108th Congress

The Training and Research in Urology Act of 2004

H.R. 1002/S. 2361

Background

Urology is the study of the male and female urinary systems and male reproductive system. Urologic conditions affect millions of children and adults:

• As many as 10 million children suffer from urinary tract problems, some forms of which can be deadly.
• At least half of all diabetics have bladder dysfunctions, which can include urinary retention, changes in bladder compliance, and incontinence.
• Interstitial cystitis, a painful bladder syndrome, affects 700,000 people, mostly women, and there are no known causes or cures and few minimally effective treatments.
• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and African American men are at greater risk for the disease.
• More than 50 percent of men over age 50 suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia, which results in bladder dysfunction and urinary frequency.

Urinary tract infection treatments cost more than $1 billion each year. Incontinence is one of the leading reasons why people are forced to enter nursing homes, resulting in significant Medicare and Medicaid costs. Furthermore, cases of urologic diseases, incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and cancer are more prevalent in aging populations, and increases in these cases will have a growing impact on the Nation’s health care system.

Provisions of the Legislation/Impact on NIH

Both H.R. 1002 and S. 2361 would have:

• Created a new, separate urologic division at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• Directed the National Institutes of Health, in cooperation with the urologic scientific and patient community, to develop a national urologic research plan
• Required the establishment of a urologic diseases data system
• Authorized the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a loan repayment program for health professionals and scientists who engage in urology research

The bills would have also created 10 new, dedicated research centers in order to increase the number of talented physicians and researchers in the field.

Status and Outlook

H.R. 1002 was introduced by Representative Jim Leach (R-IA) on November 4, 2003, and was referred to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. No further action occurred on this legislation during the 108th Congress.

S. 2361 was introduced by Senator Mike DeWine (R-OH) on April 29, 2004, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. No further action occurred on this legislation during the 108th Congress.