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Here's an outline of what passed the senate last year. I anticipate this years version to be very similar `PARKINSON'S DISEASE A. In General: The Director of NIH shall establish a program for the conduct and support of research and training with respect to Parkinson'sdisease. B. Inter-institute Coordination: 1. convening of a research planning conference not less frequently than once every 2 years C. Morris K. Udall Research Centers: 1. Establish not more than 10 Centers (i) conduct basic and clinical research. (ii) conduct training programs for scientists and health professionals; (iii) conduct programs to provide information and continuing education to health professionals; (iv) conduct programs for the dissemination of information to the public; develop and maintain, where appropriate, a brain bank to collect specimens related to the research and treatment of Parkinson's; (v) separately or in collaboration with other centers, establish a nationwide data system derived from patient populations with Parkinson's, and where possible, comparing relevant data involving general populations; (vi) separately or in collaboration with other centers, establish a Parkinson's Disease Information Clearinghouse to facilitate and enhance knowledge and understanding of Parkinson's disease; and (vii) separately or in collaboration with other centers, establish a national education program that fosters a national focus on Parkinson's and the care of those with Parkinson's. 2. Stipends regarding training programs: A center may use funds provided under paragraph (1) to provide stipends for scientists and health professionals enrolled in training programs under paragraph (2)(B). 3. Duration of support: Support of a center under this subsection may be for a period not exceeding five years. Such period may be extended by the Director of NIH for one or more additional periods of not more than five years if the operations of such center have been reviewed by an appropriate technical and scientific peer review group established by the Director and if such group has recommended to the Director that such period should be extended. D. Morris K. Udall Awards for Innovation in Parkinson's Disease Research: The Director of NIH shall establish a grant program to support innovative proposals leading to significant breakthroughs in Parkinson's research. Grants under this subsection shall be available to support outstanding neuroscientists and clinicians who bring innovative ideas to bear on the understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease. E. Authorization of Appropriations: For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1998,and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1999 through 2003 Jim Cordy Pittsburgh [log in to unmask]