[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 44 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 10286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5511]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
[OPL-014-N]


Medicare Program; March 24, 1997 Meeting of the Practicing 
Physicians Advisory Council

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

ACTION: Notice of meeting.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, this notice announces a meeting of the Practicing 
Physicians Advisory Council. This meeting is open to the public.

DATES: The meeting is scheduled for March 24, 1997, from 9 a.m. until 5 
p.m. e.s.t.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Stonehenge Room, 615F, 
Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, 
DC 20201.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela J. Gentry, Associate 
Administrator for External Affairs, Room 435-H, Hubert H. Humphrey 
Building, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20201, (202) 
690-7418.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Secretary of the Department of Health 
and Human Services (the Secretary) is mandated by section 1868 of the 
Social Security 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 Health Care Financing Administration 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 or Medicaid 
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 must be doctors of 
medicine or osteopathy authorized to practice medicine and surgery by 
the States in which they practice. Members have been invited to serve 
for overlapping 4-year terms. In accordance with section 14 of the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act, terms of more than 2 years are 
contingent upon the renewal of the Council by appropriate action before 
the end of the 2-year term.
    The Council held its first meeting on May 11, 1992.
    The current members are: Richard Bronfman, D.P.M.; Wayne R. 
Carlsen, D.O.; Gary C. Dennis, M.D.; Catalina E. Garcia, M.D.; Mary T. 
Herald, M.D.; Ardis Hoven, M.D.; Sandral Hullett, M.D.; Jerilynn S. 
Kaibel, D.C. (renominated--pending selection); Marie G. Kuffner, M.D.; 
Marc Lowe, M.D.; Katherine L. Markette, M.D.; Susan Schooley, M.D.; 
Maisie Tam, M.D. (renominated--pending selection); and Kenneth M. 
Viste, Jr., M.D. The chairperson is Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., M.D.
    The Council agenda will provide for discussion and comment on the 
following three items:
    <bullet> Practice expense project.
    <bullet> Administrative simplifications under the Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act of 1966 (Public Law 104-191), 
enacted on August 21, 1996.
    <bullet> Fraud and abuse provisions under the Health Insurance 
Portability and Accountability Act.
    Council members will also receive an update on legislation, managed 
care, and Medicaid. In addition, new members will be sworn in to serve 
on the Council. Individuals or organizations who wish to make 5-minute 
oral presentations on the above issues should contact the Executive 
Director by 12:00 noon, March 13, 1997, to be scheduled. The number of 
oral presentations may be limited by the time available. A written copy 
of the oral remarks should be submitted to the Executive Director no 
later than 12:00 noon, March 19, 1997.
    Anyone who is not scheduled to speak may submit written comments to 
the Executive Director by 12:00 noon, March 19, 1997. The meeting is 
open to the public, but attendance is limited to the space available.

(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, section 10(a))

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

    Dated: February 27, 1997.
Bruce C. Vladeck,
Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration.
[FR Doc. 97-5511 Filed 3-5-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4120-01-P