Testing Services and Scores for Foreign Health Care Workers To Demonstrate English Language Proficiency, 20897-20899 [2019-09730]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 92 / Monday, May 13, 2019 / Notices
both copies to the Dockets Management
Staff. If you do not wish your name and
contact information to be made publicly
available, you can provide this
information on the cover sheet and not
in the body of your comments and you
must identify this information as
‘‘confidential.’’ Any information marked
as ‘‘confidential’’ will not be disclosed
except in accordance with § 10.20 (21
CFR 10.20) and other applicable
disclosure law. For more information
about FDA’s posting of comments to
public dockets, see 80 FR 56469,
September 18, 2015, or access the
information at: https://www.gpo.gov/
fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/201523389.pdf.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents or the
electronic and written/paper comments
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 Dockets Management
Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061,
Rockville, MD 20852.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Beverly Friedman, Office of Regulatory
Policy, Food and Drug Administration,
10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 51,
Rm. 6250, Silver Spring, MD 20993,
301–796–3600.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with NOTICES
I. Background
The Drug Price Competition and
Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984
(Pub. L. 98–417) and the Generic
Animal Drug and Patent Term
Restoration Act (Pub. L. 100–670)
generally provide that a patent may be
extended for a period of up to 5 years
so long as the patented item (human
drug product, animal drug product,
medical device, food additive, or color
additive) was subject to regulatory
review by FDA before the item was
marketed. Under these acts, a product’s
regulatory review period forms the basis
for determining the amount of extension
an applicant may receive.
A regulatory review period consists of
two periods of time: A testing phase and
an approval phase. For human drug
products, the testing phase begins when
the exemption to permit the clinical
investigations of the drug becomes
effective and runs until the approval
phase begins. The approval phase starts
with the initial submission of an
application to market the human drug
product and continues until FDA grants
permission to market the drug product.
Although only a portion of a regulatory
review period may count toward the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:29 May 10, 2019
Jkt 247001
actual amount of extension that the
Director of USPTO may award (for
example, half the testing phase must be
subtracted as well as any time that may
have occurred before the patent was
issued), FDA’s determination of the
length of a regulatory review period for
a human drug product will include all
of the testing phase and approval phase
as specified in 35 U.S.C. 156(g)(1)(B).
FDA has approved for marketing the
human drug product, AUSTEDO
(deutetrabenazine) indicated for
treatment of chorea associated with
Huntington’s disease. Subsequent to this
approval, the USPTO received a patent
term restoration application for
AUSTEDO (U.S. Patent No. 8,524,733)
from Auspex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and
the USPTO requested FDA’s assistance
in determining the patent’s eligibility
for patent term restoration. In a letter
dated February 2, 2018, FDA advised
the USPTO that this human drug
product had undergone a regulatory
review period and that the approval of
AUSTEDO represented the first
permitted commercial marketing or use
of the product. Thereafter, the USPTO
requested that FDA determine the
product’s regulatory review period.
II. Determination of Regulatory Review
Period
FDA has determined that the
applicable regulatory review period for
AUSTEDO is 1,736 days. Of this time,
1,060 days occurred during the testing
phase of the regulatory review period,
while 676 days occurred during the
approval phase. These periods of time
were derived from the following dates:
1. The date an exemption under
section 505(i) of the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C.
355(i)) became effective: July 3, 2012.
FDA has verified the applicant’s claim
that the date the investigational new
drug application became effective was
July 3, 2012.
2. The date the application was
initially submitted with respect to the
human drug product under section 505
of the FD&C Act: May 29, 2015. FDA has
verified the applicant’s claim that the
new drug application (NDA) for
AUSTEDO (NDA 208082) was initially
submitted on May 29, 2015.
3. The date the application was
approved: April 3, 2017. FDA has
verified the applicant’s claim that NDA
208082 was approved on April 3, 2017.
This determination of the regulatory
review period establishes the maximum
potential length of a patent extension.
However, the USPTO applies several
statutory limitations in its calculations
of the actual period for patent extension.
