Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee - 06/1-2/92 
The thrust of these committees is advisory. Federal advisory committee members do not 
make final decisions. The disclosure of information that is crucial is not the disclosure 
to the public but the disclosure to the person who is being advised. This information is 
available from the government. The RAC should not take a position on Mr. Rifkin's 
petition at this time. 
Other Comments 
Dr. Kelley stated that there are other organizations that have resolved issues surrounding 
conflict of interest, e.g., the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences 
(NAS) requires that committee members disclose this information to other committee 
members as well as the NAS. Time is allocated at the initial committee meeting for the 
members to review the listings of potential conflicts of interest and commitments. The 
committee members have an opportunity to express any biases or prejudices that are 
known or possible. This possible alternative mechanism for reviewing personal 
disclosure information is provided by potential advisory committee members. Dr. D. 
Miller noted that this alternative may present problems with the RAC because of the 
public nature of the meetings. Mr. Capron suggested that Dr. Kelley communicate his 
suggestions to Dr. Healy in the form of a letter because it is not within the authority of 
the RAC to decide on this issue. Dr. Kelley agreed to forward a letter to Dr. Healy on 
this issue. 
Presentation-Mr. Kimbrell 
In the absence of Mr. Rifkin, Mr. Kimbrell provided his overview of the petition. 
Discussion 
Dr. Murray stated that it is inappropriate to request that the RAC change rules and 
regulations that are mandated at a higher level. The RAC does not devise these Federal 
regulations. 
Drs. Walters, Carmen, and Krogstad agreed that the RAC has performed in an 
exemplary manner in the past and that any allegations of conflict of interest by Mr. 
Rifkin and Mr. Kimbrell are unfounded. 
Ms. Katherine Matthews added that the NJH Guidelines contains no reference to conflict 
of interest within the RAC. It would be a good policy to present this issue at this time. 
Dr. D. Miller stated that if RAC members are eliminated because of the appearance of 
conflict of interest, the majority of RAC members with the level of scientific expertise 
required to review these proposals would be disqualified. To avoid conflict of interest, 
RAC members remove themselves from the review and approval process of any protocol 
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Recombinant DNA Research, Volume 15 
