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Announcement Details

For announcements issued before January 1, 2012, please select: www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/announcearch.htm.

2013 Announcements

6/18/13 USPSTF Update: Public Comment Period Extended

Due to ongoing technical difficulties with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's Web site, we are extending the public comment period for Prevention of Dental Caries in Children From Birth Through Age 5 Years through Thursday, June 20 at 5:00 p.m., EDT. These technical difficulties with the Web site are being resolved, and you should be able to submit comments shortly.

Thank you for your patience. We look forward to receiving additional comments through Thursday.

6/17/13 Extension of Opportunity for Public Comment

Due to technical difficulties we are currently experiencing with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's Web site, we are extending the public comment period for Prevention of Dental Caries in Children From Birth Through Age 5 Years for an additional 24 hours. The comment period will now be closing on Tuesday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m., EDT.

Thank you to those who have already submitted comments. We look forward to receiving additional comments through tomorrow.

We are working to resolve these technical difficulties and will notify you when the Web site is fully functional.

6/13/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Aspirin Use to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today its draft Research Plan on aspirin use to prevent colorectal cancer. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from June 13 through July 10, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

6/11/13 Final Recommendation Statement: Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released today its final Recommendation Statement on primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsfamv.htm. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation in plain language is also available on this page. The final Recommendation Statement can also be found in the June 11 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

5/30/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Screening for Depression in Children and Adolescents

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today its draft Research Plan on screening for depression in children and adolescents. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from May 30 through June 26, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

5/28/13 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation Statement: Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today for public comment its draft Recommendation Statement on screening for gestational diabetes mellitus. The draft Recommendation Statement is available for review and public comment from May 28 through June 24, 2013. To review the draft Recommendation Statement and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

5/21/13 Public Comment on Draft Evidence Report and Draft Recommendation Statement: Prevention of Dental Caries in Children From Birth Through Age 5 Years

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today its draft Evidence Report and draft Recommendation Statement on prevention of dental caries in children from birth through age 5 years. Both are available for review and public comment from May 21 through June 17, 2013. To review the draft Evidence Report and draft Recommendation Statement and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

5/14/13 Final Recommendation Statement: Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released today its final recommendation statement on screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsdrin.htm. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this page. The final recommendation statement can also be found in the May 14 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

5/02/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Screening for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Impaired Fasting Glucose, and Impaired Glucose Tolerance

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today its draft Research Plan on screening for type 2 diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from May 2 through May 29, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

4/30/13 Final Recommendation Statement: Screening for HIV

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released today its final recommendation statement on screening for HIV. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspshivi.htm. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation in plain language is also available on this page. The final recommendation statement can also be found in the April 30 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

4/23/13 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation Statement: Screening for Suicide Risk in Adolescents, Adults, and Older Adults

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today for public comment its draft Recommendation Statement on screening for suicide risk in adolescents, adults, and older adults. The draft Recommendation Statement is available for review and public comment from April 23 through May 20, 2013. To review the draft Recommendation Statement and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

4/16/13 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation Statement: Medications for Risk Reduction of Primary Breast Cancer in Women

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today for public comment its draft Recommendation Statement on medications for risk reduction of primary breast cancer in women. The draft Recommendation Statement is available for review and public comment from April 16 through May 13, 2013. To review the draft Recommendation Statement and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

4/11/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Screening for Iron Deficiency Anemia in Childhood and Pregnancy

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today for public comment its draft Research Plan on screening for iron deficiency anemia in childhood and pregnancy. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from April 11 through May 8, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

4/09/13 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation Statement: Screening for Oral Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today its draft Recommendation Statement on screening for oral cancer. The draft Recommendation Statement is available for review and public comment from April 9 through May 6, 2013. To review the draft Recommendation Statement and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

4/02/13 Public Comment on Draft Evidence Report and Draft Recommendation Statement: Risk Assessment, Genetic Counseling, and Genetic Testing for BRCA-Related Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today its draft Evidence Report and draft Recommendation Statement on risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing for BRCA-related cancer. The draft Evidence Report and draft Recommendation Statement are both available for review and public comment from April 2 through April 29, 2013. To review the draft Evidence Report and draft Recommendation Statement and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

3/28/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Young Children

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today its draft Research Plan on screening for autism spectrum disorder in young children. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from March 28 through April 24, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

3/21/13 Two New USPSTF Videos Available

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) released two new short videos about the role the Task Force plays in preventive medicine and its process for developing evidence-based recommendations. Read more about each video below, and follow the links to hear directly from Dr. Virginia Moyer, chair of the Task Force, and Task Force members Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo and Dr. Mark Ebell.

