[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 195 (Friday, October 8, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54891-54892]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-26319]
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OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
National Bioethics Advisory Commission Membership; Request for
Nominations
AGENCY: Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
ACTION: Request for nominations.
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SUMMARY: The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is
requesting nominations of candidates for consideration for membership
on the National Bioethics Advisory Commission within the Executive
Branch. The Commission considers issues of bioethics arising from
research on human biology and behavior, and the applications of that
research.
DATES: Nominations must be received on or before December 10, 1999.
ADDRESSES: All nominations should be sent by mail to: Bioethics Docket,
Office of Science and Technology Policy, Room 436, OEOB, Washington,
D.C. 20502, or by FAX to: 202-456-6027.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: By mail: Rachel E. Levinson, Assistant
Director for Life Sciences, Office of Science and Technology Policy,
Room 436, OEOB, Washington, D.C. 20502. Office telephone number: 202-
456-6130.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 3, 1995, the President signed
Executive Order 12975, establishing the National Bioethics Advisory
Commission (NBAC), to consider bioethical issues arising from research
on human biology and behavior, including clinical research, and the
applications of such research. The Commission, a panel of non-
government experts in the relevant scientific disciplines, law,
philosophy and theology, as well as community representatives, provides
advice and recommendations to the Federal
[[Page 54892]]
government. The Commission reports to the President's National Science
and Technology Council and operates under the provisions of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. The Commission's purview includes the
appropriateness of departmental, agency, or other governmental
programs, policies, assignments, missions, guidelines, and regulations
as they relate to bioethical issues arising from research on human
biology and behavior, and applications of that research. The Commission
is not responsible for the review and approval of individual projects.
The charter for NBAC charges the Commission to consider issues in
the protection of the rights and welfare of human research subjects,
and issues in the management and use of genetic information, including
but not limited to, human gene patenting. The Commission is also
charged with the responsibility to consider current and prospective
issues pertinent to the conduct of research on human biology and
behavior, identifying broad, overarching principles to govern the
ethical conduct of such research. The Commission has the authority to
establish its own priorities and agenda, in accordance with four
criteria described in the charter, and subject to the approval of the
National Science and Technology Council.
Criteria for Members
The National Bioethics Advisory Commission consists of 18 members,
including the Chairperson. Its members are appointed by the President,
who shall select from knowledgeable non-Government experts and
community representatives with special qualifications and competence to
deal effectively with bioethical issues of concern to the participating
departments and agencies. With the exception of community
representatives, nominees should have expertise in at least one of the
following areas: (i) Bioethics/theology; (ii) social/ behavioral
science; (iii) law; (iv) medicine/allied health professions; and (v)
biological research. Members shall be appointed for two-year terms.
Members may be compensated at a rate not to exceed the maximum pay
authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3109, plus per diem and travel expenses as in
accordance with standard government travel regulations.
Nomination Procedures
Interested persons may nominate one or more qualified individuals
for consideration for membership on the Commission. The nominee's
mailing address, telephone number, and curriculum vitae must accompany
the nomination.
Dated: October 4, 1999.
Barbara Ann Ferguson,
Administrative Officer, Office of Science and Technology Policy.
[FR Doc. 99-26319 Filed 10-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3170-01-P
