Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, Private Health Insurance Program; Health Equity Advisory Committee; Establishment & Nomination Request, 88780-88782 [2024-25966]

Download as PDF 88780 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices Jeffrey M. Zirger, Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Public Health Ethics and Regulations, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2024–25986 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Docket No. CDC–2024–0072] Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices; Amended Notice of Meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announces an amendment to the following meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This meeting was open to the public. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Thomas, Committee Management Specialist, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop H24–8, Atlanta, Georgia 30329–4027. Telephone: (404) 639–8836; Email: ACIP@cdc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given of a change in the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); October 23, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., EDT, and October 24, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., EDT (times subject to change; see the ACIP website for updates: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/ index.html), in the original Federal Register notice. Notice of the virtual meeting was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2024, 89 FR 79610– 79611. The meeting notice is being amended to update the recommendation votes in the matters to be considered, which should read as follows: Matters to be Considered: The agenda will include discussions on chikungunya vaccines, COVID–19 vaccines, cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine, Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, influenza vaccines, meningococcal vaccines, mpox ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Nov 07, 2024 Jkt 265001 vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines for adults, RSV vaccines for maternal and pediatric populations, and the adult and child/adolescent immunization schedules. Recommendation votes are scheduled for COVID–19 vaccines, meningococcal vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines, and the adult and child/adolescent immunization schedules. A Vaccines for Children (VFC) vote is scheduled for influenza vaccines and meningococcal vaccines. For more information on the meeting agenda, visit https:// www.cdc.gov/acip/meetings/. The Director, Office of Strategic Business Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Kalwant Smagh, Director, Office of Strategic Business Initiatives, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2024–26000 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS–5054–N] Medicare, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, Private Health Insurance Program; Health Equity Advisory Committee; Establishment & Nomination Request Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice announces the establishment of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Health Equity Advisory Committee (the ‘‘Committee’’) and solicits nominations for members to be appointed to the Committee by the Director of the CMS Office of Minority Health. The Committee is established to advise and make recommendations to CMS on the identification and resolution of systemic barriers to accessing CMS programs that hinder quality of care for beneficiaries and consumers. The Committee will focus on health disparities in underserved communities, which are SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, such as but not limited to Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality as defined in the Executive Order, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. DATES: Nominations must be received no later than December 12, 2024. ADDRESSES: Nominations and requests for copies of the Health Equity Advisory Committee (HEAC) Charter may be submitted to the address specified below. Please do not submit duplicates. Nominations or requests for copies of the HEAC Charter must be submitted by email to HEAC@cms.hhs.gov with the subject line ‘‘HEAC Nomination’’ or ‘‘HEAC Request for Charter,’’ depending on the content of the email. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Iris Allen, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HHS, at (410) 786–1633. Press inquiries may be submitted by phone at (202) 690–6145 or by email press@cms.hhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Health Equity Advisory Committee (the ‘‘Committee’’ or ‘‘HEAC’’) is established to advise and make recommendations to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the identification and resolution of systemic barriers to accessing CMS programs that hinder quality of care for beneficiaries and consumers. Consistent with Executive Order (E.O.) 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government,1 the Committee will seek to advise and make recommendations to CMS on ensuring all eligible individuals can access CMS programs and identify how CMS can deliver benefits equitably to all people enrolled in CMS programs. The Committee will also serve as a dedicated platform for CMS collaboration with key interested persons to advance health equity by identifying how CMS can promote quality and access for 1 86 FR 7009, January 25, 2021. E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices beneficiaries of all CMS programs. The Committee will help CMS consider a broad range of views and information from interested and impacted audiences of CMS programs. The Committee’s focus on health equity will address health disparities in underserved communities, which are populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, such as but not limited to Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.2 with underserved communities that have been denied fair, just, and impartial treatment, such as Black, Latino, American Indian and Alaska Native persons, Asian