[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 104 (Tuesday, May 31, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32509-32510]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11549]


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

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS


Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Veterans Rural 
Health Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION: Notice of solicitation for nominations.

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

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 (hereinafter referred to as ``the VRHAC'').

DATES: Nominations for membership on the Committee must be received by 
July 1, 2022, no later than 4:00 p.m. EST. 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. Sheila Robinson, 
Designated Federal Officer at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In carrying out the duties set forth, the 
Committee responsibilities include, but are not limited to,
    (1) Providing letters to the Secretary and Congress outlining 
recommendations to improve and enhance VA's delivery of services to 
rural Veterans.
    (2) Meeting with VA officials, Veterans Service Organizations, and 
other stakeholders to assess the Department's efforts in providing 
access to health care, outreach and education services offered to rural 
Veterans.
    (3) Making annual site visits and holding town hall meetings with 
Veterans to address their concerns.
    (4) Providing management and support services for the Committee are 
provided by the Office of Rural Health.
    Authority: The Committee was established pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 3121 
and operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act 
(FACA) to advise the Secretary through the Under Secretary for Health 
on ways to improve and enhance access to VA health care services for 
Veterans residing in rural areas by reviewing current program 
activities and identifying barriers to accessing care and services.
    Membership Criteria and Qualifications: 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:
    (1) Representatives of Veterans Service Organizations; and
    (2) Persons who have distinguished themselves in the public, 
academic affiliation, community health care 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 the Committee by the 
Secretary shall be invited to serve a 3-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 must 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.

[[Page 32510]]

    (2) The nominee's contact information, including name, mailing 
address, telephone numbers, and email address.
    (3) The nominee's resume or curriculum vitae.
    (4) Letters of recommendation are accepted.
    (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: May 24, 2022.
LaTonya L. Small,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Office.
[FR Doc. 2022-11549 Filed 5-27-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P