Overview
Federal Advisory Committees
Definition: Federal Advisory Committee
Any committee, board, commission, council, conference, panel, task force, study section, working or other similar group which is not composed entirely of full-time officers or employees of the Federal Government. This committee is established or utilized by a department or agency to advise or make recommendations on matters relating to the programs, responsibilities, or activities of the department or agency.
The Federal Government has long recognized
the important role of the public in developing effective policies. Advisory
committees are a way of ensuring public and expert involvement and advice in
Federal decision-making. In response to the growing number of advisory
committees, Congress enacted the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) which
established the guidelines under which all Federal advisory committees must
operate. The number of advisory committees is carefully managed, ensuring that
committees are only established when essential to the attainment of clearly
defined Executive Branch priorities.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) fully supports this approach. CMS' standing committees provide advice and recommendations in such areas as physician services, proposed medical coverage, beneficiary education, and management. Our committee memberships reflect a balance of viewpoints, education, and experience. Members include beneficiaries, physicians, pharmacists, providers of service, consumer/industry representatives, and other experts in the health care delivery field.
Last Modified on Thursday, September 16, 2004
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