Joint Meeting of SAMHSA's Advisory Committees Open to the Public

March 29, 2011  |  8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time

SAMHSA
1 Choke Cherry Road
Rockville, MD 20857
Sugarloaf/Seneca Conference Rooms

You're invited to the Joint Meeting of SAMHSA's Advisory Committees:

• SAMHSA National Advisory Council
• Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Council
• Center for Substance Abuse Prevention National Advisory Council
• Center for Substance Abuse Treatment National Advisory Council
• Advisory Committee for Women's Services
• Tribal Technical Advisory Committee

The agenda includes discussions on SAMHSA's fiscal year 2012 budget, SAMHSA's Block Grant applications, and SAMHSA's Strategic Initiatives. The discussions will focus on the Agency's work on improving lives and capitalizing on emerging opportunities that advance and protect the Nation's health.

In addition, SAMHSA's Advisory Committees will hold individual meetings on March 30, 2011, in the SAMHSA office building.

The registration deadline is March 22, 2011, but the Joint Meeting also can be accessed via webcast if you are unable to attend.

Register Now

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans-Notice of Meeting

Image via WikipediaPursuant to the authority contained in Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. 1142, the 153rd open meeting of the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans will be held on October 4, 2010. The meeting will take place in C5515--Room 3, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210. Public access is available only in this room (i.e. not by telephone). The meeting will run from 12 p.m. to approximately 5 p.m.
The purpose of the open meeting is to discuss reports/recommendations for the Secretary of Labor on the issues of

(1) Healthcare Literacy,
(2) Disparities for Women and Minorities in Retirement, and
(3) Employee Benefit Plan Auditing and Financial Reporting Models.

Descriptions of these topics are available on the Advisory Council page of the EBSA web site at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/aboutebsa/erisa_advisory_council.html.
Full Meeting Notice

Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans; Nominations for Vacancies

Section 512 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), 88 Stat. 895, 29 U.S.C. 1142, provides for the establishment of an Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans (the Council), which is to consist of 15 members to be appointed by the Secretary of Labor (the Secretary) as follows: three representatives of employee organizations (at least one of whom shall be a representative of an organization whose members are participants in a multiemployer plan); three representatives of employers (at least one of whom shall be a representative of employers maintaining or contributing to multiemployer plans); one representative each from the fields of insurance, corporate trust, actuarial counseling, investment counseling, investment management, and accounting; and three representatives from the general public (one of whom shall be a person representing those receiving benefits from a pension plan). No more than eight members of the Council shall be members of the same political party.

Members shall be persons qualified to appraise the programs instituted under ERISA. Appointments are for terms of three years. The prescribed duties of the Council are to advise the Secretary with respect to the carrying out of his or her functions under ERISA, and to submit to the Secretary, or his or her designee, recommendations with respect thereto.

The Council will meet at least four times each year. The terms of five members of the Council expire on November 14, 2010. The groups or fields they represent are as follows:

(1) Employee organizations (representing an organization whose members are participants in a multiemployer plan);

(2) employers (representing employers maintaining or contributing to multiemployer plans);

(3) accounting;

(4) insurance; and

(5) the general public.

The Department of Labor is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and seeks a broad-based and diverse ERISA Advisory Council. Accordingly, notice is hereby given that any person or organization desiring to recommend one or more individuals for appointment to the Advisory Council on Employee Welfare and Pension Benefit Plans, to represent any of the groups or fields specified in the preceding paragraph, may submit recommendations to Larry Good, ERISA Advisory Council Executive Secretary, Frances Perkins Building, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Suite N-5623, Washington, DC 20210, or to good.larry@dol.gov.

Recommendations must be submitted on or before September 17, 2010. Recommendations may be in the form of a letter, resolution or petition, signed by the person making the recommendation or, in the case of a recommendation by an organization, by an authorized representative of the organization. Recommendations should include the position for which the nominee is recommended and the nominee's full name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address. The recommendation also must state that the candidate will accept appointment to the Council if offered. Nominees will be contacted to provide information on their political affiliation and their status as registered lobbyists. Nominees should be aware of the time commitment for attending meetings and actively participating in the work of the Council. Historically, this has meant a commitment of 15-20 days per year.

