As a federal agency, NICHD receives advice from advisory committees, task forces, boards, and commissions to help it achieve its goals. Advice from these entities is guided by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public Law 92-463) and must be both objective and accessible to the public. The institute follows all guidelines outlined in the original Act and in subsequent amendments, including member selection criteria outlined by NIH.
These groups advise or include the NICHD Director on matters related to research and research support activities and functions.
National Advisory Child Health and Human Development (NACHHD) Council
Works with NICHD Director on matters related to institute research activities and functions
Board of Scientific Counselors
Advises the NICHD Scientific Director and others on matters related to intramural research activities
National Advisory Board on Medical Rehabilitation Research (NABMRR)
Advises on matters and policies related to the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research
NACHHD working groups
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Evaluates the current state of the science on enteral nutrition and NEC in preterm infants.
PRGLAC Implementation
Focuses on implementing Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant & Lactating Women (PRGLAC) recommendations
Stillbirth
Examines several stillbirth-related issues in the United States and how to address them