### 3743 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 14 / Friday, January 22, 2010 / Notices

• To provide recommendations on the development and implementation of a national Medicare education program that describes benefit options under Medicare.

• To enhance the Federal government’s effectiveness in informing the Medicare consumer.

• To make recommendations on how to expand outreach to vulnerable and underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, in the context of a national Medicare education program.

• To assemble an information base of best practices for helping consumers evaluate benefit options and build a community infrastructure for information, counseling, and assistance.

The current members of the Panel are: Gwendolyn T. Bronson, SHINE/SHIP Counselor, Massachusetts SHINE Program; Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Hispanic Council on Aging; Stephen L. Fera, Vice President, Social Mission Programs, Independence Blue Cross; Clayton Fong, President and Chief Executive Officer, National AsianPacific Center on Aging; Nan KirstenForte  ́ , Executive Vice President, Consumer Services, WebMD; Richard Frank, M.D., Director Cancer Research, Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital; Dr. Carmen R. Green, Director, Pain Research Division, Associate Professor, Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health System; Dr. Jessie C. Gruman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Center for the Advancement of Health; Cindy Hounsell, J.D., President, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement; Kathy Hughes, Vice Chairwoman, Oneida Nation; Gail Hunt, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance for Caregiving; Deeanna Jang, Policy Director, Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum; Warren Jones, M.D., Executive Director, Mississippi Institute for Improvement of Geographic Minority Health; Dr. Andrew M. Kramer, Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver; John Lui, Ph.D., Executive Director, Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute; Sandy Markwood, Chief Executive Officer, National Area Agencies on Aging; David Roberts, M.P.A., Vice President, Government Relations, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society; Julie Bode  ̈ n Schmidt, Associate Vice President, Training and Technical Assistance Department, National Association of Community Health Centers; Rebecca Snead, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations; Donna Yee, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Asian Community Center of Sacramento Valley.

The agenda for the March 31, 2010 meeting will include the following:

• Recap of the previous (October 20, 2009) meeting.

• Subgroup Committee Work Summary.

• Medicare Outreach and Education Strategies.

• Public Comment.

• Listening Session with CMS Leadership.

• Next Steps. Individuals or organizations that wish to make a 5-minute oral presentation on an agenda topic should submit a written copy of the oral presentation to the Acting Designated Federal Official at the address listed in the ‘‘**ADDRESSES** ’’ section of this notice by the date listed in the ‘‘ **DATES** ’’ section of this notice. The number of oral presentations may be limited by the time available. Individuals not wishing to make a presentation may submit written comments to the Acting Designated Federal Official at the address listed in the ‘‘**ADDRESSES** ’’ section of this notice by the date listed in the ‘‘ **DATES** ’’ section of this notice.

Individuals requiring sign language interpretation or other special accommodations should contact the Acting Designated Federal Official at the address listed in the ‘‘ **ADDRESSES** ’’ section of this notice by the date listed in the ‘‘ **DATES** ’’ section of this notice.

Authority: Sec. 222 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 217a) and sec. 10(a) of Public Law 92–463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2, sec. 10(a) and 41 CFR 102–3). (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program No. 93.733, Medicare—Hospital Insurance Program; and Program No. 93.774, Medicare—Supplementary Medical Insurance Program)

Dated: January 20, 2010. Charlene Frizzera, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 2010–1334 Filed 1–21–10; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4120–01–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES** 

**Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services** 

**[CMS–1566–N]**

**Medicare Program; Meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory**  **Council, March 8, 2010**

**AGENCY :**  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS.

**ACTION :**  Notice. **SUMMARY :**  This notice announces a quarterly meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (the Council). The Council will meet to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and manual instructions related to physicians’ services, as identified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This meeting is open to the public.

**DATES :**  Meeting Date: Monday, March 8, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., eastern standard time (e.s.t.).

Deadline for Registration without Oral Presentation: Thursday, March 4, 2010, 12 noon, e.s.t.

Deadline for Registration of Oral Presentations: Friday, February 19, 2010, 12 noon, e.s.t.

Deadline for Submission of Oral Remarks and Written Comments: Wednesday, February 24, 2010, 12 noon, e.s.t.

Deadline for Requesting Special Accommodations: Tuesday, March 2, 2010, 12 noon, e.s.t.

**ADDRESSES :**  Meeting Location: The meeting will be held in the Multipurpose Room, at the CMS Single Site campus, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244.

Submission of Testimony: Testimonies should be mailed to Kelly Buchanan, Designated Federal Official (DFO), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Mail stop C4–13–07, Baltimore, MD 21244– 1850, or contact the DFO via e-mail at PPAC

_hhs@cms.hhs.gov.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Kelly Buchanan, DFO, (410) 786–6132, or e-mail PPAC

_hhs@cms.hhs.gov. News media representatives must contact the CMS Press Office, (202) 690– 6145. 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/home/ regsguidance.asp for additional information and updates on committee activities.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  I. Background

In accordance with section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, this notice announces the quarterly meeting of the Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (the Council). The Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) is mandated by section 1868(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (the Act) to appoint a Practicing Physicians Advisory Council based on nominations submitted by medical organizations representing physicians. The Council meets quarterly to discuss certain


### 3744 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 14 / Friday, January 22, 2010 / Notices

proposed changes in regulations and manual instructions related to physician services, as identified by the Secretary. To the extent feasible and consistent with statutory deadlines, the Council’s consultation must occur before Federal Register 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 (CMS) not later than December 31 of each year.

