Public Health Commission hearing

Proposed Amendments to Biological Laboratory and Recombinant DNA Regulations

The Boston Public Health Commission and Boston Board of Health are accepting written comments on proposed amendments to Boston’s Biological Laboratory Regulation and Recombinant DNA Use and Technology Regulation. A copy of the proposed amendments may be found online at bphc.org/boardofhealth/regulations, or by calling 617-534-5855. The proposed amendments would rescind the Recombinant DNA Use and Technology Regulation, incorporate the regulation of the use of recombinant DNA (rDNA) into the Biological Lab Regulation, formalize a requirement that each individual BSL-4 research project undergo review by the Boston Biosafety Committee prior to receiving approval by BPHC, and revise definitions and citations to align with updated national guidance documents.

Written comments may be submitted through January 10, 2019, by email to boardofhealth@bphc.org or by mail to the Boston Public Health Commission, Board Office, ATTN: Board of Health, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02118. A public hearing is scheduled for January 7 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Hayes Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118. BPHC proposes to promulgate these amendments pursuant to M.G.L. c. 111, § 31; M.G.L. c. 111, App. §§ 2-1, 2-3, 2-6(b), 2-6(j), 2-7(a)(1), and 2-7(a)(15).