HHS said six experts from outside the federal government will join the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB), a federal advisory committee which provides expert advice and guidance on preventing, preparing for, and responding to adverse health effects of public health emergencies to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The new members replace members whose 3-year terms expire Dec. 31. The ASPR serves as the Secretary’s principal advisor on bioterrorism and other public health emergencies and coordinates the federal public health and medical response to disasters. The board was created under the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act in 2006 and chartered in May 2007. Since then, the board has provided recommendations such issues as whether the federal government should encourage stockpiling antibiotics at home for use after a bioterrorism attack and how the department can help protect, preserve, and restore individual and community mental health after a disaster. In addition, the board has provided recommendations on ways to improve the management of the research and development of medicines, vaccines and equipment for pandemic diseases. By statute, the board has 13 voting members with a broad range of expertise in science, medicine, and public health. Additionally, there are non-voting members from federal and state government agencies as deemed appropriate by the Secretary.

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