Nomination Criteria

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) appoints members to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC) based on candidates’ qualifications that enable them to contribute to accomplishing CLIAC’s objectives stated in the Committee Charter. The HHS policy stipulates that Committee membership be balanced in terms of professional training and background, points of view represented, and the committee’s function. Appointments shall be made without discrimination on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, HIV status, disability, and cultural, religious, or socioeconomic status. Nominees must be U.S. citizens, and cannot be full-time employees of the U.S. Government. Current participation on federal workgroups or prior experience serving on a federal advisory committee does not disqualify a candidate; however, HHS policy is to avoid excessive individual service on advisory committees and multiple committee memberships. Committee members are Special Government Employees, requiring the filing of financial disclosure reports at the beginning and annually during their terms. CDC reviews potential candidates for CLIAC membership each year, and provides a slate of nominees for consideration to the Secretary of HHS for final selection. HHS notifies selected candidates of their appointment near the start of the term in July, or as soon as the HHS selection process is completed. Note that the need for different expertise and individuals to maintain the appropriate demographic balance varies from year to year and a candidate who is not selected in one year may be reconsidered in a subsequent year. The Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) appoints members to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC) based on candidates’ qualifications that enable them to contribute to accomplishing CLIAC’s objectives stated in the Committee Charter.

• Four-year terms, starting in July (or as approved by HHS)
• At least one meeting per year in Atlanta, generally two meetings are held annually
• Upcoming meeting dates are available on the CLIAC Homepage. Note that dates are subject to change and delays in member approval could affect the actual term served.
• Travel costs and meals are reimbursed at government rates; a small stipend is provided

Members are selected from authorities knowledgeable in the clinical and anatomic laboratory fields of:

• Chemistry
• Genetic Testing (including cytogenetics)
• Hematology
• Immunohematology
• Immunology (including histocompatibility)
• Microbiology (including bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology and virology)
• Pathology (including histopathology and cytology)

Member diversity is also sought in terms of the following qualifications and perspectives:

• Medical Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science
• Clinical Practice
• Public Health
• Consumers