Meeting will be Webcast at www.hhs.gov/recovery

The Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research will hold a public listening session on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, in Washington, D.C. The council will hear public comment regarding comparative effectiveness research and the Coordinating Council's activities.

"The Obama Administration is committed to openness and transparency," said HHS Spokeswoman Jenny Backus. "Comparative effectiveness research will expand choices for patients, not limit them, and the council looks forward to hearing from all parties as it moves ahead."

Individuals interested in addressing the council may nominate themselves to deliver a three minute oral presentation before the council. Individuals and organizations may also submit written comments for the council's consideration. The public may also attend the session, listen live via audio conference or watch the session online at www.hhs.gov/recovery.

The 15-member council, created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will assist the agencies of the federal government, including HHS and the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, as well as others, to coordinate comparative effectiveness and related health services research. The Recovery Act appropriated$300 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, $400 million for the National Institutes of Health, and $400 million for allocation at the discretion of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support comparative effectiveness research.

The council will provide input on priorities for the $400 million fund in the Recovery Act that the Secretary will allocate to advance this type of research and public input will shape the Council's recommendations. The council will not make final decisions about the kind of projects that will be funded.

To register to attend the listening session, nominate a person to make a 3-minute oral statement, and/or submit a written statement for the Coordinating Council's consideration, go to http://http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/CER/index.html. Individuals should register by Monday, April 13, at 5:00 P.M. EDT. Space and audio conference lines are limited.

DATE: Tuesday, April 14, 2009

LOCATION: Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Room 800
200 Independence Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20201

TIME: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT.