas and populations; (5) finalizes designation policies and procedures for both current and proposed designation criteria; (6) oversees grants to state primary care offices and conducts all business management aspects of the review, negotiation, award, and administration of these grants; (7) provides oversight, processing, and coordination for the HHS sponsored J1-visa program; (8) works collaboratively with other components within HRSA and HHS, and with other federal agencies, state, and local governments, and other public and private organizations on issues affecting BHW’s programs and policies; (9) performs environmental scanning on issues that affect BHW’s programs and assesses the impact of programs on underserved communities; (10) monitors BHW’s activities in relation to HRSA’s strategic plan; (11) develops budget projections and justifications; and (12) serves as the bureau’s focal point for program information. Division of Business Operations (RQ2) The Division of Business Operations serves as the focal point for the bureau’s data management systems, reports, data analysis, and automation of business processes to support the administration of BHW programs. Specifically: (1) Provides leadership for implementing BHW’s systems development, enhancement, and administration; (2) designs and implements data systems to assess and improve program performance; (3) provides user support and training to facilitate the effectiveness of the bureau’s information systems and deliver excellent customer service to internal and external stake holders; and (4) ensures that data management systems and other tools continue to evolve to support changes to program policy, process, and data throughout the bureau. PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Division of External Affairs (RQ3) The Division of External Affairs provides communication and public affairs expertise to the bureau and serves as the focal point for the development of all external communication as well as dissemination of public information and promotional materials in support of the bureau’s programs and activities. Specifically the division: (1) Leads, coordinates, and conducts outreach and engagement strategies for various audiences including students, clinicians, health care sites, and critical shortage facilities, as well as workforce grantees and applicants; (2) coordinates and conducts the bureau’s virtual events for clinicians, grantees, sites, and applicants; (3) establishes and manages partner collaborations with national organizations and academic institutions; (4) develops and implements communication initiatives to promote the bureau’s programs to target audiences; and (5) maintains responsibility for all targeted communication initiatives. National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (RQ4) The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis is the focal point for the coordination and management of the bureau’s health professions workforce data collection, analysis, and evaluation efforts. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis leads and monitors the development of workforce projections relating to BHW programs and acts as a national resource for such information and data. Division of Medicine and Dentistry (RQ5) The Division of Medicine and Dentistry serves as the bureau’s lead for the program administration and oversight of medical and dental programs. Specifically: (1) Administers grants to educational institutions and other eligible organizations for the development, improvement, and operation of educational programs for primary care physicians (pre-doctoral, residency), physician assistants, dentists and dental hygienists, including support for community-based training and funding for faculty development to teach in primary care specialties training; (2) provides technical assistance and consultation to grantee institutions and other governmental and private organizations on the operation of these educational programs; (3) evaluates programmatic data and promotes the dissemination and application of findings arising from E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES supported programs; (4) collaborates within the bureau to identify and support analytical studies to determine the present and future supply and requirements of physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, and physician assistants by specialty, geographic location, and for state planning efforts; (5) encourages community-based training opportunities for primary care providers, particularly in underserved areas; (6) provides leadership and staff support for the Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry, Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary Community-Based Linkages, and for the Council on Graduate Medical Education; and (7) represents the bureau, agency, and federal government, as designated, on national committees maintaining effective relationships within HRSA and with other federal and non-federal agencies, state and local governments, and other public and private organizations concerned with health personnel development and improving access to health care for the nation’s underserved. Division of Nursing and Public Health (RQ6) The Division of Nursing and Public Health serves as the bureau’s lead for the administration and oversight of nursing, behavioral and public health programs. Specifically: (1) Administers grants and provides technical assistance to educational institutions and other eligible entities in support of nursing education, practice, retention, diversity, and faculty development; (2) administers grants and provides technical assistance to educational institutions and other eligible entities in support of behavioral and public health education and practice; (3) addresses nursing workforce shortages