Purpose
DOMS support of the NIH Biological Surety Program (BSP) is designed to ensure that individuals working in or supporting highly regulated biocontainment NIH research are prepared to meet the physical and mental demands of their jobs and are able to perform their duties safely and reliably. DOMS clinicians provide tailored services and counseling to federal and contract personnel, fellows and visiting scientists assigned to:
- Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL-3) laboratories
- Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) and Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories
- Critical infrastructure and administrative support spaces directly linked to these laboratories
- Field work and outbreak response with potential exposure to pathogens of concern
The goal is to protect personnel, research integrity, public health, and national security by minimizing the risk of human error, health-related impairment, or behavioral health challenges faced by staff in these sensitive environments.
Scope
The Division of Safety (DS) administers the BSP to meet regulatory safety and security requirements. Biocontainment safety specialists identify prospective program participants to OMS, including their role, assigned work environment, and any specific occupational hazards such as infectious agents. These criteria determine the clinical services for each participant. Enrollment in the Biological Surety Program is required for:
- Laboratory researchers and technicians entering ABSL-3, BSL-3, or BSL-4 containment areas
- Facilities, engineering, and maintenance staff supporting high-containment operations
- Safety officers, biosurety officers, and administrative staff with access to restricted areas
- Emergency response personnel who may be required to enter containment zones
Assessment Components
Participants undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation tailored to their specific role and work environment. This includes:
- Occupational Medical Assessment and Preventive Measures
Evaluation of physical health and functional capacity, including the ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and perform essential tasks under physically demanding conditions, and administration of risk-based medical countermeasures such as immunizations.
- Behavioral Health Evaluation
Screening for mental health stability, stress tolerance, decision-making ability, and reliability for proposed work in environments with high-risk, high-consequence disease agents.
- Ongoing Monitoring and Reassessment
Periodic re-evaluation ensures sustained medical qualification, including testing and immunization based on workplace risks, and possible out-of-cycle evaluation for added workplace hazards, role changes, new health concerns, or behavioral indicators.
Confidentiality and Compliance
All DOMS evaluations are conducted by licensed occupational health professionals and clinical psychologists. Findings are handled with strict confidentiality and used exclusively to determine suitability for assignment to surety-designated roles and offer specific clinical support.
The program complies with applicable federal and institutional biosafety regulations, including:
