[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 68 (Friday, April 10, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16408-16409]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-8040]


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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 (USPSTF)

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

ACTION: Solicits nominations for new members of USPSTF.

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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, panel of outside experts that makes 
evidence-based recommendations to the health care community and the 
public 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 evidence reviews prior 
to discussing and making recommendations on preventive services, 
drafting final recommendation documents, and participating in 
workgroups on specific topics or methods.
    To obtain a diversity of perspectives, and enhance opportunities, 
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, whether 
financial, professional, or other conflicts, that would impair the 
scientific integrity of the work of the USPSTF.

DATES: All nominations submitted in writing or electronically, and 
received by Friday, May 15, 2009, will be considered for appointment to 
the USPSTF.
    Nominated individuals will be selected for the USPSTF on the basis 
of

[[Page 16409]]

their qualifications (in particular, those that address the required 
qualifications, outlined above) and the current expertise needs of the 
USPSTF. It is anticipated that four indMduals will be invited to serve 
on the USPSTF beginning in January, 2010. All individuals will be 
considered; however, strongest consideration will be given to 
individuals with demonstrated expertise in a specific area such as 
obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, nursing and methodology. 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, 
http://dreamless.keenspot.com/comic.rss.

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.

Nominee Selection

    Appointments to the USPSTF will be made 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 nominations, 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 clinical 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). AHRQ is charged with 
the dissemination of recommendations. In addition to hard copy 
materials (that may be obtained from the Publications Clearinghouse), 
current USPSTF recommendations and associated evidence reviews are 
available on the Internet (http://www.preventiveservices.ahrg.gov).

    Dated: March 27, 2009.
Carolyn M. Clancy,
Director.
[FR Doc. E9-8040 Filed 4-9-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-90-P