The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires that a process be established for updating the criteria and methodology that define how Medically Underserved Populations and Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas are designated.

In a Federal Register Notice published May 11, a brief description and timeline for the process are outlined. The FRN also includes a listing of proposed organizations and entities that would be represented on the rulemaking committee.

There is a 30 day period during which comments can be submitted on the issues presented and on the proposed makeup of the committee. The procedures for submitting comments are included in the Notice, as are the contacts for further information.