FDA Logo links to FDA home page
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
HHS Logo links to Department of Health and Human Services home page

FDA Home Page | Search FDA Site | FDA A-Z Index | Contact FDA

horizontal rule

Public Hearings

A hearing is an opportunity for you to take part in a rule-making proceeding. FDA always announces hearings in the Federal Register and usually in other publications (e.g., industry newsletters) related to the topic of the hearing. Depending on the subject of the hearing, you can testify on specific issues that are included in an Agency proposal, or you can present your views about general issues on Agency programs. At all hearings, your testimony, whether it is presented orally or in writing, will become part of an official record of evidence which will help the Agency make policy decisions.

Public Advisory Committees and Panels

FDA routinely looks for qualified people to serve on a variety of public advisory committees and panels. Many of the Agency's committees and panels include two non-voting members representing consumer and industry interests. FDA requests nominations for these members through announcements in the Federal Register. The committees generally study current scientific work and make recommendations to the Agency on product approvals, regulations, and other actions. Membership on most committees requires a scientific background. A free copy of "FDA Public Advisory Groups," or further information about FDA advisory committees, can be obtained by contacting the Advisory Committee Oversight and Management Staff (HF-04), Food and Drug Administration, Parklawn Building, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 15A12, Rockville, MD 20857; (301)301-827-1220 or fax (301) 301-827-1041. For current information or information updates on FDA advisory committee meetings, call the hotline by dialing (1-800) 741-8138 or (301) 443-0572, and the ten digit number assigned to each advisory committee. This number will appear in each notice of meeting.

horizontal rule