through projects that focus on expanding enrollment in baccalaureate programs, and develops internships, residency programs, and other training mechanisms to improve the preparation of nurses, and behavioral and public health professionals, providing care for underserved populations; (4) collaborates within the bureau to identify and support analytical studies to determine the present and future supply and requirements for nurses, and behavioral and public health professionals; (5) evaluates programmatic data and promotes the dissemination and application of findings arising from supported programs; (6) provides staff support, and the Director, on behalf of the Secretary, serves as the Chair of the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:17 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 81343 Division provides regular and ongoing communication, technical assistance, and support to program participants through the period of obligated service and closeout. Specifically: (1) Manages the staff and daily operations of the bureau’s centralized customer service function; (2) initiates contact with and monitors program participants throughout their service; (3) manages clinician support, employment Division of Practitioner Data Bank (RQ7) verification, site status changes/ transfers, in-service reviews; (4) The Division of Practitioner Data provides oversight and approval of the Bank coordinates with the department and other federal entities, state licensing default, suspension, and waiver processes; (5) oversees the approval boards, national, state, and local process and response for exception professional organizations, to promote quality assurance efforts and deter fraud requests and congressional inquiries; (6) and abuse by administering the National manages the 6-month verification Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). process; (7) conducts closeout activities Specifically, the division: (1) Monitors for each program participant and issues adverse licensure information on all completion certificates; (8) manages the licensed health care practitioners and monthly payroll for NURSE Corps Loan health care entities; (2) develops, Repayment Program participants; and proposes, and monitors efforts for (a) (9) maintains program participants’ case credentialing assessment, granting of files in the bureau’s management privileges, monitoring and evaluating information system. programs for physicians, dentists, other health care professionals, (b) Division of Health Careers and professional peer review to promote an Financial Support (RQ9) evaluation of the competence, The Division of Health Careers and professional conduct, or the quality and appropriateness of patient care provided Financial Support serves as the point of by health care practitioners, and (c) risk contact for responding to inquiries; management and utilization reviews; (3) disseminating program information; encourages and supports evaluation and providing technical assistance; demonstration projects and research administering grants, developing using NPDB data on medical appropriate policies and procedures; malpractice payments and adverse and processing applications and awards actions taken against practitioners’ pertaining to health workforce licenses, clinical privileges, professional scholarship, loan, loan repayment, and society memberships, and eligibility to pipeline development programs. participate in Medicare/Medicaid; (4) Specifically: (1) Reviews, ranks, and ensures integrity of data collection, selects participants and grantees for follows all disclosure procedures NURSE Corps, Faculty Loan Repayment without fail; (5) conducts and supports Program, Native Hawaiian Health research based on the NPDB data; (6) Scholarship Program, and other maintains active consultative relations discretionary grant programs that with professional organizations, provide scholarships, loans, and loan societies, and federal agencies involved repayment to students, health with the NPDB; (7) works with the professionals and faculty; (2) verifies Secretary’s office to provide technical and processes loan and lender related assistance to states undertaking payments in prescribed manner and malpractice reform; and (8) maintains effective relations with the Office of the maintains current information on NURSE Corps and other scholarship, General Counsel, the Office of the Inspector General, and HHS concerning loan, and loan repayment applications and awards through automated BHW practitioner licensing and data bank issues. information systems; (3) manages NURSE Corps scholar in-school Division of Participant Support and activities; (4) facilitates NURSE Corps Compliance (RQ8) scholar placement; and (5) administers The Division of Participant Support grants and provides technical assistance and Compliance serves as the to educational institutions and other organizational focal point for the eligible entities for the development of bureau’s centralized, comprehensive a diverse and culturally competent customer service function to support health workforce. individual program participants. The and Practice; and (7) represents the bureau, agency, and federal government, as designated, on national committees maintaining effective relationships within HRSA and with other federal and non-federal agencies, state and local governments, and other public and private organizations concerned with health personnel development, and improving access to health care for the nation’s underserved. PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1 81344 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Notices Division of National Health Service Corps (RQC) DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES The Division of National Health Service Corps serves as the point of contact for