and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; LGBTQ+ persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons who are otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality. The members may be selected by the CMS Administrator, or their designee, and must be knowledgeable in the fields of health equity; outreach to underserved populations; community/safety net providers; disability policy and access; and/or other relevant health equity matters that are presented or addressed by the agency. The Committee may also be comprised of Special Government Employees and Representative Members. II. Charter, General Responsibilities, and Composition of the CMS Health Equity Advisory Committee III. Submissions of Nominations A. Charter Information and General Responsibilities On July 26, 2024, the Secretary of Health and Human Services finalized the Charter establishing the HEAC. The HEAC shall advise the Secretary and the CMS Administrator concerning optimal strategies for those enrolled in, or eligible for Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP, or health coverage available through the Health Insurance Marketplace and other CMS programs, that eliminate or reduce systemic barriers including: • Enhancing the federal government’s effectiveness in understanding and promoting the consistent and systemic fair, just and impartial treatment of all individuals as outlined in the Executive Order within their health program policies. • Developing and implementing opportunities to increase coordination and engagement with community-based organizations. • Developing and implementing strategies to assess whether, and to what extent, the agency’s programs and policies perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits. A copy of the Charter for the HEAC may be obtained by submitting a written request to the email address specified in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. B. Composition of the Health Equity Advisory Committee (HEAC) The Committee must consist of individuals that have expertise working 2 86 FR 7009, January 25, 2021. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Nov 07, 2024 Jkt 265001 The Secretary is requesting nominations for membership in the HEAC. The Secretary also requests nominations for a member to serve as the chairperson of the HEAC. When selecting those members, the Secretary will consider qualified individuals who are nominated by individuals or organizations representing affected stakeholders. The Secretary will make every effort to appoint members to serve on the HEAC from among those candidates determined to have the technical expertise (including expertise from professional and lived experience) required to meet specific agency needs and to ensure an appropriate balance of expertise and experience among the membership. The diversity of expertise in such membership includes expertise on matters such as race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, geographic location, political status, and gender identity. The Secretary reserves the discretion to appoint members who were not nominated in response to this notice to serve on the HEAC if necessary to meet specific agency needs in a manner that ensures an appropriate balance of membership that is reflective of all of CMS’ programs as well as a variety of experiences and backgrounds. Any interested person or organization may nominate one qualified individual (self-nominations will not be accepted). Each nomination must include the following information: • A letter of nomination that contains contact information for both the nominator and nominee. One-page maximum. PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 88781 • A statement from the nominee with an explanation of interest in serving on the HEAC and that they are willing to serve on the HEAC for at least two years. The nominee should also indicate which category or categories of underserved communities specified in section II.B their expertise can represent. One-page maximum. • A resumé or curriculum vitae that indicates the nominee’s educational experience and relevant professional and/or lived experience. Two-pages maximum. • Two letters of reference that support the nominee’s qualifications for membership on the HEAC and how their educational, professional, and/or lived experience aligns with at least one or more of the 5 priority areas within the CMS Framework for Health Equity or one or more of the 6 priority areas within the CMS Framework for Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal and Geographically Isolated Communities. Please choose only one framework to align the nominee’s experience with a CMS priority area. One-page maximum per letter. • The 5 Priority Areas within the CMS Framework for Health Equity are— ++ Priority 1: Expand the Collection, Reporting, and Analysis of Standardized Data. ++ Priority 2: Assess Causes of Disparities Within CMS Programs and Address Inequities in Policies and Operations to Close Gaps. ++ Priority 3: Build Capacity of Health Care Organizations and the Workforce to Reduce Health and Health Care Disparities. ++ Priority 4: Advance Language Access, Health Literacy, and the Provision of Culturally Tailored Services. ++ Priority 5: Increase All Forms of Accessibility to Health Care Services and Coverage. • The 6 Priority Areas within the CMS Framework for Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal and Geographically Isolated Communities are— ++ Priority 1: Apply a CommunityInformed Geographic Lens to CMS Programs and Policies. ++ Priority 2: Increase Collection and Use of Standardized Data to Improve Health Care for Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities. ++ Priority 3: Strengthen and Support Health Care Professionals in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities. ++ Priority 4: Optimize Medical and Communication Technology for Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities. E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1 88782 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices ++ Priority 5: Expand Access to