Watch the USPSTF Overview video to find out more about the role of the Task Force and how it works to achieve its mission of improving preventive health care for all Americans. In this video, Dr. Moyer, Dr. Bibbins-Domingo, and Dr. Ebell discuss how Task Force recommendations can help clinicians and patients decide together whether a preventive service is right for a patient's needs.

Watch the USPSTF Recommendation Process video to see inside the Task Force's process for developing a recommendation. In this video, the Task Force members discuss creating a research plan, compiling an evidence report, developing a recommendation, and disseminating the recommendation. This video also features the importance of public input in the development of Task Force recommendations.

For more information about any of the Task Force's resources, visit its Web site at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.

3/19/13 Public Comment on Draft Evidence Report and Draft Recommendation: Screening for Peripheral Artery Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment With Ankle Brachial Index in Adults

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today for public comment its draft evidence report and draft recommendation on screening for peripheral artery disease and cardiovascular disease risk assessment with ankle brachial index in adults. This is the first time the Task Force has made an evidence report available for public comment. Posting both the draft evidence report and the draft recommendation simultaneously is part of a new pilot process aimed at expanding the Task Force's current efforts to increase transparency and efficiency.

Both the draft evidence report and draft recommendation are available for review and public comment from March 19 through April 15, 2013. To review the draft evidence report and draft recommendation and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

3/7/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Screening for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today its draft Research Plan on screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from March 7 through April 3, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

2/26/13 Final Recommendation Statement: Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Fractures in Adults

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released its final recommendation statement on vitamin D and calcium supplementation to prevent fractures in adults. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsvitd.htm. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this page. The final recommendation can also be found in the February 26 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

2/26/13 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation: Screening for Hypertension in Children and Adolescents

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft recommendation on screening for hypertension in children and adolescents. The draft recommendation is available for review and public comment from February 26 through March 25, 2013. To review the draft recommendation and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

2/21/13 2013 Appointment of New USPSTF Members

On February 21, 2013, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced the addition of three experts in prevention and primary care to serve as members of the panel. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality appointed the following members to join the Task Force: Francisco A.R. García, M.D., M.P.H.; William R. Phillips, M.D., M.P.H.; and Michael P. Pignone, M.D., M.P.H.

New members are appointed to replace members who have completed their terms. This year's appointees replace the following outgoing Task Force members: Joy Melnikow, M.D., M.P.H.; Carolina Reyes, M.D., M.P.H.; and Timothy J. Wilt, M.D., M.P.H. The USPSTF congratulates and thanks these outgoing members for their years of service and positive contributions to the Task Force's mission.

The new Task Force members bring a range of expertise in prevention and evidence-based medicine that will help the Task Force continue its mission of improving clinical preventive care for all Americans. Dr. Phillips' work in family medicine includes extensive experience teaching medical students and residents, as well as a proven ability to communicate complex issues in plain language. Dr. Pignone, an internist, has a wealth of expertise in systematic evidence reviews and analytical decisionmaking, the basis of the Task Force's work. Dr. García's background in obstetrics and gynecology has included work to improve women's health and prevent health disparities, helping him bridge the divides between the academic study of health, public health efforts, and community-based medicine.

All three new Task Force members have prior experience developing national health care guidelines and continue to serve as active clinicians who provide primary care services in their communities. Full professional biographies are available on the Task Force Web site at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.

The Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services, such as screenings, counseling services, and preventive medicines. More information on the Task Force is available at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.

2/19/13 Public Comment on Draft Statement: Screening for Glaucoma

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft recommendation statement on screening for glaucoma. The draft recommendation is available for review and public comment from February 19 through March 18, 2013. To review the draft recommendation and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

2/12/13 USPSTF Has Two New Tools Available for Primary Care

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF or Task Force) has two new tools available for primary care clinicians.

The Task Force's updated 2012 Guide to Clinical Preventive Services is an authoritative source that can help primary care clinicians and patients decide together what preventive services are right for a patient's needs. This edition of the Guide includes the Task Force's evidence-based recommendations on clinical preventive services from 2002 through March 2012, topics in development, background on the USPSTF, and additional resources. It also includes at-a-glance clinical summary tables for ease of use.

