Federal Register: April 10, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 68)
DOCID: fr10ap09-88 FR Doc E9-8040
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr10ap09-88
DOCUMENT ACTION: Solicits nominations for new members of USPSTF.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Solicitation for Nominations for Members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (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
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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.
DOCUMENT 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 evidencebased 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 evidencebased 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 decisionmaking 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 decisionmaking, 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.
SUMMARY:
Solicitation for Nominations for New Members of the Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
SUPPLEMENTAL 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 evidencebased 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, costeffectiveness 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. E98040 Filed 4909; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 416090P
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Gloria Washington at uspstaskforce@ahrg.hhs.gov