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Policy and Program Analysis Branch

The Policy and Program Analysis Branch (PPAB) of the Office of Policy, Communication and Education (OPCE) within the Office of the Director (OD) conducts policy development and analysis that enables the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) to pursue its mission. The PPAB examines the policy implications of research on the structure and function of the human genome, and of associated resources and technologies. The PPAB develops policy positions on issues arising from the translation of discoveries from human genetic and genomic research to uses in the public domain, and tracks federal and state public policy that has an impact on NHGRI research.

The PPAB also acts as an informational resource for parties interested in the policies of the NHGRI and those associated with genome research and technology. It engages other agencies within the executive branch, as well as policy makers, professional societies and related organizations. The PPAB serves as a liaison to voluntary health organizations and consumer groups with a shared interest in policy matters related to human genetics and genome research.

As part of its planning function, the branch conducts long-range planning and evaluation of institute research and policy priorities, and interacts with program planning and evaluation officers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services. The PPAB responds to requests for information from various NIH entities, from Capitol Hill and advocacy organizations, as well as from the Office of Management and Budget, including the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Program Assessment and Results (PAR) reporting, and the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART).

The work of the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications Research Program (ELSI) of NHGRI's Division of Extramural Research, which funds research addressing the ethical, legal and social implications that arise as a result of genetics research, informs the work of the PPAB.

Current PPAB Policy Focus

• Genetic Discrimination
• Informed Consent for Genomics Research
• Personalized Medicine and Pharmacogenomics
• Genetic Testing
• Intellectual Property and Genomics
• Coverage and Reimbursement of Genetic Tests
• Ethics Related to Human Subjects Research
• Other Related Genetics Issues

Head

Phyllis Frosst, Ph.D.
E-mail: frosstp@mail.nih.gov

Science Policy Analyst

Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ph.D.
E-mail: gitlinjm@mail.nih.gov

Program Analyst

Sanja Basaric
E-mail: basarics@mail.nih.gov

Legislative Affairs & Health Policy Analyst

Amanda Arnold
E-mail: amanda.arnold@nih.gov

ASHG/NHGRI Genetics and Public Policy Fellows

Sara Selgrade, Ph.D.
ASHG/NHGRI Genetics and Public Policy Fellow
Office of Senator Tom Harkin
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Email: sara_selgrade@harkin.senate.gov

• The 2009 Genetics and Public Policy Fellowship
  Sponsored by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and NHGRI

Acting Chief

Laura Lyman Rodriguez, Ph.D.
E-mail: rodrigla@mail.nih.gov

Address

Policy and Program Analysis Branch
Office of the Director
National Human Genome Research Institute
National Institutes of Health
Building 31, Room 4B09
9000 Rockville Pike, MSC 2152
Bethesda, MD 20892-2152

Phone: (301) 402-0955
Fax: (301) 402-0837

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Last Updated: July 13, 2009