Notices. Proposed consent agreement

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BILLING CODE 6210-01-S FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION [File No. 052 3117] Nations Title Agency, Inc.; Analysis of Proposed Consent Order To Aid Public Comment AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission. ACTION: Proposed consent agreement. SUMMARY: The consent agreement in this matter settles alleged violations of Federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices or unfair methods of competition. The attached Analysis to Aid Public Comment describes both the allegations in the draft complaint and the terms of the consent order—embodied in the consent agreement—that would settle these allegations.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 9, 2006. ADDRESSES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments. Comments should refer to “Nations Title Agency, File No. 052 3117,” to facilitate the organization of comments. A comment filed in paper form should include this reference both in the text and on the envelope, and should be mailed or delivered to the following address: Federal Trade Commission/Office of the Secretary, Room 135-H, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580.

Comments containing confidential material must be filed in paper form, must be clearly labeled “Confidential,” and must comply with Commission Rule 4.9(c). 16 CFR 4.9(c) (2005). 1 The FTC is requesting that any comment filed in paper form be sent by courier or overnight service, if possible, because U.S. postal mail in the Washington area and at the Commission is subject to delay due to heightened security precautions. Comments that do not contain any nonpublic information may instead be filed in electronic form as part of or as an attachment to e-mail messages directed to the following e-mail box: *consentagreement@ftc.gov* . 1 The comment must be accompanied by an explicit request for confidential treatment, including the factual and legal basis for the request, and must identify the specific portions of the comment to be withheld from the public record.

The request will be granted or denied by the Commission's General Counsel, consistent with applicable law and the public interest. *See* Commission Rule 4.9(c), 16 CFR 4.9(c). The FTC Act and other laws the Commission administers permit the collection of public comments to consider and use in this proceeding as appropriate. All timely and responsive public comments, whether filed in paper or electronic form, will be considered by the Commission, and will be available to the public on the FTC Web site, to the extent practicable, at *http://www.ftc.gov* .

As a matter of discretion, the FTC makes every effort to remove home contact information for individuals from the public comments it receives before placing those comments on the FTC Web site. More information, including routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, may be found in the FTC's privacy policy, at *http://www.ftc.gov/ftc/privacy.htm* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alain Sheer or Loretta Garrison, Bureau of Consumer Protection, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580,

(202)326-3224. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 6(f) of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 38 Stat. 721, 15 U.S.C. 46(f), and § 2.34 of the Commission Rules of Practice, 16 CFR 2.34, notice is hereby given that the above-captioned consent agreement containing a consent order to cease and desist, having been filed with and accepted, subject to final approval, by the Commission, has been placed on the public record for a period of thirty

(30)days. The following Analysis to Aid Public Comment describes the terms of the consent agreement, and the allegations in the complaint. An electronic copy of the full text of the consent agreement package can be obtained from the FTC Home Page (for May 10, 2006), on the World Wide Web, at *http://www.ftc.gov/os/2006/05/index.htm* . A paper copy can be obtained from the FTC Public Reference Room, Room 130-H, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20580, either in person or by calling

(202)326-2222. Public comments are invited, and may be filed with the Commission in either paper or electronic form. All comments should be filed as prescribed in the ADDRESSES section above, and must be received on or before the date specified in the DATES section. Analysis of Agreement Containing Consent Order To Aid Public Comment The Federal Trade Commission has accepted, subject to final approval, a consent agreement from Nations Title Agency, Inc (“Nations Title”), Nations Holding Company (“Nations Holding”), and Christopher M. Likens (“Likens”). The consent agreement has been placed on the public record for thirty

(30)days for receipt of comments by interested persons. Comments received during this period will become part of the public record. After thirty

(30)days, the Commission will again review the agreement and the comments received, and will decide whether it should withdraw from the agreement and take appropriate action or make final the agreement's proposed order. According to the Commission's proposed complaint, Nations Holding, Nations Title, and Likens provide services in connection with financing home purchases and refinancing existing home mortgages, including, but not limited to, real estate settlement services, residential closings, title abstracts, title commitments, appraisals, foreclosure management, asset disposition, and real estate management. Likens wholly owns Nations Holding, a subchapter “S” corporation, and has the authority to control the conduct of Nations Holding and its subsidiaries, including Nations Title. In providing these services, Nations Title, Nations Holding, and Likens (“respondents”) routinely obtain sensitive consumer information from banks and other lenders, real estate brokers, consumers, public records, and others, including but not limited to consumer names, Social Security numbers, bank and credit card account numbers, mortgage information, loan applications, purchase contracts, refinancing agreements, income histories, and credit histories (collectively, “personal information”). The Commission's proposed complaint alleges that respondents failed to employ reasonable and appropriate security measures to protect personal information. In particular, the proposed complaint alleges that respondents have engaged in a number of practices that, taken together, failed to provide reasonable and appropriate security for consumers' personal information. Among other things, respondents failed to:

(1)Assess risks to the information they collected and stored both online and offline;

(2)implement reasonable policies and procedures in key areas, such as employee screening and training and the collection, handling, and disposal of personal information;

(3)implement simple, low-cost, and readily available defenses to common website attacks, or implement reasonable access controls, such as strong passwords, to prevent a hacker from gaining access to personal information stored on respondents' computer network;

(4)employ reasonable measures to detect and respond to unauthorized access to personal information or to conduct security investigations; and

(5)provide reasonable oversight for the handling of personal information by service providers, such as third parties employed to process the information and assist in real estate closings. The proposed complaint alleges that in April 2004, a hacker exploited these failures by using a common Web site attack to obtain unauthorized access to Nations Holding's computer network. In addition, in February 2005, a Kansas City television station found documents containing sensitive personal information discarded in a dumpster used by respondents located in an unsecured area adjacent to their building. According to the complaint, respondents' practices violated the Gramm-Leach-Bliley (“GLB”) Safeguards Rule because respondents failed to:

(1)Identify reasonably foreseeable internal and external risks to the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information;