Click here to view, download, or order a free print copy of the Guide.

Additionally, the USPSTF has partnered with Medscape to develop a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program to help clinicians learn more about the Task Force's role in preventive care. You can watch the Task Force co-chairs in a video roundtable discussion, where they provide an overview of the Task Force, its recommendation process, and its available resources for clinicians.

Click here to view the CME. (Note: You will need to create a free Medscape account and log in to participate.)

The Task Force also provides additional resources for primary care clinicians, including:

An up-to-date list of Task Force recommendations, available through the A-Z Topic Index on the Task Force Web site.
The electronic Preventive Services Selector (ePSS), an application designed to help primary care clinicians identify clinical preventive services that are appropriate for their patients, which can be downloaded to mobile devices.
The Task Force's Second Annual Report to Congress on High-Priority Evidence Gaps for Clinical Preventive Services, which was recently delivered to Congress and highlights six high-priority evidence gaps that deserve further examination.

For more information about any of the Task Force's resources, visit its Web site at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.

1/29/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Behavioral Counseling to Promote a Healthy Diet and Physical Activity for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Persons With Known Risk Factors

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft Research Plan on behavioral counseling to promote a healthy diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in persons with known risk factors. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from January 29 through February 25, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

1/29/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft Research Plan on behavioral counseling to prevent sexually transmitted infections. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from January 29 through February 25, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

1/22/13 Final Recommendation Statement: Screening for Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse of Elderly and Vulnerable Adults

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released its final recommendation statement on screening for intimate partner violence and abuse of elderly and vulnerable adults. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please click here. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is available here. The final recommendation can also be found in the January 22 online edition of Annals of Internal Medicine.

1/22/13 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation: Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Child Maltreatment

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft recommendation statement on primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment. It is available for review and public comment from January 22 to February 18, 2013 by clicking here. The evidence report on which this draft recommendation is based was also published today in Annals of Internal Medicine and is available here.

1/15/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Screening for Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft Research Plan on screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. It is available for review and public comment from January 15 to February 11, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

1/15/13 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Interventions to Reduce the Nonmedical Use of Drugs in Children and Adolescents

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft Research Plan on interventions to reduce the nonmedical use of drugs in children and adolescents. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from January 15 to February 11, 2013. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

2012 Announcements

12/11/12 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation: Interventions to Prevent Tobacco Use in Children and Adolescents

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft recommendation statement on interventions to prevent tobacco use in children and adolescents. It is available for review and public comment from December 11, 2012 to January 7, 2013 by clicking here. A consumer fact sheet that explains the draft recommendation statement in plain language is also available online. The evidence report on which this draft recommendation is based was also published today in Annals of Internal Medicine and is available here.

11/27/12 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation: Screening for Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Adults

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today for public comment its draft recommendation statement on screening for hepatitis C virus infection in adults. It is available for review and public comment from November 27 to December 24, 2012 by clicking here. A consumer fact sheet that explains the draft recommendation statement in plain language is also available online. The posting of this draft recommendation statement coincides with publication of three evidence reports on this topic in Annals of Internal Medicine, which are available here.

11/20/12 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation: Screening for HIV

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today for public comment its draft recommendation statement on screening for HIV. The draft recommendation statement is available for review and public comment from November 20 to December 17, 2012 by clicking here. A consumer fact sheet that explains the draft recommendation statement in plain language is available here. The evidence reports on which this draft recommendation is based were also published today in Annals of Internal Medicine and are available here.

10/23/12 Final Recommendation Statement: Menopausal Hormone Therapy for the Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued today its final recommendation statement on menopausal hormone therapy for the primary prevention of chronic conditions. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please click here. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this Web page. The final recommendation can also be found in the October 23 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

10/09/12 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Screening for Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Nonpregnant Adolescents and Adults

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft Research Plan on screening for hepatitis B virus infection in nonpregnant adolescents and adults. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from October 9 to November 6, 2012. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

9/24/12 Public Comment on Draft Recommendation: Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions in Primary Care to Reduce Alcohol Misuse

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted today for public comment its draft recommendation statement on screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse. The draft recommendation is available for review and comment until October 22 by clicking here. A consumer fact sheet that explains the draft recommendation in plain language is available here. The evidence report on which this draft recommendation is based was also published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine and is available here.

