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Biosecurity Briefing
National Biodefense Science Board Membership Announced, First Meeting Held By Crystal Franco, December 21, 2007 On December 17, 2007, Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt officially announced the 13 voting members of the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB). The board, which met for the first time from December 17-18 in Washington, DC, has been established to “provide expert advice and guidance to the Secretary on scientific, technical and other matters of special interest to [HHS] regarding activities to prevent, prepare for and respond to adverse health effects of public health emergencies resulting from current and future chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological agents.”1 The board was authorized in the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006 and is chartered for a length of 5 years. According to the HHS website, the NBSB will meet at least twice annually, but may “be convened on an as-needed basis.” The board will also consider holding “hearings…conferences and workshops,” as needed.2 Secretary Leavitt commented in an HHS news release that he feels “this board will play an important role in ensuring that our nation is well-prepared to prevent and respond to public health emergencies."1 References
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