Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I be compensated for participating?
There is no compensation as this is a volunteer position.
What is the difference between a voting and a non-voting member?
Voting members are classified as special government employees (SGEs) and are subject to rules of ethics. Please see http://ofacp.od.nih.gov/ethics/pdfs/SGETRAININGOCT2004.pdf.
Non-voting non-federal members are considered liaisons that represent an organization’s interests on the Advisory Council and are not subject to the rules of ethics.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitments for members vary based on the charge and tasks. Public council meetings occur 2-3 times per year, some in-person and others virtual. Working groups are either newly established or revived, based on a task charged by the Secretary or Council Chairs. Working groups meet for 1-2 hours every few weeks. If there is a specific task with a tight deadline, the pace can pick up (sometimes up to twice per week). Each task is different, and the frequency will be determined by the appointed working group co-chairs.
Is there travel involved?
Some council meetings are in-person. Working group meetings are mostly virtual (web and phone), with possible in-person meetings, as needed. Most in-person meetings are held in the greater DC area, and travel/lodging/per diem support is provided for voting and non-voting liaison members. Virtual participation is also an option if you are not available in-person.
Can I nominate someone other than me?
Yes. However, for voting members, individuals that are nominated need to send in a letter agreeing to their third-party nomination, and their primary contact information must be submitted in the online application. Letters of support can be attached to the individual application as well. Liaison representatives applying for non-voting positions must be nominated by the organization or association they are representing; the same application requirements apply.
Will I be personally notified of the results?
No. Only applicants that have been approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services will be directly contacted and notified of their nomination to the Advisory Council. This process can take several months. An announcement of the results will be posted on the PACCARB website at https://www.hhs.gov/ash/advisory-committees/paccarb/index.html.
All applicants are encouraged to email the PACCARB mailbox CARB@hhs.gov for additional information.