FR Doc 2010-18897

HHS Seeking Nominations for Workforce Advisory Panel by June 18, 2010

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In the June 16 Federal Register, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced it is establishing and seeking nominations for  a new Personal Care Attendants Workforce Advisory Panel, under the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) Act.

The Advisory Panel will be comprised of 15 members appointed by the Secretary of HHS from among members of the general public who are individuals who have distinguished themselves in the fields of long-term services and supports; aging and disability populations and services; practices that help reduce high personal care attendant workforce vacancy and turnover rates; Medicaid; Medicare, the Older Americans Act and the Workforce Investment Systems; community residential services; and policy analysis and development related to the financing, access, provision and quality of health care services.

Each member of the Advisory Panel shall be appointed for a term of 2 years.

Nominations shall be submitted by no later than June 18, 2010 to:
    Margaret Reiser,
    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
    200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Room 415F,
    Washington D.C., 20201,

    Phone (202) 690-7858,
    Fax (202) 690-7383.

For more information about the Personal Care Attendants Workforce Advisory Panel, please see the Federal Register link below:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-14447.pdf

  

Secretary Sebelius Announces New Members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today the appointment of five new members to the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), a federal advisory committee created in an effort to accelerate progress in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research and services.

The committee is composed of a diverse group of federal officials from HHS agencies and the Department of Education, as well as public members that include people with ASD, parents of people with ASD, and leaders of national ASD advocacy and research organizations.

In January 2009, the IACC released its first strategic plan for autism research. The IACC released a second edition of its strategic plan in January 2010.

"Today I am pleased to announce new members of the IACC, who will bring additional points of view and expertise to the committee," Secretary Sebelius said.

"I look forward to hearing from the committee members on important matters that affect people with autism and their families as we continue our efforts to address this urgent public health challenge."

ASDs are a group of developmental disabilities that cause major social, communication and behavioral challenges with symptoms that present before age 3. ASDs affect each person in different ways and can range from very mild to severe. People with ASDs share some similar symptoms, such as problems with social interaction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that an average of 1 in every 110 children in the United States has some form of ASD.

New Members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D.
As chief science officer for Autism Speaks, Dr. Dawson works with the scientific community and stakeholders to shape and expand the foundation's scientific vision. She also is a licensed clinical psychologist with a research focus on early detection and intervention, early patterns of brain dysfunction and the identification of biological markers for autism genetic studies. Dr. Dawson also serves as research professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,  adjunct professor of psychiatry at Columbia University and professor emeritus of psychology at University of Washington.

Gerald D. Fischbach, M.D.
Dr. Fischbach is the scientific director for the Simons Foundation where he oversees the Autism Research Initiative. He has spent his career as a neuroscientist studying the formation and maintenance of synapses, the junctions between nerve cells which allow signals to be transmitted. Before joining the Simons Foundation, Dr. Fischbach served as the Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke from 1998 to 2001 and as the Executive Vice President of Columbia University Medical Center and Dean of the faculties of medicine from 2001 to 2006.

Ari Ne'eman
Mr. Ari Ne'eman is the founding president of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, where he works to increase the representation of autistic people in public policy discussions. He is an adult on the autism spectrum and a leading advocate in the neurodiversity movement. Mr. Ne'eman has served on the New Jersey Adults with Autism Task Force and the New Jersey Special Education Review Commission, where he authored a minority report advocating legislative action against the use of aversives, restraint and seclusion. He is a board member of TASH, an advocacy group for people with disabilities, and is involved with the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education.

Denise D. Resnik
Denise Resnik is the co-founder and board development chair of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC). She is the mother of an 18-year-old son with autism. Ms. Resnik serves on the Autism Speaks Family Services Committee and Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA) Steering Committee. She participated in the 2006 NIMH Autism Matrix Review and the IACC Scientific Workshops to develop the IACC Strategic Plan and subsequent updates.

