42 USC 283r – National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity
(a) Establishment
The Secretary, acting through the Director of NIH, shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the “National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity” (referred to in this section as the “Board”).
(b) Duties
(1) 1 In general
The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity referred to in section 205 of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (Public Law 109-417) (referred to in this section as the “Board”) shall provide technical advice, guidance, or recommendations, to relevant Federal departments and agencies related to biosafety and biosecurity oversight of biomedical research, including—
(A) oversight of federally-conducted or federally-supported dual use biomedical research, such as the review of policies or frameworks used to assess and appropriately manage safety and security risks associated with such research, taking into consideration national security concerns, the potential benefits of such research, considerations related to the research community, transparency, and public availability of information, and international research collaboration; and
(B) continuing to carry out the activities required under section 205 of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (Public Law 109-417).
(c) Considerations
Terms Used In 42 USC 283r
- Ex officio: Literally, by virtue of one's office.
- Oversight: Committee review of the activities of a Federal agency or program.
- Secretary: means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. See 42 USC 201
- State: includes , in addition to the several States, only the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. See 42 USC 201
In carrying out the duties under subsection (b), the Board may consider strategies to improve the safety and security of biomedical research, including through—
(1) leveraging or using new technologies and scientific advancements to reduce safety and security risks associated with such research and improve containment of pathogens; and
(2) outreach to, and education and training of, researchers, laboratory personnel, and other appropriate individuals with respect to safety and security risks associated with such research and mitigation of such risks.
(d) Membership
The Board shall be composed of the following:
(1) Non-voting, ex officio members, including the following:
(A) At least one representative of each of the following:
(i) The Department of Health and Human Services.
(ii) The Department of Defense.
(iii) The Department of Agriculture.
(iv) The Department of Homeland Security.
(v) The Department of Energy.
(vi) The Department of State.
(vii) The Office of Science and Technology Policy.
(viii) The Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
(B) Representatives of such other Federal departments or agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate to carry out the requirements of this section.
(2) Individuals, appointed by the Secretary, with expertise in biology, infectious diseases, public health, ethics, national security, and other fields, as the Secretary determines appropriate, who shall serve as voting members.