9/11/12 Final Recommendation Statement: Screening for Ovarian Cancer

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued today its final recommendation statement on screening for ovarian cancer. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please click here. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this Web page. The final recommendation can also be found in the September 11 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

8/28/12 Final Recommendation Statement: Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued today its final recommendation statement on screening for chronic kidney disease. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please click here. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this Web page. The final recommendation can also be found in the August 28 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

8/14/12 Final Recommendation Statement: Screening for Hearing Loss in Older Adults

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued today its final recommendation statement on screening for hearing loss in older adults. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please click here. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this Web page. The final recommendation can also be found in the August 14 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

7/31/12 Final Recommendation Statement: Screening for Coronary Heart Disease With Electrocardiography

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued today its final recommendation statement on screening for coronary heart disease with electrocardiography. To view the recommendation and the evidence on which it is based, please click here. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this Web page. The final recommendation can also be found in the July 31 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

7/10/12 Public Comment on Draft Research Plan: Prevention of Dental Caries in Preschool-Aged Children

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force posted for public comment its draft research plan on the prevention of dental caries, or tooth decay, in preschool-aged children. The draft Research Plan is available for review and public comment from July 10 to August 7. To review the draft Research Plan and submit comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm.

6/26/12 Final USPSTF Recommendation Statements: Screening for Obesity and Counseling to Promote a Healthful Diet and Physical Activity in Adults

Final Recommendation Statement on Screening for and Management of Obesity in Adults

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released today its final recommendation statement on screening for and management of obesity in adults. The final recommendation and the evidence on which it is based are available here. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this Web page. The final recommendation also appears in the June 26 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

Final Recommendation Statement on Behavioral Counseling Interventions to Promote a Healthful Diet and Physical Activity for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Adults

The USPSTF released today its final recommendation statement on behavioral counseling interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults. The final recommendation and the evidence on which it is based are available here. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this Web page. The final recommendation also appears in the June 26 online issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.

6/19/12 EHC Releases Gestational Diabetes Evidence Report for Public Comment

AHRQ's Effective Healthcare Program posted its evidence report on gestational diabetes for public comment today. The evidence report will be available for comment from June 15 to July 13 at 5 p.m. To view the report and submit comments, please visit http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm. This report will be used to guide the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's recommendation on screening for gestational diabetes.

6/12/12 USPSTF Posted Draft Recommendations for Public Comment on Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Cancer and Osteoporotic Fractures and Screening Women for Intimate Partner Violence and Elderly and Vulnerable Adults for Abuse

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Cancer and Osteoporotic Fractures Draft Recommendation Statement

Today, the Task Force posted its draft recommendation statement on vitamin D and calcium supplementation to prevent cancer and osteoporotic fractures. The recommendation will be available for review and public comment from June 12th to July 10th. To review the draft recommendation and submit comments click here http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/draftrec3.htm.

Screening Women for Intimate Partner Violence and Elderly and Vulnerable Adults for Abuse Draft Recommendation Statement

The Task Force also posted its draft recommendation statement on screening women for intimate partner violence and elderly and vulnerable adults for abuse. The recommendation will be available for review and public comment from June 12th to July 10th. To review the draft recommendation and submit comments, click here http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/draftrec2.htm.

5/29/12 USPSTF Releases Final Recommendation on the Prevention of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults; Draft Recommendation for Public Comment and Evidence on Menopausal Hormone Therapy for the Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions

Final Recommendation Statement on Prevention of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Yesterday, the Task Force posted its final recommendation statement on the Prevention of Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults. The final recommendation and the evidence it is based on is available here. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also available on this Web page. The final recommendation was published in the online version of Annals of Internal Medicine.

Draft Recommendation Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy for the Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions

Today, the Task Force posted its draft recommendation statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy for the Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions. The recommendation is available for review and public comment from May 29 to June 26. To review the draft recommendation and submit comments, go here. To view the evidence that the draft recommendation statement is based on, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspspmho.htm.

