11 
The RAC voted twelve in favor, five opposed, with one abstention, to defer 
consideration of eliminating prior review of experiments by the IBCs until 
the frequency of principal investigator error in selecting the appropriate 
containment levels has been determined. 
The RAC voted seventeen in favor, none opposed, with one abstention, that 
IBCs maintain records of recanbinant ENA research done in their institu- 
tion, including a record of the frequency of errors in classification of 
experiments by the principal investigator. Dr. Krimsky wished to be 
recorded as abstaining from the vote. 
Dr. Singer pointed out that the language of Dr. Gottesman's proposal did 
not eliminate the requirement for registration with NIH. Dr. Gottesman 
moved a fourth provision, as follows: 
"the IBCs no longer need register with NIH, recombinant DNA experi- 
ments for which containment levels are specified in the Guidelines" 
Dr. Ahmed proposed to amend Dr. Gottesman's proposal so that NIH be required 
to collect, on a periodic basis, information from IBCs regarding all recom- 
binant DNA research being conducted, and that this information be made 
available for public inspection. Dr. Gottesman did not accept Dr. Ahmed's 
amendment. Dr. Ahmed agreed to reoffer his amendment following a vote on 
Dr. Gottesman's motion. The RAC voted fifteen in favor, three opposed, 
with no abstentions that the IBC no longer need register with NIH, recombi- 
nant ENA experiments for which containment levels are specified in the 
Guidelines. Dr. Goldstein wished to be recorded as voting against the 
motion. 
Dr. Ahmed then moved that there should be an annual summary report by the 
IBC to NIH on all recombinant DNA research at the institution. Dr. Novick 
did not consider it necessary to report exempt experiments. Dr. Ahmed 
wished to include all recombinant ENA experiments. The RAC voted against 
the motion by a vote of three in favor, and thirteen opposed. 
X. UPDATE OF NIH PROGRAM TO ASSESS THE RISKS OF RECOMBINANT DNA RESEARCH 
Dr. Krause directed the committee to tab 933, the proposed first annual 
update of the NIH Program to Assess the Risks of Recanbinant DNA Research. 
Dr. Krause reviewed the history of the program. The Secretary of Health, 
Education and Welfare (HEW), [now named Health and Human Services (HHS)] 
requested that the NIH prepare a risk assessment plan, that RAC review 
it, that it be published in the Federal Register for comment, made final, 
and that it be updated annually. 
Dr. Krause said the Risk Assessment Program collects and analyzes data on 
potential hazards of recombinant DNA organisms. Dr. Krause reviewed pro- 
gress on the issues developed at the Pasadena, California, Risk Assessment 
[170] 
