Revisions to Select Agents Regulations: 
What It Means for the MSU Research Community

Considerations for Colleges & Departments

It is critical for departments to identify any potential for use or possession of select agents by research personnel in order to protect both the university and the researcher from unknowingly violating a regulatory requirement that bears both civil and criminal penalties. University policies are likely to be developed in order to address this potential. In the meantime, the following actions can be taken to prevent this from happening:

• Screen all research materials received in order to assure that no items on the select agent list have been inadvertently sent to campus. This is especially true for items received from foreign countries because the select agents regulations apply to the United States. International colleagues may not be aware of these new restrictions.

• Query all visiting research personnel, or newly recruited faculty before they come to campus to assure that they are not planning to bring any materials that are restricted under the select agent regulations. Again, international colleagues may not be aware of these new restrictions.

• Consult the ORCBS if any researcher plans to pursue grant money for research involving select agents. At this time, there are several bioterrorism-related funding opportunities for researchers. In order to plan for this potential work, research personnel need to be aware of the scope of regulatory requirements and limitations associated with this type of work.

Index of Select Agents Regulations
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