In its application for patent extension,
PO 00000
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20897
this applicant seeks 8 days of patent
term extension.
III. Petitions
Anyone with knowledge that any of
the dates as published are incorrect may
submit either electronic or written
comments and, under 21 CFR 60.24, ask
for a redetermination (see DATES).
Furthermore, as specified in § 60.30 (21
CFR 60.30), any interested person may
petition FDA for a determination
regarding whether the applicant for
extension acted with due diligence
during the regulatory review period. To
meet its burden, the petition must
comply with all the requirements of
§ 60.30, including but not limited to:
Must be timely (see DATES), must be
filed in accordance with § 10.20, must
contain sufficient facts to merit an FDA
investigation, and must certify that a
true and complete copy of the petition
has been served upon the patent
applicant. (See H. Rept. 857, part 1, 98th
Cong., 2d sess., pp. 41–42, 1984.)
Petitions should be in the format
specified in 21 CFR 10.30.
Submit petitions electronically to
https://www.regulations.gov at Docket
No. FDA–2013–S–0610. Submit written
petitions (two copies are required) to the
Dockets Management Staff (HFA–305),
Food and Drug Administration, 5630
Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD
20852.
Dated: May 7, 2019.
Lowell J. Schiller,
Principal Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019–09805 Filed 5–10–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Health Resources and Services
Administration
Testing Services and Scores for
Foreign Health Care Workers To
Demonstrate English Language
Proficiency
Health Resources and Services
Administration (HRSA), Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS).
ACTION: Request for comments; notice of
public meeting.
AGENCY:
HRSA announces a request
for comments and notice of a public
meeting to receive feedback on
proposed updates to the list of testing
services and scores for foreign health
care workers to demonstrate English
language proficiency pursuant to section
343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform
SUMMARY:
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20898
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 92 / Monday, May 13, 2019 / Notices
and Immigrant Responsibility Act of
1996 (IIRIRA).
DATES:
• The public meeting will be held on
May 28, 2019, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. ET.
• Comments should be submitted by
June 11, 2019, 11:59 p.m. ET.
ADDRESSES: The public may attend the
public meeting via teleconference and
in-person. The conference call-in
number is (888) 455–4758; Participant
Passcode is 3016308. The address for
the public meeting is 5600 Fishers Lane,
Room 5N54, Rockville, Maryland 20857.
Comments should be sent to
HRSAComments@hrsa.gov with the
subject line: ‘‘Testing Services and
Scores for Foreign Health Care
Workers’’.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LCDR Charlie Darr, Office of Global
Health, HRSA, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockville, Maryland 20857; via email:
OGHpublicmeeting@hrsa.gov; or phone:
(301) 443–2741.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
jbell on DSK3GLQ082PROD with NOTICES
I. Background
The purpose of this request for
comments and notice of public meeting
is to elicit stakeholder feedback to
HRSA regarding its proposed updates to
the list of approved testing services and
passing scores pursuant to section 343
of the IIRIRA and implementing
regulations promulgated by the
Department of Homeland Security
(DHS). Specifically, HRSA is seeking
comments regarding the current and
proposed list of approved standardized
tests and passing scores, required for
certification of foreign health care
workers seeking to demonstrate English
language proficiency under section 343
of the IIRIRA and implementing
regulations.
Under the authority of section 343 of
IIRIRA, Public Law 104–208 (8 U.S.C.
1182(a)(5)(C)), as implemented by the
Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) at 8 CFR 212.15(g), standards for
these English language requirements, as
shown by an appropriate minimum
score on one or more nationally
recognized, commercially available,
standardized assessments of the
applicant’s ability to speak and write,
are set by the Secretary of HHS.
Demonstration of English language
proficiency is an element of the
certification requirements for foreign
health care workers seeking admission
to the United States for the primary
purpose of performing labor in a
covered health care occupation. DHS
implementing regulations authorize
HHS to notify DHS of additions and
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16:29 May 10, 2019
Jkt 247001
deletions to the approved list of testing
services and scores.
