[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 19, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28023-28024]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11956]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Solicitation of Written Comments on Draft HHS Strategic Framework 
on Multiple Chronic Conditions

AGENCY: Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the 
Secretary.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Office of Public Health and Science is soliciting public 
comment on the HHS Interagency Workgroup on Multiple Chronic Conditions 
draft ``HHS Strategic Framework on Multiple Chronic Conditions.''

DATES: Comments on the HHS Interagency Workgroup on Multiple Chronic 
Conditions draft strategic framework should be received no later than 
5:30 p.m. on June 18, 2010.

ADDRESSES: The draft strategic framework can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ophs/initiatives/mcc/index.html. Comments are preferred 
electronically and may be addressed to [email protected]. Written responses 
should be addressed to Department of Health and Human Services, 200 
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 736-E, Washington, DC 20201, Attention: 
MCC Strategic Framework.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monica L. Stevenson, (202) 401-6998 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Approximately 75 million Americans have multiple (2 or more) 
concurrent chronic conditions, including problems such as hypertension, 
heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, mental health conditions, and 
chronic respiratory infections. As the number of chronic conditions in 
an individual increases, the risks of the following outcomes also 
increase: Mortality, poor functional status, unnecessary 
hospitalizations, adverse drug events, duplicative tests, and 
conflicting medical advice. Sixty-six percent of total health care 
spending is directed toward care for the approximately 27 percent of 
Americans with multiple chronic conditions (MCC). MCC can contribute to 
frailty and disability; conversely, most older persons who are frail or 
disabled have MCC. It is the confluence of MCC and functional 
limitations, especially the need for assistance with activities of 
daily living, that produces high levels of spending.
    Developing and implementing the HHS Initiative on Multiple Chronic 
Conditions is the responsibility of the Office of Public Health and 
Science (OPHS), located within the Office of the Secretary, Department 
of Health and Human Services (HHS). OPHS advises the Secretary on 
matters involving the nation's public health, serves as the focal point 
for leadership and coordination across the Department in public health 
and science, and leads the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) 
Commissioned Corps.
    As part of the HHS Initiative on Multiple Chronic Conditions, OPHS 
is responsible for convening the HHS Interagency Workgroup on Multiple 
Chronic Conditions. The Workgroup has drafted a ``Strategic Framework 
on Multiple Chronic Conditions'' that addresses approaches to improving 
the health of individuals with concurrent multiple chronic conditions 
by providing options for HHS to strengthen coordination of its efforts 
internally and collaboration with stakeholders externally. The intent 
of the strategic framework is to improve the foundation for realizing 
optimum health and quality of life for individuals with multiple 
chronic conditions. To assist the Workgroup in obtaining broad input in 
the development of the strategic framework, HHS, through this request 
for information (RFI), is seeking comments from stakeholders and the 
public on the draft strategic framework. The draft strategic framework 
can be found at http://www.hhs.gov/ophs/initiatives/mcc/index.html.

[[Page 28024]]

II. Information Request

    The OPHS, on behalf of the HHS Interagency Workgroup on Multiple 
Chronic Conditions, requests input on the draft ``HHS Strategic 
Framework on Multiple Chronic Conditions.'' In addition to general 
comments, the Workgroup is seeking input on any additional gaps not 
addressed in the draft document.

III. Potential Responders

    HHS invites input from a broad range of individuals and 
organizations that have interests in MCC and persons with such 
conditions. Some examples of these organizations include, but are not 
limited to, the following:

--General public
--Health care, professional, and educational organizations
--Physicians, nurses, hospitals, and other health-care system providers
--State and local public health agencies
--Public health organizations
--Foundations
--Disease groups
--Chronic care and advocacy groups
--Aging-related organizations
--Medicaid- and Medicare-related organizations
--Pharmacy groups
--Insurers and business groups
--Collaboratives and consortia.

    When responding, please self-identify with any of the above or 
other categories (include all that apply) and your name. Anonymous 
submissions will not be considered.
    The submission of written materials in response to the RFI should 
not exceed 5 pages, not including appendices and supplemental 
documents. Responders may submit other forms of electronic materials to 
demonstrate or exhibit concepts of their written responses.

    Dated: May 13, 2010.
Anand Parekh,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Science and Medicine).
[FR Doc. 2010-11956 Filed 5-18-10; 8:45 am]
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