FR 2021-00283

The document titled "Notice of Closed Meeting" presents information about an upcoming closed session organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. This notice primarily serves to inform the public about the closed meeting while providing a point of contact for further inquiries. Specifically, Marilyn Ridenour is listed as the contact person with detailed contact information provided. Additionally, it mentions that Kalwant Smagh is the designated authority to sign related Federal Register notices, offering insight into the organizational processes within the CDC.

General Summary

The announcement of a closed meeting by the CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reveals limited information about the event itself. The notice includes direct contact information for Marilyn Ridenour, who is available for any questions or further information. Furthermore, the document clarifies Kalwant Smagh's role in signing Federal Register notices, establishing bureaucratic compliance with procedural requirements. No explicit purpose, date, time, or list of attendees for the meeting is disclosed within the document.

Issues and Concerns

The lack of transparency is a primary concern with this notice. The absence of specific details about the meeting, such as its purpose, date, time, and expected attendees, creates uncertainty for stakeholders and the general public. Furthermore, while providing contact information is beneficial, the absence of clear instructions on how to obtain additional information or relevant documents related to the meeting limits public engagement and potential oversight.

The bureaucratic language, especially the thorough listing of Marilyn Ridenour's credentials, may seem unnecessary to a general audience and could detract from the clarity and accessibility of the document. The document also fails to address fiscal aspects, leaving questions about the use of public resources without a defined context or objective.

Public and Stakeholder Impact

For the general public, the impact of this document is overshadowed by its lack of detail. Without knowing the focus or implications of the meeting, the public cannot assess its significance or relevance to broader health and safety concerns. This lack of transparency might foster skepticism regarding the agency's commitment to public accountability and open governance.

Specific stakeholders, such as health professionals and organizations directly impacted by the CDC's and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's operations, may find the lack of explicit information challenging. These entities might rely heavily on such notices for planning and responding to public health initiatives. The non-disclosure of meeting content or purpose could impede their ability to engage proactively or understand potential changes affecting their interests.

Conclusion

While the notice fulfills a formal requirement by announcing a meeting, the absence of critical details limits its utility for public awareness and involvement. Addressing these concerns could enhance transparency and trust between the CDC, related agencies, and the public they serve. Efforts to simplify bureaucratic language and enhance the dissemination of accessible, relevant information would likely bolster public engagement and understanding of government activities that impact public health and safety.