Guidelines for Observers

The Empire State Stem Cell Board welcomes interested observers at meetings of the Funding Committee, the Ethics Committee, and the entire Board, which are public meetings. However, in order to make these meetings as productive as possible for all concerned, the Board has established certain ground rules so as not to disrupt the business of the meetings.

1. All Press inquiries concerning Board or Department activities should be directed to the Director of Public Affairs at (518) 474-7354, and in the Director's absence, to the Executive Secretary.

2. The Chairman may decline to admit observers and others while a meeting is in process and may temporarily excuse observers from certain portions of a meeting as required by law.

3. Any interruption of the meeting for the taking of photographs by the news media will require approval of the Chairman before the start of the meeting.

4. Observers will be accommodated within the physical limitations of the meeting room. Observers will be identified and introduced to the Chairman of the Board who may read their identification into the record of the meeting.

5. Discussion during the meeting is limited to members of the Board (who may request information or reports from staff to the Board), unless prior approval to participate in a discussion has been granted by the Chairman.

6. While a meeting is in progress, observers should leave the meeting room before engaging in telephone conversations, discussions, or other audible activities.

7. The Executive Secretary, the Director of Public Affairs, and staff to the Board may be contacted by observers, generally before or after the meeting, for clarification of agenda items or discussion, interviews, general information on the Board, etc.

Copies of Member listings and the schedule of Board meetings are available from the Executive Secretary upon request.

Adopted October 22, 2007