FR 2025-04726

This document is a notice from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding a closed meeting of the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Health, scheduled for April 8, 2025. The purpose of this meeting, which will be held virtually, is to review and evaluate grant applications related to complementary and integrative health practices.

The meeting is closed to the public to ensure the protection of sensitive information. According to the notice, discussions during this meeting may involve confidential trade secrets, commercial information like patentable material, and personal details about individuals connected to the grant applications. Such information could, if disclosed, lead to inappropriate invasions of privacy and potential misuse of sensitive data.

General Summary

The NIH is hosting a virtual, closed-session meeting with the primary goal of evaluating grant applications. These applications are associated with research and training in the field of complementary and integrative health. The meeting will involve members of the National Advisory Council who will review sensitive information that mandates confidentiality. The rationale for closing the meeting to public access is to protect trade secrets and personal information.

Significant Issues and Concerns

A key concern highlighted by the notice is the potential breach of confidentiality. The document justifies the closed nature of the meeting by pointing out that details like trade secrets and personal information could be exposed if the meeting were open to the public. This protection aligns with existing legal standards that safeguard private and proprietary information.

Public Impact

For the general public, this document signifies the ongoing efforts of the NIH to advance the field of complementary and integrative health through rigorous scientific evaluation. The review and potential funding of research projects might lead to developments in healthcare options available to the public. However, since this is a closed meeting, the public will not have direct insight into which projects are being considered or what specific approaches are under evaluation.

Impact on Stakeholders

• Researchers and Institutions: For those involved in submitting grant applications, this meeting is crucial. Their research proposals are reviewed and assessed, which could potentially lead to funding and the opportunity to advance their scientific endeavors. The confidentiality maintained during the meeting also helps protect the integrity of their proprietary methodologies and personal information.

• Healthcare Professionals and Patients: If funded, the research projects evaluated during this meeting may eventually translate into new or improved health interventions. This could potentially provide more comprehensive treatment options in the field of complementary and integrative health, benefiting healthcare providers and patients alike.

• The General Public: While the immediate impact on the public is limited due to the closed nature of the meeting, the long-term public benefits could be significant through advancements in healthcare resulting from funded research. Increased funding and support for integrative health research could lead to innovations that enhance the quality and effectiveness of care options.

In conclusion, this document outlines the NIH's commitment to advancing integrative health through a structured and confidential grant application review process. Although direct public engagement is limited, the activities it describes are fundamental to fostering innovation in public health.