Request for Information: Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan 2021-2025 Available for Public Comment, 60813-60814 [2020-21288]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 188 / Monday, September 28, 2020 / Notices Review Branch, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Gateway Building, Suite 2W200, Bethesda, MD 20892, (301) 496–9374, grimaldim2@mail.nih.gov. (Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Nos. 93.866, Aging Research, National Institutes of Health, HHS) Dated: September 22, 2020. Miguelina Perez, Program Analyst, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–21284 Filed 9–25–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4140–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Request for Information: Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan 2021–2025 Available for Public Comment Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) announces the draft Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan: A Roadmap to Elimination (2021–2025) (Hepatitis Plan) available for public comment. The draft Hepatitis Plan may be reviewed at www.hhs.gov/hepatitis. DATES: All comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET on October 8, 2020 to ensure consideration. ADDRESSES: All comments must be submitted electronically to HepatitisPlanComments@hhs.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Jimenez, OIDP, Carol.Jimenez@ hhs.gov. 202–401–5131. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Viral hepatitis is a significant public health threat that puts people who are infected at increased risk for serious disease and death. In the United States, new hepatitis A and hepatitis C infections have increased dramatically in recent years, little progress has been made on preventing hepatitis B infections, and, as of 2016, an estimated 3.3 million people were chronically infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C.1–3 Collectively, viral hepatitis costs people, health systems, states, and the federal government billions of dollars each year 4 5 and contributes to substantial health disparities, stigma, and discrimination. Reversing the rates of viral hepatitis, preventing new infections, and improving care and treatment require a strategic and SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:25 Sep 25, 2020 Jkt 250001 coordinated approach by federal partners in collaboration with state and local health departments, tribal communities, community-based organizations, and other nonfederal partners and stakeholders. To spur action to reduce new viral hepatitis infections and their adverse public health impact, OASH through OIDP, in collaboration with federal partners throughout HHS and other departments, led and coordinated development of the Hepatitis Plan. Opportunities for public input were provided, and public comments received were reviewed and analyzed and helped inform the components of the Hepatitis Plan. The Hepatitis Plan focuses on hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C—the hepatitis viruses that most significantly affect the health of the nation. It is an elimination plan, with the overarching goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat in the United States by 2030. The Hepatitis Plan is intended to serve as a roadmap for all stakeholders at all levels to eliminate hepatitis in this nation. The Hepatitis Plan presents a strategic framework for integrating and leveraging synergistic policies, programs, and resources. It sets forth a vision and five goals for the nation, with objectives and strategies for each goal. The objectives and strategies offered in this plan are interrelated and may be used to make progress toward more than one goal. The Hepatitis Plan identifies disproportionately impacted populations based on national hepatitis incidence, prevalence, and mortality data, to help federal and other stakeholders focus their efforts to realize the greatest impact. The Hepatitis Plan also includes indicators to measure progress and quantitative targets for each indicator. Although it is a 5-year plan, it sets 10-year quantitative targets for each indicator—reflecting the reality that it will take more than 5 years to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat. The order in which the goals, objectives, strategies, and indicators are presented is not associated with any prioritization. The following are the Hepatitis Plan’s vision and goals. Vision: The United States will be a place where new viral hepatitis infections are prevented, every person knows their status, and every person with viral hepatitis has high-quality health care and treatment and lives free from stigma and discrimination. This vision includes all people, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, geographic location, or socioeconomic circumstance. Goals: PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 60813 1. Prevent New Viral Hepatitis Infections 2. Improve Viral Hepatitis—Related Health Outcomes of People with Viral Hepatitis 3. Reduce Viral Hepatitis—Related Disparities and Health Inequities 4. Improve Viral Hepatitis Surveillance and Data Usage 5. Achieve Integrated, Coordinated Efforts That Address the Viral Hepatitis Epidemics among All Partners and Stakeholders A roadmap for stakeholders at all levels and sectors, the Hepatitis Plan envisions a whole-of-nation response to preventing and controlling viral hepatitis in the United States. The Hepatitis Plan assumes the active participation of state, local, and tribal health departments and organizations, health plans and health care providers, schools and other academic institutions, community- and faith-based organizations, scientists, researchers, and the public in this effort. The priority populations, indicators, and quantitative targets, especially the methods used to determine them, are intended to help focus efforts and limited resources to realize the most impact. Stakeholders are encouraged to focus on activities that resonate the most with the needs of the populations they serve and services they provide, and, using the Hepatitis Plan as a framework, develop their own plans to eliminate viral hepatitis and improve the health of their communities, states, tribal nations, and the nation. Information Needs The draft Hepatitis Plan may be reviewed at: www.hhs.gov/hepatitis. OIDP seeks to obtain feedback from external stakeholders on the following: 1. Do the draft plan’s goals, objectives, and strategies appropriately address the viral hepatitis epidemics? 