The Council consists of 15 physicians, including the Chair. 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 as described in section1861(r)(1) of the Act; that is, Statelicensed doctors of medicine or osteopathy. The remaining 4 members may include dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, and chiropractors. Members serve for overlapping 4-year
terms.

Section 1868(a)(2) of the Act requires that the Council meet quarterly to discuss certain proposed changes in regulations and manual issuances that relate to physicians’ services, identified by the Secretary. Section 1868(a)(3) of the Act provides for payment of expenses and per diem for Council members in the same manner as members of other advisory committees appointed by the Secretary. In addition to making these payments, the Department of Health and Human Services and CMS provide 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 in a manner to ensure appropriate balance of the Council’s membership.

The Council held its first meeting on May 11, 1992. The current members are: Chiledum A. Ahaghotu, M.D.; John E. Arradondo, M.D., MPH; Vincent J. Bufalino, M.D., Chairperson; Joseph A. Giaimo, D.O.; Pamela A. Howard, M.D.; Roger L. Jordan, O.D.; Janice A. Kirsch, M.D.; Tye J. Ouzounian, M.D.; Jeffrey A. Ross, DPM, M.D.; Jonathan E. Siff, M.D., MBA; Fredrica E. Smith, M.D.; Richard E. Smith, M.D.; Arthur D. Snow, Jr., M.D.; Christopher J. Standaert, M.D.; and Karen S. Williams, M.D. II. Meeting Format and Agenda

The meeting will commence with the Council’s Executive Director providing a status report, and the CMS responses to the recommendations made by the Council at the December 7, 2009 meeting, as well as prior meeting recommendations. Additionally, an update will be provided on the Physician Regulatory Issues Team. In accordance with the Council charter, we are requesting assistance with the following agenda topics:

• Provider Enrollment and Chain Ownership System (PECOS) Update.

• Fraud and Abuse Update.

• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Update.

For additional information and clarification on these topics, contact the DFO as provided in the **FOR FURTHER**
**INFORMATION CONTACT** section of this notice. Individual physicians or medical organizations that represent physicians wishing to present a 5-minute oral testimony on agenda issues must register with the DFO by the date listed in the **DATES** section of this notice. Testimony is limited to agenda topics only. The number of oral testimonies may be limited by the time available. A written copy of the presenter’s oral remarks must be submitted to the DFO for distribution to Council members for review before the meeting by the date listed in the **DATES** section of this notice. Physicians and medical organizations not scheduled to speak may also submit written comments to the DFO for distribution by the date listed in the

**DATES** section of this notice. III. Meeting Registration and Security Information

The meeting is open to the public, but attendance is limited to the space available. Persons wishing to attend this meeting must register by contacting the DFO at the address listed in the

**ADDRESSES** section of this notice or by telephone at the number listed in the

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT** section of this notice by the date specified in the **DATES** section of this notice.

Since this meeting will be held in a Federal Government Building, the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, Federal security measures are applicable. In planning your arrival time, we recommend allowing additional time to clear security. To gain access to the building, participants will be required to show a government-issued photo identification (for example, driver’s license, or passport), and must be listed on an approved security list before persons are permitted entrance. Persons not registered in advance will not be permitted into the Hubert H. Humphrey Building and will not be permitted to attend the Council meeting.

All persons entering the building must pass through a metal detector. In addition, all items brought to the Hubert H. Humphrey Building, whether personal or for the purpose of presentation, are subject to inspection. We cannot assume responsibility for coordinating the receipt, transfer, transport, storage, set-up, safety, or timely arrival of any personal belongings or items used for the purpose of presentation.

Individuals requiring sign language interpretation or other special accommodations must contact the DFO via the contact information specified in the **FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT** section of this notice by the date listed in the **DATES** section of this notice.

Authority: (Section 1868 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ee) and section 10(a) of Pub. L. 92–463 (5 U.S.C. App. 2, section 10(a)).)

Dated: January 14, 2010. Charlene Frizzera, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
[FR Doc. 2010–1333 Filed 1–21–10; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4120–01–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES** 

**Health Resources and Services Administration** 

**National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services; Notice of**  **Meeting**

In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463), notice is hereby given that the following committee will convene its sixty-fourth meeting.

Name: National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services.

Dates and Times: February 17, 2010, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

February 18, 2010, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. February 19, 2010, 9 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Place: The Sofitel Lafayette Square, 806 15th Street, NW., Washington, DC, 20005, Phone: 202–730–8800.

Status: The meeting will be open to the public.

Purpose: The National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary with respect to the delivery, research, development and administration of health and human services in rural areas.

Agenda: Wednesday afternoon, February 17, at 1 p.m., the meeting will be called to order by the Chairperson of the Committee, the Honorable David Beasley and the Vice Chairperson, the Honorable Larry Otis. The Chair will open with a review of the Committee’s 2010 Report to the Secretary and a vote on the approval of that report. The meeting will then focus on the Committee’s