5/23/12 AHRQ Recruiting Senior Coordinator to Support U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) seeks a senior coordinator for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This is an opportunity to improve the health of all Americans by supporting the USPSTF in making evidence-based recommendations on clinical preventive care. The candidate will provide oversight, critical problem solving, and quality assurance for projects involving multiple partners and complex procedures. The Senior Coordinator will work closely with the USPSTF Scientific Director and the team at AHRQ to increase the transparency and efficiency of the USPSTF's processes while overseeing all of the technical, logistical, and dissemination support AHRQ provides the USPSTF. The Senior Coordinator will also cultivate partnerships with stakeholders in the prevention and primary care community, including researchers, health professionals, advocates, and health care decisionmakers. To learn more about the USPSTF, please go to its Web site.

All candidates must have experience managing teams and complex projects, along with providing administrative as well as logistical support to scientific programs. This position is located at AHRQ's headquarters in Rockville, MD.

For more information on this position and an application, please visit: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/316496600.

Applications are due by Friday, June 8.

5/21/12 Release of USPSTF Final Recommendation on Screening for Prostate Cancer

Today, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released its prostate cancer screening final recommendation statement. The draft recommendation statement was posted online for public comment from October 11 to December 13, 2011. The USPSTF reviewed and considered the public comments received when the draft recommendation statement was posted. The final recommendation statement includes a section called "Response to Public Comments," which addresses the comment process and common themes from the public feedback received. To view the final recommendation statement and the supporting evidence reports, click here http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/prostatecancerscreening.htm. A fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language is also posted on that Web page.

5/08/12 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Release of Skin Cancer Final Recommendation Statement and Intimate Partner Violence Evidence Report

Final Recommendation Statement on Behavioral Counseling to Prevent Skin Cancer: In an update to its 2003 recommendation, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends counseling children, adolescents, and young adults ages 10 to 24 years who have fair skin about minimizing their exposure to ultraviolet radiation to reduce risk for and prevent incidence of skin cancer.

The USPSTF also concluded that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of counseling adults older than age 24 years about minimizing risks to prevent skin cancer.

A draft of this recommendation statement was posted for public comment from November 8, 2011 until December 8, 2011. The final recommendation statement appears in the May 8 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine and is available on the USPSTF Web site at http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsskco.htm. This Web page also includes a summary of the evidence the Task Force reviewed and a fact sheet that explains the final recommendation statement in plain language.

Evidence review published on Screening for Intimate Partner Violence: Today, the Annals of Internal Medicine published a review of the evidence on screening women for intimate partner violence. The USPSTF will use the evidence review to update its 2004 recommendation statement on the topic of screening for family and intimate partner violence. The evidence review is available at http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf12/ipvelder/ipvelderart.htm.

5/04/12 AHRQ Seeks Nomination of New Members to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

As a reminder, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) welcomes nominations for new members to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Each year, AHRQ selects new members to replace those members who are completing their appointments. Nominations for consideration for appointments in January 2013 are due by May 15. Nominations are accepted all year round, and those received after May 15 will be considered for 2014. Qualified individuals may self-nominate or receive a nomination from others by visiting www.ahrq.gov/professionals/clinicians-providers/guidelines-recommendations/nominate.html.

Task Force members volunteer their time and are appointed by the Director of AHRQ to serve 4-year terms. The appointment process is one way that AHRQ fulfills its congressionally mandated role to support the Task Force. Candidates for the Task Force are experts in the critical evaluation of research and in the methods of evidence and national leaders in the fields of clinical prevention, health promotion, and primary health care. They are also experts in the implementation of evidence-based recommendations. Many members have clinical experience in primary health care, while others provide expertise in methodology. AHRQ particularly encourages nominations of women, members of minority populations, and persons with disabilities.

The USPSTF is an independent group of national experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that works to improve the health of all Americans by making evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services such as screenings, counseling services, or preventive medications. More information on the Task Force is available at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.

AHRQ's Prevention and Care Management Portfolio provides ongoing administrative, research, technical, and dissemination support to the USPSTF. More information is available at http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/prevenix.htm.

4/30/12 Draft Recommendation Statement on Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease Now Available for Public Comment

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released today its draft recommendation statement on Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease. This draft recommendation statement will be posted on the Task Force's Web site for public comment from April 30 to May 29, 2012. To review the draft recommendation statement and offer your comments, go to http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/tfcomment.htm. To review the draft recommendation statement and the evidence that it is based on, go to: http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsckd.htm. A fact sheet that explains the draft recommendation statement in plain language will also be posted on this site.