2. Are there any critical gaps in the Hepatitis Plan’s goals, objectives, and strategies? If so, please specify the gaps. 3. Do any of the Hepatitis Plan’s goals, objectives and strategies cause concern? If so, please specify the goal, objective or strategy, and describe the concern regarding it. Each commenter is limited to a maximum of seven pages. Authority: 77 FR 15761 (March 16, 2012). Dated: September 22, 2020. B. Kaye Hayes, Acting Director, Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy. Footnotes 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viral Hepatitis Surveillance— E:\FR\FM\28SEN1.SGM 28SEN1 60814 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 188 / Monday, September 28, 2020 / Notices United States, 2018. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2020. Accessed August 9, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/ hepatitis/statistics/2018surveillance/ index.htm. 2. Hofmeister MG, Rosenthal EM, Barker LK, et al. Estimating prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the United States, 2013– 2016. Hepatology. 2019 Mar;69(3):1020– 1031. doi: 10.1002/hep.30297. 3. LeFevre ML. Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Annals Internal Med. 2014;161(1):58–66. 4. Morey RJ, Collier MG, Nelson NP. The financial burden of public health responses to hepatitis A cases among food handlers, 2012–2014. Public Health Rep. 2017;132(4):443–447. doi:10.1177/ 0033354917710947. 5. Wittenborn J, Brady J, Dougherty M, Rein D. Potential epidemiologic, economic, and budgetary impacts of current rates of hepatitis C treatment in Medicare and nonMedicare populations. Hepatol Commun. 2017;1(2):99–109. doi:10.1002/hep4.1031. [FR Doc. 2020–21288 Filed 9–25–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150–43–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID FEMA–2020–0002; Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–B–2056] Changes in Flood Hazard Determinations Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice lists communities where the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway (hereinafter referred to as flood hazard determinations), as shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for each community, is appropriate because of new scientific or technical data. The FIRM, and where applicable, portions of the FIS report, have been revised to SUMMARY: State and county Alaska: ValdezCordova Census Area. Location and case No. City of Valdez (19–10– 0070P). reflect these flood hazard determinations through issuance of a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR), in accordance with Federal Regulations. The LOMR will be used by insurance agents and others to calculate appropriate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings and the contents of those buildings. For rating purposes, the currently effective community number is shown in the table below and must be used for all new policies and renewals. DATES: These flood hazard determinations will be finalized on the dates listed in the table below and revise the FIRM panels and FIS report in effect prior to this determination for the listed communities. From the date of the second publication of notification of these changes in a newspaper of local circulation, any person has 90 days in which to request through the community that the Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance and Mitigation reconsider the changes. The flood hazard determination information may be changed during the 90-day period. ADDRESSES: The affected communities are listed in the table below. Revised flood hazard information for each community is available for inspection at both the online location and the respective community map repository address listed in the table below. Additionally, the current effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online through the FEMA Map Service Center at https:// msc.fema.gov for comparison. Submit comments and/or appeals to the Chief Executive Officer of the community as listed in the table below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Sacbibit, Chief, Engineering Services Branch, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, FEMA, 400 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–7659, or (email) patrick.sacbibit@fema.dhs.gov; or visit the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) online at https:// www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/fmx_ main.html. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The specific flood hazard determinations are not described for each community in Chief executive officer of community The Honorable Jeremy O’Neil, Mayor, City of Valdez, P.O. Box 307, Valdez, AK 99686. Community map repository City Hall, 212 Chenega Avenue, Valdez, AK 99686. this notice. However, the online location and local community map repository address where the flood hazard determination information is available for inspection is provided. Any request for reconsideration of flood hazard determinations must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer of the community as listed in the table below. The modifications are made pursuant to section 201 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4105, and are in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq., and with 44 CFR part 65. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These flood hazard determinations, together with the floodplain management criteria required by 44 CFR 60.3, are the minimum that are required. They should not be construed to mean that the community must change any existing ordinances that are more stringent in their floodplain management requirements. The community may at any time enact stricter requirements of its own or pursuant to policies established by other Federal, State, or regional entities. The flood hazard determinations are in accordance with 44 CFR 65.4. The affected communities are listed in the following table. Flood hazard determination information for each community is available for inspection at both the online location and the respective community map repository address listed in the table below. Additionally, the current effective FIRM and FIS report for each community are accessible online through the FEMA Map Service Center at https:// msc.fema.gov for comparison. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 97.022, ‘‘Flood Insurance.’’) Michael M. Grimm, Assistant Administrator for Risk Management, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Online location of letter of map revision https://msc.fema.gov/portal/ advanceSearch. Arizona: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:16 Sep 25, 2020 Jkt 250001 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28SEN1.SGM 28SEN1 Date of modification Nov. 13, 2020 .... Community No. 020094

