Policy:  Recombinant DNA

For any project involving the use of recombinant DNA molecules, Tarleton State University must assume primary responsibility for complying with both the intent and the procedures of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules. This responsibility includes:

• Ensuring a standing Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is maintained in accord with Part IV of the NIH Guidelines and also ensuring the research plan is reviewed and approved by the IBC prior to commencing substantive work under the project. The IBC must maintain a record of its approvals.

• Registering with the IBC all experiments involving recombinant DNA molecules conducted with funds provided under the project and complying with the containment requirements specified in Part III of the NIH Guidelines. Records of this research must be kept in a form that is readily available to grant sponsors.

In addition, the project director/team must report the following supplemental data to the IBC:

• New technical information relating to risks and safety procedures.
• Serious incidents or releases involving recombinant DNA.
• Serious illness of a laboratory worker which may be project related.
• Other safety problems.