[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 215 (Monday, November 8, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60821-60822]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29150]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Care Financing Administration
[HCFA-1093-N]


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

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice requests nominations from medical organizations 
representing physicians for individuals to serve on the Practicing 
Physicians Advisory Council (the Council).
    Section 4112 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 
established the Council to advise the Secretary of the Department of 
Health and Human Services on proposed regulations and manual issuances 
related to physicians' services. There will be four Council vacancies 
on February 28, 2000.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Nominations will be considered if they are received no 
later than December 15, 1999, at 5 p.m., e.s.t.

ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver nominations to Paul Rudolf, MD, JD, 
Executive Director, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, Center for 
Health Plans and Providers, Office of Professional Relations, Health 
Care Financing Administration, Room 435 H, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 
200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201, (202) 690-7418.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Rudolf, MD, JD, Executive 
Director, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, (202) 690-7418.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4112 of the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-508) 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 doctors 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 
nominations to the Secretary for Council membership must be made by 
medical organizations representing physicians.
    This notice is an invitation to all organizations representing 
physicians to submit nominees for membership on the Council. Current 
members whose terms expire in year 2000 will be considered for 
reappointment if they are 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 an 
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 to discuss proposed changes in regulations and manual 
issuances that relate to physicians' services identified by the 
Secretary. 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

[[Page 60822]]

Services provides management and support services to the Council.

    Authority: Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1395ee) and section 10(a) of Public Law 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App.2, 
section 10(a)); 45 CFR part 11.

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773, 
Medicare--Hospital Insurance; and Program No. 93.774, Medicare--
Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)

    Dated: November 2, 1999.
Michael M. Hash,
Deputy Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 99-29150 Filed 11-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P