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 188 (Monday, September 28, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60813-60814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-21288]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Request for Information: Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan 
2021-2025 Available for Public Comment

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human 
Services.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of 
Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) in the Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) announces the draft Viral 
Hepatitis National Strategic Plan: A Roadmap to Elimination (2021-2025) 
(Hepatitis Plan) available for public comment. The draft Hepatitis Plan 
may be reviewed at www.hhs.gov/hepatitis.

DATES: All comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. ET on October 8, 2020 
to ensure consideration.

ADDRESSES: All comments must be submitted electronically to 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol Jimenez, OIDP, 
[email protected]. 202-401-5131.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Viral hepatitis is a significant public 
health threat that puts people who are infected at increased risk for 
serious disease and death. In the United States, new hepatitis A and 
hepatitis C infections have increased dramatically in recent years, 
little progress has been made on preventing hepatitis B infections, 
and, as of 2016, an estimated 3.3 million people were chronically 
infected with hepatitis B and hepatitis C.1-3 Collectively, 
viral hepatitis costs people, health systems, states, and the federal 
government billions of dollars each year 4 5 and contributes 
to substantial health disparities, stigma, and discrimination. 
Reversing the rates of viral hepatitis, preventing new infections, and 
improving care and treatment require a strategic and coordinated 
approach by federal partners in collaboration with state and local 
health departments, tribal communities, community-based organizations, 
and other nonfederal partners and stakeholders.
    To spur action to reduce new viral hepatitis infections and their 
adverse public health impact, OASH through OIDP, in collaboration with 
federal partners throughout HHS and other departments, led and 
coordinated development of the Hepatitis Plan. Opportunities for public 
input were provided, and public comments received were reviewed and 
analyzed and helped inform the components of the Hepatitis Plan.
    The Hepatitis Plan focuses on hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and 
hepatitis C--the hepatitis viruses that most significantly affect the 
health of the nation. It is an elimination plan, with the overarching 
goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat in the 
United States by 2030. The Hepatitis Plan is intended to serve as a 
roadmap for all stakeholders at all levels to eliminate hepatitis in 
this nation. The Hepatitis Plan presents a strategic framework for 
integrating and leveraging synergistic policies, programs, and 
resources. It sets forth a vision and five goals for the nation, with 
objectives and strategies for each goal. The objectives and strategies 
offered in this plan are interrelated and may be used to make progress 
toward more than one goal. The Hepatitis Plan identifies 
disproportionately impacted populations based on national hepatitis 
incidence, prevalence, and mortality data, to help federal and other 
stakeholders focus their efforts to realize the greatest impact. The 
Hepatitis Plan also includes indicators to measure progress and 
quantitative targets for each indicator. Although it is a 5-year plan, 
it sets 10-year quantitative targets for each indicator--reflecting the 
reality that it will take more than 5 years to eliminate viral 
hepatitis as a public health threat. The order in which the goals, 
objectives, strategies, and indicators are presented is not associated 
with any prioritization. The following are the Hepatitis Plan's vision 
and goals. Vision: The United States will be a place where new viral 
hepatitis infections are prevented, every person knows their status, 
and every person with viral hepatitis has high-quality health care and 
treatment and lives free from stigma and discrimination. This vision 
includes all people, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual 
orientation, race, ethnicity, geographic location, or socioeconomic 
circumstance. Goals:

