The NCVHS Executive Subcommittee held a conference call on Tuesday, January 14, 2003, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. to approve an action item and to discuss support for NCHS surveys (i.e., NHIS), NCVHS organizational issues, and the February 26-27 full Committee Meeting.
1. Framework on National Quality Report – It was agreed by the full Committee at the November meeting to have the Executive Subcommittee approve recommendations on the proposed draft measure set of the National Healthcare Quality Report. Kathryn Coltin, former Chair of the Quality Work Group, had orally presented a draft letter at the November meeting and had revised in final version for consideration by the Executive Subcommittee. Stan Edinger noted that some of the concepts in the letter were too futuristic and others were more immediate. He also noted that some of the recommendations would not be feasible (e.g., no databases available, etc.). Marjorie Greenberg recommended that we let Carolyn Clancy specify in her response to the Committee which items can be done now and which later. Simon Cohn and Vickie Mays moved to approve the letter. Ed Sondik requested that we send a copy of the recommendations to NCHS as a principal supplier of the data. The letter/recommendations were approved and will go out this week.
2. NHIS letter – During the November meeting, the full Committee approved a letter of support for NCHS surveys, and expressed concern about possible budget cuts to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Dr. Mays indicated that the letter is on hold due to the timing of the 2004 President’s budget and assessment of when the letter might have the most impact. Jim Scanlon indicated that after the President’s State of Union Address, the 2004 budgets would be released within a few weeks. None of the agencies have fiscal year 2003 budgets but are on a continuing resolution. Mr. Scanlon further suggested that we have the letter ready to go forward after the State of the Union Address and approved at the February NCVHS meeting. The letter was deferred for the February meeting.
3. Organizational Issues:
Workgroup on 21st Century Health Statistics – discussion ensued regarding whether it was necessary to continue with the Workgroup because the report is now complete. It was agreed that any follow-up activities should go to the Subcommittee on Populations. Dr. Sondik thought it would be worthwhile to ask for follow-up within a certain period of time as to reactions to the report. A presentation will be arranged for the HHS Data Council in February or March. The Populations Subcommittee will review the report for follow-up items.
Workgroup on Quality – The Workgroup will continue to exist while we work with Committee members to populate the Workgroup and get an acting chair for the time being. Bob Hungate is a new member with expertise in this area and may be interested in serving as acting chair. Donald Steinwachs may also be a candidate for membership on the Quality Workgroup. The findings from previous sessions and hearings have been compiled for a report, but the Workgroup and Committee must develop the recommendations. However, Kathy Coltin, previous Workgroup Chair, could be hired as a consultant to collaborate with the Workgroup in developing recommendations. It was noted that Ms. Coltin has already contributed a great deal to the outline of the report. Susan Kanaan indicated that she discussed with Gail Janes, CDC staff, the possibility of reviewing the outline, developing recommendations, and clarifying a constructive role for Ms. Coltin. It will mean, however, longer delays if everyone agrees, and that this can come forward at the June meeting. Dr. Lumpkin will call Mr. Hungate and perhaps Dr. Steinwachs to determine their interest in the Quality Workgroup. Currently, there are discussions regarding whether we should convene a meeting on Friday, February 28 following the full Committee Meeting. Dr. Janes is available on February 28, but not February 26-27.
We will also send out an e-mail to other new members requesting that they contact Dr. Lumpkin about their subcommittee and workgroup preferences; the message will call attention to the vacancies on the Quality Workgroup and Subcommittee on Populations.
4. NCHS Move – an E-mail message will go out to everyone about the imminent NCHS move to a new building in Hyattsville and its impact on preparations for the February meetings. The move is scheduled to take place February 14-17th. Meeting materials are scheduled to be mailed no later than February 7th. Therefore, February 5th is the absolute last day to receive agendas for the working sessions and other materials for the meeting folders. The draft NCVHS 2000-2002 Report will go out by the end of this week asking for comments back to Susan Kanaan by 1/30/02.
5. Action Items and Planning for February 26-27 Meeting – In addition to the NCVHS 2000-2002 report, we’re expecting two action items from the Subcommittee on Populations: the NHIS letter and a letter to the Secretary on their findings from the hearings conducted last year. The Committee will discuss how to incorporate Population issues throughout the Committee and specific Populations-related topics that overlap with other Subcommittees.
We will also have a follow-up briefing by the NCHS Director, Dr. Sondik, a discussion on population health by Dr. Charlyn Black, and an update on CHI by Jared Adair.
Call was adjourned at 3:03 p.m.