AB 19

This bill requires the Department of Health Services to establish a program to

award grants to persons in this state for research into spinal cord injuries. The

grants must support research into new and innovative treatments and rehabilitative

efforts for the functional improvement of people with spinal cord injuries. Research

topics may include pharmaceutical, medical device, brain stimulus, and

rehabilitative approaches and techniques. DHS must make annual reports to the

legislature about the grants. The bill also allows DHS to hold symposia every two

years for grant recipients to present their research findings. The bill provides that

DHS may annually expend no more than 8 percent of the amount awarded in grants

for administrative or indirect costs and expenses.

The bill also requires DHS to appoint a Spinal Cord Injury Council with one

member representing the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public

Health who is a researcher specializing in spinal cord injuries, one member

representing Marquette University who is a researcher specializing in spinal cord

injuries, one member representing the Medical College of Wisconsin who is an expert

in spinal cord injuries, and the following members: 1) a person with a spinal cord

injury; 2) a family member of a person with a spinal cord injury; 3) a veteran with

a spinal cord injury; 4) a physician specializing in the treatment of spinal cord

injuries; 5) a neurosurgery researcher; and 6) a researcher employed by the federal

Veterans Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. If DHS

is unable to appoint any of the foregoing members, the bill allows DHS to appoint,

in lieu of that member, a member representing the general public. Members of the

council have two-year terms. The bill requires the council to develop criteria for

DHS to evaluate and award grants, review and make recommendations on grant

applications, and perform other duties specified by DHS. Council members must

make written disclosures of financial interests in organizations that the council

recommends for grants.