Search Results for keywords:"conflicts of interest"

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking nominations for individuals to become members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Nominees should have expertise in areas like research evaluation, clinical prevention, and health promotion, and must be free from substantial conflicts of interest. Nominations must be submitted online by March 15, with new members expected to start in January 2026. The USPSTF focuses on making evidence-based recommendations for preventive clinical services and meets three times a year, requiring members to dedicate about 250 hours annually to their duties.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved changes proposed by ICE Clear Credit LLC to improve governance practices. The changes involve amending the Governance Playbook and Operating Agreement to create a Nominating Committee. This committee will evaluate the independence and qualifications of individuals being proposed for the board to ensure fair management. These updates aim to meet new regulatory requirements and enhance the organization's governance by minimizing conflicts of interest.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved a rule change for the Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE) allowing them to offer promotional services and listing ceremonies for companies listed on the exchange. This new rule, known as Rule 14.602, will include services like press releases, articles, and listing ceremonies, which aim to help companies better market themselves when they join the exchange. These offerings are designed to make LTSE more competitive with other major exchanges like NYSE and Nasdaq by attracting more companies to list. The SEC found that the rule change was fair and equitable and does not create unnecessary burdens on competition.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has renewed the charter for its Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care Board of Actuaries (MERHC BoA). This board provides independent advice on actuarial matters related to the DoD's Retiree Health Care Fund. It consists of three members, who serve without representing any particular viewpoint, and report on the Fund's status to top defense officials, the President, and Congress. Members are respected actuaries appointed for staggered terms and can be compensated for their service.

The President has issued Executive Order 14196, which calls for the creation of a United States Sovereign Wealth Fund. This fund aims to benefit American citizens by promoting fiscal sustainability and economic security, reducing taxes, and enhancing U.S. economic leadership globally. The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce are tasked with developing a detailed plan, including funding strategies and legal considerations, and submitting it within 90 days. The order ensures it complies with existing laws and does not grant any new legal rights.

The Federal Register notice from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is asking for nominations for the Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC). This committee provides advice on Medicare coverage policies by evaluating scientific evidence for medical treatments and technologies. Nominations must be submitted by February 17, 2025, and should include details like the nominee’s qualifications and lack of conflicts of interest. The committee wants to ensure diverse representation, so they are especially encouraging nominations from different backgrounds, including those from racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and across the gender spectrum.

The National Science Board's Committee on Oversight has scheduled a teleconference for February 10, 2021, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST, to conduct Board business. The meeting is open to the public and will be held via teleconference through the National Science Foundation. The agenda includes opening remarks, a presentation on merit review analysis, a review of two proposed NSB policies, and a discussion about NSF-funded graduate students' careers. Interested individuals should contact Ann Bushmiller for more information or to listen in.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is planning to hold several proposal review meetings throughout the year. These meetings aim to provide advice on proposals submitted to the NSF for funding and to assess ongoing projects. The meetings will be held at the NSF's headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, and will not be open to the public due to confidential information being discussed. Information about these meetings, including changes and schedules, will be available on the NSF website, and similar notices will be published quarterly.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking public feedback on extending a rule that helps prevent conflicts of interest for people working with investment companies. Rule 17j-1 requires those affiliated with investment companies to follow a code of ethics that ensures their personal investments do not conflict with the company's activities. This rule mandates reports on personal securities transactions and record-keeping to detect any potential violations. The SEC estimates around 84,567 people are affected by this rule, leading to annual costs of approximately $4.68 million for compliance. Comments are invited on the necessity and impact of these reporting requirements.

The National Cancer Institute has scheduled a closed meeting on December 10, 2024, to evaluate requests for resources for developing new cancer treatments. The meeting is closed to protect sensitive information such as trade secrets and personal data. Due to exceptional circumstances, like the unexpected volume of project requests, the notice for this meeting was issued less than 15 days in advance. Missing this meeting could cause significant delays in cancer research funding and clinical trials.