HRSA, under authority delegated by
HHS, reviews and evaluates studies and
other supporting materials presented to
evaluate English language proficiency
tests and language scoring level for the
health occupations described in 8 CFR
212.15. Accordingly, HRSA is seeking
public comment on proposed additions
and deletions to the list of testing
services and passing scores, including
comments that address studies,
methodologies, and analysis of such
tests and passing scores.
Below is a Description of the HRSAProposed Updates to the Tests Listed in
the Regulation at 8 CFR 212.15
HRSA is not proposing changes to the
current standardized tests and
scores for the following tests listed
in the DHS regulation:
• Paper-delivered version of the
Electronic Testing Service (ETS),
Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL-Paper-delivered
Test);
• Test of English in International
Communication (TOEIC); and
• International English Language
Testing System
HRSA is proposing to add the following
standardized tests (with indicated
passing scores) to the tests currently
listed in the DHS regulation:
• Internet-based version of the ETS
TOEFL Test
The ETS TOEFL test, delivered via the
internet, measures the test-taker’s ability
to use and understand English by
evaluating combined reading, listening,
speaking, and writing skills. Each
section of the test (Reading, Listening,
Speaking, and Writing) has a maximum
score of 30 points, with a maximum
total score of 120 points. The proposed
overall passing score for occupational
therapists and physical therapists is 89,
including an aggregate minimum score
of 63 on the Reading, Listening, and
Writing sections, and a minimum score
of 26 on the Speaking section. The
proposed overall passing score for
registered nurses and other foreigneducated health care workers whose
occupations require attainment of a
baccalaureate degree is 81, including an
aggregate minimum score of 57 on the
Reading, Listening, and Writing
sections, and a minimum score of 24 on
the Speaking section. The proposed
overall passing score for occupations
requiring less than a baccalaureate
degree is 77, including an aggregate
minimum score of 53 on the Reading,
Listening, and Writing sections, and a
minimum score of 24 on the Speaking
section.
PO 00000
Frm 00053
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
• TOEIC Speaking and Writing Tests
ETS has eliminated the Test of
Spoken English and the Test of Written
English from its currently available
offerings and added the TOEIC Speaking
Test and Writing Tests. Both the TOEIC
Speaking and Writing tests are scored
on a scale of 0–200. HRSA proposes a
passing score of 160 on the TOEIC
Speaking Test and 150 on the TOEIC
Writing Test for registered nurses and
other health care occupations requiring
attainment of a baccalaureate degree, in
addition to passing scores on the TOEIC
test measuring Listening and Reading
comprehension (passing score of 725
remains unchanged from current IIRIRA
regulations). For health care
occupations requiring less than a
baccalaureate degree, HRSA proposes a
passing score of 160 on the TOEIC
Speaking Test and 150 on the TOEIC
Writing Test; in addition to passing
scores on the TOEIC test measuring
Listening and Reading comprehension
(passing score of 700 remains
unchanged from current IIRIRA
regulations).
• Pearson Test of English Academic
(PTE Academic)
PTE Academic is a computer-based,
internationally recognized,
commercially available, standardized
assessment of written and spoken
English that measures the reading,
writing, listening, and speaking abilities
of test takers. The test includes an
overall score (the Global Scale of
English) that ranges from 10–90 and
shows the overall English academic
language ability of a test taker. Each test
assesses an individual’s communicative
and enabling skills in sections
(listening, reading, speaking, writing,
grammar oral fluency, pronunciation,
spelling, vocabulary, and written
discourse) from a range of 10–90. HRSA
proposes to add PTE Academic to the
list of approved tests for registered
nurses and other health care
occupations requiring attainment of a
baccalaureate degree, and for health care
occupations requiring less than a
baccalaureate degree. HRSA proposes a
passing score of 55 with no individual
communicative or enabling skills score
below 50.
HRSA is proposing to delete the
following standardized tests (which
are no longer in use) from the tests
currently listed in the DHS
regulation:
• ETS: Test of Spoken English and
Test of Written English—Eliminated
from the current available offerings
by ETS.
