[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7463-7464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01822]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nomination for Appointment to the Veterans' Rural 
Health Advisory Committee

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health 
Administration (VHA), is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to 
be considered for appointment as members of the Veterans' Rural Health 
Advisory Committee (VRHAC) (hereinafter referred to as ``the VRHAC'').

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received by 
February 19, 2021, no later than 4:00 p.m., eastern standard time. 
Packages received after this time will not be considered for the 
current membership cycle.

ADDRESSES: All nomination packages should be emailed to Ms. Judy Bowie, 
Committee Manager at [email protected] and cc: Dr. Thomas Klobucar, 
Designated Federal Officer at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  In carrying out the duties set forth, the 
Committee responsibilities include, but are not limited to,
     Providing a letter to the Secretary and Congress outlining 
recommendations to improve and enhance VA's delivery of services to 
rural Veterans.
     Meeting with VA officials, Veteran Service Organizations, 
and other stakeholders to assess the Department's efforts in providing 
access to healthcare, outreach and education services offered to rural 
Veterans.
     Making annual site visits and holding town hall meetings 
with Veterans to address their concerns.
    Management and support services for the Committee are provided by 
the Office of Rural Health (ORH).
    Authority: The Committee was established pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 
3121, to advise the Secretary through the Under Secretary for Health on 
ways to improve and enhance access to VA healthcare services for 
enrolled Veterans residing in rural areas by reviewing current program 
activities and identifying barriers to accessing care and services.
    Membership Criteria: The VRHAC is requesting nominations for 
upcoming vacancies on the Committee. The committee is composed of 12 
members, in addition to ex-officio members. As required by statute, the 
members of the Committee are appointed by the Secretary from the 
general public, including, but not limited to:
     Representatives of Veterans Service Organizations.
     Persons who have distinguished themselves in the public, 
academic affiliation, community healthcare organizations, and private 
sector.
    To the extent possible, the Secretary seeks members who have 
diverse professional and personal qualifications. We ask that 
nominations include information of this type so that VA can ensure a 
balanced Committee membership. Individuals appointed to

[[Page 7464]]

the Committee by the Secretary shall be invited to serve a three-year 
term. The Secretary may reappoint a member for an additional term of 
service. In accordance with Federal Travel Regulation, Committee 
members will receive travel expenses and a per diem allowance for any 
travel made in association with duties as members of the Committee and 
within federal travel guidelines. Self-nominations are acceptable. Any 
letters of nomination from organizations or other individuals should 
accompany the package when it is submitted. Non-Veterans are also 
eligible for nomination.
    Requirements for Nomination submission: Nominations should be typed 
(one nomination per nominator). Nomination package should include: 
https://www.ruralhealth.va.gov/docs/VRHAC-Application-Form_7-31-18.pdf.
    (1) A letter of nomination that clearly states the name and 
affiliation of the nominee, the basis for the nomination (i.e., 
specific attributes which qualify the nominee for service in this 
capacity), and a statement from the nominee indicating that he/she is a 
U.S. citizen and is willingness to serve as a member of the Committee;
    (2) the nominee's contact information, including name, mailing 
address, telephone numbers, and email address;
    (3) the nominee's curriculum vitae;
    (4) letters of recommendation are accepted; and
    (5) a statement confirming that he/she is not a federally-
registered lobbyist.
    The Department makes every effort to ensure that the membership of 
VA Federal advisory committees is balanced in terms of points of view 
represented and the committee's function. Appointments to this 
Committee shall be made without discrimination based on a person's 
race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 
national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Nominations 
must state that the nominee appears to have no conflict of interest 
that would preclude membership. An ethics review is conducted for each 
selected nominee.

    Dated: January 22, 2021.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2021-01822 Filed 1-27-21; 8:45 am]
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