Request for Suggestions on New SACGHS Priority Issues

In the coming months, the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society (SACGHS) will be identifying new priority issues to address. The Committee would welcome public perspectives about issues within SACGHS’s charter that are in need of attention and study. Members of the public who wish to suggest an issue are asked to submit a statement (approximately one paragraph in length) that: 1) describes a problem or policy challenge that needs exploration; and 2) proposes actions the Committee could take to address the issue. The submission of references or other background materials related to the topic is encouraged. 

The issues suggested should take into consideration the charge of SACGHS, as well as the following points: 

• The urgency and national importance of the issue
• The extent to which the Federal Government has jurisdiction/authority over the issue
• The need for Federal guidance or regulation on the issue
• Whether the issue raises concerns that only the Federal Government can address
• Whether the issue raises moral or ethical concerns that warrant Federal Government involvement/leadership
• Whether the Committee’s policy advice on this issue would significantly benefit society
• Whether failure to address the issue would prolong any negative impact the issue may be having on society
• Whether sufficient data about the issue exist for the Committee to develop informed policy advice
• Whether another body is already addressing the issue or is better equipped to address it

 Public comments received by May 16, 2008 will be considered by SACGHS and discussed at its meeting on July 7-8, 2008 in Washington, DC.

 Comments should be addressed to Dr. Steven Teutsch, SACGHS Chair, and can be sent by:

• Email to Suzanne Goodwin at goodwins@od.nih.gov;
• Fax to 301-496-9839, attn: Suzanne Goodwin; or
• Mail to:

Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society
Attn: Suzanne Goodwin
NIH Office of Biotechnology Activities
6705 Rockledge Drive, Suite 750
Bethesda, MD, 20892 (20817 for non-US Postal Service mail)