(2)design and implement information safeguards to control the risks to customer information and regularly test and monitor them;

(3)investigate, evaluate, and adjust the information security program in light of known or identified risks;

(4)develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive written information security program; and

(5)oversee service providers and require them by contract to implement safeguards to protect respondent's customer information. In addition, the proposed complaint alleges that respondents misrepresented that they implemented reasonable and appropriate measures to protect consumers' personal information from unauthorized access, in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”). Further, the proposed complaint alleges that respondents disseminated a privacy policy that does not accurately reflect their privacy policies and practices, in violation of the GLB Privacy Rule. The proposed order applies to personal information from or about consumers that respondents collect in connection with their real estate-related services. The proposed order contains provisions designed to prevent them from engaging in the future in practices similar to those alleged in the complaint. Part I of the proposed order requires that respondents not misrepresent the extent to which they maintain and protect the privacy, confidentiality, or integrity of any personal information collected from or about consumers. Part II of the proposed order requires respondents to establish and maintain a comprehensive information security program in writing that is reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of personal information they collect from or about consumers. The security program must contain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards appropriate to their size and complexity, the nature and scope of their activities, and the sensitivity of the personal information collected. Specifically, the order requires respondents to: • Designate an employee or employees to coordinate and be accountable for the information security program. • Identify material internal and external risks to the security, confidentiality, and integrity of consumer information that could result in unauthorized disclosure, misuse, loss, alteration, destruction, or other compromise of such information, and assess the sufficiency of any safeguards in place to control these risks. • Design and implement reasonable safeguards to control the risks identified through risk assessment, and regularly test or monitor the effectiveness of the safeguards' key controls, systems, and procedures. • Evaluate and adjust their information security program in light of the results of testing and monitoring, any material changes to their operations or business arrangements, or any other circumstances that they know or have reason to know may have a material impact on the effectiveness of their information security program. Part III of the proposed order requires that respondents not violate any provision of the GLB Safeguards Rule and Privacy Rule, as well as the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act's Disposal Rule. Part IV of the proposed order requires that respondents obtain within 180 days, and on a biennial basis thereafter, an assessment and report from a qualified, objective, independent third-party professional, certifying, among other things, that:

(1)They have in place a security program that provides protections that meet or exceed the protections required by Part II of the proposed order, and

(2)their security program is operating with sufficient effectiveness to provide reasonable assurance that the security, confidentiality, and integrity of consumers' personal information has been protected. Parts V through X of the proposed order are reporting and compliance provisions. Part V requires respondents to retain documents relating to their compliance with the order. Part VI requires dissemination of the order now and in the future to persons with supervisory responsibilities relating to the subject matter of the order. Part VII requires Likens to notify the Commission of changes in his business or employment in connection with providing financial products or services. Part VIII requires respondents to notify the Commission of changes in their corporate status. Part IX mandates that they submit compliance reports to the FTC. Part X is a provision “sunsetting” the order after twenty

(20)years, with certain exceptions. The purpose of this analysis is to facilitate public comment on the proposed order. It is not intended to constitute an official interpretation of the proposed order or to modify its terms in any way. By direction of the Commission. Donald S. Clark, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-7397 Filed 5-15-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6750-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Youth Empowerment Demonstration Grant Program AGENCY: Office of Minority Health, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of the Secretary, HHS. ACTION: Notice. *Announcement Type:* Competitive Initial Announcement of Availability of Funds. *Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:*

(1)Youth Empowerment Demonstration Grant Program—93.910. DATES: *Application Availability Date:* May 16, 2006. *Application Deadline:* June 15, 2006. SUMMARY: This announcement is made by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS or Department), Office of Minority Health