responding to inquiries, disseminating program information, providing technical assistance, and processing applications and awards pertaining to the NHSC scholarship and loan repayment programs. Specifically: (1) Reviews, ranks, and selects participants for the scholarship and loan repayment programs; (2) verifies and processes loan and lender related payments in prescribed manner and maintains current information on scholarship and loan repayment applications and awards through automated BHW information systems; (3) manages scholar in-school and postgraduate training activities; (4) administers the NHSC State Loan Repayment Program; and (5) provides leadership and staff support for the NHSC National Advisory Committee. National Institutes of Health National Institutes of Health National Institute on Aging; Notice of Closed Meetings National Cancer Institute; Notice of Closed Meetings Division of Regional Operations (RQD) The Division of Regional Operations serves as the regional component of BHW, cutting across divisions and working with the bureau programs that fund participants to serve in Health Professions Shortage Areas. Specifically, the Regional Offices support the bureau by: (1) Providing support for the recruitment and retention of primary health care providers in Health Professions Shortage Areas; (2) coordinating with state and regional level partners and stakeholders, and health professions schools in support of the BHW programs and initiatives; (3) reviewing and approving/disapproving NHSC site applications and recertification’s; (4) completing NHSC site visits and providing technical assistance to sites; and (5) managing the scholar placement process. asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Delegations of Authority All delegations of authority and redelegations of authority made to HRSA officials that were in effect immediately prior to this reorganization, and that are consistent with this reorganization, shall continue in effect pending further re-delegation. This reorganization is effective upon date of signature. Dated: December 11, 2015. James Macrae, Acting Administrator. Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given of the following meetings. The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Institute on Aging Initial Review Group Behavior and Social Science of Aging Review Committee. Date: February 4–5, 2016. Time: 3:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: Bethesda North Marriott and Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, MD 20852. Contact Person: Kimberly Firth, Ph.D., National Institute on Aging, Gateway Building, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 2C212, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301–402–7702 kimberly.firth@nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Institute on Aging Initial Review Group Neuroscience of Aging Review Committee. Date: February 4–5, 2016. Time: 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: Bethesda North Marriott and Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, MD 20852. Contact Person: Jeannette L. Johnson, Ph.D., Deputy Review Branch Chief, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging Gateway Building Bethesda, MD 20892, 301–402–7705 johnsonj9@nia.nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.866, Aging Research, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: December 22, 2015. Melanie J. Gray, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2015–32660 Filed 12–28–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P [FR Doc. 2015–32749 Filed 12–28–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4165–15–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:17 Dec 28, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given of the following meetings. The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant and contract applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant and contract applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; NCI Omnibus R03 & R21 SEP–2. Date: February 1–2, 2016. Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. Place: Embassy Suites Hotel Chevy Chase Pavilion, 4300 Military Road NW., Washington, DC 20015. Contact Person: Eun Ah Cho, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Special Review Branch Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W106, Bethesda, MD 20892–9750, 240–276–6342, choe@ mail.nih.gov. Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; Validation of Mobile Technologies for Clinical Assessment, Monitoring and Intervention. Date: February 2, 2016. Time: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate contract applications. Place: National Cancer Institute Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 5E030, Rockville, MD 20850, (Telephone Conference Call). Contact Person: Scott A. Chen, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Research and Technology and Contract Review Branch, Division of Extramural Activities, National Cancer Institute, NIH, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W604, Rockville, MD 20850, 240–276–6038, chensc@mail.nih.gov, Name of Committee: National Cancer Institute Special Emphasis Panel; Modulating Microbiome for Cancer Therapy. Date: February 17, 2016. Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Agenda: To review and evaluate contract applications. Place: National Cancer Institute Shady Grove, 9609 Medical Center Drive, Room 7W554, Rockville, MD 20850, (Telephone Conference Call). E:\FR\FM\29DEN1.SGM 29DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 249 (Tuesday, December 29, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 81341-81344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32749]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Resources and Services Administration


Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority

    This notice amends Part R of the Statement of Organization, 
Functions and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration 
(HRSA) (60 FR 56605, as amended November 6, 1995; as last amended at 80 
FR 66545-66546 dated October 29, 2015).
    This notice reflects organizational changes in the Health Resources 
and Services Administration (HRSA), Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ). 
Specifically, this notice: (1) Abolishes the Office of Workforce 
Development and Analysis (RQA); (2) abolishes the Office of Health 
Careers (RQB); and (3) updates the functional statement for the Bureau 
of Health Workforce (RQ).

Chapter RQ--Bureau of Health Workforce

Section RQ-10, Organization

    Delete the organizational structure for the Bureau of Health 
Workforce (RQ) and replace in its entirety.
    The Bureau of Health Workforce is headed by the Associate 
Administrator, who reports directly to the Administrator, Health 
Resources and Services Administration.
    1. Office of the Associate Administrator (RQ);
    2. Division of Policy and Shortage Designation (RQ1);
    3. Division of Business Operations (RQ2);
    4. Division of External Affairs (RQ3);
    5. National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (RQ4);
    6. Division of Medicine and Dentistry (RQ5);
    7. Division of Nursing and Public Health (RQ6);
    8. Division of Practitioner Data Bank (RQ7);
    9. Division of Participant Support and Compliance (RQ8);
    10. Division of Health Careers and Financial Support (RQ9);
    11. Division of National Health Service Corps (RQC); and
    12. Division of Regional Operations (RQD).

Section RQ-20, Functions

    Delete the functional statement for the Bureau of Health Workforce 
(RQ) and replace in its entirety.
    This notice reflects organizational changes in Bureau of Health 
Workforce (RQ). Specifically, this notice: (1) Abolish the Office of 
Workforce Development and Analysis; (RQA); (2) abolishes the Office of 
Health Careers (RQB); and (3) updates the functional statement for the 
Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ).

Bureau of Health Workforce (RQ)

    The Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) improves the health of the 
nation's underserved communities and vulnerable populations by 
developing, implementing, evaluating, and refining programs that 
strengthen the nation's health care workforce. BHW programs support a 
diverse, culturally competent workforce by addressing components 
including: Education and training; recruitment and retention; financial 
support for students, faculty, and practitioners; supporting 
institutions; data analysis; and evaluation and coordination of health 
workforce activities. These efforts support development of a skilled 
health workforce serving in areas of the nation with the greatest need.

Office of the Associate Administrator (RQ)

    The Office of the Associate Administrator provides overall 
leadership, direction, coordination, and planning in support of the 
BHW's programs designed to help meet the health professions workforce 
needs of the nation and improve the health of the nation's underserved 
communities and vulnerable populations. The office guides and directs 
the bureau's workforce analysis efforts and provides guidance and 
support for advisory councils. Additionally, the office provides 
direction by coordinating the recruitment, education, training, and 
retention of diverse health professionals in the healthcare system and 
supporting communities' efforts to build more integrated and 
sustainable systems of care. Specifically: (1) Directs and provides 
policy guidance for workforce recruitment, student and faculty 
assistance, training, and placement of health professionals to serve in 
underserved areas; (2) directs the bureau's health professions 
workforce data collection and analysis efforts in support of BHW's 
programs, and provides oversight for the evaluation of grantee 
performance and program outcomes; (3) guides and supports work

[[Page 81342]]

of advisory councils, and coordinates the bureau's Federal Advisory 
Committees' management activities; (4) provides leadership, and guides 
bureau programs in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce; (5) 
establishes program goals, objectives, and priorities, and provides 
oversight as to their execution; (6) maintains effective relationships 
within HRSA and with other federal and nonfederal agencies, state, and 
local governments, and other public and private organizations concerned 
with health workforce development and improving access to health care 
for the nation's underserved; (7) represents the bureau, agency, and 
federal government, as designated, on national committees maintaining 
effective relationships within HRSA and with other federal and non-
federal agencies, state and local governments, and other public and 
private organizations concerned with health personnel development, and 
improving access to health care for the nation's underserved; (8) 
plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates bureau-wide management 
activities, i.e., budget, personnel, procurements, delegations of 
authority, and responsibilities related to the awarding of the BHW 
funds; and (9) coordinates, reviews, and provides clearance of 
correspondence and official documents entering and leaving the bureau.

