That’s right. The FDA just announced this morning that it wants to create a new, 15-member advisory panel to educate consumers about the risks and benefits of drugs, devices and vaccines. The notice to be published in the federal register indicates FDA commish Andy von E believes a panel is “in the public interest.”

“Communicating the risks and benefits associated with FDA-regulated products is essential to help consumers and health care professionals make informed decisions,” says Randy Lutter, the FDA’s acting deputy commish for policy. “The Risk Communication Advisory Committee will bring together a broad range of experts and views to help improve FDA’s communication of the science-based information about product risks and benefits that the public needs to make informed decisions.”

You have within 45 days days after the FDA’s notice is published in the federal register tomorrow to make a nomination. Committee members must have scientific expertise in certain fields or be patients or health care professionals. Know someone who’s qualified? Want to get in on the action yourself? Here’s your chance.

As an expert, you need experience in one or more of the following fields: Risk communication; risk perception; social marketing; communications; cognitive, social, health, behavioral, or other relevant specialties of psychology or sociology; decision analysis; qualitative or quantitative research methodology; health literacy; cultural competency; journalism; and/or biomedical ethics

Members of the general public must have the ability to communicate the interests and perspectives of consumers, patients, patient-caregivers, or health professionals; (2) ability to discuss benefits and risks; and (3) ability to understand the results of research studies. In addition, preference will be given to nominees who have one or more of the following qualifications: (1) Ability to analyze technical data; (2) understanding of research design; (3) ability to disseminate information about the advisory committee experience to the community; and (4) ties to a consumer, patient, and/or community-based organization.

To learn where to send your nomination, look here.