Select Agents Overview
SELECT AGENT and TOXINS, FEDERAL REGULATION 42 CFR 73
On June 12, 2002 President Bush signed the "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002" (Public Law 107-188). The Law's purpose is to improve the ability of the United States to prevent, prepare for, and respond to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. The Law requires that all persons possessing select biological agents or toxins deemed a threat to public health, animal or plant health, or animal or plant products register with the appropriate federal agency.
On March 18, 2005, final rules were published in the Federal Register by the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) governing facilities that possess, use or transfer select biological agents or toxins. These rules became effective on April 18, 2005. On October 16, 2008, HHS and USDA published final rules that complete the biennial review and republication of the lists of select agents and toxins. The final rules published on October 16th become effective November 17, 2008. The HHS and USDA final rules can be viewed at http://www.selectagents.gov.
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety provides the University oversight (Responsible Official) required by these federal laws & regulations. Possession, handling, transfer, sending or receiving of any select agent (intramural or extramural) in regulated quantities is prohibited without EHS involvement.
Program contacts:
Michele Johnson, Responsible Official, michele.johnson@ehs.utah.edu
Jim Johnston, Alternate Responsible Official, jim.johnston@ehs.utah.edu