Comprehensive Health Care Coverage, Benefits, and Services and Supports for Individuals in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities. ++ Priority 6: Drive Innovation and Value-Based Care in Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities. To ensure that a nomination is considered, CMS must receive all the nomination information specified in section III of this notice by December 12, 2024. Nominations should be emailed to the appropriate address specified in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, having reviewed and approved this document, authorizes Vanessa Garcia, who is the Federal Register Liaison, to electronically sign this document for purposes of publication in the Federal Register. Vanessa Garcia, Federal Register Liaison, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. [FR Doc. 2024–25966 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120–01–P [Document Identifier: CMS–10914, CMS– 10237 and CMS–10631] Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health and Human Services (HHS). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is announcing an opportunity for the public to comment on CMS’ intention to collect information from the public. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, and to allow a second opportunity for public comment on the notice. Interested persons are invited to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including the necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 17:38 Nov 07, 2024 Jkt 265001 William Parham at (410) 786–4669. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) (44 U.S.C. 3501–3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. The term ‘‘collection of information’’ is defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c) and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public submit reports, keep records, or provide information to a third party. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)) requires Federal agencies to publish a 30-day notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension or reinstatement of an existing collection of information, before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this requirement, CMS is publishing this notice that summarizes the following proposed collection(s) of information for public comment: 1. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved information collection; Title of Information Collection: Reform of Long-Term Care Facilities Requirements for Respiratory Illness Reporting; Use: Sections 1818 and 1919 of the Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3 and 42 U.S.C. 1396r, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services VerDate Sep<11>2014 Comments on the collection(s) of information must be received by the OMB desk officer by December 9, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. To obtain copies of a supporting statement and any related forms for the proposed collection(s) summarized in this notice, please access the CMS PRA website by copying and pasting the following web address into your web browser: https://www.cms.gov/ Regulations-and-Guidance/Legislation/ PaperworkReductionActof1995/PRAListing. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SUMMARY: the agency’s functions, the accuracy of the estimated burden, ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden. PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 respectively) specify certain requirements that a LTC facility must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In particular, sections 1819(d)(4)(B) and 1919(d)(4)(B) require that a SNF or NF must meet such other requirements relating to the health, safety, and well-being of residents or relating to the physical facilities thereof as the Secretary many find necessary. Under the authority of sections 1819, 1919, 1128I (b) and (c), and 1150B of the Act, the Secretary proposes to establish in regulation the requirements that an LTC facility must meet to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. We are revising the information collection requirements for the proposed respiratory illness reporting that would replace the current requirement on COVID–19 reporting at § 483.80(g) based on the proposed rule, Medicare Program; Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; HH Quality Reporting Program Requirements; HH Value-Based Purchasing Expanded Model Requirements; Home Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) Items and Services Rate Update; and Other Medicare Policies (July 2, 2024/89 FR 55312). In this proposed rule, we revised the LTC requirements for COVID–19 reporting to establish a new requirement for respiratory illness reporting that includes COVID–19, RSV, and influenza. The title, OMB Control Number, and CMS identification number for this 30-day notice has been revised. The 60-day FR Notice (89 FR 67442) was inadvertently published with collection identifiers associated with the PRA request which accounts for all of the Requirements for Longterm Care Facilities collections of information (COIs) (CMS–10573/OMB 0938–1363). Since this information collection only addresses the COIs for § 483.80(g) Respiratory Illness Reporting, this Federal Register Notice and the related PRA package have been assigned newly issued identification numbers, specifically OMB Control Number 0938–NEW and CMS–10914. Form Number: CMS–10914 (OMB control number: 0938–NEW); Frequency: Occasionally; Affected Public: Private Sector, Business or other for-profits, Not-for-profits; Number of Respondents: 14,926; Number of Responses: 14,926; Total Annual Hours: 6,253,995. (For policy questions regarding this collection contact Diane Corning at 410–786–8486). 2. Type of Information Collection Request: Revision of a currently approved information collection; Title E:\FR\FM\08NON1.SGM 08NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 217 (Friday, November 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 88780-88782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-25966]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

