Department of Health and Human Services March 7, 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing plans for five meetings to provide an opportunity for public dialogue and feedback on challenges faced by the animal agriculture industry and practicing veterinarians as FDA implements its initiative for the judicious use of medically important antimicrobials in medicated feed or drinking water of food-producing animals. Particular emphasis will be placed on challenges faced by animal producers in areas that may lack access to adequate veterinary services. The meetings are jointly sponsored by FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

HRSA published a document in the Federal Register of January 7, 2013 (FR Doc. 2013-00032), regarding organizational changes that update the functional statements for the Office of Management. The administrative code for the Division of Information Technology (IT) Security and Records Management was incorrectly written as RBR at four occasions, on pages 956 and 957.

In compliance with the requirement for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects (section 3506(c)(2)(A) of Title 44, United States Code, as amended by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) publishes periodic summaries of proposed projects being developed for submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. To request more information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and draft instruments, email paperwork@hrsa.gov or call the HRSA Reports Clearance Officer at (301) 443-1984. HRSA specifically requests comments on: (1) The necessity and utility of the proposed information collection for the proper performance of the agency's functions, (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden, (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected, and (4) the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology to minimize the information collection burden.

HHS seeks input on a series of potential policy and programmatic changes to accelerate electronic health information exchange across providers, as well as new ideas that would be both effective and feasible to implement. To further accelerate and advance interoperability and health information exchange beyond what is currently being done through ONC programs and the EHR Incentive Program, HHS is considering a number of policy levers using existing authorities and programs.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) is seeking nominations of qualified individuals to be considered for appointment as members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). The PACHA is a federal advisory committee within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Management support for the activities of the Council is the responsibility of the OASH. The qualified individuals will be nominated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for consideration for appointment as members of the PACHA. Members of the Council, including the Chair, are appointed by the Secretary. Members are invited to serve on the Council for up to four-year terms. The Council was established to provide advice, information, and recommendations to the Secretary regarding programs and policies intended to promote effective prevention of HIV disease and AIDS. The functions of the Council are solely advisory in nature.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the animal drug regulations to reflect the withdrawal approval of 19 new animal drug applications (NADAs) and one abbreviated new animal drug application (ANADA). The applications are being withdrawn for lack of compliance with the reporting requirements in an FDA regulation.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending certain regulations regarding food and color additives to correct minor errors (such as misspelled chemical names) and to update office names and addresses. This action is editorial in nature and is intended to improve the accuracy of the Agency's regulations.