[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 93 (Thursday, May 13, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 26613]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-10831]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration


Request for Nominations for Voting and Nonvoting Consumer 
Representative Members on Public Advisory Committees and Panels

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting 
nominations for voting and nonvoting consumer representatives to serve 
on its advisory committees and panels in the Center for Biologics 
Evaluation and Research (CBER), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research 
(CDER), and Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). 
Nominations will be accepted for current vacancies and for those that 
will or may occur through December 31, 2004.
    FDA has a special interest in ensuring that women, minority groups, 
and individuals with disabilities are adequately represented on 
advisory committees and, therefore, encourages nominations of qualified 
candidates from these groups.

DATES: Scheduled vacancies occur on various dates throughout the year. 
As a result, no cutoff date is established for the receipt of 
nominations.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be sent to the contact person listed 
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Ortwerth, Advisory Committee 
Oversight and Management Staff (HF-4), FDA Office of the Commissioner, 
5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FDA is requesting nominations for voting and 
nonvoting consumer representatives of the following advisory committees 
and panels for vacancies:

CBER

    1. Blood Products Advisory Committee

CDRH

    1. Neurological Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory 
Committee

CDER

    1. Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee
    2. Arthritis Advisory Committee
    3. Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee
    4. Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee

I. Criteria for Members

    Persons nominated for membership on the committees as a consumer 
representative must meet the following criteria: (1) Demonstrate ties 
to consumer and community-based organizations, (2) be able to analyze 
technical data, (3) understand research design, (4) discuss benefits 
and risks, and (5) evaluate the safety and efficacy of products under 
review. The consumer representative must be able to represent the 
consumer perspective on issues and actions before the advisory 
committee; serve as a liaison between the committee and interested 
consumers, associations, coalitions, and consumer organizations; and 
facilitate dialogue with the advisory committees on scientific issues 
that affect consumers.

II. Selection Procedures

    Selection of members representing consumer interests is conducted 
through procedures that include use of organizations representing the 
public interest and consumer advocacy groups. The organizations have 
the responsibility of recommending candidates of the agency's 
selection.

III. Nomination Procedures

    All nominations must include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae or 
resume (which should include nominee's office address, telephone 
number, and e-mail address), and a list of consumer or community-based 
organizations for which the candidate can demonstrate active 
participation.
    Any interested person or organization may nominate one or more 
qualified persons for membership on one or more of the advisory 
committees to represent consumer interests. Self-nominations are also 
accepted. FDA will ask the potential candidates to provide detailed 
information concerning such matters as financial holdings, employment, 
and research grants and/or contracts to permit evaluation of possible 
sources of conflict of interest. The nomination should specify the 
committee(s) of interest. The term of office is up to 4 years, 
depending on the appointment date.
    This notice is issued under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
U.S.C. app. 2) and 21 CFR part 14, relating to advisory committees.

    Dated: May 5, 2004.
Peter J. Pitts,
Associate Commissioner for External Relations.
[FR Doc. 04-10831 Filed 5-12-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-S