[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 89 (Thursday, May 8, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 25200] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-11915] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Health Resources and Services Administration Request for Nominations of Representatives to the Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality AGENCY: Health Resources and Services Administration, HHS. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The HRSA is requesting nominations for representatives of specified constituencies or organizations to serve on the Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality (ACIM). The composition of the ACIM is being expanded to meet new congressional requirements to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary on health care services provided to mothers and newborns, as authorized under Section 606 (``Newborns'' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996'') of Pub. L. 104-204, the Veterans Administration-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act of 1997. Many of the categories of constituencies or organizations specified by Section 606(b) of the Act for membership on the panel are already represented on the ACIM. Additionally, Congress has identified other organizations with specific areas of expertise for inclusion on the panel. Those categories not already represented in the current membership or that have not been specifically identified by Congress include: health plans; hospitals; employers; and consumers. Nominations are being solicited for persons of national stature representing these four categories who are knowledgeable about maternal and infant health, study methods and quality assurance. DATES: Nominations should be received by June 9, 1997. ADDRESSES: All letters of nominations, specifying the nominee's expertise and category they are representing, and curricula vitae of the nominees should be sent to Audrey H. Nora, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and Assistant Surgeon General, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 18-05, Rockville, MD 20857, within 30 days of this Federal Register notice. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Woodie Kessel, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Division of Science, Education, and Analysis, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 18A-55, Rockville, MD 20857. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 606 of Pub. L. 104-204 requires health plans and insurance carriers that provide maternity benefits to provide coverage for postpartum hospital stays of at least 48 hours for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries and 96 hours for Cesarean sections. Section 606(b) of the Act directs the Secretary to establish an advisory panel to review data on health care services provided to mothers and newborns, to study several issues related to quality of care and length of maternity stay, and to report to Congress within 5 years on a series of issues related to private sector improvements in prenatal and postnatal care. An interim report is required in 18 months. The law specifies that the advisory panel be chosen from public and private sector entities with expertise in areas such as patient care, patient education, quality assurance, outcomes research, and consumer issues, and include representatives of health care practitioners, health plans, hospitals, employers, States, and consumers. The Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee Report, S. Rpt. 104-326, which accompanied the ``Newborns' and Mothers' Health Protection Act of 1996'' (S. 969), further elaborates on the composition of the advisory panel, identifying a number of organizations by name as well as category for membership. Congressionally-identified organizations in categories not already represented by current ACIM members have already been invited to nominate a representative to the advisory panel. On January 29, 1997, the Secretary designated the ACIM to carry out the additional responsibilities of the advisory panel authorized under Section 606(b) of the Act, with the understanding that its composition would be expanded to meet the broadened membership requirements of Section 606(b) of the Act. These membership categories are health plans, hospitals, employers, and consumers. Organizations in categories not otherwise represented by current ACIM members are being invited via this notice to nominate a representative to serve on the advisory panel. If no nomination is received from entities within these categories, the MCHB will nominate a member to represent that constituency's interests. The Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality was established in 1991 to advise the Secretary on HHS programs directed at reducing infant mortality and improving the health status of pregnant women and infants. The Committee is governed by provisions of Public Law 92-463, as amended, (5 U.S.C. App. 2), which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory committees. The Committee currently consists of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, the Administrator, Health Care Financing Administration and the Assistant Secretary for Food and Consumer Services, USDA, as ex-officio members, and 21 members, including the chair, selected by the Secretary. Both the public and private sectors are represented. Members from the private sector represent corporations and foundations, the media, the clergy, health and other professional organizations. Members from the public sector represent administrators from State and local levels, including minority, rural and urban interests. The ACIM receives administrative support from HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB). Members of the advisory panel will serve for a 4-year term. The panel will meet 3 to 4 times per year. Dated: May 2, 1997. Claude Earl Fox, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 97-11915 Filed 5-7-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160-15-P