Santé publique France has been tasked with overseeing the national missions of the Support Centers for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (CPias) [Decree No. 2017-129 of February 3, 2017, on the prevention of healthcare-associated infections]. Santé publique France will issue a call for proposals to the CPias to support missions involving the coordination of surveillance, information, and prevention activities at the national level.

Reporting to the Director General of Santé publique France, the committee that is the subject of this call for applications will assist Santé publique France in drafting the terms of reference for the national missions covered by the call for projects and will evaluate the scientific quality of the applications received to enable the agency to select them. It will also evaluate annually the activities of the CPias corresponding to the national missions.

The Missions of Santé publique France – The National Public Health Agency

The National Public Health Agency, established by Order No. 2016-462 of April 14, 2016, is a public administrative institution of the State, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. Its missions are:

• epidemiological observation and monitoring of the health status of the population;

• monitoring health risks threatening the population;

• health promotion and the reduction of health risks;

• developing prevention and health education;

• preparation for and response to health threats, alerts, and crises;

• issuing health alerts.

Within its scope of authority and to carry out its missions, the agency applies expertise consistent with the principles set forth in Article L. 1452-1. Its opinions and recommendations are issued in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 1452-2.

Subject to respect for privacy and secrets protected by law, in particular the rules relating to the protection of national defense secrets, its opinions and recommendations are made public.

Committee’s Mandate

The "National IAS Missions" Committee will be tasked with advising Santé publique France on defining the priorities and terms of reference for national missions related to the surveillance and prevention of healthcare-associated infections (IAS) and antibiotic resistance (RATB). Santé publique France will ensure that these priorities and recommendations are consistent with its program of activities and the objectives of the National Program for the Prevention of Healthcare-Associated Infections (PROPIAS).

Santé publique France will rely on this committee to ensure the scientific quality and efficiency of activities carried out within the framework of these national missions, as well as their alignment with the national guidelines defined by the Ministry of Health (DGS, DGOS, DGCS).

The committee will evaluate the scientific quality of the application files submitted by CPias wishing to respond to Santé publique France’s calls for projects for each of these national missions, thereby enabling the agency to select and fund them through annual agreements within the framework of a 5-year mandate.

Finally, it will conduct an annual evaluation of the activities of the CPias carrying out these national missions, based on an annual activity report pertaining to these missions.

Several tasks must be undertaken starting in 2017 by the "National IAS Missions" Committee:

• Preparation of the "IAS National Missions" call for proposals for CPias (1st semester)—organization of a public consultation on national missions;—definition of national missions to be assigned via calls for proposals;—drafting of their terms of reference.

• Evaluation of CPias’ applications (2^nd half of the year), for an effective appointment on January 1, 2018.

Composition of the committee

This committee will consist of 8 members appointed by the Director General of Santé publique France, joined by 2 representatives from the Ministry of Health, one representative from the CnamTS, one representative from the HAS, and 3 representatives from Santé publique France.

The members will represent the various specialties and areas of expertise involved in the field of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the RATB (see below). They will include at least one physician, one pharmacist, and one healthcare executive.

Members shall serve in their own right and may not be replaced. This is a personal appointment and not an institutional representation.

Committee workload

The committee is expected to meet at least twice a year for one day, with an estimated workload for members of approximately 3 to 5 days per year.

A few additional meetings (held by telephone) are expected in 2017 as part of the preparation for the first call for proposals for the newly created national missions.

Required Qualifications

To meet the established objectives, the Committee must be composed of healthcare professionals (physicians, pharmacists, healthcare executives, nurses) with expertise in the field of surveillance and prevention of healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic resistance.

General qualifications

• interest and experience in the field of surveillance and prevention of healthcare-associated infections, including research, development, and evaluation;

• good knowledge of the public health system and the organization of healthcare in France;

• Ability to work collaboratively and in a multidisciplinary setting.

Specific Skills

• Hospital hygiene;

• public health: epidemiology, prevention, and communication;

• infectious diseases;

• microbiology;

• clinical/hospital pharmacy.

Committee Operations

Committee members are appointed for a term of 5 years.

Internal rules will define the committee’s operating procedures, including the appointment of its chair.

The chair of this committee is appointed from among its members by the Director General of Santé publique France. Members sign a "Confidentiality Agreement and Commitment to Regularly Attend Meetings."

The Director General of Santé publique France provides the necessary resources for the committee’s operation. The scientific and administrative secretariat of this committee is provided by the Directorate of Infectious Diseases, Unit for Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antibiotic Resistance.

Compensation and Travel Expenses

Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed under the conditions applicable to civilian government employees.

Compensation for loss of income in the case of private practice and compensation for time spent participating in meetings and for work performed will be based on the scale established by the Board of Directors of Santé publique France.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted by email to the following address no later than Sunday, April 23, 2017: comite_mnias@santepubliquefrance.fr

Applications must include:

• a cover letter stating the candidate’s professional and/or personal contact information;

• a resume;

• a public declaration of interest to be completed via the application available at /

Selection Process

Only complete applications will be considered.

The selection of candidates for the "IAS National Missions" Committee will be conducted by a selection committee, based on the information provided in the cover letter, the candidates’ alignment with the required competencies, an analysis of their areas of interest, and the committee’s need for multidisciplinarity and diversity. Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application review via email from the committee secretariat.

Committee members will be appointed by decision of the Director General of Santé publique France, and the committee’s composition will be published on the agency’s website.

Staff members of the Coordination Centers for the Control of Nosocomial Infections (CClin), the Regional Branches for the Control of Nosocomial Infections (Arlin), and the future CPias are not eligible to apply.

The same applies to members of the Board of Directors, the Scientific Council, the Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee, and the Steering and Dialogue Committee of Santé publique France.