Role of National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research

The relationship of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research to The Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW) and the applicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act to the Commission were questioned. Although the Commission is dependent on HEW for funding, it has considerable independence in performing its advisory functions. The Commission has a dual function under the National Research Act of advising HEW and the Congress; its primary function is to advise HEW within the scope of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.