I 
108TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 5213 
To expand research information regarding multidisciplinary research projects 
and epidemiological studies. 
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 subse-
quently 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. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Research Review Act 
of 2004’’. 
SEC. 2. MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH TEAM AND CON-
SORTIA REPORT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Health and 
Human Services (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘Sec-
retary’’), 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 multi-
disciplinary research teams and consortia of research in-
stitutions 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, Edu-
cation, 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 Preven-
tion, 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 re-
port shall include a description of the activities the Cen-
ters for Disease Control and Prevention undertakes to es-
tablish 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, Edu-
cation, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. 
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 stand-
ards 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 inflam-
matory 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 find-
ings 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 pa-
tients encounter when applying for disability insurance 
benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. The 
study shall include recommendations for improving the ap-
plication process for patients with inflammatory bowel dis-
ease. 
(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 find-
ings of the study under subsection (a). 
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