(OMH)located within the Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), and working in a “One-Department” approach collaboratively with participating HHS agencies and programs (entities). The mission of the OMH is to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of policies and programs that address disparities and gaps. OMH serves as the focal point in the HHS for leadership, policy development and coordination, service demonstrations, information exchange, coalition and partnership building, and related efforts to address the health needs of racial and ethnic minorities. As part of a continuing HHS effort to improve the health and well being of racial and ethnic minorities, the Department announces availability of FY 2006 funding for the Youth Empowerment Demonstration Grant Program (“Youth Empowerment Program”). Violence among children and adolescents continues to be a public health concern. In 2002, more than 877,700 young people ages 10 to 24 were injured from violent acts. 1 For this same age group, homicide is the second leading cause of death over-all: the leading cause of death for African-Americans, the second leading cause of death for Hispanics, and the third leading cause of death for American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and Asian Pacific Islanders. 2 Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24, with American Indian and Alaskan Natives having the highest rate of suicide in this age group. 3 During the hours immediately after school, teens are more likely to commit violent crimes and to be the victims of violence than at any other time. For teens ages 12 to 17, this risk peaks at 3 p.m. 4 Other behaviors that contribute to placing youth at risk for unhealthy lifestyles, including violence, include tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use; sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection; unhealthy dietary habits; and physical inactivity. 5 Data suggest that helping young people to achieve their full potential is the best way to prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors. The Youth Empowerment Program provides targeted youth safe places with organized activities, opportunities to use their time positively, academic enrichment, mentoring relationships with young adult role models, career exposure, opportunities to engage in community service, information and guidance on embracing healthy choices and lifestyles, and ongoing interaction with the community. 1 Youth Violence: Fact Sheet, retrieved October 7, 2005 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Web Site: *http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/yvfacts.* 2 *Ibid.* 3 Suicide: Fact Sheet, retrieved October 15, 2005 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Web Site: *http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/yvfacts.* 4 After School Programs, retrieved October 7, 2005 from the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center Web site: *http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/teens/after.* 5 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 21, 2004, Vol. 53, retrieved January 31, 2006 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web Site: *http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents Section I. Funding Opportunity Description 1. Purpose 2. OMH Expectations 3. Applicant Project Results 4. Project Requirements Section II. Award Information Section III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants 2. Cost Sharing or Matching 3. Other Section IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Address To Request Application Package 2. Content and Form of Application Submission 3. Submission Dates and Time 4. Intergovernmental Review 5. Funding Restrictions Section V. Application Review Information 1. Criteria 2. Review and Selection Process 3. Anticipated Award Date Section VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 3. Reporting Requirements Section VII. Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information 1. Healthy People 2010 2. Definitions Section I. Funding Opportunity Description Authority: This program is authorized under 42 U.S.C. § 300 u-6, section 1707 of the Public Health Service Act, as amended. 1. *Purpose:* The Youth Empowerment Program is designed to address unhealthy behaviors in at-risk minority (see definition of “minority populations”) youth, and provide them opportunities to learn more positive life styles and enhance their capacity to make healthier life choices. It is intended to test community-based interventions on reducing risky behaviors among targeted minority youth. These demonstration grants require a multi-partner approach involving institutions of higher education, primary and secondary schools, community organizations and institutions, and the community at-large. 2. *OMH Expectations:* Among the cohort group of at-risk minority youth, it is intended that the Youth Empowerment Program will result in: Reduction in high risk behaviors. Strengthening of protective/resiliency factors. Development of skills and behaviors that lead to healthier lifestyle choices. 3. *Applicant Project Results:* Applicants must identify anticipated project results that are consistent with the overall Youth Empowerment Program purpose and OMH expectations. Project results should fall within the following general categories: Mobilizing Communities and Partnerships Increasing Knowledge and Awareness Changing Behavior The outcomes of these projects will be used to develop other national efforts to address unhealthy behaviors of minority youth. 4. *Project Requirements:* Each applicant under the Youth Empowerment Program must: Involve at least three formal partnerships, one of which must be with a primary or secondary school. Other partners could come from the following: Youth organizations ( *e.g.,* Boys and Girls Clubs), social service agencies, health/mental health agencies, faith and community-based organizations, community groups, the business community, and federally supported youth programs, including those funded through the Administration for Children and Families, Indian Health Service, and Department of Justice. Identify the minority youth population who are at-risk of being involved in, committing or being the target of violent, abusive or other unhealthy behaviors. Recruit and select a minimum of 25 youth, grades 3 through 10, from the target population to participate in each of the 3 years of the project as a cohort group. Establish a Youth Center to provide services to the cohort. The Center must be established on physical site within a 10-mile radius to the target community to facilitate access to the program's services/activities on a consistent basis. (The Center can be located at the grantee institution or at a facility of one of the partner organizations.) Youth Centers established on American Indian reservations are exempted from the mileage limitation. The Center must be open year round, with activities/services offered at various times ( *e.g.,* weekdays, evening, weekends) to accommodate the cohort. Conduct a comprehensive program of support and education for the cohort in the areas of academic enrichment, personal development and wellness, cultural enrichment, and career development. Activities must be provided for a minimum of 4 hours per week throughout the year. Additionally, summer activities must include a program of at least 3 weeks duration. Offer opportunities for students to participate in activities or events on campus. Involve undergraduate students from the applicant organization as mentors, tutors, role models, etc. Involve parents in activities to promote their understanding of risk and protective factors and foster enhanced interaction with their children. Establish an Advisory Board comprised of five to nine individuals representative of the target community and partner organizations to provide advice and guidance on program implementation, design and direction. The membership must include a primary/secondary school educator or administrator, a parent, and an undergraduate student involved in programming. Other members could come from such areas as law enforcement, juvenile justice system, behavioral health, social services, and faith and community-based organizations. A signed Memorandum of Agreement

(MOA)between the applicant organization and each partner organization must be submitted with the application. Each MOA must clearly detail the roles and resources (including in-kind) that each entity will bring to the project; state the duration and terms of the agreement; cover the entire project period; and be signed by an individual with the authority to represent the organization. Section II. Award Information *Estimated Funds Available for Competition:* $5,800,000 in FY 2006. *Anticipated Number of Awards:* 23-29. *Range of Awards:* $200,000 to $250,000 per year. *Anticipated Start Date:* September 1, 2006. *Period of Performance:* 3 Years (September 1, 2006 to August 31, 2009). *Budget Period Length:* 12 months. *Type of Award:* Grant. *Type of Application Accepted:* New. Section III. Eligibility Information 1. Eligible Applicants To qualify for funding, an applicant must be:

(1)A four-year undergraduate with a documented history of working in minority communities; or

(2)A Tribal College. This is a limited competition. To qualify for funding, an applicant must be an institute of higher education, as described above. The organization submitting the application will: Serve as the lead agency for the project, responsible for its implementation and management; and Serve as the fiscal agent for the Federal grant awarded. 2. Cost Sharing or Matching Matching funds are not required for the Youth Empowerment Program. 3. Other This limited competition is based on the need for involvement of post-secondary schools in educating, coordinating interventions, and motivating minority students from underserved areas to develop those skills and characteristics that will lead to positive life styles, reduce risk for involvement in violence and other unhealthy behaviors, and, potentially, pursue careers that will lead to the expansion of the minority healthcare work force. Institutions of higher education with a history of serving minority communities are best situated to access the target population; succeed in coordinating efforts involving the collaboration of a wide variety of organizations, including primary and secondary schools, community organizations and institutions, and the community at-large; design, carry out and evaluate evidence-based activities of an educational nature with the target population; and insure the involvement of enrolled undergraduates, who are pursuing careers in health and social services, as mentors and role models for students from targeted minority neighborhoods, a key factor in ensuring success of these students. At the college level, these schools have greater access to a wealth of resources to design and guide the execution of such programs than would be expected from individual schools and community groups. In addition, they are in the best position to educate advisory board members, collaborating organizations, and other key stakeholders as to the root causes of violence and other unhealthy behaviors, and to understand their critical roles in addressing these issues. If funding is requested in an amount greater than the ceiling of the award range, the application will be considered non-responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the submission requirements. Applications that are not complete or that do not conform to or address the criteria of this announcement will be considered non-responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the submission requirements. A college/university may submit no more that one application to the Youth Empowerment Program. Those institutions submitting more than one proposal for this grant program will be deemed ineligible, and the proposals will be returned without comment. Colleges/universities are not eligible to receive funding from more than one OMH grant program to carry out the same project and/or activities. Section IV. Application and Submission Information 1. Address To Request Application Package Application kits may be obtained at *http://www.omhrc.gov* or by writing to the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, Tower Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852; or contact the Office of Grants Management at