• TOEFL Computer-based Test—
Discontinued by ETS.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 92 / Monday, May 13, 2019 / Notices
II. Format
Request for Comment: Comments
should be submitted to HRSA by June
11, 2019, 11:59 p.m. ET. Email
comments to HRSAComments@hrsa.gov
with the subject line: ‘‘Testing Services
and Scores for Foreign Health Care
Workers’’.
Public Meeting: This meeting is open
to the public. Attendance can be by
teleconference or in person. To register
for either the teleconference or in
person attendance, please provide
complete contact information for each
attendee, including name, title,
affiliation, address, email, telephone
number, and indicate teleconference or
in person attendance to OGHpublic
meeting@hrsa.gov by 11:59 p.m. on
Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Registration is
free. Registrants will receive a
registration confirmation once accepted
via email.
Requests for Oral Presentations:
During registration, you may request to
present at the public meeting, and
specify which topic(s) you wish to
address. Individuals and organizations
with common interests are urged to
consolidate or coordinate their
presentations, and request time for a
joint presentation. All requests to make
oral presentations are due by the close
of registration on Tuesday, May 14,
2019.
Individuals who plan to attend and
need special assistance or another
reasonable accommodation should
notify LCDR Charlie Darr (see the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section)
at least 10 business days prior to the
meeting. Since this meeting occurs in a
federal government building, attendees
must go through a security check to
enter the building. Non-U.S. citizen
attendees must notify HRSA of their
planned attendance at least 20 business
days prior to the meeting in order to
facilitate their entry into the building.
All attendees are required to present
government-issued identification prior
to entry.
Dated: May 7, 2019.
George Sigounas,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2019–09730 Filed 5–10–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165–15–P
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Institute on Aging; Amended
Notice of Meeting
Notice is hereby given of a change in
the meeting of the Behavior and Social
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:29 May 10, 2019
Jkt 247001
Science of Aging Review Committee,
June 05, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to June 06,
2019, 11:00 a.m., Hotel Kabuki, 1625
Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94155
which was published in the Federal
Register on February 27, 2019, 84 FR
6405.
The meeting notice is amended to
change the two-day meetings’ starting
and ending times on June 5, 2019 to
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and on June 6, 2019
to 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. The meetings are
closed to the public.
Dated: May 7, 2019.
Melanie J. Pantoja,
Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory
Committee Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019–09738 Filed 5–10–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Notice
of Closed Meetings
Pursuant to section 10(d) of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended, 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 of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Initial Review Group; Diabetes,
Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases B
Subcommittee.
Date: June 4–6, 2019.
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: The Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell
Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Contact Person: John F. Connaughton,
Ph.D., Chief, Scientific Review Branch,
Review Branch, DEA, NIDDK, National
Institutes of Health, Room 7007, 6707
Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892–
5452, (301) 594–7797, connaughtonj@
extra.niddk.nih.gov.
This notice is being published less than 15
days prior to the meeting due to the timing
limitations imposed by the review and
funding cycle.
Name of Committee: National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
PO 00000
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20899
Initial Review Group; Kidney, Urologic and
Hematologic Diseases D Subcommittee.
Date: June 19–20, 2019.
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: Hyatt Regency Bethesda, One
Bethesda Metro Center, 7400 Wisconsin
Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.
Contact Person: Barbara A. Woynarowska,
Ph.D., Scientific Review Administrator,
Review Branch, DEA, NIDDK, National
Institutes of Health, Room 7007, 6707
Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892–
5452, (301) 402–7172, woynarowskab@
niddk.nih.gov.
Name of Committee: National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Initial Review Group; Digestive Diseases and
Nutrition C Subcommittee.
Date: June 19–21, 2019.
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Agenda: To review and evaluate grant
applications.
Place: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel &
Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road,
Bethesda, MD 20852.
Contact Person: Maria E. Davila-Bloom,
Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, Review
Branch, DEA, NIDDK, National Institutes of
Health, Room 7017, 6707 Democracy
Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892–5452, (301)
594–7637, davila-bloomm@
extra.niddk.nih.gov.
(Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance
Program Nos. 93.847, Diabetes,
Endocrinology and Metabolic Research;
93.848, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition
Research; 93.849, Kidney Diseases, Urology
and Hematology Research, National Institutes
of Health, HHS)
Dated: May 7, 2019.
Melanie J. Pantoja,
Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory
Committee Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019–09740 Filed 5–10–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4140–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
National Center for Complementary &
Integrative Health; Notice of Closed
Meeting
Pursuant to section 10(d) of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
amended, notice is hereby given of the
following meeting.
The meeting 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
E:\FR\FM\13MYN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 92 (Monday, May 13, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20897-20899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-09730]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Resources and Services Administration
Testing Services and Scores for Foreign Health Care Workers To
Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS).
ACTION: Request for comments; notice of public meeting.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: HRSA announces a request for comments and notice of a public
meeting to receive feedback on proposed updates to the list of testing
services and scores for foreign health care workers to demonstrate
English language proficiency pursuant to section 343 of the Illegal
Immigration Reform
[[Page 20898]]
and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA).
DATES:
The public meeting will be held on May 28, 2019, 1:00
p.m.-4:00 p.m. ET.
Comments should be submitted by June 11, 2019, 11:59 p.m.
ET.
ADDRESSES: The public may attend the public meeting via teleconference
and in-person. The conference call-in number is (888) 455-4758;
Participant Passcode is 3016308. The address for the public meeting is
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 5N54, Rockville, Maryland 20857.
Comments should be sent to [email protected] with the subject
line: ``Testing Services and Scores for Foreign Health Care Workers''.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LCDR Charlie Darr, Office of Global
Health, HRSA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857; via email:
OGHpublic[email protected]; or phone: (301) 443-2741.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
The purpose of this request for comments and notice of public
meeting is to elicit stakeholder feedback to HRSA regarding its
proposed updates to the list of approved testing services and passing
scores pursuant to section 343 of the IIRIRA and implementing
regulations promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Specifically, HRSA is seeking comments regarding the current and
proposed list of approved standardized tests and passing scores,
required for certification of foreign health care workers seeking to
demonstrate English language proficiency under section 343 of the
IIRIRA and implementing regulations.
Under the authority of section 343 of IIRIRA, Public Law 104-208 (8
U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(C)), as implemented by the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) at 8 CFR 212.15(g), standards for these English language
requirements, as shown by an appropriate minimum score on one or more
nationally recognized, commercially available, standardized assessments
of the applicant's ability to speak and write, are set by the Secretary
of HHS. Demonstration of English language proficiency is an element of
the certification requirements for foreign health care workers seeking
admission to the United States for the primary purpose of performing
labor in a covered health care occupation. DHS implementing regulations
authorize HHS to notify DHS of additions and deletions to the approved
list of testing services and scores.
HRSA, under authority delegated by HHS, reviews and evaluates
studies and other supporting materials presented to evaluate English
language proficiency tests and language scoring level for the health
occupations described in 8 CFR 212.15. Accordingly, HRSA is seeking
public comment on proposed additions and deletions to the list of
testing services and passing scores, including comments that address
studies, methodologies, and analysis of such tests and passing scores.
Below is a Description of the HRSA-Proposed Updates to the Tests Listed
in the Regulation at 8 CFR 212.15
HRSA is not proposing changes to the current standardized tests and
scores for the following tests listed in the DHS regulation:
Paper-delivered version of the Electronic Testing Service
(ETS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL-Paper-delivered
Test);
Test of English in International Communication (TOEIC);
and
International English Language Testing System
HRSA is proposing to add the following standardized tests (with
indicated passing scores) to the tests currently listed in the DHS
regulation:
Internet-based version of the ETS TOEFL Test
The ETS TOEFL test, delivered via the internet, measures the test-
taker's ability to use and understand English by evaluating combined
reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills. Each section of the
test (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) has a maximum score of
30 points, with a maximum total score of 120 points. The proposed
overall passing score for occupational therapists and physical
therapists is 89, including an aggregate minimum score of 63 on the
Reading, Listening, and Writing sections, and a minimum score of 26 on
the Speaking section. The proposed overall passing score for registered
nurses and other foreign-educated health care workers whose occupations
require attainment of a baccalaureate degree is 81, including an
aggregate minimum score of 57 on the Reading, Listening, and Writing
sections, and a minimum score of 24 on the Speaking section. The
proposed overall passing score for occupations requiring less than a
baccalaureate degree is 77, including an aggregate minimum score of 53
on the Reading, Listening, and Writing sections, and a minimum score of
24 on the Speaking section.