[CMS-5054-N]


Medicare, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program, Private 
Health Insurance Program; Health Equity Advisory Committee; 
Establishment & Nomination Request

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

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice announces the establishment of the Centers for 
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Health Equity Advisory Committee 
(the ``Committee'') and solicits nominations for members to be 
appointed to the Committee by the Director of the CMS Office of 
Minority Health. The Committee is established to advise and make 
recommendations to CMS on the identification and resolution of systemic 
barriers to accessing CMS programs that hinder quality of care for 
beneficiaries and consumers. The Committee will focus on health 
disparities in underserved communities, which are populations sharing a 
particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have 
been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects 
of economic, social, and civic life, such as but not limited to Black, 
Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and 
Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious 
minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons; 
persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons 
otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality as 
defined in the Executive Order, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for 
Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government.

DATES: Nominations must be received no later than December 12, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Nominations and requests for copies of the Health Equity 
Advisory Committee (HEAC) Charter may be submitted to the address 
specified below. Please do not submit duplicates. Nominations or 
requests for copies of the HEAC Charter must be submitted by email to 
[email protected] with the subject line ``HEAC Nomination'' or ``HEAC 
Request for Charter,'' depending on the content of the email.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Iris Allen, Centers for Medicare & 
Medicaid Services, HHS, at (410) 786-1633.
    Press inquiries may be submitted by phone at (202) 690-6145 or by 
email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    The Health Equity Advisory Committee (the ``Committee'' or 
``HEAC'') is established to advise and make recommendations to the 
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the identification 
and resolution of systemic barriers to accessing CMS programs that 
hinder quality of care for beneficiaries and consumers. Consistent with 
Executive Order (E.O.) 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for 
Underserved Communities through the Federal Government,\1\ the 
Committee will seek to advise and make recommendations to CMS on 
ensuring all eligible individuals can access CMS programs and identify 
how CMS can deliver benefits equitably to all people enrolled in CMS 
programs. The Committee will also serve as a dedicated platform for CMS 
collaboration with key interested persons to advance health equity by 
identifying how CMS can promote quality and access for

[[Page 88781]]

beneficiaries of all CMS programs. The Committee will help CMS consider 
a broad range of views and information from interested and impacted 
audiences of CMS programs. The Committee's focus on health equity will 
address health disparities in underserved communities, which are 
populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic 
communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to 
participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, such as but 
not limited to Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American 
persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of 
color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, 
transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; 
persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely 
affected by persistent poverty or inequality.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 86 FR 7009, January 25, 2021.
    \2\ 86 FR 7009, January 25, 2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

II. Charter, General Responsibilities, and Composition of the CMS 
Health Equity Advisory Committee

A. Charter Information and General Responsibilities

    On July 26, 2024, the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
finalized the Charter establishing the HEAC. The HEAC shall advise the 
Secretary and the CMS Administrator concerning optimal strategies for 
those enrolled in, or eligible for Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP, or 
health coverage available through the Health Insurance Marketplace and 
other CMS programs, that eliminate or reduce systemic barriers 
including:
     Enhancing the federal government's effectiveness in 
understanding and promoting the consistent and systemic fair, just and 
impartial treatment of all individuals as outlined in the Executive 
Order within their health program policies.
     Developing and implementing opportunities to increase 
coordination and engagement with community-based organizations.
     Developing and implementing strategies to assess whether, 
and to what extent, the agency's programs and policies perpetuate 
systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits.
    A copy of the Charter for the HEAC may be obtained by submitting a 
written request to the email address specified in the ADDRESSES section 
of this notice.

B. Composition of the Health Equity Advisory Committee (HEAC)

    The Committee must consist of individuals that have expertise 
working with underserved communities that have been denied fair, just, 
and impartial treatment, such as Black, Latino, American Indian and 
Alaska Native persons, Asian and Pacific Islanders and other persons of 
color; members of religious minorities; LGBTQ+ persons; persons with 
disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons who are 
otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality. The 
members may be selected by the CMS Administrator, or their designee, 
and must be knowledgeable in the fields of health equity; outreach to 
underserved populations; community/safety net providers; disability 
policy and access; and/or other relevant health equity matters that are 
presented or addressed by the agency. The Committee may also be 
comprised of Special Government Employees and Representative Members.

