[Federal Register: August 17, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 158)]
[Notices]               
[Page 48427]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17au05-89]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

 
Request for Nominations for Voting Consumer Representative 
Members on Public Advisory Committees

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting 
nominations for voting consumer representatives to serve on the 
National Mammography Quality Assurance Advisory Committee (NMQAAC) in 
the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). FDA has a 
special interest in ensuring that women, minority groups, and 
individuals with disabilities are adequately represented on advisory 
committees and, therefore, encourages nominations of qualified 
candidates from these groups.

DATES: Nominations will be accepted through January 31, 2006.

ADDRESSES: All nominations should be sent to the contact person listed 
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Ortwerth, Advisory Committee 
Oversight and Management Staff (HF-4), Food and Drug Administration, 
5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, e-mail: 
Michael.Ortwerth@fda.gov.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FDA is requesting nominations for voting 
consumer representatives to serve on the NMQAAC.

I. Functions of NMQAAC

    The functions of the committee are to advise FDA on the following 
topics: (1) Developing appropriate quality standards and regulations 
for mammography facilities; (2) developing appropriate standards and 
regulations for bodies accrediting mammography facilities under this 
program; (3) developing regulations with respect to sanctions; (4) 
developing procedures for monitoring compliance with standards; (5) 
establishing a mechanism to investigate consumer complaints; (6) 
reporting new developments concerning breast imaging which should be 
considered in the oversight of mammography facilities; (7) determining 
whether there exists a shortage of mammography facilities in rural and 
health professional shortage areas and determining the effects of 
personnel on access to the services of such facilities in such areas; 
(8) determining whether there will exist a sufficient number of medical 
physicists after October 1, 1999; and (9) determining the costs and 
benefits of compliance with these requirements.

II. Criteria for Members

    Persons nominated for membership on the committee as a consumer 
representative must meet the following criteria: (1) Must be from among 
national breast cancer or consumer health organization with expertise 
in mammography, (2) be able to analyze technical data, (3) understand 
research design, (4) discuss benefits and risks, and (5) evaluate the 
safety and efficacy of products under review. The consumer 
representative must be able to represent the consumer perspective on 
issues and actions before the advisory committee; serve as a liaison 
between the committee and interested consumers, associations, 
coalitions, and consumer organizations; and facilitate dialogue with 
the advisory committees on scientific issues that affect consumers.

III. Selection Procedures

    Selection of members representing consumer interests is conducted 
through procedures that include use of organizations representing the 
public interest and consumer advocacy groups. The organizations have 
the responsibility of recommending candidates of the agency's 
selection.

IV. Nomination Procedures

    All nominations must include a cover letter, a curriculum vita or 
resume (which should include nominee's office address, telephone 
number, and e-mail address), and a list of consumer or community-based 
organizations for which the candidate can demonstrate active 
participation.
    Any interested person or organization may nominate one or more 
qualified persons for membership on the NMQAAC to represent consumer 
interests. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominations shall 
include complete curriculum vitae of each nominee, current business 
address and telephone number, and shall state that the nominee is aware 
of the nomination, is willing to serve as a member, and appears to have 
no conflict of interest that would preclude membership. FDA will ask 
the potential candidates to provide detailed information concerning 
such matters as financial holdings, employment, and research grants 
and/or contracts to permit evaluation of possible sources of conflict 
of interest. The term of office is up to 4 years, depending on the 
appointment date.
    This notice is issued under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 
U.S.C. app. 2) and 21 CFR part 14, relating to advisory committees.

    Dated: August 10, 2005.
Scott Gottlieb,
Deputy Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 05-16330 Filed 8-16-05; 8:45 am]

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