This site contains all the information you need to nominate a candidate or candidates to serve as a member of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
What is the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is a standing, independent panel of non-Federal experts in prevention and primary care that makes evidence-based recommendations to the health care community and the public on a broad range of clinical preventive services, including screening, counseling, and preventive medications. For more information about the USPSTF, go to www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/. 
Who can nominate a USPSTF member?
Both organizations and individuals may nominate persons qualified for membership on the USPSTF. Self-nominations are welcome.
How long does USPSTF membership last?
USPSTF members are appointed to serve 4-year terms with an option for a 1-year or 2-year extension. New members are selected each year to replace members who are completing their appointments.
What are USPSTF member responsibilities?
USPSTF members meet three times a year for two days in the Washington, DC area. Between meetings, member responsibilities include reviewing and preparing comments on systematic evidence reviews then discussing and developing draft recommendations on preventive services, writing recommendation documents, and participating in work groups on specific preventive health care topics and USPSTF methods.
This work is accomplished using conference calls and email. Task Force members dedicate 4 to 6 hours per week on average to their work on the USPSTF.
What qualifications does a USPSTF candidate need?
To help sustain a diversity of perspectives among nominees, AHRQ particularly encourages nominations of women, members of minority populations, and persons with disabilities.
The mission of the USPSTF is to review the scientific evidence related to the effectiveness and appropriateness of clinical preventive services for the purpose of developing recommendations for the health care community. To qualify for the USPSTF membership, an applicant or nominee must demonstrate:
- Knowledge and experience in the methods of evidence review and in the critical evaluation of research published in peer reviewed literature.
- Understanding and experience in the application of synthesized evidence to clinical decision-making and policy.
- Expertise in disease prevention and health promotion.
- Ability to work collaboratively with peers.
- Clinical expertise in the primary health care of children or adults or expertise in counseling and behavioral interventions for primary care patients.
- No substantial conflicts of interest, whether financial, professional, or other, that would impair the scientific integrity of the work of the USPSTF.(AHRQ will ask persons under serious consideration for membership to provide detailed information with which to evaluate possible significant conflicts of interest. Such information may include financial holdings, consultancies, and research grants or contracts.)
Are there other considerations in choosing new members?
In addition to the qualifications above, the current expertise needs of the USPSTF will be considered.
Weight will be given to national recognition for scientific leadership in a field.
Some candidates without primary health care clinical experience may be selected based on their expertise in methodological issues such as medical decision-making, clinical epidemiology, behavioral medicine, health equity, and health economics. For persons with primary health care clinical expertise, additional qualifications in these areas will enhance their candidacy.
Persons nominated but not appointed in previous years are considered in the annual selection process.
All complete nominations will be considered.
What must a nomination include?
Nominations must include:
- The applicant's current curriculum vitae and contact information, including mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number.
- A letter explaining how this individual meets the qualification requirements and how he or she would contribute to the USPSTF. The letter should also attest to the nominee's willingness to serve as a member of the USPSTF.
What are the deadlines for submitting nominations?
Nominations are welcome at any time. To be considered for appointment in 2012, complete nominations must be received by May 15, 2011. Nominations received after that deadline will be considered for 2013 and future years.
Where should I send a nomination?
Submit nominations to:
Gloria Washington, ATTN: USPSTF Nominations
Via mail:
Center for Primary Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
540 Gaither Road
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Via e-mail: uspstfnominations@AHRQ.hhs.gov.
Via fax: 301-427-1595
Will I be notified that my nomination was received?
All nominees will be notified when their nomination has been received.
Nominators of other individuals who would like confirmation of receipt must be sure to include their contact information as well as their name.
Where can I go for further information?
For further information, Contact: Gloria Washington at uspstfnominations@AHRQ.hhs.gov.
Arrangement for Public Inspection. Nominations and applications are kept on file at the Center for Primary Care, Prevention, and Clinical Partnerships, AHRQ, and are available for review during business hours. Information regarded as private and personal, such as a nominee's social security number, home and e-mail addresses, home telephone and fax numbers, or names of family members will not be disclosed to the public. This is in accord with AHRQ confidentiality policies and Department of Health and Human Services regulations (45 CFR 5.67).
Current as of April 2011
Internet Citation:
Nominate a New U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Member. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tfnominfo.htm
540 Gaither Road Rockville, MD 20850 