ICER seeking nominations for New England evidence review council
The Institute for Economic and Clinical Review (ICER) is seeking nominations for new members to the New England Comparative Effectiveness Public Advisory Council (New England CEPAC). In my time on the New England CEPAC, it was an exciting dive into learning new things with a team of exceptional experts and colleagues from across the region. It took time but was very worthwhile, knowing that I was contributing to a more rational health system where consumers can afford the effective treatments that they need.
CEPAC includes leading clinicians, patient and consumer advocates, methodologists, and health economists. The group holds public meetings two or three times per year to discuss evidence reports on emerging treatments, including drugs, devices, and delivery system innovations, to get input from stakeholders, and vote on the strength of the evidence.
ICER is an independent nonprofit organization that evaluates the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of emerging healthcare treatments. ICER’s reports combine real-world, patient input with the latest clinical and scientific knowledge to calculate evidence-based fair prices for medications and other treatments that reflect the potential to improve patient outcomes for the long term. Learn more about ICER’s process here. ICER’s reports, including those from New England CEPAC, are used by most major US healthcare payers including Medicare and Medicaid plans, the Veteran’s Administration, and most private payers. ICER is the national leader as a watchdog in controlling drug costs.
In the last year, CEPACs have evaluated therapies for sickle cell disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis among others. Prospective New England CEPAC members should understand evaluation of medical evidence, this can include consumer and patient engagement. You don’t need to have specific clinical expertise. To protect the integrity of the evaluations, members must meet conflict of interest requirements. Organizational and self-nominations are welcome.
To reduce the influence of possible conflicts of interest, prospective nominees cannot be directly involved in making medical policy decisions for any state health agency or be employees of any private insurer or life sciences industry company. Candidates cannot have substantial financial interests in the health care industry.
Nominations must be submitted by December 13th by 5pm. Click here for more information and to submit a nomination.