July 29, 2005

Bill Would Expand Powers of NIH Chief

By JEFFREY BRAINARD

A U.S. House of Representatives committee moved last week toward drafting a bill to reauthorize the National Institutes of Health for the first time in 12 years. Draft language would give the NIH director the authority to reorganize or abolish entire institutes and centers within the agency and to transfer money among them for crossdisciplinary scientific projects.

Those changes would significantly expand the powers of the director, Elias A. Zerhouni. Key details of the bill remain to

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Already have an account? Log In Now.