LSUHSC-NO’s Institutional Bio-safety Committee (IBC) acts as the framework for risk management associated with research-related, bio-safety issues.  The committee works in concert with the LSUHSC-NO Office of Environmental Health and Safety and the Office of Research Services  The objectives of this risk management program are threefold:  1)  To assure that the Institution is in compliance with all state and federal regulatory agency bio-safety requirements, 2)  To review projects for use of “Select Agents” under the Select Agents Program of DHHS and USDA and/or “Dual use items” under export control regulations of the Department of Commerce, and 3) To protect individuals and research animals from potential dangers in the use of or exposure to such things as pathogens, organs or tissues of biological origin, genetic therapy products, transgenic genes, bacteria, viruses, prions and chemicals and toxins that may affect health.  The program is also used to verify and track required bio-safety training as mandated by the state Office of Risk Management.  Note that all research projects must be submitted for IBC review to allow a determination of whether all bio-safety concerns are resolved or managed, or that the project is exempt from further IBC oversight.  Both IRB and IACUC approval are contingent upon IBC review and approval.

IBC Protocol Submittal Form for initial application and amendments

IBC Annual Update Form for re-approval and adding new personnel

LSUHSC-NO Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S)
       Scheduled Safety Classes conducted by EH&S  

"Select Agents" and "Dual Use" Items

As listed and described at the following two websites, there are potential reporting and licensing requirements for the use of certain pathogens and toxins. You should be aware of these regulations and must report to the Office of Research Services (ORS) and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) the possession and use of such agents/items. The ORS and EH&S will help you with any regulatory requirements related to such issues.

DHHS (CDC) and USDA (APHIS) - Select Agents Program

The National Select Agent Registry Program oversees the activities of possession of biological agents and toxins that have the potential to pose a severe threat to public, animal or plant health, or to animal or plant products. Depending on quantities, there may be reporting requirements for the possession and use of certain agents.

Department of Commerce - Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Commerce Control List (CCL)

The CCL contains items that are considered “Dual Use” items, i.e., used for commerce/research and could be used as a potential bio-terrorist weapon. Depending on the circumstances there may be limitations on the use and licensing requirements of such items.