42 U.S.C. § 282
Director of National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health shall be headed by the Director of NIH who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Director of NIH shall perform functions as provided under subsection (b) and as the Secretary may otherwise prescribe.
The Director of NIH may make available to individuals and entities, for biomedical and behavioral research, substances and living organisms. Such substances and organisms shall be made available under such terms and conditions (including payment for them) as the Secretary determines appropriate.
The Secretary, acting through the Director of NIH and the Directors of the agencies of the National Institutes of Health, shall, in conducting and supporting programs for research, research training, recruitment, and other activities, provide for an increase in the number of women and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (including racial and ethnic minorities) in the fields of biomedical and behavioral research.
The term “applicable clinical trial” means an applicable device clinical trial or an applicable drug clinical trial.
The term “applicable drug clinical trial” means a controlled clinical investigation, other than a phase I clinical investigation, of a drug subject to section 355 of title 21 or to section 262 of this title.
For purposes of subclause (I), the term “clinical investigation” has the meaning given that term in section 312.3 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
For purposes of subclause (I), the term “phase I” has the meaning given that term in section 312.21 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation).
The term “clinical trial information” means, with respect to an applicable clinical trial, those data elements that the responsible party is required to submit under paragraph (2) or under paragraph (3).
The term “completion date” means, with respect to an applicable clinical trial, the date that the final subject was examined or received an intervention for the purposes of final collection of data for the primary outcome, whether the clinical trial concluded according to the prespecified protocol or was terminated.
The term “device” means a device as defined in section 321(h) of title 21.
The term “drug” means a drug as defined in section 321(g) of title 21 or a biological product as defined in section 262 of this title.
The Secretary shall develop a mechanism by which the responsible party for each applicable clinical trial shall submit the identity and contact information of such responsible party to the Secretary at the time of submission of clinical trial information under paragraph (2).
To enhance patient enrollment and provide a mechanism to track subsequent progress of clinical trials, the Secretary, acting through the Director of NIH, shall expand, in accordance with this subsection, the clinical trials registry of the data bank described under subsection (i)(1) (referred to in this subsection as the “registry data bank”). The Director of NIH shall ensure that the registry data bank is made publicly available through the Internet.
The Secretary may by regulation modify the requirements for clinical trial information under this paragraph, if the Secretary provides a rationale for why such a modification improves and does not reduce such clinical trial information.
Not later than 18 months after
The Director of NIH shall also ensure that the public may search the entries of the registry data bank by such other elements as the Director deems necessary on an ongoing basis.
The Director of the NIH shall ensure that the registry data bank is easily used by the public, and that entries are easily compared.
The Director of NIH shall ensure that clinical trial information for an applicable drug clinical trial submitted in accordance with this paragraph is posted in the registry data bank not later than 30 days after such submission.
The Director of the National Institutes of Health shall inform responsible parties of the option to request that clinical trial information for an applicable device clinical trial be publicly posted prior to the date of clearance or approval, in accordance with clause (ii)(I).
The Secretary may include the links described in clause (ii) for data bank entries for clinical trials submitted to the data bank prior to
A table of the demographic and baseline data collected overall and for each arm of the clinical trial to describe the patients who participated in the clinical trial, including the number of patients who dropped out of the clinical trial and the number of patients excluded from the analysis, if any.
The primary and secondary outcome measures as submitted under paragraph (2)(A)(ii)(I)(ll), and a table of values for each of the primary and secondary outcome measures for each arm of the clinical trial, including the results of scientifically appropriate tests of the statistical significance of such outcome measures.
A point of contact for scientific information about the clinical trial results.
Whether there exists an agreement (other than an agreement solely to comply with applicable provisions of law protecting the privacy of participants) between the sponsor or its agent and the principal investigator (unless the sponsor is an employer of the principal investigator) that restricts in any manner the ability of the principal investigator, after the completion date of the trial, to discuss the results of the trial at a scientific meeting or any other public or private forum, or to publish in a scientific or academic journal information concerning the results of the trial.
To provide more complete results information and to enhance patient access to and understanding of the results of clinical trials, not later than 3 years after
The Secretary shall consider the status of the consensus data elements set for reporting clinical trial results of the World Health Organization when issuing the regulations under this subparagraph.
The Secretary shall hold a public meeting no later than 18 months after
If the responsible party for an applicable clinical trial submits a certification that clause (iv) or (v) applies to such clinical trial, the responsible party shall submit to the Director of NIH for inclusion in the registry and results data bank the clinical trial information described in subparagraphs (C) and (D) as required under the applicable clause.
