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Public Policy Page Contents
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- PSAB Documents (Statements, Reports, Testimony and Monthly Newsletters)
- Research and Development Funding for FY 2014
- Contact Congress (Legislative Action Center)
- Clinical Microbiology Resources
- Public and Scientific Affairs Board Information
- Federal and State Government Links
- Congressional Science Fellowship
Check Here for Critical Public Policy Information
- Clinical Microbiology Issues Update - April 2013
- Biosecurity
- Sentinel Level Clinical Laboratory Protocols For Suspected Biological Threat Agents And Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Committee on the Status of Women in Microbiology
- Committee on Microbiological Issues Impacting Minorities
Public and Scientific Affairs Board (PSAB)
Underlying the ASM's dedication to the advancement of scientific knowledge is its commitment that science serve the public interest. To address scientific matters affecting the public interest, the ASM created the Public and Scientific Affairs Board (PSAB) in 1979. The PSAB monitors legislation and regulation and develops positions for the Society on public policy issues. The PSAB encourages the adoption of sound policies affecting science and technology and the discipline of microbiology. The PSAB responds to policy makers who may request or require an understanding of research and technology in microbiology. It also communicates microbiological issues to the public.
What's New in Public Policy?
June 7, 2013 – ASM Signs Onto Letter Regarding the Reintroduction of the “Strategies to Address Antimicrobial Resistance (STAAR) Act”
The ASM signed onto a letter to Representative James Matheson (D-UT) thanking him for reintroducing the STAAR Act. The intent of the STAAR Act is to develop appropriate responses to the urgent problem of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistant infections affect hundreds of thousands of Americans and cause tens of thousands...
06-07-2013
2013 Statements and Testimony
May 20, 2013 - ASM Signs Onto Letter Regarding NSF's Merit Review Process -- The ASM joined over 100 organizations and institutions in a May 20 letter expressing concerns “about recent Congressional actions that call into question the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) merit review process for awarding research grants.” Organized...
01-07-2013
ASM Congressional Briefing - The Perpetual Challenge of Infectious Diseases: New and Emerging and Antimicrobial Resistance
The ASM held a Congressional Briefing on Tuesday, April 30 on The Perpetual Challenge of Infectious Diseases: New and Emerging and Antimicrobial Resistance
04-17-2013
Public Policy Reports
Federal Funding for FY 2014 - Biomedical and Life Sciences Research A compilation of the ASM recommendations to Congress for FY 2014 funding for the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and science funding in the the National Science Foundation, the...
12-03-2002
May 9, 2013 - ASM Sends Letter Regarding CDC Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) Infectious Disease Initiative
The ASM sent a letter to all members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies regarding the CDC's Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) and Response to Infectious Disease Outbreaks initiative.
05-09-2013
April 12, 2013 - President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Research Budget Requests
On April 10, the President released the Administration’s fiscal year (FY) 2014 budget request to Congress. The ASM has prepared an overview of federal agency research and development and public health funding levels.
04-12-2013
March 27, 2013 - ASM Comments on Dual Use Research Policy
ASM sent comments to the Office of Science and Technology Policy regarding the February 22, 2013 United States Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern
03-27-2013
Sentinel Level Clinical Laboratory Protocols For Suspected Biological Threat Agents And Emerging Infectious Diseases
The ASM, in collaboration with CDC and APHL, has updated the Sentinel Level Clinical Laboratory Guidelines for Suspected Agents of Bioterrorism and Emerging Infectious Diseases.
11-19-2010
March 25, 2013 - ASM Comments on NIH Recombinant DNA Molecules Guidelines
The ASM sent comments to the NIH's Office of Biotechnology Activities regarding changes to the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules.
03-25-2013
February 21, 2013 – U.S. Government Releases Proposed Policy for Dual Use Research of Concern
The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released for public review and comment the proposed policy for institutional oversight of life sciences dual use research of concern.
02-22-2013