§247d–7g National Biodefense Science Board and Working Groups

Summary

Create a National Biodefense Science Board to give the Secretary expert, science-based advice about current and future chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological threats, whether natural, accidental, or deliberate. The Board must include needed Federal officials, four people from drug/biotech/device industries, four from universities, and five others chosen by the Secretary (including a practicing health care professional, a consumer representative, a pediatric expert, and a State/tribal/territorial/local public health official). Non‑federal members serve 3-year terms (the Secretary can stagger the first terms), a person may serve no more than 3 terms and no more than 2 consecutive terms. The Board must meet at least twice a year and hold its first meeting not later than one year after December 19, 2006. The Secretary picks the chair. The Board will advise on scientific trends and threats, review working-group findings when asked, recommend biodefense research priorities, and give its reports to the relevant Congressional committees. The Board can hold hearings and use the mail. Federal employees on the Board get no extra pay; non‑federal members may be paid up to the daily equivalent of the annual rate for Executive Schedule level IV under section 5315 of title 5 for days worked, and members get travel pay under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5. Federal staff may be detailed to the Board without losing their jobs. The Secretary may form or use working groups to spot promising countermeasure research, identify animal models and research tools, and advise on safety and effectiveness for children, pregnant people, and other vulnerable groups. Terms defined in section 247d–7e have the same meanings here. Congress authorized $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 and each fiscal year after to run the Board.