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NSABB Discusses Lab Personnel Reliability Programs

By Kunal Rambhia, December 15, 2008

On December 10, 2008, the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity (NSABB) met to discuss recommendations to the U.S. government for enhancing reliability of laboratory personnel with access to biological select agents and toxins. The NSABB discussed the need to strike a balance between increased lab security and continued advancement of life sciences.¹

The board heard presentations from CDC, DoD, and DOE about existing personnel reliability programs and debated the advantages and disadvantages of the programs. The board focused specifically on purpose, funding, and public perception of these programs as well as whether all agents required the same level of security.¹ No consensus was reached during the meeting.

The NSABB is scheduled to deliver final recommendations on January 20, 2009. However, because of the lack of consensus, it was suggested that the report be delayed to allow more time for discussion. Additional meetings are being planned to deliberate personnel reliability and develop recommendations for the U.S. government.²

References

1. Personnel Reliability. Slides presented at NSABB Meeting; December 10, 2008.
2. NSABB Meetings. Office of Biotechnology Activities.
   http://oba.od.nih.gov/biosecurity/biosecurity_meetings.html#DUR_Future. Accessed December 15, 2008.