[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

118 STAT. 2430

Public Law 108-427
108th Congress

An Act


 
To expand research information regarding multidisciplinary research
projects and epidemiological studies. NOTE: Nov. 30, 2004 -  [H.R.
5213]

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, NOTE: Research Review
Act of 2004.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

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

SEC. 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.

SEC. 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 under way 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 May 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.

[[Page 2431]]
118 STAT. 2431

SEC. 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).

SEC. 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).

Approved November 30, 2004.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 5213:
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 150 (2004):
Oct. 6, 7, considered and passed House.
Nov. 16, considered and passed Senate.