The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a request in the October 25 Federal Register for new members of an influential committee that helps CMS set reimbursement policy.
The Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) provides guidance to the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Administrator of CMS regarding scientific evidence available to CMS for "reasonable and necessary" determinations under Medicare.
The group consists of a pool of 100 members, 94 of whom are voting members and six of whom are nonvoting representatives of industry interests, according to CMS. MEDCAC reviews and evaluates medical literature and technology assessments and hears public testimony.
The agency is seeking nominations for both voting and nonvoting members. Nominees are selected based on their individual qualifications, not as representatives of professional associations, CMS said.
Members serve for two years; in June 2014, 30 MEDCAC membership terms will expire. The deadline for nominations is December 9, according to CMS.