III. Submissions of Nominations

    The Secretary is requesting nominations for membership in the HEAC. 
The Secretary also requests nominations for a member to serve as the 
chairperson of the HEAC. When selecting those members, the Secretary 
will consider qualified individuals who are nominated by individuals or 
organizations representing affected stakeholders. The Secretary will 
make every effort to appoint members to serve on the HEAC from among 
those candidates determined to have the technical expertise (including 
expertise from professional and lived experience) required to meet 
specific agency needs and to ensure an appropriate balance of expertise 
and experience among the membership. The diversity of expertise in such 
membership includes expertise on matters such as race, ethnicity, 
gender, disability, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, 
geographic location, political status, and gender identity. The 
Secretary reserves the discretion to appoint members who were not 
nominated in response to this notice to serve on the HEAC if necessary 
to meet specific agency needs in a manner that ensures an appropriate 
balance of membership that is reflective of all of CMS' programs as 
well as a variety of experiences and backgrounds.
    Any interested person or organization may nominate one qualified 
individual (self-nominations will not be accepted). Each nomination 
must include the following information:
     A letter of nomination that contains contact information 
for both the nominator and nominee. One-page maximum.
     A statement from the nominee with an explanation of 
interest in serving on the HEAC and that they are willing to serve on 
the HEAC for at least two years. The nominee should also indicate which 
category or categories of underserved communities specified in section 
II.B their expertise can represent. One-page maximum.
     A resum[eacute] or curriculum vitae that indicates the 
nominee's educational experience and relevant professional and/or lived 
experience. Two-pages maximum.
     Two letters of reference that support the nominee's 
qualifications for membership on the HEAC and how their educational, 
professional, and/or lived experience aligns with at least one or more 
of the 5 priority areas within the CMS Framework for Health Equity or 
one or more of the 6 priority areas within the CMS Framework for 
Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal and Geographically Isolated 
Communities. Please choose only one framework to align the nominee's 
experience with a CMS priority area. One-page maximum per letter.
     The 5 Priority Areas within the CMS Framework for Health 
Equity are--
    ++ Priority 1: Expand the Collection, Reporting, and Analysis of 
Standardized Data.
    ++ Priority 2: Assess Causes of Disparities Within CMS Programs and 
Address Inequities in Policies and Operations to Close Gaps.
    ++ Priority 3: Build Capacity of Health Care Organizations and the 
Workforce to Reduce Health and Health Care Disparities.
    ++ Priority 4: Advance Language Access, Health Literacy, and the 
Provision of Culturally Tailored Services.
    ++ Priority 5: Increase All Forms of Accessibility to Health Care 
Services and Coverage.
     The 6 Priority Areas within the CMS Framework for 
Advancing Health Care in Rural, Tribal and Geographically Isolated 
Communities are--
    ++ Priority 1: Apply a Community-Informed Geographic Lens to CMS 
Programs and Policies.
    ++ Priority 2: Increase Collection and Use of Standardized Data to 
Improve Health Care for Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated 
Communities.
    ++ Priority 3: Strengthen and Support Health Care Professionals in 
Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities.
    ++ Priority 4: Optimize Medical and Communication Technology for 
Rural, Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities.

[[Page 88782]]

    ++ Priority 5: Expand Access to Comprehensive Health Care Coverage, 
Benefits, and Services and Supports for Individuals in Rural, Tribal, 
and Geographically Isolated Communities.
    ++ Priority 6: Drive Innovation and Value-Based Care in Rural, 
Tribal, and Geographically Isolated Communities.
    To ensure that a nomination is considered, CMS must receive all the 
nomination information specified in section III of this notice by 
December 12, 2024. Nominations should be emailed to the appropriate 
address specified in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
    The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services 
(CMS), Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, having reviewed and approved this 
document, authorizes Vanessa Garcia, who is the Federal Register 
Liaison, to electronically sign this document for purposes of 
publication in the Federal Register.

Vanessa Garcia,
Federal Register Liaison, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 2024-25966 Filed 11-7-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P
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