(240)453-8822. Application kits may also be requested by fax at

(240)453-8823. Please specify the program name, Youth Empowerment Program, when requesting an application kit. 2. Content and Form of Application Submission A. Application and Submission Applicants must use Grant Application Form OPHS-1 and complete the Face Page/Cover Page (SF 424), Checklist, and Budget Information Forms for Non-Construction Programs (SF 424A). In addition, the application must contain a project narrative. The project narrative (including summary and appendices) is limited to 75 pages double-spaced. For those institutions that previously received funding under the OMH-supported Family and Community Violence Prevention Program (“FCVP”), in addition to the project narrative, you must attach a report on the FCVP Program and its results. This report is limited to 15 pages double-spaced, which do not count against the page limitation. The narrative must be printed on one side of 8 1/2 by 11 inch white paper, with one inch margins, double-spaced and 12-point font. All pages must be numbered sequentially including any appendices. (Do not use decimals or letters, such as: 1.3 or 2A.) Do not staple or bind the application package. The narrative description of the project must contain the following, in the order presented: Table of Contents. *Project Summary:* Describe key aspects of the Background, Objectives, Program Plan, and Tracking and Evaluation Plan. The summary is limited to 5 pages. Background: *Statement of Need:* Describe the youth at-risk to be targeted by the Youth Empowerment Program project, and the magnitude of the problem of violence, abuse, or other unhealthy behaviors on this population. In describing the problem or the need for the Youth Empowerment Program project, each applicant should clearly describe the risk factors faced by targeted youth and how the proposed protective factors will guard against and/or impact these risk factors. Provide a rationale for the approach, supported with data from the local area (national, regional and state data may be used to put the local problem in context). Identify partner organizations and provide the rationale for including them in the project. *Experience:* Describe any similar projects implemented to work with issues of abuse, violence and other unhealthy behaviors, and the results of these efforts. (For those institutions that previously received funding under the OMH-supported Family and Community Violence Prevention Program, you must attach a report on that specific project and its results.) Discuss the applicant organization's experience in managing projects/activities, especially those targeting the population to be served. Indicate where the project will be located within the college/university structure and the reporting channel. Provide a chart of the proposed project's organizational structure, showing who will report to whom. Describe how the partner organizations will interface with the applicant organization. *Objectives:* Provide an objective for each of the required program areas ( *i.e.* , academic enrichment, personal development and wellness, cultural enrichment, and career development). State objectives in terms of proposed measurable improvement, including time frames for achievement for the three-year project period. *Program Plan:* Describe the target population of at-risk youth to be served. Describe specific activities and strategies planned to address the identified risk factors and achieve each objective. Include the role of partner organizations and undergraduate students. Describe recruitment and selection criteria for the cohort group, and plans for replacing any members who drop out over the course of the three-year project. For each activity, describe how, when, where, by whom, and for whom the activity will be conducted. Activities must be conducted in the areas of academic enrichment, personal development and wellness, cultural enrichment, and career development of youth. *Academic Enrichment* are those activities designed to improve academic skills ( *e.g.* , math, reading, science, note taking, time management, and test taking) which will facilitate students' progression through school. *Personal Development* and *Wellness* are activities designed to promote and enhance positive self concepts and healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, offer students safe and positive alternatives for use of free time, develop interpersonal skills, and improve family relations and stability. *Cultural Enrichment* are those activities designed to expose students to a variety of cultural experiences to promote understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, and promote awareness of their heritage. *Career Development* are those activities designed to expose individuals to a variety of career options, including health and biomedical careers, and impart information on the preparatory activities necessary for such careers. Provide a description of the proposed program staff, including resumes and job descriptions for key staff, qualifications and responsibilities of each staff member, and percent of time each will commit to the project. Provide a description of duties for any proposed consultants. Describe any products to be developed by the project. Provide a time line for each of the three years of the project. Tracking and Evaluation Plan: Describe the plan for tracking the participants through each educational milestone ( *e.g.* , middle school, high school, college). Clearly delineate how program activities will be evaluated. The evaluation plan must be able to produce documented results that demonstrate whether and how the strategies and activities funded under the Program:

(1)Made a difference in positively impacting the incidences of violent, abusive and/or unhealthy behavior in the target population and

(2)affected lifestyles choices. The plan must identify the expected results for each objective. The description must include data collection and analysis methods, demographic data to be collected on project participants, process measures which describe indicators to be used to monitor and measure progress toward achieving projected results, outcome measures to show the project has accomplished planned activities, and impact measures that demonstrate achievement of the objectives. Discuss plans and describe the vehicle ( *e.g.* , manual, CD), that will be used to document the steps which others may follow to replicate the proposed project in similar communities. Describe plans for disseminating project results to other communities and schools. *Appendices:* Include MOAs and other relevant information in this section. If applicable, attach a report on the project and outcomes supported under the Family and Community Violence Prevention Program (does not count against page limitation). In addition to the project narrative, the application must contain a detailed budget justification which includes a narrative explanation and indicates the computation of expenditures for each year for which grant support is requested. The budget request must include funds for key project staff to attend two annual OMH grantee meetings. (The budget justification does not count toward the page limitation.) B. Data Universal Numbering System Number

(DUNS)Applications must have a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System number as the universal identifier when applying for Federal grants. The D&B number can be obtained by calling