Executive Office (RQ)

    The Executive Office collaborates with BHW leadership to plan, 
coordinate, and direct bureau-wide administrative management 
activities. Specifically: (1) Executes the bureau's budget; (2) 
provides human resource services regarding all aspects of personnel 
management, workforce planning, and the allocation and utilization of 
personnel resources; (3) coordinates the business management functions 
for the bureau's grants programs; (4) plans, directs, and coordinates 
bureau-wide administrative management activities, i.e., budget, 
personnel, procurements, delegations of authority, and responsibilities 
related to the awarding of BHW funds; (5) coordinates and supports the 
Bureau's quality and internal control efforts; (6) provides additional 
support services including the acquisition, management, and maintenance 
of supplies, equipment, space, training, and travel; and (7) assumes 
special projects or takes responsibility for issues as tasked by the 
bureau's leadership.

Division of Policy and Shortage Designation (RQ1)

    The Division of Policy and Shortage Designation serves as the focal 
point for the development of the BHW programs and policies. 
Specifically: (1) Leads and coordinates the analysis, development, and 
drafting of policies impacting bureau programs; (2) coordinates program 
planning, and tracking of legislation and other information related to 
BHW's programs; (3) directly supports national efforts to analyze and 
address equitable distribution of health professionals for access to 
health care for underserved populations; (4) reviews requests for and 
designates health professional shortage areas and medically-underserved 
areas and populations; (5) finalizes designation policies and 
procedures for both current and proposed designation criteria; (6) 
oversees grants to state primary care offices and conducts all business 
management aspects of the review, negotiation, award, and 
administration of these grants; (7) provides oversight, processing, and 
coordination for the HHS sponsored J1-visa program; (8) works 
collaboratively with other components within HRSA and HHS, and with 
other federal agencies, state, and local governments, and other public 
and private organizations on issues affecting BHW's programs and 
policies; (9) performs environmental scanning on issues that affect 
BHW's programs and assesses the impact of programs on underserved 
communities; (10) monitors BHW's activities in relation to HRSA's 
strategic plan; (11) develops budget projections and justifications; 
and (12) serves as the bureau's focal point for program information.

Division of Business Operations (RQ2)

    The Division of Business Operations serves as the focal point for 
the bureau's data management systems, reports, data analysis, and 
automation of business processes to support the administration of BHW 
programs. Specifically: (1) Provides leadership for implementing BHW's 
systems development, enhancement, and administration; (2) designs and 
implements data systems to assess and improve program performance; (3) 
provides user support and training to facilitate the effectiveness of 
the bureau's information systems and deliver excellent customer service 
to internal and external stake holders; and (4) ensures that data 
management systems and other tools continue to evolve to support 
changes to program policy, process, and data throughout the bureau.

Division of External Affairs (RQ3)

    The Division of External Affairs provides communication and public 
affairs expertise to the bureau and serves as the focal point for the 
development of all external communication as well as dissemination of 
public information and promotional materials in support of the bureau's 
programs and activities. Specifically the division: (1) Leads, 
coordinates, and conducts outreach and engagement strategies for 
various audiences including students, clinicians, health care sites, 
and critical shortage facilities, as well as workforce grantees and 
applicants; (2) coordinates and conducts the bureau's virtual events 
for clinicians, grantees, sites, and applicants; (3) establishes and 
manages partner collaborations with national organizations and academic 
institutions; (4) develops and implements communication initiatives to 
promote the bureau's programs to target audiences; and (5) maintains 
responsibility for all targeted communication initiatives.

National Center for Health Workforce Analysis (RQ4)

    The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis is the focal 
point for the coordination and management of the bureau's health 
professions workforce data collection, analysis, and evaluation 
efforts. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis leads and 
monitors the development of workforce projections relating to BHW 
programs and acts as a national resource for such information and data.

