modification of the role of the health insurance benefits advisory council

modification of the role of the health insurance benefits advisory councilSec. 288. (a) Section 1867 (a) of the Social Security Act is amended to read as follows: “(a) There is hereby created a Health Insurance Benefits Advisory Council which shall consist of 19 persons, not otherwise in the employ of the United States, appointed by the Secretary without regard to the provisions of title 5. United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive services. The Secretary shall from time to time appoint one of the members to serve as Chairman. The members shall include persons who are outstanding in fields related to hospital, medical, and other health activities, persons who are representative of organizations and associations of professional personnel in the field of medicine, and at least one person who is representative of the general public. Each member shall hold office for a term of four years, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. A member shall not be eligible to serve continuously for more than two terms. Members of the Advisory Council, while attending meetings or conferences thereof or otherwise serving on business of the Advisory Council, shall be entitled to receive compensation at rates fixed by the Secretary, but not exceeding $100 per day, including traveltime, and while so serving away from their homes or regular places of business they may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for persons in the Government service employed intermittently. The Advisory Council shall meet as the Secretary deems necessary, but not less than annually.” (b) Section 1867(b) of such Act is amended to read as follows: “(b) It shall be the function of the Advisory Council to provide advice and recommendations for the consideration of the Secretary on matters of general policy with respect to this title and title XIX.” (c) Section 1867 of such Act is further amended by striking out subsection (c).