TOEIC Speaking and Writing Tests
ETS has eliminated the Test of Spoken English and the Test of
Written English from its currently available offerings and added the
TOEIC Speaking Test and Writing Tests. Both the TOEIC Speaking and
Writing tests are scored on a scale of 0-200. HRSA proposes a passing
score of 160 on the TOEIC Speaking Test and 150 on the TOEIC Writing
Test for registered nurses and other health care occupations requiring
attainment of a baccalaureate degree, in addition to passing scores on
the TOEIC test measuring Listening and Reading comprehension (passing
score of 725 remains unchanged from current IIRIRA regulations). For
health care occupations requiring less than a baccalaureate degree,
HRSA proposes a passing score of 160 on the TOEIC Speaking Test and 150
on the TOEIC Writing Test; in addition to passing scores on the TOEIC
test measuring Listening and Reading comprehension (passing score of
700 remains unchanged from current IIRIRA regulations).
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
PTE Academic is a computer-based, internationally recognized,
commercially available, standardized assessment of written and spoken
English that measures the reading, writing, listening, and speaking
abilities of test takers. The test includes an overall score (the
Global Scale of English) that ranges from 10-90 and shows the overall
English academic language ability of a test taker. Each test assesses
an individual's communicative and enabling skills in sections
(listening, reading, speaking, writing, grammar oral fluency,
pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, and written discourse) from a
range of 10-90. HRSA proposes to add PTE Academic to the list of
approved tests for registered nurses and other health care occupations
requiring attainment of a baccalaureate degree, and for health care
occupations requiring less than a baccalaureate degree. HRSA proposes a
passing score of 55 with no individual communicative or enabling skills
score below 50.
HRSA is proposing to delete the following standardized tests (which are
no longer in use) from the tests currently listed in the DHS
regulation:
ETS: Test of Spoken English and Test of Written English--
Eliminated from the current available offerings by ETS.
TOEFL Computer-based Test--Discontinued by ETS.
[[Page 20899]]
II. Format
Request for Comment: Comments should be submitted to HRSA by June
11, 2019, 11:59 p.m. ET. Email comments to [email protected] with
the subject line: ``Testing Services and Scores for Foreign Health Care
Workers''.
Public Meeting: This meeting is open to the public. Attendance can
be by teleconference or in person. To register for either the
teleconference or in person attendance, please provide complete contact
information for each attendee, including name, title, affiliation,
address, email, telephone number, and indicate teleconference or in
person attendance to OGHpublic [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. on
Tuesday, May 14, 2019. Registration is free. Registrants will receive a
registration confirmation once accepted via email.
Requests for Oral Presentations: During registration, you may
request to present at the public meeting, and specify which topic(s)
you wish to address. Individuals and organizations with common
interests are urged to consolidate or coordinate their presentations,
and request time for a joint presentation. All requests to make oral
presentations are due by the close of registration on Tuesday, May 14,
2019.
Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance or
another reasonable accommodation should notify LCDR Charlie Darr (see
the For Further Information Contact section) at least 10 business days
prior to the meeting. Since this meeting occurs in a federal government
building, attendees must go through a security check to enter the
building. Non-U.S. citizen attendees must notify HRSA of their planned
attendance at least 20 business days prior to the meeting in order to
facilitate their entry into the building. All attendees are required to
present government-issued identification prior to entry.
Dated: May 7, 2019.
George Sigounas,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2019-09730 Filed 5-10-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-15-P