4/17/12 Evidence Review Published on Chronic Kidney Disease

The Annals of Internal Medicine published today a review of the evidence on screening for, monitoring, and treatment of chronic kidney disease stages 1 to 3. This review is based on a report that was posted for public comment from March 22 to April 6, 2011, through a partnership with the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality's Effective Health Care Program. The evidence review will inform the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's forthcoming draft recommendation statement on screening for chronic kidney disease. The evidence review is available at http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf12/kidney/ckdart.htm.

4/10/12 USPSTF Draft Recommendation on Screening for Ovarian Cancer Now Available for Public Comment

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released today its draft recommendation statement on screening for ovarian cancer. This draft recommendation statement will be posted on the Task Force's Web site for public comment from April 10 to May 8, 2012. The comments will be reviewed and incorporated as appropriate into the Task Force's final recommendation statement.

4/10/12 AHRQ Seeks Nomination of New Members to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) welcomes nominations for new members to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Each year, AHRQ selects new members to replace those members who are completing their appointments. Qualified individuals may self-nominate or receive a nomination from others by visiting www.ahrq.gov/professionals/clinicians-providers/guidelines-recommendations/nominate.html.

3/14/12 Release of USPSTF Final Recommendations on Screening for Cervical Cancer

Today, the USPSTF released its final recommendation statement on screening for cervical cancer. The draft recommendation statement was posted online for public comment from October 19 to November 30, 2011, with a Task Force public briefing on October 21. Since that time, the comments were reviewed and incorporated as appropriate into the Task Force's final recommendation statement. To view the final recommendation statement and the supporting evidence reports, click here.

2/28/12 USPSTF Posts Draft Research Plan on BRCA Mutation Risk Assessment and Testing for Public Comment

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) posted today a draft Research Plan on Genetic Risk Assessment and BRCA Mutation Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility. Once finalized, the Research Plan will guide the systematic evidence review that the USPSTF will use to update its recommendation on this important topic. Soliciting outside input on the scope and framing of the research will help ensure that the final recommendation is most valid, reliable, and useful in the end. The USPSTF encourages everyone interested in this topic to review the draft Research Plan and to offer feedback. The plan will be available for comment until March 27, 2012.

2/07/12 Appointment of New Members to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) announced today the addition of four new experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine to serve as members of the panel. With guidance from Task Force leadership, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality appointed the following members: Linda Ciofu Baumann, Ph.D., R.N.; Mark H. Ebell, M.D., M.S.; Jessica Herzstein, M.D., M.P.H.; and Douglas K. Owens, M.D., M.S. These new members will each serve 4-year terms.

New members are appointed to replace members who have completed their terms. This year's appointees replace the following outgoing Task Force members: George Isham, M.D., M.S.; Rosanne Leipzig, M.D., Ph.D.; Bernadette Melnyk, Ph.D., R.N., C.P.N.P./P.M.H.N.P.; and J. Sanford Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A. The USPSTF congratulates and thanks these outgoing members for their many positive contributions to the Task Force's mission of improving the health of all Americans through evidence-based recommendations about clinical preventive services.

The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of 16 private-sector experts in prevention and evidence-based medicine that makes recommendations about preventive services such as screenings, counseling, or preventive medications. Its recommendations empower patients, their families, and their primary care providers in making informed decisions about prevention. More information on the Task Force is available at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.

1/30/12 Scientific Director, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

Want to play a role in shaping U.S. health care?

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) presents a unique opportunity to influence the future of evidence-based medicine in clinical preventive services. AHRQ seeks a senior level clinician to serve as the Scientific Director of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This is an opportunity to improve the health of all Americans by supporting the USPSTF in making evidence-based recommendations on clinical preventive care. The Scientific Director provides a vital link between AHRQ and the USPSTF, sharing valuable guidance on a process that shapes clinical decisionmaking in our country. The candidate provides overall scientific leadership and direction to the USPSTF, working closely with its leaders, and is responsible for directing a team of dedicated medical professionals. The Scientific Director will also lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive national program of research related to clinical prevention.

Candidates must possess an M.D., D.O., doctoral level nursing degree, or be a physician assistant with a doctoral level degree. All candidates must have experience in prevention and primary care. This position is located at AHRQ's headquarters in Rockville, MD.

For more information on this position and an application, please visit:
M.D./D.O.: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/302462000
P.A.: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/304717000
Nurse: http://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/304716800

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