[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