[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 72 (Monday, April 15, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18206-18207]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-9048]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


National Action Plan To Assure the Appropriate Use of Therapeutic 
Agents in the Elderly: Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment

AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the 
Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Disease 
Prevention and Health Promotion.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) solicits 
written comments on the key elements of a national action plan to 
assure the appropriate use of therapeutic agents in the elderly.

DATES: Written comments may be submitted on or before 5:00 p.m. E.S.T. 
on May 22, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to Debra C. Nichols, M.D., 
M.P.H., DHHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office 
of Public Health and Science, room 738-G, 200 Independence Ave., SW., 
Washington, DC 20201, (202) 205-4872 (telephone), 202-205-9478 
(facsimile). Comments also may be submitted electronically to 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Debra Nichols, M.D., M.P.H. DHHS 
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of Public 
Health and Science, room 738-G, 200 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, 
DC 20201, (202) 205-4872.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Elderly are at increased risk of complications from the effects 
of therapeutic agents. These risks are caused by the use of multiple, 
concurrent medications, the use of inappropriate medication and the 
underuse of needed medication.
    Management of this problem will require the coordinated efforts of 
both federal and private sectors. Provider behavior must be modified 
through education, the use of monitoring systems and patient and 
caregiver empowerment. The most important strategies that the nation 
can use to fight this problem must be identified.

Written Comments

    In preparation for the development of a national action plan to 
assure the appropriate use of therapeutic agents in the elderly in the 
United States, comments are welcome from all interested stakeholders.
    Comments will be most useful if they include the following 
information:
    (1) What you consider to be the three to five most important 
priorities for assuring the appropriate use of therapeutic agents in 
the elderly in the United States.
    (2) How, as a nation, we should pursue these strategies.
    (3) Your views on the most effective ways to address disparities 
among different segments of the population.
    (4) (If applicable) A short summary of activities that your 
organization is engaged in or plans to engage in to assure the 
appropriate use of therapeutic agents in the elderly. Submitted 
information may become part of a publicly accessible website 
information center, or be otherwise made available.


[[Page 18207]]


    Dated: April 9, 2002.
Eve E. Slater,
Assistant Secretary for Health.
[FR Doc. 02-9048 Filed 4-12-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4150-32-M