FR 2025-05017

The document details a closed meeting announcement from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Scheduled for May 2, 2025, the meeting is part of a Special Emphasis Panel focusing on Maternal and Pediatric Health. The purpose of this virtual meeting, which will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is to review and evaluate grant applications. Due to concerns about confidentiality and the potential release of personal and commercial information, the meeting is not open to the public. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Dr. Mei Qin at the NIH.

General Summary

The notice announces a forthcoming closed meeting held by a National Institutes of Health body. The meeting aims to discuss grant applications related to maternal and pediatric health but will be closed to the public to protect sensitive information. The document provides logistical details about the meeting, including the time, format, and point of contact for further information.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several notable issues arise from the details provided in the notice:

1. Lack of Detail on Confidentiality Criteria: The document mentions confidentiality as a reason for the closed meeting but does not specify the criteria used to determine what constitutes confidential material.

2. Financial Accountability: The notice does not discuss potential costs or resources required for organizing the virtual meeting, which could be relevant to understanding its financial impact.

3. Impact on Public Transparency: While the meeting format is virtual, the notice does not discuss how closing it to the public might affect transparency and public oversight. Open meetings generally allow for broader scrutiny, contributing to transparency.

4. Public Inquiry Process: While contact information for Dr. Mei Qin is provided, the process for public inquiries or concerns is not detailed. This could leave the public uncertain about how to receive more information or provide feedback.

5. Unexplained Program Abbreviations: The document lists several Federal Assistance Program numbers without context, potentially confusing readers unfamiliar with these programs.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the closed nature of the meeting may lead to concerns about transparency and how grant applications are evaluated, especially regarding public funds and public health matters. The lack of public access to the decision-making process may raise questions about accountability.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

• Researchers and Grant Applicants: Individuals associated with grant applications would be directly affected. While this process allows for confidential handling of proprietary and sensitive personal information, it also limits their ability to present their case directly to stakeholders.

• Healthcare Community: Professionals in maternal and pediatric healthcare might be interested in the outcomes of such discussions as they impact research funding and direction. While the confidential nature protects sensitive information, it may also obscure decisions that could influence future clinical practices or research opportunities.

In summary, while the meeting serves a legitimate and necessary purpose, the lack of detailed guidelines on its closed status and the implications for public transparency and accountability are areas of concern. Balancing privacy and transparency remains a critical challenge in such institutional settings.