CMS Recruiting Expert Panels for ESRD Quality Measures

The Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services is looking to recruit technical experts by Feb. 17 to meet March 10-11 and develop new quality measures for the End-Stage Renal Disease Program.

CMS is contracting with the Arbor Research Collaborative for Health and the University of Michigan Kidney Epidemiology and Cost Center to develop the ESRD quality measures, which include the following six proposed areas: anemia management, mineral metabolism, vascular access infection rate, pediatric adequacy in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, pediatric anemia, and fluid weight management.

The March meeting will be held in Baltimore, Md., where six Technical Expert Panels (TEP)— consisting of 6-8 people each—will review evidence, propose new ESRD quality measures, and provide recommendations on the specifications of new measures.

The following factors will be taken into account when choosing TEP members: relevant scientific leadership, experience in critical evaluation of research, collaborative ability, and no conflict of interest.

CMS is accepting self nominations, and any third-party nominations must show that the person has been contacted and willing to serve on the panel.

In addition, the following information is needed in order to apply: a completed nomination form, confirmation of availability, a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest.

Click HERE to read the entire CMS announcement, which includes links to the nomination and disclosure forms, as well as contact information.