Training is provided to FDA Advisory Committee members about public disclosure and discussion of these reports and documents, as well as the appropriateness of pre-meeting contacts with other patients, committee members, the press, manufacturers, and FDA staff. FDA Advisory Committees meet in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. Committee members usually fly to a Washington-area airport and stay at a designated hotel at government expense. Local transportation and meal expenses are paid by the committee members as they occur, with reimbursement at government rates usually provided within 60 days following the committee meeting. A modest honorarium is provided for each day of service at the Advisory Committee meeting.
Meetings generally last two days, and often involve the discussion of more than one product.
The Patient Representative's participation is limited to the discussion of the product related to the disease each has experienced, and thus service in a meeting generally lasts only one day. The entire committee is asked to discuss questions prepared and distributed to the Committee in advance by FDA staff. Patient Representatives may choose to comment, if they believe they have experience relevant to the discussion. Patient Representatives may also ask FDA reviewers, company officials, or medical researchers participating in the Advisory Committee about issues of concern to them. Currently, Patient Representatives regularly participate in meetings of the Antiviral and Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committees.