[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29516-29517]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-11191]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality


Solicitation for Nominations for Members of the U.S. Preventive 
Services Task Force

AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS.

ACTION: Solicits nominations for new members.

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

SUMMARY: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) invites 
nominations of individuals qualified to serve as members of the U.S. 
Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
    The USPSTF, a standing, independent panel of outside experts that 
makes evidence-based recommendations regarding the provision of 
clinical preventive services, is composed of members appointed to serve 
for four year terms with an option for reappointment. New members are 
selected each year to replace approximately one fourth of the USPSTF 
members, i.e., those who are completing their appointments. Individuals 
nominated but not appointed in previous years, as well as those newly 
nominated, are considered in the annual selection process.
    USPSTF members meet three times a year for two days in the 
Washington, DC area. Between meetings, member duties include reviewing 
and preparing comments (off site) on systematic

[[Page 29517]]

evidence reviews prior to discussing and making recommendations on 
preventive services, drafting final recommendation documents, and 
participating in workgroups on specific topics or methods.
    AHRQ particularly encourages nominations of women, members of 
minority populations, and persons with disabilities. Interested 
individuals can self nominate. Organizations and individuals may 
nominate one or more persons qualified for membership on the USPSTF.
    Qualification Requirements: The mission of the USPSTF is to produce 
evidence-based recommendations on the appropriate screening, 
counseling, and provision of preventive medication for asymptomatic 
patients seen in the primary care setting. Therefore, in order to 
qualify for the USPSTF, an applicant or nominee must demonstrate the 
following:
    1. Knowledge and experience in the critical evaluation of research 
published in peer reviewed literature and in the methods of evidence 
review;
    2. Understanding and experience in the application of synthesized 
evidence to clinical decision-making and/or policy;
    3. Expertise in disease prevention and health promotion;
    4. Ability to work collaboratively with peers; and,
    5. Clinical expertise in the primary health care of children and/or 
adults, and/or expertise in counseling and behavioral interventions for 
primary care patients.
    Some USPSTF members without primary health care clinical experience 
may be selected based on their expertise in methodological issues such 
as medical decision making, clinical epidemiology, behavioral medicine, 
and health economics.
    Consideration will be given to individuals who are recognized 
nationally for scientific leadership within their field of expertise. 
Applicants must have no substantial conflicts of interest that would 
impair the scientific integrity of the work of the USPSTF including 
financial, intellectual, or other conflicts.

DATES: All nominations submitted in writing or electronically, and 
received by Friday, June 20, 2008, will be considered for appointment 
to the USPSTF.
    Nominated individuals will be selected for the USPSTF on the basis 
of their qualifications (in particular, those that address the required 
qualifications, outlined above) and the current expertise needs of the 
USPSTF. It is anticipated that three individuals will be invited to 
serve on the USPSTF beginning in January, 2009. All individuals will be 
considered; however, strongest consideration will be given to 
individuals with expertise in family medicine, behavioral medicine, and 
obstetrics/gynecology. AHRQ will retain and consider for future 
vacancies the nominations of those not selected during this cycle.

ADDRESSES: Submit your responses either in writing or electronically 
to: Gloria Washington, ATTN: USPSTF Nominations, Center for Primary 
Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships, Agency for Healthcare 
Research and Quality, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 
[email protected].

Nomination Submissions

    Nominations may be submitted in writing or electronically, but must 
include (1) the applicant's current curriculum vitae and contact 
information, including mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone 
number and (2) a letter explaining how this individual meets the 
qualification requirements and how he/she would contribute to the 
USPSTF. The letter should also attest to the nominee's willingness to 
serve as a member of the USPSTF.
    AHRQ will later ask persons under serious consideration for 
membership to provide detailed information that will permit evaluation 
of possible significant conflicts of interest. Such information will 
concern matters such as financial holdings, consultancies, and research 
grants or contracts.

Nomination Selection

    Nominations for the USPSTF will be selected on the basis of 
qualifications as outlined above (see Qualification Requirements) and 
the current expertise needs of the USPSTF.

Arrangement for Public Inspection

    Nominations and applications are kept on file at the Center for 
Primary Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships, AHRQ, and are 
available for review during business hours. AHRQ does not reply to 
individual responses, but considers all nominations in selecting 
members. Information regarded as private and personal, such as a 
nominee's social security number, home and e-mail addresses, home 
telephone and fax numbers, or names of family members will not be 
disclosed to the public. This is in accord with AHRQ confidentiality 
policies and Department of Health and Human Services regulations (45 
CFR 5.67).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gloria Washington at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Under Title IX of the Public Health Service Act, AHRQ is charged 
with enhancing the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of 
health care services and access to such services. 42 U.S.C. 299(b). 
AHRQ accomplishes these goals through scientific research and promotion 
of improvements in clinical practice, including prevention of diseases 
and other health conditions, and improvements in the organization, 
financing, and delivery of health care services. See 42 U.S.C. 299(b).
    The USPSTF is a panel of outside experts that makes independent 
evidence-based recommendations regarding the provision of clinical 
preventive services. The USPSTF was first established in 1984 under the 
auspices of the U.S. Public Health Service. Currently, the USPSTF is 
convened by the Director of AHRQ, and AHRQ provides ongoing 
administrative, research and technical support for the USPSTF's 
operation. The USPSTF is charged with rigorously evaluating the 
effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and appropriateness of clinical 
preventive services and formulating or updating recommendations for 
primary care clinicians regarding the appropriate provision of 
preventive services. See 42 U.S.C. 299b4(a)(1). Current USPSTF 
recommendations and associated evidence reviews are available on the 
Internet (http://www.preventiveservices.ahrq.gov).

    Dated: May 8, 2008.
Carolyn M. Clancy,
Director.
 [FR Doc. E8-11191 Filed 5-20-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-90-M