[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 25493-25494]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-10883]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Care Financing Administration

[HCFA-1134-N]


Medicare Program; Open Public Meeting on May 18, 2000 to Discuss 
the Coverage of Drugs and Biologicals that Cannot be Self-Administered

AGENCY: Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), HHS.

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces a public meeting to obtain input on the 
Medicare program policy for drugs and biologicals which cannot be self-
administered and are furnished as an incident to a physician's 
professional service. The meeting will provide an opportunity for 
providers, suppliers, beneficiaries, beneficiary advocates, and other 
interested parties to furnish information and raise issues about the 
program's policy concerning the self-administration of drugs and 
biologicals.

DATES: The meeting is scheduled for May 18, 2000 from 9:30 a.m. until 
3:30 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Health Care Financing 
Administration headquarters, in the auditorium, 7500 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heidi Adams, (410) 786-1620.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  

Background

    As suggested by the report language accompanying section 219 of the 
Department of Health and Human Services Appropriations Act, 2000 
(Public Law 106-113), we are announcing the first of two ``town hall'' 
meetings to discuss our current policy regarding Medicare coverage of 
drugs and biologicals which cannot be self-administered and are 
furnished as an incident to a physician's professional service.
    The purpose of the May 18th meeting is to obtain focused input on 
how this statutory provision should reasonably be interpreted; how the 
evolution of medical technology has affected physician practice in 
self-administration; how different interpretations of the provision 
might affect considerations of fairness and equity among beneficiary 
populations; and how physician practice may be affected by different 
interpretations. Due to time constraints and the need to focus on the 
above topics, the agency is unable to undertake a discussion of options 
or ideas that require a statutory change.
    The format of the meeting will include an introduction and opening 
statements by the administration, followed by 15-minute presentations 
by panel members. These statements will discuss the historical 
development of the ``self-administered'' issue and will examine the 
current policy and information that has been gathered on the issue. 
Following the short presentations, the meeting will move to an open 
dialogue.
    Individuals interested in making a presentation at the meeting or 
who need special arrangements should contact Heidi Adams at (410) 786-
1620 or via e-mail at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d69e97b2b7bba596beb5b0b7f8b1b9a0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7931381d18140a39111a1f18571e160f">[email protected]</span></a> no later than May 7, 2000. 
Individuals should identify the topics they wish to discuss during 
their presentation. Because of time constraints, only a limited number 
of individuals will be able to make presentations. In an effort to 
assure that all viewpoints are represented, we will notify participants 
who are selected to make a presentation. We will not assign 
presentation times until after May 7, 2000.
    While the meeting is open to the public, attendance is limited to 
space available. Individuals must register in advance as described 
below.

Registration

    The Center for Health Plans and Providers will handle registration 
for the meeting. Individuals may register by sending a fax to the 
attention of Heidi Adams at (410) 786-0169. At the time of 
registration, please provide your name, address, telephone number, 
company name and fax number.
    Receipt of your fax will constitute confirmation of your 
registration.

[[Page 25494]]

Meeting materials will be provided at the time of the meeting.
    If you have questions regarding registration, please contact Heidi 
Adams. We will accept written comments, questions, or other materials 
specifically dealing with the issue that are received no later than 5 
p.m. on May 7, 2000. Written submissions must be sent to: Health Care 
Financing Administration, ATTN: Heidi Adams, C4-07-07, 7500 Security 
Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.

    Authority: Section 1102 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
1302).

(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.773 Medicare--
Hospital Insurance Program; and No. 93.774, Medicare--Supplementary 
Medical Insurance Program)

    Dated: April 26, 2000.
Nancy-Ann Min DeParle,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 00-10883 Filed 5-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P


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