I 108th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5213 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 5, 2004 Mr. Bilirakis (for himself and Mrs. Kelly) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To expand research information regarding multidisciplinary research projects and epidemiological studies.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Research Review Act of 2004.

2.

Multi-disciplinary research team and consortia report

(a)

In general

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act as the Secretary), in coordination with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, shall prepare a report outlining the methods by which the Roadmap for Medical Research, an initiative of such Institutes, has advanced the use of multidisciplinary research teams and consortia of research institutions to advance treatments, develop new therapies, and collaborate on clinical trials, including with respect to spinal cord injury and paralysis research. (b)

Report

Not later than February 1, 2005, the Secretary shall submit the report under subsection (a) to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.

3.

Epidemiological study report

(a)

In general

The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall prepare a report outlining the epidemiological studies currently underway at such Centers, future planned studies, the criteria involved in determining what epidemiological studies to conduct, defer, or suspend, and the scope of those studies, including with respect to the inflammatory bowel disease epidemiological study. The report shall include a description of the activities the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention undertakes to establish partnerships with research and patient advocacy communities to expand epidemiological studies. (b)

Report

Not later than February 1, 2005, the Secretary shall submit the report under subsection (a) to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.

4.

Study by Government Accountability Office on Medicare and Medicaid Coverage Standards

(a)

In general

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the coverage standards that, under the programs under titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act (commonly known as Medicare and Medicaid, respectively), apply to patients with inflammatory bowel disease for the following therapies: (1)Parenteral nutrition. (2)Enteral nutrition formula. (3)Medically necessary food products. (4)Ostomy supplies. (5)Therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. (b)

Content

The study under subsection (a) shall take into account the appropriate outpatient or home health care delivery settings. (c)

Report

Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Congress a report describing the findings of the study under subsection (a).

5.

Study by Government Accountability Office involving disability insurance

(a)

In general

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of the problems patients encounter when applying for disability insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. The study shall include recommendations for improving the application process for patients with inflammatory bowel disease. (b)

Report

Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Congress a report describing the findings of the study under subsection (a).