ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13521Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13521

Establishing the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues

This executive order establishes a 13-member Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues within HHS to advise the President on ethical questions arising from biomedical and technological advances. The Commission is authorized to conduct research, hold hearings, and issue policy recommendations but cannot approve specific research projects. It is initially set to terminate after two years unless extended by the President.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 62671

Impact dates

  1. Commission termination unless extended by President

Key directives

  • Establish Commission within HHS
  • Commission to advise President on bioethical issues from biomedicine and related science/technology advances
  • Commission limited to 13 members appointed by President
  • Members serve 2-year terms with reappointment eligibility
  • HHS to provide funding and administrative support within existing appropriations
  • All executive departments and agencies to provide information and assistance upon Chair's request
  • Secretary of HHS to appoint Executive Director in consultation with Chair and Vice Chair
  • Commission terminates 2 years after order date unless extended by President
  • Order supersedes Executive Order 13237 of November 28, 2001

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Commission established within HHS
  • Secretary of HHS authorized to appoint Executive Director in consultation with Chair and Vice Chair

Near term (90d)

  • Presidential appointment of up to 13 Commission members
  • Designation of Chair and Vice Chair
  • HHS to arrange funding and administrative support

Long term

  • Commission operations and report production
  • Potential termination on November 24, 2011 unless extended by President

Risks & tensions

  • Funding dependency on existing HHS appropriations may constrain Commission capacity
  • Advisory-only role with no regulatory or project approval authority limits direct policy impact
  • Vague scope ('related areas of science and technology,' 'other areas') creates potential for mission creep or institutional competition
  • Two-year term with presidential extension requirement creates uncertainty about continuity
  • Requirement for executive branch scientists to constitute 1-3 members may raise questions about independence
Executive Order 13521: Establishing the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues · Executive Orders