FR 2021-03605

The document from the Federal Register announces a meeting of the Geriatric and Gerontology Advisory Committee, which is part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Scheduled as a virtual event, the meeting will take place on April 27 and 28, 2021. The committee's purpose is to advise the VA on matters related to the health care of older veterans. Despite being virtual and open to the public, the meeting will not allow for oral presentations from the public; members of the public can submit written statements for consideration instead.

General Summary

This notice primarily serves to inform the public about an upcoming virtual meeting of a committee that advises the VA on issues relevant to older veterans. Held over two days in April 2021, it is accessible to the general public through a WebEx link. The notice includes logistical details about how to attend, submit written comments, and contact relevant officials for further information.

Significant Issues or Concerns

1. Lack of Detailed Agenda or Topics: While the document announces the meeting, it does not offer any specific topics or an agenda for discussion. This omission might prevent potential attendees from understanding what will be covered in the meeting or assessing its relevance to their interests or concerns.

2. Public Participation Limitations: Public participation is limited to written submissions, with no facility for oral presentations. This restriction may deter broader public engagement and limit dynamic input from attendees.

3. Complex Language for Access Instructions: The instructions for accessing the WebEx virtual meeting are presented in a formal and somewhat complex language, potentially making it difficult for those less familiar with virtual meetings to follow through easily.

Impact on the Public Broadly

For the general public, especially older veterans and their families, the meeting represents an opportunity to learn about the VA's initiatives and policies regarding geriatric care. However, the limited avenues for direct engagement through written submissions may restrict the full breadth of public involvement, potentially impacting transparency and accountability.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Veterans and their Families: Older veterans may benefit indirectly through potential improvements in VA services informed by the Committee's findings and advice. However, the lack of oral participation might limit their direct influence on the discussions.

• VA and Health Care Providers: The document indicates a formal channel for deliberations on geriatric care, which could entail future policy adjustments or program enhancements. For health care providers within VA, the meeting could guide priorities in service delivery for aging veterans.

• Public Advocates and Organizations: Groups that advocate for veterans' welfare might view the process as limiting due to the lack of oral presentations. Without complete engagement opportunities, such groups may find it challenging to fully represent the interests of veterans during the meeting.

In conclusion, while the notice effectively communicates the logistical aspects of the meeting, it could improve by offering a more detailed breakdown of the meeting's subjects and simplifying access instructions, thereby enhancing public engagement and comprehension.