Section 10-431 - Stem Cell Research Commission. - Maryland Statutes

§ 10-431. Stem Cell Research Commission.
 

(a)  Established.- There is a Stem Cell Research Commission. 

(b)  Status.- The Commission is an independent commission that functions in the Corporation. 

(c)  Composition; appointment.- The Commission consists of the following members: 

(1) the Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee; 

(2) three patient advocates, one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the President of the Senate, and one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; 

(3) three individuals with experience in biotechnology, one appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the President of the Senate, and one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; 

(4) two individuals who work as scientists for the University System of Maryland and do not engage in stem cell research, appointed by the University System of Maryland; 

(5) two individuals who work as scientists for the Johns Hopkins University and do not engage in stem cell research, appointed by the Johns Hopkins University; 

(6) two bioethicists, one appointed by the University System of Maryland and one appointed by the Johns Hopkins University; and 

(7) two individuals with expertise in the field of biomedical ethics as it relates to religion, appointed by the Governor. 

(d)  Tenure; vacancies; limitation.-  

(1) The term of an appointed member is 2 years. 

(2) The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members on October 1, 2008. 

(3) At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. 

(4) An appointed member may not serve more than three consecutive full terms. 

(5) An appointed member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. 

(e)  Ethics.- Each member of the Commission shall disclose to the State Commission on Ethics whether the member is employed by or has a financial interest in an entity that may apply to conduct State-funded stem cell research. 

(f)  Chair.- The members of the Commission shall elect a chair from among the appointed members of the Commission. 

(g)  Quorum.- A majority of the full authorized membership of the Commission is a quorum. 

(h)  Meetings.- The Commission shall meet at least twice a year. 

(i)  Compensation; reimbursement for expenses.- A member of the Commission: 

(1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but 

(2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. 

(j)  Staff.- The Commission may employ a staff, including contractual staff, in accordance with the State budget. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 83A, §§ 5-2B-04(a)-(h), (j), 5-2B-07(b); 2008, ch. 306, § 2.]