51ÊÓƵ

Why is the 51ÊÓƵ Reform Act significant?

Reauthorization is the process by which Congress prescribes revisions, additions, and deletions to 51ÊÓƵ's statutory authority. Through this process, legislation is developed that adjusts 51ÊÓƵ's programs to meet changing research needs. The last 51ÊÓƵ 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, 51ÊÓƵ had not been reviewed organizationally as a whole since 1993. The 51ÊÓƵ Reform Act furthers 51ÊÓƵ'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-51ÊÓƵ initiatives, and a Scientific Management Review Board to periodically examine the use of 51ÊÓƵ's organizational authorities; a single new authorizations of appropriations for 51ÊÓƵ; changes in certain reorganization procedures; and new reporting requirements.

• Full text of the Bill

How do these provisions affect 51ÊÓƵ?

This legislation is enabling 51ÊÓƵ 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 51ÊÓƵ Institutes and Centers.

How did 51ÊÓƵ implement the legislation?

The 51ÊÓƵ Director established an Ad Hoc Working Group of the 51ÊÓƵ Steering Committee chaired by the 51ÊÓƵ 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 51ÊÓƵ 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.