[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 5 (Friday, January 7, 1994)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1020-1021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-335]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 7, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Care Financing Administration
[OPA-009-N]

 

Medicare Program; Request for Nominations for Members for the 
Practicing Physicians Advisory Council

AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 1868(a) of the Social Security Act, 
this notice requests nominations from medical organizations 
representing physicians for individuals to serve on the Practicing 
Physicians Advisory Council. Four vacancies will occur on February 28, 
1994.

DATES: Nominations from medical organizations will be considered if we 
receive them at the appropriate address, as provided below, no later 
than 5 p.m. on February 7, 1994.

ADDRESSES: You may mail or deliver nominations for membership to the 
following address: Health Care Financing Administration, Office of the 
Administrator, Attention: Martha DiSario, room 314-G, Hubert H. 
Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:Martha DiSario, Executive Director, 
Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, (202) 690-7874.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4112 of the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA '90) (Pub. L. 101-508), enacted on 
November 5, 1990, added a new section 1868 to the Social Security Act 
(the Act), which established the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council 
(the Council). The Council advises the Secretary of the Department of 
Health and Human Services (the Secretary) on proposed regulations and 
manual issuances related to physicians' services. An advisory committee 
created by the Congress, such as this one, is subject to the provisions 
of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2), and, since 
this committee advises the Secretary, it is also subject to our 
regulations in 45 CFR part 11--Committee Management.
    Section 1868(a) of the Act provides that the Council must consist 
of 15 physicians, each of whom must have submitted at least 250 claims 
for physicians' services under Medicare in the previous year. At least 
11 Council members must be physicians as defined in section 1861(r)(1) 
of the Act, that is, State-licensed physicians of medicine or 
osteopathy. The other four Council members may include dentists, 
podiatrists, optometrists, and chiropractors. The Council must include 
both participating and nonparticipating physicians, and physicians 
practicing in rural and underserved urban areas.
    In addition, section 1868(a) of the Act provides that nominations 
to the Secretary for Council membership must be made by medical 
organizations representing physicians. This is an invitation to all 
medical organizations representing physicians to submit nominees for 
membership on the Council. Current members whose terms expire in 1994 
will be considered for reappointment. Final selection from among 
qualified candidates for each vacancy will be determined by the 
expertise required to meet specific agency needs and in a manner to 
ensure appropriate balance of membership. From these nominations, the 
Secretary will appoint the members of the Council. Each nomination must 
state that the nominee has expressed a willingness to serve as a 
Council member and has provided a short resume or description of the 
nominee's experience. To permit evaluation of possible sources of 
conflict of interest, potential candidates will be asked to provide 
detailed information concerning financial holdings, consultant 
positions, research grants, and contracts.
    Section 1868(b) of the Act provides that the Council meet once each 
calendar quarter, as requested by the Secretary, to discuss proposed 
changes in regulations and manual issuances that relate to physicians' 
services.
    Section 1868(c) of the Act provides for payment of expenses and a 
per diem allowance for Council members at a rate equal to payment 
provided to members of other advisory committees. In addition to making 
these payments, the Department of Health and Human Services provides 
management and support services to the Council.

(Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ee); 5 
U.S.C. App. 2; and 45 CFR part 11)

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.774, 
Medicare--Supplementary Medical Insurance Program.)

    Dated: December 20, 1993.
Bruce C. Vladeck,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 94-335 Filed 1-6-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P-M