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# Listening Session on Improving Advisory Committees
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/listening-session-on-improving-advisory-committees/
- Published: 2024-04-29T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T14:29:31.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: FDA Policy/General, #legacy-id-D5156870

FDA is planning to hold a listening session 6/13 as part of its plan to revamp the use of advisory committees. “This virtual public meeting will focus on the composition of advisory committees, ways to improve the experience for members serving on committees and ways to ensure public awareness and understanding of the role of FDA advisory committees,” an [agency notice](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-hold-listening-session-part-broader-work-optimize-use-and-processes-advisory-committees?ref=fdaweb.com) says.

“The FDA regulates products that impact the everyday lives of the American people, and advisory committees play a key role in that process. It's important we have the right expertise, diverse viewpoints and other processes in place to ensure the agency gets timely and sound advice,” FDA commissioner **Robert Califf** is quoted in the notice as saying. “We are hopeful this listening session will provide valuable feedback on optimizing the advisory committees' role in the agency's science-based decisions and its mission in protecting and promoting public health.”

At the listening session, FDA will seek input on whether there are ways it can better incorporate a variety of diverse perspectives and experiences, as well as consumer and patient voices into advisory committee meetings. The agency also wants feedback on how it could streamline any administrative burdens (e.g., the amount of onboarding paperwork and processing time) that could be impediments to those who want to serve on a panel. Additionally, the agency is interested in hearing about how it could improve the public’s awareness and understanding of the role of FDA advisory committees. For example, it seeks input on if it could update any processes on advisory committee discussion or voting that would clarify any misconception that committee votes are binding on the agency’s final decision rather than recommendations that are only one of many factors considered before taking a final action.