(866)705-5711 or through the web site at *http://www.dnb.com/us/.* 3. Submission Dates and Times *Application Deadline Date:* June 15, 2006. Submission Mechanisms The Office of Public Health and Science provides multiple mechanisms for the submission of applications, as described in the following sections. Applicants will receive notification via mail from the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, confirming the receipt of applications submitted using any of these mechanisms. Applications submitted after the deadline described below will not be accepted for review. Applications that do not conform to the requirements of the grant announcement will not be accepted for review and will be returned to the applicant. You may submit your application in either electronic or paper format. To submit an application electronically, use either the OPHS eGrants Web site, *https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov* or the Grants.gov Web site, *http://www.Grants.gov/.* OMH will not accept grant applications via any other means of electronic communication, including e-mail or facsimile transmission. Electronic Submission If you choose to submit your application electronically, please note the following: Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly encouraged. You will not receive additional point value because you submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will you be penalized if you submit an application in paper format. The electronic application for this program may be accessed on *https://egrants.osophs.dhhs.gov* (eGrants) or on *http://www.grants.gov/* (Grants.gov). If using Grants.gov, you must search for the downloadable application package by the CFDA number (93.910). When you enter the eGrants or the Grants.gov sites, you will find information about submitting an application electronically, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you do not wait until the deadline date to begin the application process. Visit eGrants or Grants.gov at least 30 days prior to filing your application to fully understand the process and requirements. Grants.gov requires organizations to successfully complete a registration process prior to submission of an application. The body of the application and required forms can be submitted electronically using either system. Electronic submissions must contain all forms required by the application kit, as well as the Program Narrative, Budget Narrative, and any appendices or exhibits. Applicants using eGrants are also required to submit, by mail, a hard copy of the face page (SF-424) with the original signature of an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to assume for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. (Applicants using Grants.gov are not required to submit a hard copy of the SF-424, as Grants.gov uses digital signature technology.) If required, applicants using eGrants may also need to submit a hard copy of SF LLL, and/or certain program related forms ( *e.g.* , Program certifications) with original signatures. Any other hard copy materials, or documents requiring signature, must also be submitted via mail. Mail-in items may only include publications, resumes, or organizational documentation. (If applying via eGrants, the applicant must identify the mail-in items on the Application Checklist at the time of electronic submission.) The application will not be considered complete until both the electronic application components and any hard copy materials or original signatures are received. All mailed items must be received by the Office of Grants Management, OPHS by the deadline specified below. Your application must comply with any page limitation requirements described in this program announcement. We strongly encourage you to submit your electronic application well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties are encountered you can still send in a hard copy overnight. If you encounter difficulties, please contact the eGrants Help Desk at 1-301-231-9898 x142 ( *egrants-help@osophs,dhhs.gov* ), or the Grants.gov Help Desk at 1-800-518-4276 ( *support@grants.gov* ) to report the problem and obtain assistance with the system. Upon successful submission via eGrants, you will receive a confirmation page indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission. The confirmation will also provide a listing of all items that constitute the final application submission including all electronic application components, required hard copy original signatures, and mail-in items, as well as the mailing address of the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, where all required hard copy materials must be submitted and received by the deadline specified below. As items are received by that office, the application status will be updated to reflect their receipt. Applicants are advised to monitor the status of their applications in the OPHS eGrants system to ensure that all signatures and mail-in items are received. Upon successful submission via Grants.gov, you will receive a confirmation page indicating the date and time (Eastern Time) of the electronic application submission, as well as the Grants.gov Receipt Number. It is critical that you print and retain this confirmation for their records, as well as a copy of the entire application package. Applications submitted via Grants.gov also undergo a validation process. Once the application is successfully validated by Grants.gov, you will again be notified and should immediately mail all required hard copy materials to the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, to be received by the deadline specified below. It is critical that you clearly identify the Organization name and Grants.gov Application Receipt Number on all hard copy materials. Validated applications will be electronically transferred to the OPHS eGrants system for processing. Any applications deemed “Invalid” by Grants.gov will not be transferred to the eGrants system. OPHS has no responsibility for any application that is not validated and transferred to OPHS from Grants.gov.Electronic grant application submissions must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 15, 2006. All required hard copy original signatures and mail-in items must be received by the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, no later than 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the next business day after the deadline. Mailed or Hand-Delivered Hard Copy Applications Applicants who submit applications in hard copy (via mail or hand-delivered) are required to submit an original and two copies of the complete application. The original application must be signed by an individual authorized to act for the applicant agency or organization and to assume for the organization the obligations imposed by the terms and conditions of the grant award. The original and each of the two copies must include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices. Mailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered as meeting the deadline if they are received by the Office of Grants Management, OPHS, on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 15, 2006. The application deadline date requirement specified in this announcement supersedes the instructions in the OPHS-1. Applications that do not meet the deadline will be returned to the applicant unread. For applications submitted in hard copy, send an original, signed in blue ink, and two copies of the complete application to: Ms. Karen Campbell, Director, OPHS Office of Grants Management, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. Required hard copy mail-in items should be sent to this same address. 4. Intergovernmental Review The Youth Empowerment Program is subject to requirements of Executive Order 12372 which allows States the options of setting up a system for reviewing applications from within their States for assistance under certain Federal programs. The application kits available under this notice will contain a list of States which have chosen to set up a review system and will include a State Single Point of Contact

