Human Gene Therapy Subcommittee - 11/21-22/91 
(NCHGR) and the Department of Energy. Dr. Walters noted that Dr. R. Murray is a 
member of that Board. Dr. Walters added that Dr. Eric Juengst (NCHGR) should be 
invited to attend the next HGTS meeting. 
Ms. Meyers recommended that the HGTS adopt the invited expert educational format 
and, at the same time, plan for a consensus development conference in which the 
public's input would be invited. 
IX. REPORT FROM THE WORKING GROUP ON THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE 
RECOMBINANT DNA ADVISORY COMMITTEE-CONTINUED DISCUSSION 
Dr. Walters called on the HGTS to continue their discussion on the future role of the 
RAC. Dr. Epstein moved to untable the motion made by Dr. Erickson to merge the 
HGTS into the RAC. Dr. Erickson seconded. The motion to untable passed by a vote 
of 10 in favor, 1 opposed, and 2 abstentions. HGTS members continued their discussion 
of the motion to merge the HGTS with the parent committee, the RAC. 
Dr. Miller explained that the RAC consists of 25 members; one-quarter of these 
members' terms expire in 1991. Therefore, these vacancies on the RAC should provide 
the number of slots necessary for the transitional HGTS members, pending approval by 
the Secretary, HHS. Dr. Leventhal noted that there are six HGTS members who are 
already members of the RAC. Dr. Epstein recommended that although the mechanism 
for transition of HGTS members to the RAC remains to be worked out, the 
recommendation on this issue should be transmitted to the RAC. 
Dr. Erickson explained that the transitional period of merging the subcommittee with the 
parent committee should be used to focus on the two working groups of the HGTS, Data 
Management and New Approaches to Gene Therapy. These working groups would have 
specific goals separate from the review of new protocols. 
Dr. Neiman commented that merging the HGTS into the RAC does not preclude the 
creation of new working groups and subcommittees by the RAC in the future. 
Dr. R. Murray noted that the Points to Consider references the HGTS and that 
modifications must be made to the document to accommodate the folding of the 
subcommittee into the RAC. Dr. Neiman suggested that changes to the Points to 
Consider is an issue that should be discussed by the RAC. Mr. Capron said that it would 
be appropriate for the HGTS to draft a revised Points to Consider incorporating the 
appropriate changes and to forward it to the RAC for consideration. 
Dr. Zallen inquired as to whether a RAC member could be reappointed to the 
committee upon completion of his/her term? Dr. Wivel responded that for Secretarial 
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