[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23250-23251]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10981]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration


Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of 
Authority

    Part D (Food and Drug Administration), Chapter DA, Office of the 
Commissioner, of the Statement of Organization, Functions, and 
Delegations of Authority for the Department of Health and Human 
Services (DHHS) (35 FR 3685, February 25, 1970, and 60 FR 56605, 
November, 9, 1995, as amended most recently in pertinent part at 54 FR 
50536, December 7, 1989) is amended to reflect revised functions and 
title change for the former Executive Secretariat to the newly 
established Office of Executive Secretariat (OES), Office of the 
Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
    The newly established OES will continue to serve as the focal point 
for the coordination, identification, development, and implementation 
of the agency's highest program priorities for the Commissioner. The 
OES staff will advise the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, Senior 
Staff members and other key agency officials on all activities that 
affect agencywide programs, projects and initiatives. This 
reorganization will simplify the organizational structure within the 
Office of the Commissioner. This action will further enhance and 
streamline the management and coordination of the agency's Executive 
Secretariat functions.
    The proposed revisions are as follows:
    1. Delete the Office of Executive Operations (DAB) under the Office 
of the Commissioner (DA), in its entirety and replace with the 
following:
    Office of Executive Secretariat (DAB). Coordinates identification 
of and expedites development and implementation of the agency's highest 
program priorities and initiatives for the Commissioner.
    Develops and maintains management information necessary for 
monitoring the Commissioner's and agency's goals and priorities.
    Advises the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, Senior Staff 
members and other key agency officials on all activities that affect 
agencywide programs, projects, and initiatives. Informs appropriate 
agency staff of the decisions and assignments made by the Commissioner 
and Deputy Commissioners.
    Assures that materials in support of recommendations presented for 
the

[[Page 23251]]

Commissioner's consideration are comprehensive, accurate, fully 
discussed and encompass the issues involved.
    Provides correspondence control for the Commissioner and controls 
and processes all agency public correspondence directed to the 
Commissioner. Develops and operates tracking systems designed to 
identify and resolve early warnings and bottleneck problems with 
executive correspondence.
    Provides direct support to the Commissioner and Deputy 
Commissioners including briefing materials, background information for 
meetings, responses to outside inquiries, and maintenance and control 
of the Commissioner's working files.
    Performs agencywide assignments involving complex problems and 
issues related to agency programs, strategies and activities, including 
preparation of special reports for the Department.
    Coordinates the agency's communications with the Public Health 
Service, DHHS, and the White House including correspondence for the 
Assistant Secretary for Health and Secretarial signatures.
    2. Delete the subparagraph Executive Secretariat (DAB-1), under the 
Office of Executive Operations (DAB) in its entirety.
    3. Delete the subparagraph Program Management Staff (DAB-2), under 
the Office of Executive Operations (DAB) in its entirety.
    4. Prior Delegations of Authority. Pending further delegations, 
directives, or orders by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, all 
delegations of authority to positions of the affected organizations in 
effect prior to this date shall continue in effect in them or their 
successors.

    Dated: March 14, 1997.
Michael A. Friedman,
Lead Deputy Commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration.
[FR Doc. 97-10981 Filed 4-28-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F