Department of Defense November 26, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, (5 U.S.C. Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102-3.65, the Department of Defense gives notice that it is renewing the charter for the Veterans' Advisory Board on Dose Reconstruction (hereafter referred to as the Board). The Board is a non-discretionary federal advisory committee established by Section 601(c) of Title VI of Public Law 108-183. The Board provides review and oversight of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program, and makes such recommendations on modifications in the mission or procedures of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program as it considers appropriate as a result of the audits conducted under the authority of Section 601(c)(3)(A) of Title VI of Public Law 108-183. Specifically, the Board shall 1. Conduct periodic, random audits of dose reconstructions under the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program and of decisions by the Department of Veterans Affairs on claims for service connection of radiogenic diseases; 2. Assist the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in communicating to veterans information on the mission, procedures, and evidentiary requirements of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program; 3. Carry out such other activities with respect to the review and oversight of the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program as the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly specify; and 4. Make recommendations on modifications to the mission and procedures of the Dose Reconstruction Program as the Board considers appropriate as a result of the audits. The Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics) or designee, as well as, the Department of Veterans Affairs may act upon the Board's advice and recommendations. The Board Membership shall be composed of 1. At least one expert in historical dose reconstruction of the type conducted under the Radiation Dose Reconstruction Program; 2. At least one expert in radiation health matters; 3. At least one expert in risk communications matters; 4. A representative of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and a representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and 5. At least three veterans, including at least one veteran who is a member of an atomic veterans group. Board Members appointed by the Secretary of Defense, who are not full-time federal officers or employees, shall be appointed as experts and consultants under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 3109. These individuals, serving as Special Government Employees, shall be appointed on an annual basis by the Secretary of Defense, and shall with the exception of travel and per diem for official travel, shall serve without compensation, unless otherwise authorized by the appointing authority. The Chairperson of the Board shall be selected by the sponsors, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The Board shall be authorized to establish subcommittees, as necessary and consistent with its mission, and these subcommittees or working groups shall operate under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976, and other appropriate federal regulations. Such subcommittees or workgroups shall not work independently of the chartered Veterans' Advisory Board on Dose Reconstruction, and shall report all their recommendations and advice to the Board for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittees or workgroups have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the chartered Board nor can they report directly to the Department of Defense or any federal officers or employees who are not Board members.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix as amended), the Sunshine in the Government Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102-3.150, and in accordance with section 10(a)(2) of Public Law, the following meeting of the Defense Health Board (DHB) is announced:

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service announces the proposed extension of a public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.