The Role of CADTH Canadian Drug Expert Committee Members

The role of a Canada's Drug Agency Canadian Drug Expert Committee (CDEC) member is to:

• establish, maintain, and apply standards and methodologies to evaluate the therapeutic value and cost-effectiveness of drugs for the management of various diseases
• consider submissions made by manufacturers, and all related clinical reviews and economic reviews prepared and submitted in accordance with Canada's Drug Agency standards
• evaluate submissions and Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee requests for advice using a multicriteria approach that considers therapeutic advantages and disadvantages, cost-effectiveness, and patient and societal perspectives on the impact of the drug product under review, compared with accepted or existing therapies
• recommend after the consideration of a submission to the Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health those new drug products for active disease management that should be considered for funding and under which conditions such products should be funded
• provide reasons for every recommendation made to the Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Health for public dissemination
• provide advice and, if appropriate, a change to a previously issued recommendation in response to every request for advice by the Pharmaceutical Advisory Committee.

Qualifications

All CDEC members, including the chair, shall demonstrate the following qualifications:

• currently not employed by any pharmaceutical or related companies
• ability and willingness to comply with the Canada's Drug Agency conflict of interest and confidentiality requirements
• availability and commitment of time to prepare for meetings and participate fully in CDEC
• knowledge of, experience with, and understanding of issues related to drugs and their management (diagnosis, treatment, and care)
• knowledge of health technology assessment (HTA), clinical trial design and HTA methodology, and reimbursement policy

• knowledge and understanding of the mandate of Canada's Drug Agency and that of CDEC, including their roles in the broader health care system
• willingness to work within the defined processes and parameters for reviewing drugs, using a multicriteria approach that considers evidence-based medicine, cost-effectiveness, and societal and patient values
• experience in committee and/or community work
• ability to communicate effectively
• ability to acquire the information and adopt the skills needed to successfully negotiate important issues
• strong listening skills
• ability to act with integrity, independent of specific interests
• ability to relate to and respect a diverse range of values and beliefs
• ability to gain respect and credibility within a diverse range of stakeholders and the wider public
• ability to work constructively as a member of a team and appreciate the diverse viewpoints and opinions of CDEC members and outside specialist experts.

Patient Member Qualifications

The CDEC patient member represents the patient interest and has experience as a patient or caregiver and demonstrated interest in issues related to health care at the community, regional or national level, and ideally has some experience working with committees. The patient member is a full member of CDEC with the same responsibilities and expectations, and subject to the same terms and conditions as all other members.

Remuneration

On appointment, CDEC members are eligible to receive the following:

• $140 per hour for committee-related work, meetings, and preparation for meetings
• $70 per hour for travel time to committee meetings
• any reasonable travel costs for CDEC meetings, in accordance with the Canada's Drug Agency Travel Policy.

Time Commitment

The anticipated time commitment for CDEC members is up to 3 days per month (excluding travel time). CDEC members may be required to travel once on a monthly basis for CDEC meetings, which are expected to last at least 1 full business day in duration. Once-monthly CDEC meetings are primarily held in Ottawa. Please note that currently meetings are being held through videoconference.

Term of Appointment

• The appointment will be for a period of 3 years.
• The appointment may be renewed for 1 additional term at the discretion of the Canada's Drug Agency President and CEO. There should be no expectation of automatic reappointment.
• The successful candidate(s) will be required to adhere to the Canada's Drug Agency code of conduct. Candidates are required to declare any conflict of interest, or potential conflict of interest, that might arise in the course of CDEC business.