Marjorie Solomon, Ph.D.
Assistant professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the University of California, Davis
Dr. Marjorie Solomon is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, Davis. She serves on the Faculty of the Medical Investigation of Neurological Disorders (MIND) Institute and the Autism Research Training Program where she conducts research on a social skills training intervention for high-functioning children with ASD, incorporating parents and siblings in the research. In addition to her clinical research work, Dr. Solomon studies cognition and learning in high-functioning individuals with ASD.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee welcomes new members (leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk)
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• Ari Ne'eman Opposes Freedom of Choice of Persons with Autism Disorders and Their Families (autisminnb.blogspot.com)

National Institute on Aging; Notice of Meeting

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The meeting will be open to the public as indicated below, with attendance limited to space available. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should notify the Contact Person listed below in advance of the meeting.

The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

Name of Committee: National Advisory Council on Aging.

Date: May 25-26, 2010.

Closed: May 25, 2010, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

Place: National Institutes of Health, Building 31, 31 Center Drive, C Wing, Conference Room 10, Bethesda, MD 20892.

Open: May 26, 2010, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Agenda: Call to order and reports from the Task Force on Minority Aging Research, the Working Group on Program; Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology Review; and Program Highlights.

Place: National Institutes of Health, Building 31, 31 Center Drive, C Wing, Conference Room 10, Bethesda, MD 20892.

Contact Person: Robin Barr, Ph.D., Director, National Institute On Aging, Office of Extramural Activities, Gateway Building, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. (301) 496-9322. barrr@nia.nih.gov.

National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform April 27 Meeting

Time and Date: Tuesday, April 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. EDT.

Place: The location of the meeting is Washington, DC. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to the Designated Federal Office (DFO), Bruce Reed at commission@fc.eop.gov. Those who have expressed interest in attending this meeting will be contacted once the location is finalized.

Status: The meeting will be open to the public, but limited by the space available.

Purpose: This will be the first meeting of the recently established National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Commission). At this meeting the Commission will discuss the Nation's long-term fiscal challenges and define the scope of the Commission's work.

Contact Person for Additional Information: Please contact Bruce Reed for any additional information about the meeting at commission@fc.eop.gov.

Agenda: This meeting will be the inaugural gathering of Commission members. In addition to introducing members to one another, at this meeting the Commission will discuss the Nation's long-term fiscal challenges and define the scope of the Commission's work. Additionally the Commission will discuss its internal operating structure and seek to identify what subcommittees should be formed to support its work. A more complete agenda will be made publicly available prior to the April 27 meeting and can be requested from the DFO at commission@fc.eop.gov.

Stillwater Gazette - Having her voice heard: Karly Wahlin doesn't let disability stand in the way of her ability to create

By Stephanie Foreman

"I never knew that people would be interested in what I have to say, so it has surprised me so much to be heard," Karly Wahlin says.


Karly lives with Rett Syndrome, a developmental disorder occurring primarily in women. She is one of very few women with the disorder who can communicate, which she does by typing.

And her "voice" is now part of an advisory committee for Art St. Croix, an organization providing opportunities in the arts for area residents with disabilities. Karly says she appreciates this rare chance to be a part of the community dialogue.

"Through my involvement with this committee, I hope others who are disabled will be included and seen as valuable," Karly said.
Continue Reading

SAMHSA National Advisory Councils - Request for Nominations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting nominations through October 7, 2009, to fill vacancies for its five advisory committees (the SAMHSA National Advisory Council, the Center for Substance abuse Prevention, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and Center for Mental Health Services National Advisory Councils and the Advisory Committee for Women's Services). Under section 502 of the Public Health Service Act, the National Advisory Councils (NAC) provide advice to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), SAMHSA Administrator, and/or Center Directors on a broad range of polices and services related to substance use and mental health.

Legislation requires that each NAC be composed of 12 members: nine members must be leading representatives of the health disciplines (including public health, behavioral health, and social sciences)relevant to the mission of SAMHSA and its Centers and three members must be from the general public and include leaders in the fields of public policy, public relations, law, health policy, economics, or management.

The current lists of members for the advisory committees are available on the SAMHSA Web site.
Members are appointed for a term of up to four years. Individuals are nominated, selected, and appointed to a NAC or the ACWS to contribute to the advisory committee's objectives based on their qualifications. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and HHS policy require that committee membership be fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented and the committee's functions to be performed. Consideration is given to a broad representation of geographic areas, gender, race/ethnicity, and disability. The advisory committees will meet not less than two times per year and on an as needed basis.

Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals for membership. Self-nominations are also welcome.

Complete Details

Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation; Notice of Meeting

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives notice under Public Law 92–463 (Federal Advisory Committee Act) that the Advisory Committee on Disability Compensation will meet on August 10–11, 2009, in the Carlton Ballroom at the St. Regis Washington DC, 923 16th and K Streets, NW., from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The meeting is open to the public. On August 10 and the morning of August 11, the Committee will receive briefings about studies on compensation for Veterans with service-connected disabilities and other Veteran benefits programs. On the afternoon of August 11, the Committee will break into subcommittees to prepare recommendations. Time will also be allocated during the afternoon of August 11 for receiving public comments.

Advisory Committee on Women Veterans

The Advisory Committee on Women Veterans will meet February 18-20, 2009, in room 230 at VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC, from 8:30 until 4:30 p.m., each day. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda will include briefings on the:

• VA claims adjudication process,
• Project Hero,
• Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008,
• Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group clinical inventory of care, models of care for women veterans, quality and performance, and
• a visit to Capitol Hill.

Charter Renewal: Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors

The Election Assistance Commission announced in the December 30, 2008 Federal Register the charter renewal of its Board of Advisors. The Board of Advisors is a Federal advisory committee created by statute whose mission is to advise the EAC through review of the voluntary voting systems guidelines; through review of voluntary guidance; and review of best practices recommendations. The notice includes a description of the composition of the Board and how members are appointed.

SSA: Establishment of the Occupational Information Development Advisory Panel

We (Social Security Administration) are establishing the Occupational Information Development Advisory Panel (Panel) under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The creation of the Panel, while discretionary, is necessary and in the public interest. It will help us to perform our statutory duties. We have consulted with the Committee Management Secretariat, General Services Administration.

Panel members will analyze the occupational information used by SSA in our disability programs and provide expert guidance as we develop an occupational information system (OIS) tailored for these programs. We plan to design the OIS to improve our disability policies and processes and to ensure up-to-date vocational
evidence in our disability programs. We will select Panel members based primarily on their occupational expertise. This Panel will provide guidance on our plans and actions to replace the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and its companion volume, The Selected Characteristics of Occupations. We expect to tailor the OIS specifically for our disability programs.

The Panel will be composed of not more than 12 members, including: (a) Members of academia recognized as experts in relevant subject areas, such as occupational analysis, vocational assessment, and physical and occupational rehabilitation; (b) professional experts in relevant subject areas, such as vocational rehabilitation, forensic vocational assessment, and disability insurance programs; (c) medical professionals with experience in relevant subject areas such as occupational or physical rehabilitation medicine, psychiatry or psychology, and physical or occupational therapy; (d) professional experts who represent or advocate on behalf of the disabled claimants; and (e) an agency employee who has expertise in our disability program
policies, processes, and systems. The Panel is continuing in nature. In accordance with the FACA, we will publish a notice of the first Panel meeting in the Federal Register.

National Council On Disability Quarterly Meeting

DATES AND TIMES: January 12, 2009, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. January 13, 2009, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. January 14, 2009, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. LOCATION: Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ. STATUS: January 12, 2009, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.--Open. January 13, 2009, 4:00 p.m.-5 p.m.--Open. January 14, 2009, 8:00 a.m.-8:30 a.m.--Closed Executive Session. January 14, 2009, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.--Open. AGENDA: Public Comment Sessions; Emergency Preparedness Panel; and Employment; Healthcare; Reports from the Chairperson, Council Members, and the Executive Director; Strategic Planning; Unfinished Business; New Business; Announcements; Adjournment.

Dr. Bill Thomas Calls For Mechanism to Provide Obama "Elder Counsel"

In his blog, Dr Bill Thomas writes "No one under 75 has any real memory of the Great Depression, and few people under 70 have any recollection of World War II. As we look forward toward a time when the world needs shared sacrifice to survive and thrive, we would do well to hear the voices of those who have lived through such times before. What worked and what didn't? What got people through from day to day? It's not all in the history books. Elders don't need to run the country, but they need a formal advisory voice. Their wisdom and perspective has been sadly lacking in our government, and many others as well. They need to be volunteers, not those seeking political office or lobbying for contracts. Leadership and elder counsel. Obama has one. He needs the other."

