FR 2021-02385

The document is a public notice from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) about a closed meeting of the NHLBI Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Review Committee. The meeting will occur virtually on March 4-5, 2021, and will focus on the review and evaluation of grant applications. The sessions are closed to protect confidential information such as trade secrets and personal details associated with the grant applications.

Summary of the Document

This notice announces an important closed meeting by a governmental health institute that assesses and evaluates grant applications related to heart, lung, and blood research. The meeting is deemed closed to the public in order to safeguard sensitive information and ensure the privacy of those involved in the grant applications. The notice provides logistical details, including the meeting's dates, times, and the contact information for the committee's Scientific Review Officer.

Significant Issues and Concerns

1. Transparency Concerns: The decision to close the meeting to the public, while based on valid confidentiality concerns, may raise questions about the transparency of the evaluation process. Stakeholders might be concerned about how decisions are made if they cannot observe or understand the deliberations directly.

2. Understanding the Legal References: The document refers to specific sections of the U.S. Code (U.S.C.) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that justify the closed nature of the meeting. However, these references are not explained in detail, which might be difficult for individuals without a legal background to comprehend fully.

3. Federal Assistance Program Numbers: Several federal assistance program numbers are mentioned without context or explanation. This could be confusing for readers unfamiliar with these programs and their relevance to the meeting or the broader scope of NHLBI's work.

4. Complex and Formal Language: The language used throughout the document is formal and bureaucratic, which might not be easily understood by the general public. This verbosity can act as a barrier to those seeking to understand the implications of the meeting without a technical or legal background.

5. Privacy Concerns: The inclusion of personal contact information for a specific staff member might raise privacy concerns unless it is explicitly intended for public disclosure and access.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this document has limited immediate impact on the general public since it largely concerns internal processes within the NHLBI. However, the closed nature of the meeting may impact the public's trust or confidence in how grant evaluations are conducted, particularly in the field of medical research which can have significant long-term implications for public health.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Researchers and Grant Applicants: For individuals directly involved in the applications, the closed nature of the meeting is a positive aspect as it ensures the confidentiality of potentially sensitive information, such as intellectual property details or personal data.

• Public Health Advocates: Those concerned with transparency in public health funding and policy might view the closed meeting with skepticism, questioning how funds are allocated and whether the best projects are being supported.

Overall, while the document serves to inform about procedural aspects of a governmental meeting, its lack of transparency and the complexity of its language could diminish the public's understanding and engagement with the NHLBI's processes. Balancing confidentiality with the need for transparency is crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence in such institutions.