Agency: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS.
Action: Solicits nominations for new members of USPSTF.
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
evidence-based 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
evidence-based 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:
- Knowledge and experience in the critical evaluation of research published in peer reviewed literature and in the methods of evidence review.
- Understanding and experience in the application of synthesized evidence to clinical decisionmaking and/or policy.
- Expertise in disease prevention and health promotion.
- Ability to work collaboratively with peers.
- 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.
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 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 individuals 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.
Addresses
Submit your responses either in writing or electronically
to:
Gloria Washington
ATTN: USPSTF Nominations
Center for Primary
Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships
Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality
540 Gaither Road
Rockville, Maryland 20850
uspstaskforce@ahrq.hhs.gov
Nomination Submissions
Nominations may be submitted in writing or electronically, but must
include (1) the applicant's current curriculum vitae and contact
information, including mailing address, E-mail address, and telephone
number and (2) a letter explaining how this individual meets the
qualification requirements and how he/she would contribute to the
USPSTF. The letter should also attest to the nominee's willingness to
serve as a member of the USPSTF.
AHRQ will later ask persons under serious consideration for
membership to provide detailed information that will permit evaluation
of possible significant conflicts of interest. Such information will
concern matters such as financial holdings, consultancies, and research
grants or contracts.
Nominee Selection
Appointments to the USPSTF will be made on the basis of
qualifications as outlined above (go to Qualification Requirements) and
the current expertise needs of the USPSTF.
Arrangement for Public Inspection
Nominations and applications are kept on file at the Center for
Primary Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships, AHRQ, and are
available for review during business hours. AHRQ does not reply to
individual nominations, but considers all nominations in selecting
members. Information regarded as private and personal, such as a
nominee's social security number, home and E-mail addresses, home
telephone and fax numbers, or names of family members will not be
disclosed to the public. This is in accord with AHRQ confidentiality
policies and Department of Health and Human Services regulations (45
CFR 5.67).
For further information contact: Gloria Washington at
uspstaskforce@ahrq.hhs.gov.
Current as of April 2009
Internet Citation:
Solicitation for Nominations for Members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/frtfnom.htm
540 Gaither Road Rockville, MD 20850