Census Advisory Committee on the Hispanic Population

Request for Nominations

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is requesting nominations of individuals to the Census Advisory Committee (CAC) on the Hispanic Population. The Census Bureau will consider nominations received in response to this notice, as well as from other sources.

Membership

1. Members are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. They are appointed to the nine-member Committee for a period of three years.

2. Members will be reevaluated at the conclusion of the three-year term with the prospect of renewal, pending meeting attendance, administrative compliance, advisory committee needs, and the Secretary's concurrence. Committee members are selected in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce (DOC) guidelines. The Committee aims to have a balanced representation, considering such factors as:

• geography,
• gender,
• technical expertise,
• community involvement, and
• knowledge of census procedures and activities.

The Committee aims to include members from diverse backgrounds, including:

• state and local governments,
• academia,
• media,
• research,
• community-based organizations, and
• the private sector.

No employee of the federal government can serve as a member of the Committee. Meeting attendance and active participation in the activities of the Advisory Committee are essential for sustained Committee membership, as well as submission of required annual financial disclosure statements.

Request for Nominations: Census Bureau Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Populations Advisory Committee

The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is requesting nominations of individuals to the Census Advisory Committee (CAC) on the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander Populations. The Census Bureau will consider nominations received in response to this notice, as well as from other sources.
 
Membership
 
1. Members are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. They are appointed to the nine-member Committee for a period of three years.

2. Members will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of the three-year term with the prospect of renewal, pending meeting attendance, administrative compliance, advisory committee needs, and the Secretary's concurrence.

Committee members are selected in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce (DOC) guidelines. The Committee aims to have a balanced representation, considering such factors as:

• geography,
• gender,
• technical expertise,
• community involvement, and
• knowledge of census procedures and activities.

The Committee aims to include members from diverse backgrounds, including:

• state and local governments,
• academia,
• media,
• research,
• community-based organizations, and
• the private sector.

No employee of the federal government can serve as a member of the Committee. Meeting attendance and active participation in the activities of the Advisory Committee are essential for sustained Committee membership, as well as submission of required
annual financial disclosure statements.

DATES: Please submit nominations by December 3, 2008.

Nominations of Members for Census Advisory Committee on the Asian Population

SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census (Census Bureau) is requesting nominations of individuals to the Census Advisory Committee (CAC) on the Asian Population. The Census Bureau will consider nominations received in response to this notice, as well as from other sources.

1. Members are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. They are appointed to the nine-member Committee for a period of three years.
2. Members will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of the three-year term with the prospect of renewal, pending meeting attendance, administrative compliance, advisory committee needs, and the Secretary's concurrence.

Committee members are selected in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce (DOC) guidelines. The Committee aims to have a balanced representation, considering such factors as

• geography,
• gender,
• technical expertise,
• community involvement, and
• knowledge of census procedures and activities.

The Committee aims to include members from diverse backgrounds, including:

• state and local governments,
• academia,
• media,
• research,
• community-based organizations, and
• the private sector.

No employee of the federal government can serve as a member of the Committee. Meeting attendance and active participation in the activities of the Advisory Committee are essential for sustained Committee membership, as well as submission of required annual financial disclosure statements.

DATES: Please submit nominations by December 15, 2008.

Redesign of Primary Health Care

The Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry (ACTPCMD) wll meet November 17 - 18, 2008. At this meeting the Advisory Committee will work on its eighth report about the re-design of the delivery of primary health care and its implications for the training of primary care practitioners. Reports are submitted to Congress and to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

American Health Information Community Meeting

This notice announces the meeting date for the 25th meeting of the American Health Information Community. Meeting Date: November 12, 2008, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. (Eastern) The meeting will include updates on:

• the Healthcare Information Technology Standards Panel,
• the Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology, and
• hospital health information technology adoption rates.

Final reports on the Electronic Health Records, Chronic Care, Consumer Empowerment, Quality, and Personalized Healthcare Workgroups will also be presented.

Finally, an update on the AHIC Successor organization will be heard.

A Web cast of the Community meeting will be available on the NIH Web site at: http://www.videocast.nih.gov/.