, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS] open payments or ProPublica). If a project team member reported a COI (actual or potential), then it was reported to the VA and DoD program offices. It was also discussed with the HTN CPG Champions in tandem with their review of the evidence and development of recommendations. The VA and DoD program offices and the HTN CPG Champions determined whether or not action, such as restricting participation or voting on sections related to the conflict or removal from the Work Group, was necessary. If it was deemed necessary, action to mitigate the COI was taken by the Champions and VA and DoD program offices, based on the level and extent of involvement. No COIs were identified for the HTN CPG Work Group members or Champions. Disclosure forms are on file with the VA Office of Quality, Safety and Value and available upon request. D. Scope of this Clinical Practice Guideline Regardless of setting, any patient in the VA and DoD healthcare systems should ideally have access to the interventions that are recommended in this guideline after taking into consideration the patient s specific circumstances. Guideline recommendations are intended to be patient centered. Thus, treatment and care should consider a patient s needs and preferences. Effective, open communication between healthcare professionals and the patient is essential and should be supported by evidence-based information tailored to the patient s needs. Use of an empathetic and non-judgmental approach facilitates discussions sensitive to gender, culture, ethnic, and other considerations. The information that patients are given about treatment and care should be culturally appropriate and available to people with limited literacy skills. Treatment information should also be accessible to people with additional needs such as physical, sensory, or learning disabilities. 