§285d–6 Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Centers

Summary

The Institute Director must, after talking with the advisory council, set up, update, and run new and existing centers for arthritis and musculoskeletal diseases, and pay for staff and patient care needed for research. Modernization means changing, fixing, expanding, or equipping buildings so they work as these centers. Each center must be based in one institution or a group of cooperating institutions and meet the Secretary’s rules. Centers must do basic and clinical research on causes, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control, treatment, and rehabilitation (including implantable materials and orthopedic procedures); train doctors, scientists, and other health workers; offer continuing education for clinicians; and give public information about early detection, prompt treatment, and avoiding unapproved or ineffective methods, drugs, and devices. Centers may also test new detection and referral methods, share research results and standardize patient records, and help communities refer patients for care. The Director should distribute centers fairly across the country and pay special attention to children’s needs. Support lasts up to 5 years and can be extended in additional 5-year periods if a Director-appointed peer review group recommends it. A multipurpose center for children had to be established by October 1, 1993.