Comparative Effectiveness Research Funding

Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 created the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research to coordinate comparative effectiveness research across the Federal government. The Council will specifically make recommendations for the $400 million allocated to the Office of the Secretary for CER.

Listening Sessions

As part of its initial work, the Council is conducting Listening Sessions to hear public comments regarding comparative effectiveness research. Individuals interested in addressing the council may nominate themselves to deliver a three minute oral presentation before the council. Individuals and organizations may also submit written comments for the council’s consideration. The public may also attend the session, listen live via audio conference or watch the session online at www.hhs.gov/recovery.

Sign up for these listening sessions:

• May 13, 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm (CDT)
  University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Forum
  725 W Roosevelt Rd
  (MC 126)
  Chicago, IL 60608
• June 10, Washington, DC

Panel Selection Process
Panelists will be selected to speak based on a number of criteria, including timing of submitted nomination, size of organization representing, diversity of viewpoints/speakers, and expertise regarding comparative effectiveness research (CER). There will also be an open public panel for which interested people can sign-up on the day of the event and speakers will be selected randomly.

Comparative Effectiveness Research Funding

The Recovery Act (ARRA) contains $1.1 billion for comparative effectiveness research. Comparative effectiveness research (CER) compares treatments and strategies to improve health. This information is essential for clinicians and patients to decide on the best treatment. It also enables our nation to improve the health of communities and the performance of the health system.

ARRA provides:

• $300 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
• $400 million for the National Institutes of Health, and
• $400 million for the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services

These funds are to support research assessing the comparative effectiveness of health care treatments and strategies, through efforts that:

1. Conduct, support, or synthesize research that compares the clinical outcomes, effectiveness, and appropriateness of items, services, and procedures that are used to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases, disorders, and other health conditions.
2. Encourage the development and use of clinical registries, clinical data networks, and other forms of electronic health data that can be used to generate or obtain outcomes data.

Read the excerpt from the Recovery Act related to comparative effectiveness research.