Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality November 10, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) invites nominations of individuals qualified to serve as members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF, a standing, independent panel of non-Federal experts that makes evidence-based recommendations to the health care community and the public regarding the provision of clinical preventive services, see 42 U.S.C. 299b-4(a), is composed of members appointed to serve for four-year terms with an option for a one-year or two-year extension. New members are selected each year to replace those members who are completing their appointments. Individuals nominated but not appointed in previous years, as well as those newly nominated, are considered in the annual selection process. USPSTF members meet three times a year for two days in the Washington, DC area. Between meetings, member duties include reviewing and preparing comments (off site) on systematic evidence reviews prior to discussing and making recommendations on preventive services, drafting final recommendation documents, and participating in workgroups on specific topics or methods. A diversity of perspectives is valuable to the work of the USPSTF. To help obtain a diversity of perspectives among nominees, AHRQ particularly encourages nominations of women, members of minority populations, and persons with disabilities. Interested individuals can self nominate. Organizations and individuals may nominate one or more persons qualified for membership on the USPSTF. Qualification Requirements: The mission of the USPSTF is to review the scientific evidence related to the effectiveness and appropriateness of clinical preventive services for the purpose of developing recommendations for the health care community. Therefore, in order to qualify for the USPSTF, an applicant or nominee MUST demonstrate the following: 1. Knowledge and experience in the critical evaluation of research published in peer reviewed literature and in the methods of evidence review; 2. Understanding and experience in the application of synthesized evidence to clinical decisionmaking and/or policy; 3. Expertise in disease prevention and health promotion; 4. Ability to work collaboratively with peers; and, 5. Clinical expertise in the primary health care of children and/or adults, and/or expertise in counseling and behavioral interventions for primary care patients. Some USPSTF members without primary health care clinical experience may be selected based on their expertise in methodological issues such as medical decisionmaking, clinical epidemiology, behavioral medicine, health equity, and health economics. For individuals with clinical expertise in primary health care, additional qualifications in one or more of these areas would enhance their candidacy. Consideration will be given to individuals who are recognized nationally for scientific leadership within their field of expertise. Applicants must have no substantial conflicts of interest, whether financial, professional, or other conflicts, that would impair the scientific integrity of the work of the USPSTF.