(SPOC)in the State for review. The SPOC list is also available on the Internet at the following address: *http://www.whitehouse.gov/omh/grants/spoc/html.* Applicants should contact their SPOC as early as possible to alert them to the prospective applications and receive any necessary instruction on the State process. The due date for State process recommendations is 60 days after the application deadlines established by the OPHS Grants Management Officer. The OMH does not guarantee that it will accommodate or explain its responses to State process recommendations received after that date. (See “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” Executive Order 12372, and 45 CFR part 100 for a description of the review process and requirements.) 5. Funding Restrictions *Budget Request:* If funding is requested in an amount greater than the ceiling of the award range, the application will be considered non-responsive and will not be entered into the review process. The application will be returned with notification that it did not meet the submission requirements. Grants funds may be used to cover costs of: Personnel. Consultants. Equipment. Supplies. Grant-related travel (domestic only), including attendance at two OMH grantee meetings per year. Other grant-related costs. Grants funds may not be used for: Building alterations or renovations. Construction. Fund raising activities. Job training. Medical care, treatment or therapy. Political education and lobbying. Research studies involving human subjects. Vocational rehabilitation. Guidance for completing the budget can be found in the Program Guidelines, which are included with the complete application kit. Section V. Application Review Information 1. Criteria The technical review of the Youth Empowerment Program applications will consider the following four generic factors listed, in descending order of weight. A. Factor 1: Program Plan (40%) Appropriateness of proposed approach and specific activities for each objective. Logic and sequencing of the planned approaches as they relate to the statement of need and to the objectives. Soundness of proposed partnerships ( *e.g.* , primary and secondary schools, community organizations) and their roles in the program. Involvement of appropriate undergraduate students in carrying out program activities. Appropriateness of the activities for each of the three years for the targeted age group, and identified risk factors. Applicant's capability to manage and evaluate the project as determined by: Qualifications and appropriateness of proposed staff or requirements for “to be hired” staff and consultants. Proposed staff level of effort. Management experience of the applicant. The applicant's organizational structure and proposed project organizational structure. Appropriateness of defined roles including staff reporting channels and that of any proposed consultants. Clear lines of authority among the proposed staff within and between participating organizations. B. Factor 2: Tracking and Evaluation Plan (25%) The degree to which expected results are appropriate for objectives and activities. Appropriateness of the proposed data collection plan (including demographic data to be collected on project participants), analysis and reporting procedures. Soundness of the plan to track program participants. Suitability of process, outcome, and impact measures. Clarity of the intent and plans to assess and document progress towards achieving objectives, planned activities, and intended outcomes. Potential for the proposed project to impact violent, abusive and/or unhealthy behaviors of the target population. Soundness of the plan to document the project for replicability in similar communities. Soundness of the plan to disseminate project results. C. Factor 3: Background (20%) Demonstrated knowledge of the problem, including factors that place youth at risk, at the local level. Significance and prevalence of violence, abuse and other unhealthy behaviors in the proposed community and target population. Extent to which the applicant demonstrates access to the target community(ies), and whether it is well positioned and accepted within the community(ies) to be served. Extent and documented outcome of past efforts and activities with the target population. Extent and documented outcome(s) of activities conducted under the OMH-supported Family and Community Violence Program, if applicable. D. Factor 4: Objectives (15%) Merit of the objectives for each of the four required program areas ( *i.e.* , academic enrichment, personal development and wellness, cultural enrichment, and career development). Relevance to the OMH Program, purpose and expectations, and to the applicant's stated problem. Attainability of the objectives in the stated time frames. 2. Review and Selection Process Accepted Youth Empowerment Program applications will be reviewed for technical merit in accordance with PHS policies. Applications will be evaluated by an Objective Review Committee (ORC). Committee members are chosen for their expertise in minority health and health disparities, and their understanding of the unique health problems and related issues confronted by the racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States. Funding decisions will be determined by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health who will take under consideration: The recommendations and ratings of the ORC. Geographic distribution of applicants. Racial/ethnic distribution of targeted audience. 3. Anticipated Award Date September 1, 2006. Section VI. Award Administration Information 1. Award Notices Successful applicants will receive a notification letter from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and a Notice of Grant Award (NGA), signed by the OPHS Grants Management Officer. The NGA shall be the only binding, authorizing document between the recipient and the Office of Minority Health. Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification from OPHS. 2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements In accepting this award, the grantee stipulates that the award and any activities thereunder are subject to all provisions of 45 CFR parts 74 and 92, currently in effect or implemented during the period of the grant. The DHHS Appropriations Act requires that, when issuing statements, press releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations, and other documents describing projects or programs funded in whole or in part with Federal money, all grantees shall clearly state the percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the program or project which will be financed with Federal money and the percentage and dollar amount of the total costs of the project or program that will be financed by non-governmental sources. 3. Reporting Requirements A successful applicant under this notice will submit:

(1)Semi-annual progress reports;

(2)an annual Financial Status Report; and

(3)a final progress report and Financial Status Report in the format established by the OMH, in accordance with provisions of the general regulations which apply under “Monitoring and Reporting Program Performance,” 45 CFR 74.51-74.52, with the excepting of State and local governments to which 45 CFR part 92, subpart C reporting requirements apply. *Uniform Data Set:* The Uniform Data Set

(UDS)is a web-based system used by OMH grantees to electronically report progress data to OMH. It allows OMH to more clearly and systematically link grant activities to OMH-wide goals and objectives, and document programming impacts and results. All OMH grantees are required to report program information via the UDS ( *http://www.dsgonline.com/omh/uds* ). Training will be provided to all new grantees on the use of the UDS system during the annual grantee meeting. Grantees will be informed of the progress report due dates and means of submission. Instructions and report format will be provided prior to the required due date. The Annual Financial Status Report is due no later than 90 days after the close of each budget period. The final progress report and Financial Status Report are due 90 days after the end of the project period. Instructions and due dates will be provided prior to required submission. Section VII. Agency Contacts For questions on budget and business aspects for the application, contact the Mr. DeWayne Wynn, Grants Management Specialist, OPHS Office of Grants Management, Tower Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 550, Rockville, MD 20852. Mr. Wynn can be reached by telephone at

(240)453-8822; or by e-mail at *dwynn@osophs.dhh.gov.* For questions related to the Youth Empowerment Program or assistance in preparing a grant proposal, contact Ms. Cynthia Amis, Director, Division of Program Operations, Office of Minority Health, Tower Building, Suite 600, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Rockville, MD 20852. Ms. Amis can be reached by telephone at

(240)453-8444; or by e-mail at *camis@osophs.dhhs.gov.* For additional technical assistance, contact the OMH Regional Minority Health Consultant for your region listed in your grant application kit. For health information, call the OMH Resource Center (OMHRC) at 1-800-444-6472. Section VIII. Other Information 1. Healthy People 2010 The Public Health Service

(PHS)is committed to achieving the health promoting and disease prevention objectives of Healthy People 2010, a PHS-led national activity announced in January 2000 to eliminate health disparities and improve years and quality of life. More information may be found on the Healthy People 2010 Web site: *http://www.healthypeople.gov* and copies of the documents may be downloaded. Copies of the Healthy People 2010: Volumes I and II can be purchased by calling

(202)512-1800 (cost $70.00 for printed version; $20.00 for CD-ROM). Another reference is the Healthy People 2010 Final Review-2001. For one free copy of the Healthy People 2010, contact: The National Center for Health Statistics, Division of Data Services, 3311 Toledo Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782, or by telephone at

(301)458-4636. Ask for HHS Publication No.

