[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 18, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 66676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32093]



[[Page 66676]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Health Care Financing Administration
[OPL-013-N]


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

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

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice requests nominations from medical organizations 
representing physicians for individuals to serve on the Practicing 
Physicians Advisory Council. There will be three vacancies on February 
28, 1997.

DATES: Nominations from medical organizations representing physicians 
will be considered if we receive them at the appropriate address, 
provided below, no later than January 17, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver nominations for membership to the following 
address: Health Care Financing Administration, Office of the Associate 
Administrator for External Affairs, Attention: Samuel S. Shekar, M.D., 
Executive Director, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, Room 425 H, 
Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, 
DC 20201.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Samuel S. Shekar, M.D., Executive 
Director, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, (202) 260-5463.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4112 of the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1990 (Public Law 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).
    Section 1868(a) of the Act requires that the Council 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, as well as physicians 
practicing in rural and underserved urban areas. In addition, section 
1868(a) of the Act provides that the Secretary's appointments for 
Council membership must be based on nominations made by medical 
organizations representing physicians.
    This notice is an invitation to all organizations representing 
physicians to submit names of nominees for membership on the Council. 
Current members whose terms expire in 1997 will be considered for 
reappointment, if renominated. The Secretary will appoint new members 
to the Council from among those candidates determined to have the 
expertise required to meet specific agency needs and in a manner to 
ensure appropriate balance of membership.
    Each nomination must state that the nominee has expressed a 
willingness to serve as a Council member and must be accompanied by 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. Council members are expected to participate in all meetings.
    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 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 9, 1996.
Bruce C. Vladeck,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 96-32093 Filed 12-17-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P