AUTHORITY

42 U.S.C. 285a 4; section 415 of the PHS Act, as amended. The Panel is governed by the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory committees.

STRUCTURE

The Panel shall consist of three members appointed by the President, who by virtue of their training, experience, and background are exceptionally qualified to appraise the National Cancer Program. At least two members of the Panel shall be distinguished scientists or physicians. Members shall be appointed for three year terms, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term shall be appointed for the remainder of that term. A member may serve until that member's successor has taken office. If a vacancy occurs among the appointed members, the President shall make an appointment to fill the vacancy within 90 days from the date the vacancy occurs. A quorum for the conduct of business by the full committee shall consist of a majority of currently appointed members.

The President shall designate one of the appointed members to serve as Chair for a term of one year. The Chair may serve until a successor has been appointed.

As necessary, subcommittees may be established to perform functions within the Panel’s jurisdiction. The advice/recommendations of a subcommittee must be deliberated by the parent advisory committee. A subcommittee may not report directly to a Federal official unless there is statutory authority to do so.

Subcommittee membership may be drawn in whole or in part from the parent advisory committee. All subcommittee members may vote on subcommittee actions and all subcommittee members count towards the quorum for a subcommittee meeting. Ad hoc consultants do not count towards the quorum and may not vote. Subcommittee members who are not members of the parent committee may attend closed sessions of the parent committee meeting but they may not count towards the quorum of the parent committee and they cannot vote on committee actions.

Management and support services shall be provided by the Institute Review Office, Office of the Director, National Cancer Institute.

FUNCTION

The Panel shall monitor the development and execution of the activities of the National Cancer Program, and shall report directly to the President. Any delays or blockages in rapid execution of the Program shall immediately be brought to the attention of the President.

MEETINGS

Meetings shall be held not less than four times a year at the call of the Chair with the advance approval of a Government official. A Government official shall approve the agenda and shall be present at all meetings.

Meetings shall be open to the public except as determined otherwise by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary). Notice of all meetings shall be given to the public.

Meetings shall be conducted and records of the proceedings kept, as required by applicable laws and Departmental policies.