ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø

Why is the ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Reform Act significant?

Reauthorization is the process by which Congress prescribes revisions, additions, and deletions to ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø's statutory authority. Through this process, legislation is developed that adjusts ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø's programs to meet changing research needs. The last ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø reauthorization, the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act, was enacted on June 10, 1993. Many of the authorization of appropriations sections expired in 1996. Although some of these authorizations of appropriations sections were renewed and disease-specific mandates enacted in separate legislation, ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø had not been reviewed organizationally as a whole since 1993. The ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Reform Act furthers ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø's ability to focus on how research cuts across many disciplines and requires collaboration among many specialties.

What are the major provisions of the legislation?

Key provisions include: the establishment of the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, a Common Fund for trans-ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø initiatives, and a Scientific Management Review Board to periodically examine the use of ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø's organizational authorities; a single new authorizations of appropriations for ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø; changes in certain reorganization procedures; and new reporting requirements.

• Full text of the Bill

How do these provisions affect ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø?

This legislation is enabling ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø to respond strategically in an era when the scale and complexity of the problems we are facing require constant innovation and increased interdisciplinary efforts. The functional integration will ensure continued scientific progress and a balanced portfolio of basic, translational and clinical research across all ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Institutes and Centers.

How did ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø implement the legislation?

The ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Director established an Ad Hoc Working Group of the ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Steering Committee chaired by the ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø Deputy Director and comprised of IC Directors and leadership in legislation, policy, management, communications, extramural and intramural activities, budget, and the Office of General Counsel to make recommendations on the implementation of the legislation. The Ad Hoc Working Group was charged with completing a careful, detailed analysis of the legislation and proposing plans for the implementation of this significant legislation to aid ÈýÒÚÌåÓý¹ÙÍø in serving the public and our scientific community more effectively.

Whom do we contact if we have specific questions?

The Office of Legislative Policy and Analysis (301) 496-3471.