5 
III. NIH ACTIVITIES FOLLOWING RELEASE OF THE GUIDELINES 
Subsequent to the release of the Guidelines, NIH Initiated several 
actions. 
A. Office of Recombinant DNA Activities 
To facilitate implementation of the Guidelines, the NIH, in June 1976, 
established the Office of Recombinant DNA Activities: to administer 
and coordinate intramural and extramural activities at the NIH; to 
review the institutional biohazards committees; and to monitor reports 
and information concerning accidents, containment, and safety research 
innovation. 
B. Published Proceedings 
In August 1976, the NIH published a volume containing the transcript 
of the February NIH public hearing on the proposed guidelines, voluminous 
related correspondence, and the results of relevant meetings held prior 
to the release of the Guidelines in June. A second volume is planned 
for publication in late Spring documenting the correspondence that the 
NIH received on the Guidelines, the Environmental Impact Statement, and 
the Departmental patent policy. 
C. Environmental Impact Statement 
The NIH, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969, undertook an environmental impact assessment to review 
environmental effects, if any, of research that may be conducted under 
the Guidelines. The NIH Guidelines were released prior to the completion 
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