(PHS)99-1256. This document may also be downloaded from: *http://www.healthypeople.gov.* 2. Definitions For purposes of this announcement, the following definitions apply: Minority Populations—American Indian and Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (42 U.S.C. 300u-6, section 1707 of the Public Service Act, as amended). Protective Factors—Those factors that potentially decrease the likelihood of engaging in a risk behavior. (Risk and Protective Factors for Youth Violence Fact Sheet, retrieved November 15, 2005 from the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center Web Site: *http://www.safeyouth.org* ) Risk Factors—scientifically established factors or determinants for which there is strong objective evidence of a causal relationship to a problem. (Risk and Protective Factors for Youth Violence Fact Sheet, retrieved November 15, 2005 from the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center Web Site: *http://www.safeyouth.org* ) Tribal College or University (TCU)—One of the institutions cited in section 532 of the Equity in Education Land-Grants Status Acts of 1994 (U.S.C. 301 note) or that qualify for funding under the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978, (25 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and Navajo Community College, authorized in the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471, Title II (25 U.S.C. 640a note). Dated: May 9, 2006. Mirtha R. Beadle, Deputy Director, Office of Minority Health. [FR Doc. E6-7447 Filed 5-15-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150-29-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Meeting of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS AGENCY: Office of Public Health and Science, Office of the Secretary, HHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: As stipulated by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Department of Health and Human Services

(DHHS)is hereby giving notice that the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) will hold a meeting. This meeting is open to the public. A description of the Council's functions is included also with this notice. DATES: June 19, 2006, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and June 20, 2006, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ADDRESSES: Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201 in Room 800. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dana Ceasar, Program Assistant, Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, Department of Health and Human Services, Hubert H. Humphrey Building, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 351F, Washington, DC 20201;

(202)690-2470 or visit the Council's Web site at *http://www.pacha.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PACHA was established by Executive Order 12963, dated June 14, 1995, as amended by Executive Order 13009, dated June 14, 1996. The Council was established to provide advice, information, and recommendations to the Secretary regarding programs and policies intended to

(a)promote effective prevention of HIV disease,

(b)advance research on HIV and AIDS, and

(c)promote quality services to persons living with HIV disease and AIDS. PACHA was established to serve solely as an advisory body to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Council is composed of not more than 21 members. Council membership is determined by the Secretary from individuals who are considered authorities with particular expertise in, or knowledge of, matters concerning HIV/AIDS. The agenda for this Council meeting includes the following topics: Disparities in HIV/AIDS health care, HIV/AIDS prevention, and HIV/AIDS international issues. Members of the public will have the opportunity to provide comments at the meeting. Public comment will be limited to three

(3)minutes per speaker. Public attendance is limited to space available and pre-registration is required. Any individual who wishes to participate should register at *http://www.pacha.gov* . Individuals must provide a photo ID for entry into the Humphrey Building. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should indicate in the comment section when registering. Dated: May 8, 2006. Joseph Grogan, Executive Director, Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. [FR Doc. E6-7449 Filed 5-15-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150-43-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Notice of Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Minority Health AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of Minority Health, Department of Health and Human Services. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: As stipulated by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Department of Health and Human Services

(DHHS)is hereby giving notice that the Advisory Committee on Minority Health

(ACMH)will hold a meeting. This meeting is open to the public. Preregistration is required for both public attendance and comment. Any individual who wishes to attend the meeting and/or participate in the public comment session should e-mail *acmh@osophs.dhhs.gov* . DATES: The meeting will be held on June 13, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Crowne Plaza, 8777 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. The meeting is accessible from the Silver Spring Metro Station. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION CONTACT: Garth Graham, M.D., M.P.H., Executive Secretary, ACMH, Tower Building, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 600, Rockville, Maryland 20852. Phone: 240-453-2882; Fax: 240-453-2883. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with Public Law 105-392, the ACMH was established to provide advice to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health in improving the health of each racial and ethnic minority group and on the development of goals and specific program activities of the Office of Minority Health. Topics to be discussed during this meeting will include strategies to improve Native American Health (including “indigenous” peoples of the U.S. and the Pacific Islands), Information Technology's Role in Health Care, and Educational Outreach and Health Promotion in improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations, as well as other related issues. Public attendance at the meeting is limited to space available. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should notify the designated contact person at least fourteen business days prior to the meeting. Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide comments at the meeting. Public comments will be limited to five minutes per speaker. Individuals who would like to submit written statements should mail or fax their comments to the Office of Minority Health at least five business days prior to the meeting. Any members of the public who wish to have printed material distributed to ACMH committee members should submit their materials to the Executive Secretary, ACMH, prior to close of business June 2, 2006. Dated: May 8, 2006. Mirtha R. Beadle, Deputy Director, Office of Minority Health, Office of Public Health and Science, Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services. [FR Doc. E6-7438 Filed 5-15-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150-29-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality AHRQ Quality indicators Workgroup on Risk Adjustment Approaches to Administrative Data AGENCY: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), HHS. ACTION: Notice of request for nominations. SUMMARY: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

