March 1 -- This notice announces the request for nominations for membership on the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC). Among other duties, the MEDCAC provides advice and guidance to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning the adequacy of scientific evidence available to CMS in making coverage determinations under the Medicare program. The MEDCAC's fundamental purpose is to support the principles of an evidence-based determination process for Medicare's coverage policies. MEDCAC panels provide advice to CMS on the strength of the evidence available for specific medical treatments and technologies through a public, participatory, and accountable process. Nominations must be received by Monday, March 28, 2022.
The MEDCAC consists of a pool of 100 appointed members including: 90 at-large standing members (10 of whom are patient advocates), and 10 representatives of industry interests. Members generally are recognized authorities in clinical medicine including subspecialties, administrative medicine, public health, biological and physical sciences, epidemiology and biostatistics, clinical trial design, health care data management and analysis, patient advocacy, health care economics, health disparities, medical ethics, those with an understanding of sociodemographic bias and resulting limitations of scientific evidence, or other relevant professions.
The MEDCAC works from an agenda provided by the Designated Federal Official. The MEDCAC reviews and evaluates medical literature and technology assessments, and hears public testimony on the evidence available to address the impact of medical items and services on health outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries. The MEDCAC may also advise the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of Medicare's “coverage with evidence development” initiative.
As of June 2022, there will be 23 membership terms expiring. Of the 23 memberships expiring, 3 are patient advocates and the remaining 20 membership openings are for the at-large standing MEDCAC membership.
Nominees for membership must have expertise and experience in one or more of the following fields:
Clinical medicine including subspecialties
Administrative medicine
Public health
Health disparities
Biological and physical sciences
Epidemiology and biostatistics
Clinical trial design
Health care data management and analysis
Patient advocacy
Health care economics
Medical ethics
Other relevant professions
We are looking particularly for experts in a number of fields. These include health disparities, cancer screening, genetic testing, clinical epidemiology, psychopharmacology, screening and diagnostic testing analysis, and vascular surgery. We also need experts in biostatistics in clinical settings, dementia treatment, observational research design, stroke epidemiology, and women's health.
Nominees are selected based upon their individual qualifications and not solely as representatives of professional associations or societies. We wish to ensure adequate representation of those enrolled in the Medicare program including but not limited to, racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and from across the gender spectrum. Therefore, we encourage nominations of qualified candidates who can represent these lived experiences.
MEDCAC webpage:
https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/FACA/MEDCAC
FR notice:
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2022-04382