AGENCY: Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

ACTION: Request for Nominations.

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:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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 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.

Barbara Ann Ferguson

October 4, 1999