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For a variety of its own reasons not applicable to the Committee, the agency may implement all/most of the recommendations,
but few times recommendations are not implemented.
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In addition to seeking the RAC's advice on needed changes to the NIH Guidelines, the NIH asks the RAC to consider other matters
pertinent to basic and clinical research involving recombinant DNA. A major responsibility of the RAC at present is to review
human gene transfer research on behalf of the NIH. Human gene transfer trials conducted at, or sponsored by, institutions
receiving NIH funding for recombinant DNA research are registered with OBA and reviewed by the RAC. Protocols that raise novel
or particularly important scientific, safety or ethical considerations are discussed by the RAC at one of its quarterly public
meetings. RAC proceedings and reports are posted to the OBA Web site to enhance their accessibility to the scientific and
lay publics. The NIH also consults the RAC for advice concerning various advances in recombinant DNA technology, as well as
ethical and safety considerations associated with novel or possibly risky forms of recombinant DNA research. The RAC helps
the NIH conceptualize and organize safety symposia and policy conferences on these matters when diverse perspectives and broad
scientific and public participation are needed to explore an issue fully.
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