(AHRQ)is seeking nominations for members of an AHRQ-convened Workgroup on risk adjustment specifically aimed at the AHRQ Quality Indicators (QIS). This Workgroup is being formed as part of a structured approach for evaluating risk-adjustment and the appropriateness of hierarchical modeling methodology for the AHRQ Quality Indicators at the area and/or provider levels. The Workgroup will evaluate appropriate technical and methodological approaches currently available, and will also discuss and suggest strategies as to what risk adjustment approach(s), if any, would best fit AHRQ QI user needs. As part of this effort and using the AHRQ QIs, the Workgroup member will be addressing several key issues for the development of a risk adjustment methodology, including but not limited to: • Statistical and methodological issues related to the development and validation of risk adjusted models that predict patient outcomes using administrative data, and are suitable for assessing quality at different levels (individual hospital, State, region). • Methods for comparing the performance of hierarchical methods with previously employed methods based on administrative data to improve predictive and discriminant ability, and overall fit. • Appropriate use of sub-sampling techniques for model validation. • Computation of confidence intervals for assessing provider-specific and State-level performance in comparison to national summary statistics (means or percentiles). For additional information about the AHRQ QIs, please visit the AHRQ Web site at *http://www.qualityindicators.ahrq.gov.* Specifically, the AHRQ QIs Risk Adjustment Workgroup will consist of up to 9 individuals who are familiar with different risk adjustment methodologies including hierarchical modeling approaches. The Workgroup will have a series of conference calls to discuss the technical and policy issues surrounding risk adjustment for the AHRQ QIs and will then assist AHRQ in developing a report that will aim to summarize the discussions and suggestions of the workgroup, which will be made available for public comment. DATES: Please submit nominations on or before June 15, 2006. Self-nominations are welcome. Third-party nominations must indicate that the individual has been contacted and is willing to serve on the workgroup. Notification of selected candidates will be contacted by AHRQ no later than June 29, 2006. ADDRESSES: Nominations can be sent in the form of a letter or e-mail, preferably as an electronic file with an e-mail attachment and should specifically address the submission criteria as noted below. electronic submissions are strongly encouraged. Responses should be submitted to: ATTN: Project Officer, AHRQ Quality Indicators Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Center for Delivery, Organization and Markets, 540 Gaither Road, Room 5121, Rockville, MD 20850, E-mail: *projectofficer@qualityindicators. ahrq.gov.* Submission Criteria To be considered for membership on the AHRQ QI Workgroup, please send the following information for each nominee: 1. A brief nomination letter highlighting experience/knowledge relevant in the development and use of risk adjustment methodology including hierarchical modeling approaches and familiarity with the AHRQ QIs and health care administrative data. (See selection criteria below.) Please include full contact information of nominee: name, title, organization, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address. 2. Curriculum vita (with citations to any pertinent publications). Nominee Selection Criteria Nominees should have technical expertise in health care quality measurement development, and a familiarity with statistical methods in the area of risk adjustment as well as hierarchical modeling,. More specifically, each candidate will be evaluated using the following criteria: • Knowledge of recent risk-adjustment and hierarchical modeling approaches published in the literature; • Peer-reviewed publications relevant to the development and use of risk-adjustment, hierarchical modeling; performance measures and reporting; • Expertise in statistical methods relevant to the evaluation of alternative approaches to risk-adjustment and hierarchical modeling; • Experience with development of measures based on administrative data and its uses; • Expertise in hospital quality improvement and patient safety; • Familiarity with the AHRQ Quality Indicators and their application; and, • Availability to participate in conference calls and provide written comments starting from late June through September 2006. Time Commitment In an effort to provide for expert input and for recommendations on how to improve on the existing risk adjustment approach to administrative data, we are initiating a review process that will require participation in approximately four to five conference calls with some pre and post evaluation time (approximately 13 hours). Results from this process will influence the development of risk-adjustment and hierarchical modeling approaches for the AHRQ Quality Indicators. Beginning in late June through September, selected nominees will be asked to participate in the following activities: Workgroup Activities 1. Provide evaluative comments on current methodology for risk-adjustment and hierarchical modeling (2.0 hours) and participate in subsequent Workgroup call (1.0 hour); 2. Participate in second Workgroup conference call to discuss suggested changes to the current modeling methodology, including the adoption of hierarchical methods (1.5 hour); 3. Provide evaluative comments on AHRQ's new draft or revised methodology (1.5 hour); 4. Participate in third Workgroup call to respond to each others' comments and questions or provide additional clarifications regarding draft methodology (1.5 hours); 5. Review draft summary document (1.5 hour); 6. Participate in fourth Workgroup call. Provide suggestions for summary document for public comment (2.0 hours); and, 7. Participate in final Workgroup call. Discuss and respond to public comments (2.0 hours). Please note that should additional conference calls be necessary, Workgroup members are expected to make every effort to participate. The Workgroup will conduct business by telephone, e-mail, or other electronic means as needed. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mamatha Pancholi, Center for Delivery, Organization, and Markets, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850; Phone:

(301)427-1470; Fax:

(301)427-1430; E-mail: *mamatha.pancholi@ahrq.hhs.gov* Marybeth Farquhar, Center for Delivery, Organization, and Markets, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850; Phone:

(301)427-1317; Fax:

(301)427-1430; E-mail: *marybeth.farquhar@ahrq.hhs.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The AHRQ Quality Indicators (AHRQ QIs) are a unique set of measures of health care quality that make use of readily available hospital inpatient administrative data. The QIs have been used for various purposes. Some of these include tracking, hospital self-assessment, reporting of hospital-specific quality or pay for performance. The AHRQ QIs are provider- and area-level quality indicators and currently consist of four modules: the Prevention Quality Indicators (PQI), the Inpatient Quality Indicators, the Patient Safety Indicators (PSI), and the Pediatric Quality Indicators (PedQIs). In response to feedback from the AHRQ QI user community, AHRQ is committed to developing risk adjustment approaches in an effort to provide an overall view of quality that is complete, useful and easily understandable to consumers and others with the health care field. Dated: May 8, 2006. Carolyn M. Clancy, Director. [FR Doc. 06-4574 Filed 5-15-06; 8:45am]

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