Establishing the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues
Establishes a Presidential Commission to Study Bioethical Issues
What it does
Federal agencies must provide information and assistance, and the Department of Health and Human Services must fund and staff a commission to study bioethical issues and recommend actions.
Real-world impact
- Creates a federal advisory panel to study ethical issues from new biotechnologies.
- Requires federal departments to provide information and assistance upon request.
- May lead to recommendations for new rules on research, genetics, and medical technology.
Topics
Summary
This order creates a Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues within the Department of Health and Human Services. The commission will advise the President on ethical questions from advances in medicine and related science and promote responsible research, healthcare, and innovation.
It will examine topics such as stem cell methods, genetic testing, neuro- and robotic sciences, and broader matters like protecting people in research and conflicts of interest. Health and Human Services will provide funding and staff, and other federal departments must provide information when requested. The commission may hold hearings and recommend legal or policy changes.
Questions, answered
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications. Try:
- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
- “What are the practical implications of this order?”