FR 2025-06197

The document in question is a notice from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which is part of the Health and Human Services Department and the National Institutes of Health. This notice, published in the Federal Register, announces a change in the scheduled meeting times for the National Advisory Council on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Originally slated to occur between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on April 17, 2025, the meeting will now take place later, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The meeting location remains at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, and it is specified to be closed to the public.

General Summary

The document serves as an official amendment to a previously published meeting notice. The primary purpose is to inform the necessary stakeholders of the time change for the upcoming meeting of the National Advisory Council. This body deals primarily with issues related to alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The notice does bring up several issues of concern:

• Lack of Transparency: The document does not provide any context or reasons for the change in meeting time. This omission may lead to questions about the transparency of the process behind such scheduling decisions.

• Meeting Closure: The announcement that the meeting will be closed to the public is presented without any justification. This lack of explanation can lead to concerns about accountability and oversight, as public attendance can often serve as a check on institutional operations.

• Details on Agenda: There is no information provided about the specific topics or agenda for the meeting. This absence of detail may raise questions regarding what is being discussed and decided in these sessions, and it underscores the need for greater transparency.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document primarily serves informational purposes. However, the fact that the meeting is closeted and details sparse may create a perception of secrecy. In scenarios where public health and welfare are concerned, such perceptions can diminish trust in governmental institutions.

Impact on Stakeholders

Stakeholders, including advocacy groups focused on alcohol abuse prevention and treatment, may find the lack of clarity and transparency troubling. These groups often rely on information from governmental bodies to align their strategies and advocacy efforts. Moreover, the closed nature of the meeting may limit their ability to influence or understand the decision-making processes that directly impact their fields.

In summary, while the document efficiently communicates necessary logistical changes, it falls short in providing the rationale behind those changes and is opaque in its approach to public engagement. This lack of transparency and closure to public oversight could potentially erode trust and impede stakeholder collaboration.