Division of Medicine and Dentistry (RQ5)

    The Division of Medicine and Dentistry serves as the bureau's lead 
for the program administration and oversight of medical and dental 
programs. Specifically: (1) Administers grants to educational 
institutions and other eligible organizations for the development, 
improvement, and operation of educational programs for primary care 
physicians (pre-doctoral, residency), physician assistants, dentists 
and dental hygienists, including support for community-based training 
and funding for faculty development to teach in primary care 
specialties training; (2) provides technical assistance and 
consultation to grantee institutions and other governmental and private 
organizations on the operation of these educational programs; (3) 
evaluates programmatic data and promotes the dissemination and 
application of findings arising from

[[Page 81343]]

supported programs; (4) collaborates within the bureau to identify and 
support analytical studies to determine the present and future supply 
and requirements of physicians, dentists, dental hygienists, and 
physician assistants by specialty, geographic location, and for state 
planning efforts; (5) encourages community-based training opportunities 
for primary care providers, particularly in underserved areas; (6) 
provides leadership and staff support for the Advisory Committee on 
Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry, Advisory Committee on 
Interdisciplinary Community-Based Linkages, and for the Council on 
Graduate Medical Education; and (7) represents the bureau, agency, and 
federal government, as designated, on national committees maintaining 
effective relationships within HRSA and with other federal and non-
federal agencies, state and local governments, and other public and 
private organizations concerned with health personnel development and 
improving access to health care for the nation's underserved.

Division of Nursing and Public Health (RQ6)

    The Division of Nursing and Public Health serves as the bureau's 
lead for the administration and oversight of nursing, behavioral and 
public health programs. Specifically: (1) Administers grants and 
provides technical assistance to educational institutions and other 
eligible entities in support of nursing education, practice, retention, 
diversity, and faculty development; (2) administers grants and provides 
technical assistance to educational institutions and other eligible 
entities in support of behavioral and public health education and 
practice; (3) addresses nursing workforce shortages through projects 
that focus on expanding enrollment in baccalaureate programs, and 
develops internships, residency programs, and other training mechanisms 
to improve the preparation of nurses, and behavioral and public health 
professionals, providing care for underserved populations; (4) 
collaborates within the bureau to identify and support analytical 
studies to determine the present and future supply and requirements for 
nurses, and behavioral and public health professionals; (5) evaluates 
programmatic data and promotes the dissemination and application of 
findings arising from supported programs; (6) provides staff support, 
and the Director, on behalf of the Secretary, serves as the Chair of 
the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice; and (7) 
represents the bureau, agency, and federal government, as designated, 
on national committees maintaining effective relationships within HRSA 
and with other federal and non-federal agencies, state and local 
governments, and other public and private organizations concerned with 
health personnel development, and improving access to health care for 
the nation's underserved.

Division of Practitioner Data Bank (RQ7)

    The Division of Practitioner Data Bank coordinates with the 
department and other federal entities, state licensing boards, 
national, state, and local professional organizations, to promote 
quality assurance efforts and deter fraud and abuse by administering 
the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). Specifically, the division: 
(1) Monitors adverse licensure information on all licensed health care 
practitioners and health care entities; (2) develops, proposes, and 
monitors efforts for (a) credentialing assessment, granting of 
privileges, monitoring and evaluating programs for physicians, 
dentists, other health care professionals, (b) professional peer review 
to promote an evaluation of the competence, professional conduct, or 
the quality and appropriateness of patient care provided by health care 
practitioners, and (c) risk management and utilization reviews; (3) 
encourages and supports evaluation and demonstration projects and 
research using NPDB data on medical malpractice payments and adverse 
actions taken against practitioners' licenses, clinical privileges, 
professional society memberships, and eligibility to participate in 
Medicare/Medicaid; (4) ensures integrity of data collection, follows 
all disclosure procedures without fail; (5) conducts and supports 
research based on the NPDB data; (6) maintains active consultative 
relations with professional organizations, societies, and federal 
agencies involved with the NPDB; (7) works with the Secretary's office 
to provide technical assistance to states undertaking malpractice 
reform; and (8) maintains effective relations with the Office of the 
General Counsel, the Office of the Inspector General, and HHS 
concerning practitioner licensing and data bank issues.

