Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority, 81341-81344 [2015-32749]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 249 / Tuesday, December 29, 2015 / Notices
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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.
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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).
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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]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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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
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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.
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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