FR 2020-29203

The document in question is a notice from the National Institute of Mental Health, prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services and part of the National Institutes of Health. It announces a change in the scheduling of a meeting for the Board of Scientific Counselors. Originally slated for January 19-22, 2021, the meeting dates have been shifted to January 21-22, 2021. The adjustments have been documented in the Federal Register and indicate that the meeting will take place virtually and will be closed to the public.

Summary of the Document

The announcement reveals a change in the dates for the upcoming Board of Scientific Counselors meeting. Initially spread over four days, the revised schedule reduces it to just two days. Despite this change, the meeting remains a virtual event, thereby continuing to observe potentially ongoing pandemic-related protocols. The meeting will not be open to public participation, implying that any deliberations or decisions made will occur without public oversight.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One concern is the lack of information regarding why the meeting dates were altered. The document does not provide any context or reasons for this change, which could affect both stakeholders and the public who might have a vested interest in the outcomes of this meeting. Furthermore, the notice fails to offer any means through which interested parties could access the results or content discussed in this closed meeting. This could lead to perceptions of opacity or reduced transparency.

Another point worth noting is the specialized nature of the language used. Terms like 'Board of Scientific Counselors' and 'PORTER NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER' might not be easily understood by the general public. This could create barriers to comprehension, potentially excluding individuals who are unfamiliar with the specific jargon and institutional structures.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the impact on the public might be minimal in terms of direct engagement, given that the meeting is closed. However, this lack of access potentially affects public trust in how decisions are made in mental health research. Transparency in these processes can contribute to greater public confidence in institutional decisions and developments. The absence of public participation or access to information regarding the meeting could impede the public's ability to stay informed about developments that might affect mental health policies or research.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved with the National Institute of Mental Health, such as researchers, medical professionals, and affiliated organizations, the rescheduling could mean adjustments in their involvement or input into the meeting. The timing of this announcement so close to the original meeting's date could cause logistical challenges.

Additionally, policy makers, advocacy groups, and patients interested in the outcomes of the Board's meetings may experience frustration due to their inability to engage with the meeting or its outcomes. They might also be concerned about how conclusions from such meetings could affect mental health policies and funding allocations.

In summary, while the document serves its purpose of updating meeting dates, its lack of additional context and avenues for public engagement poses questions about transparency and accessibility for those interested in the workings of the National Institute of Mental Health.