[Federal Register: December 15, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 240)]
[Notices]
[Page 69707-69708]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15de03-55]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
[CMS-1370-N]
Medicare Program; The Practicing Physicians Advisory Council's
Request for Nominations
AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This notice invites all organizations representing physicians
to submit nominees for membership on the Council. There will be several
vacancies on the Council as of February 28, 2004.
DATES: Nominations will be considered if received at the appropriate
address, no later than 5 p.m. (EST) December 26, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Mail or deliver nominations to the following address:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare
Management, Division of Provider Relations and Evaluations, Attention:
Cheryl L. Slay, Designated Federal Official, Practicing Physicians
Advisory Council, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop C4-11-27,
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Simon, M.D., Executive
Director, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council, 7500 Security
Boulevard, Mail Stop C4-10-07, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850, (410) 786-
3377. Please refer to the CMS Advisory Committees Information Line: (1-
877-449-5659 toll free)/(410-786-9379 local) or the Internet at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/faca/ppac/default.asp
for additional information and
updates on committee activities. News media representatives must
contact the CMS Press Office, (202) 690-6145.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secretary of the Department of Health
and Human Services (the Secretary) is mandated by section 1868 of the
Social Security Act (the Act) to appoint a Practicing Physicians
Advisory Council (the Council) based on nominations submitted by
medical organizations representing physicians. The Council meets
quarterly to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and
carrier manual instructions related to physicians' services, as
identified by the Secretary. To the extent feasible and consistent with
statutory deadlines, the consultation must occur before publication of
the proposed changes. The Council submits an annual report on its
recommendations to the Secretary and the Administrator of the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services not later than December 31 of each
year.
The Council consists of 15 physicians, each of whom has submitted
at least 250 claims for physicians' services under Medicare in the
previous year. Members of the Council include both participating and
nonparticipating physicians, and physicians practicing in rural and
underserved urban areas. At least 11 members of the Council must be
physicians described in section 1861(r)(1) of the Act; that is, State-
licensed doctors of medicine or osteopathy. The remaining 4 members may
include dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, and chiropractors. Members
serve for overlapping 4-year terms; terms of more than 2 years are
contingent upon the renewal of the Council by appropriate action before
its termination. Section 1868(a) of the Act provides that nominations
to the Secretary for Council membership must be made by medical
organizations representing physicians.
The Council held its first meeting on May 11, 1992. The current
members are: James Bergeron, M.D.; Ronald Castallanos, M.D.; Rebecca
Gaughan, M.D.; Carlos R. Hamilton, M.D.; Joseph Heyman, M.D.; Dennis K.
Iglar, M.D.; Christopher Leggett, M.D.; Joe Johnson, D.O.; Barbara
McAneny, M.D.; Angelyn L. Moultrie-Lizana, D.O.; Laura B. Powers, M.D.;
Michael T. Rapp, M.D.; Amilu Rothhammer, M.D.; Robert L. Urata, M.D.;
and Douglas L. Wood, M.D.
This notice serves as an invitation to all organizations
representing physicians to submit nominees for membership on the
Council. Each nomination must state that the nominee has expressed a
willingness to serve as a Council member and must be accompanied by a
short resume or description of the nominee's experience. To permit an
evaluation of possible sources of conflicts of interest, potential
candidates will be asked to provide detailed information concerning
financial holdings, consultant positions, research grants, and
contracts. Section 1868(b) of the Act provides that the Council meet
quarterly to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and manual
issuances that relate to physicians' services, as identified by the
Secretary. Council members are expected to participate in all meetings.
Section 1868(c) of the Act provides for payment of expenses and a per
diem allowance for Council members at a rate equal to payment provided
members of other advisory committees. In addition to making these
payments, the Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services provides management and support services
to the Council. The Secretary will appoint new members to the Council
from among those candidates determined to have the expertise required
to meet specific agency needs and in a manner to ensure appropriate
balance of the Council's membership.
Authority: (Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395ee) and section 10(a) of Public Law 92-463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2,
sections 10(a) and 14)
(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773,
Medicare--Hospital Insurance; and Program No. 93.774, Medicare--
Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)
[[Page 69708]]
Dated: December 8, 2003.
Thomas A. Scully,
Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 03-30791 Filed 12-12-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P