1. Prevent New Viral Hepatitis Infections
2. Improve Viral Hepatitis--Related Health Outcomes of People with 
Viral Hepatitis
3. Reduce Viral Hepatitis--Related Disparities and Health Inequities
4. Improve Viral Hepatitis Surveillance and Data Usage
5. Achieve Integrated, Coordinated Efforts That Address the Viral 
Hepatitis Epidemics among All Partners and Stakeholders

A roadmap for stakeholders at all levels and sectors, the Hepatitis 
Plan envisions a whole-of-nation response to preventing and controlling 
viral hepatitis in the United States. The Hepatitis Plan assumes the 
active participation of state, local, and tribal health departments and 
organizations, health plans and health care providers, schools and 
other academic institutions, community- and faith-based organizations, 
scientists, researchers, and the public in this effort. The priority 
populations, indicators, and quantitative targets, especially the 
methods used to determine them, are intended to help focus efforts and 
limited resources to realize the most impact. Stakeholders are 
encouraged to focus on activities that resonate the most with the needs 
of the populations they serve and services they provide, and, using the 
Hepatitis Plan as a framework, develop their own plans to eliminate 
viral hepatitis and improve the health of their communities, states, 
tribal nations, and the nation.

Information Needs

    The draft Hepatitis Plan may be reviewed at: www.hhs.gov/hepatitis.
    OIDP seeks to obtain feedback from external stakeholders on the 
following:
    1. Do the draft plan's goals, objectives, and strategies 
appropriately address the viral hepatitis epidemics?
    2. Are there any critical gaps in the Hepatitis Plan's goals, 
objectives, and strategies? If so, please specify the gaps.
    3. Do any of the Hepatitis Plan's goals, objectives and strategies 
cause concern? If so, please specify the goal, objective or strategy, 
and describe the concern regarding it.
    Each commenter is limited to a maximum of seven pages.

    Authority: 77 FR 15761 (March 16, 2012).

    Dated: September 22, 2020.
B. Kaye Hayes,
Acting Director, Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy.

Footnotes

    1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viral Hepatitis 
Surveillance--

[[Page 60814]]

United States, 2018. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 
2020. Accessed August 9, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/statistics/2018surveillance/index.htm.
    2. Hofmeister MG, Rosenthal EM, Barker LK, et al. Estimating 
prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the United States, 
2013-2016. Hepatology. 2019 Mar;69(3):1020-1031. doi: 10.1002/
hep.30297.
    3. LeFevre ML. Screening for hepatitis B virus infection in 
nonpregnant adolescents and adults: US Preventive Services Task 
Force recommendation statement. Annals Internal Med. 2014;161(1):58-
66.
    4. Morey RJ, Collier MG, Nelson NP. The financial burden of 
public health responses to hepatitis A cases among food handlers, 
2012-2014. Public Health Rep. 2017;132(4):443-447. doi:10.1177/
0033354917710947.
    5. Wittenborn J, Brady J, Dougherty M, Rein D. Potential 
epidemiologic, economic, and budgetary impacts of current rates of 
hepatitis C treatment in Medicare and non-Medicare populations. 
Hepatol Commun. 2017;1(2):99-109. doi:10.1002/hep4.1031.

[FR Doc. 2020-21288 Filed 9-25-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-43-P
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