[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 85 (Friday, May 2, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Page 25131]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-10040]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Amended Charter of the National Biodefense Science Board 
(Hereinafter Referred to as the ``National Preparedness and Response 
Science Board'')

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human 
Services.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: As stipulated by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the 
Department of Health and Human Services is hereby giving notice that 
the National Biodefense Science Board has amended its charter to comply 
with amendments made to section 319M of the Public Health Service (PHS) 
Act, 42 U.S.C. 247d-7f, by section 404 of the Pandemic and All Hazards 
Preparedness Reauthorization Act (PAHPRA) of 2013, Public Law 113-5; 
and formally change the name of the Board from the National Biodefense 
Science Board to the NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE SCIENCE BOARD.

DATES: Effective Date: April 16, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please submit an inquiry via the NBSB 
Contact Form located at www.phe.gov/NBSBComments

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Established on December 19, 2006, the Board 
has proven to be an invaluable tool for providing expert advice and 
guidance to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human 
Services (hereafter referred to as the Secretary) and ASPR on 
scientific, technical, and other matters of special interest to the 
Department of Health and Human Services (hereinafter referred to as the 
Department) regarding current and future chemical, biological, nuclear, 
and radiological agents, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or 
deliberate, in addition to other matters related to public health 
emergency preparedness and response.
    Background: The Board is authorized under Section 319M of the PHS 
Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-7f) as added by section 402 of the Pandemic and 
All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) of 2006 and amended by section 404 
of PAHPRA, and Section 222 of the PHS Act (42 U.S.C. 217a). The Board 
is governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), 
which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory 
committees.
    Signed into law on March 13, 2013, PAHPRA reauthorized key portions 
of the PHS Act initially enacted under the PAHPA and enhanced 
authorities of the Department for preparedness and response. Among 
other things, PAHPRA amended Departmental authorities to require 
greater consideration for the unique medical needs of at-risk 
populations (e.g., children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, 
seniors, and others identified by the Secretary) in preparedness and 
response, especially with respect to countermeasures. PAHPRA also 
amended and added authorities to reinforce the invaluable role of 
state, tribal, territorial and local officials in optimizing a 
comprehensive, coordinated and flexible response to public health 
emergencies. As required by PAHPRA, the charter now states that Board 
membership includes a representative with pediatric expertise and a 
State, tribal, territorial, or local public health official, and that 
Board duties include providing specified information to appropriate 
committees of Congress.
    The new name more accurately reflects the Board's contributions to 
fulfilling the Department's and ASPR's mission in preparedness and 
response, the range of expertise of its members, and the broad scope of 
subject areas on which it opines. The new name reflects the existing 
functions of the Board as carried out under both authorizing statutes.

    Dated: April 25, 2014.
Nicole Lurie,
Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.
[FR Doc. 2014-10040 Filed 5-1-14; 8:45 am]
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