AB 92

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 individuals 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 specifies that no more than 8 percent of any grant award may be used 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.

Finally, the bill allows DHS, with the permission of the council, to hold symposia, not more than once every two years, for grant recipients to present findings of research supported by the grants.