[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