Division of Participant Support and Compliance (RQ8)

    The Division of Participant Support and Compliance serves as the 
organizational focal point for the bureau's centralized, comprehensive 
customer service function to support individual program participants. 
The Division provides regular and ongoing communication, technical 
assistance, and support to program participants through the period of 
obligated service and closeout. Specifically: (1) Manages the staff and 
daily operations of the bureau's centralized customer service function; 
(2) initiates contact with and monitors program participants throughout 
their service; (3) manages clinician support, employment verification, 
site status changes/transfers, in-service reviews; (4) provides 
oversight and approval of the default, suspension, and waiver 
processes; (5) oversees the approval process and response for exception 
requests and congressional inquiries; (6) manages the 6-month 
verification process; (7) conducts closeout activities for each program 
participant and issues completion certificates; (8) manages the monthly 
payroll for NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program participants; and (9) 
maintains program participants' case files in the bureau's management 
information system.

Division of Health Careers and Financial Support (RQ9)

    The Division of Health Careers and Financial Support serves as the 
point of contact for responding to inquiries; disseminating program 
information; providing technical assistance; administering grants, 
developing appropriate policies and procedures; and processing 
applications and awards pertaining to health workforce scholarship, 
loan, loan repayment, and pipeline development programs. Specifically: 
(1) Reviews, ranks, and selects participants and grantees for NURSE 
Corps, Faculty Loan Repayment Program, Native Hawaiian Health 
Scholarship Program, and other discretionary grant programs that 
provide scholarships, loans, and loan repayment to students, health 
professionals and faculty; (2) verifies and processes loan and lender 
related payments in prescribed manner and maintains current information 
on NURSE Corps and other scholarship, loan, and loan repayment 
applications and awards through automated BHW information systems; (3) 
manages NURSE Corps scholar in-school activities; (4) facilitates NURSE 
Corps scholar placement; and (5) administers grants and provides 
technical assistance to educational institutions and other eligible 
entities for the development of a diverse and culturally competent 
health workforce.

[[Page 81344]]

Division of National Health Service Corps (RQC)

    The Division of National Health Service Corps serves as the point 
of contact for responding to inquiries, disseminating program 
information, providing technical assistance, and processing 
applications and awards pertaining to the NHSC scholarship and loan 
repayment programs. Specifically: (1) Reviews, ranks, and selects 
participants for the scholarship and loan repayment programs; (2) 
verifies and processes loan and lender related payments in prescribed 
manner and maintains current information on scholarship and loan 
repayment applications and awards through automated BHW information 
systems; (3) manages scholar in-school and post-graduate training 
activities; (4) administers the NHSC State Loan Repayment Program; and 
(5) provides leadership and staff support for the NHSC National 
Advisory Committee.

Division of Regional Operations (RQD)

    The Division of Regional Operations serves as the regional 
component of BHW, cutting across divisions and working with the bureau 
programs that fund participants to serve in Health Professions Shortage 
Areas. Specifically, the Regional Offices support the bureau by: (1) 
Providing support for the recruitment and retention of primary health 
care providers in Health Professions Shortage Areas; (2) coordinating 
with state and regional level partners and stakeholders, and health 
professions schools in support of the BHW programs and initiatives; (3) 
reviewing and approving/disapproving NHSC site applications and 
recertification's; (4) completing NHSC site visits and providing 
technical assistance to sites; and (5) managing the scholar placement 
process.

Delegations of Authority

    All delegations of authority and re-delegations of authority made 
to HRSA officials that were in effect immediately prior to this 
reorganization, and that are consistent with this reorganization, shall 
continue in effect pending further re-delegation.
    This reorganization is effective upon date of signature.

    Dated: December 11, 2015.
James Macrae,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-32749 Filed 12-28-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-15-P
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