With respect to an applicable clinical trial that is completed before the drug is initially approved under section 355 of title 21 or initially licensed under section 262 of this title, or the device is initially cleared under section 360(k) or initially approved under section 360e or 360j(m) of title 21, the responsible party shall submit to the Director of NIH for inclusion in the registry and results data bank the clinical trial information described in subparagraphs (C) and (D) not later than 30 days after the drug or device is approved under such section 355, licensed under such section 262, cleared under such section 360(k), or approved under such section 360e or 360j(m), as applicable.
If a manufacturer makes a certification under clause (iii) that this clause applies with respect to a clinical trial, the manufacturer shall make such a certification with respect to each applicable clinical trial that is required to be submitted in an application or report for licensure, approval, or clearance (under section 262 of this title or section 355, 360(k), 360e, or 360j(m) of title 21, as applicable) of the use studied in the clinical trial.
The responsible party shall submit to the Director of NIH for inclusion in the registry and results data bank the clinical trial information subject to subclause (I) on the date that is 2 years after the date a certification under clause (iii) was made to the Director of NIH, if an action referred to in item (aa), (bb), or (cc) of subclause (I) has not occurred by such date.
The Director of NIH may provide an extension of the deadline for submission of clinical trial information under clause (i) if the responsible party for the trial submits to the Director a written request that demonstrates good cause for the extension and provides an estimate of the date on which the information will be submitted. The Director of NIH may grant more than one such extension for a clinical trial.
The Commissioner of Food and Drugs shall notify the Director of NIH when there is an action described in subparagraph (E)(iv) or item (aa), (bb), or (cc) of subparagraph (E)(v)(I) with respect to an application or a report that includes a certification required under paragraph (5)(B) of such action not later than 30 days after such action.
The Director of NIH shall ensure that the clinical trial information described in subparagraphs (C) and (D) for an applicable clinical trial submitted in accordance with this paragraph is posted publicly in the registry and results database not later than 30 days after such submission.
The Secretary may waive any applicable requirements of this paragraph for an applicable clinical trial, upon a written request from the responsible party, if the Secretary determines that extraordinary circumstances justify the waiver and that providing the waiver is consistent with the protection of public health, or in the interest of national security. Not later than 30 days after any part of a waiver is granted, the Secretary shall notify, in writing, the appropriate committees of Congress of the waiver and provide an explanation for why the waiver was granted.
Not later than 18 months after
If the Secretary fails to issue the regulation required by clause (i) by the date that is 24 months after
A table of anticipated and unanticipated serious adverse events grouped by organ system, with number and frequency of such event in each arm of the clinical trial.
A table of anticipated and unanticipated adverse events that are not included in the table described in subclause (I) that exceed a frequency of 5 percent within any arm of the clinical trial, grouped by organ system, with number and frequency of such event in each arm of the clinical trial.
In carrying out clause (iii), the Secretary shall, in consultation with experts in risk communication, post with the tables information to enhance patient understanding and to ensure such tables do not mislead patients or the lay public.
Clinical trial information included in the registry and results data bank pursuant to this subparagraph is deemed to be clinical trial information included in such data bank pursuant to subparagraph (C).
A responsible party for a clinical trial that is not an applicable clinical trial, or that is an applicable clinical trial that is not subject to paragraph (2)(C), may submit complete clinical trial information described in paragraph (2) or paragraph (3) provided the responsible party submits clinical trial information for each applicable clinical trial that is required to be submitted under section 262 of this title or under section 355, 360(k), 360e, or 360j(m) of title 21 in an application or report for licensure, approval, or clearance of the drug or device for the use studied in the clinical trial.
The Director of NIH shall make updates submitted under clause (i) publicly available in the registry data bank. Except with regard to overall recruitment status, individual site status, location, and contact information, the Director of NIH shall ensure that updates to elements required under subclauses (I) to (V) of paragraph (2)(A)(ii) do not result in the removal of any information from the original submissions or any preceding updates, and information in such databases is presented in a manner that enables users to readily access each original element submission and to track the changes made by the updates. The Director of NIH shall provide a link from the table of primary and secondary outcomes required under paragraph (3)(C)(ii) to the tracked history required under this clause of the primary and secondary outcome measures submitted under paragraph (2)(A)(ii)(I)(ll).
If an applicable clinical trial is funded in whole or in part by a grant from any agency of the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, or the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, any grant or progress report forms required under such grant shall include a certification that the responsible party has made all required submissions to the Director of NIH under paragraphs (2) and (3).
The heads of the agencies referred to in clause (i), as applicable, shall verify that the clinical trial information for each applicable clinical trial for which a grantee is the responsible party has been submitted under paragraphs (2) and (3) before releasing any remaining funding for a grant or funding for a future grant to such grantee.
If the head of an agency referred to in clause (i), as applicable, verifies that a grantee has not submitted clinical trial information as described in clause (ii), such agency head shall provide notice to such grantee of such non-compliance and allow such grantee 30 days to correct such non-compliance and submit the required clinical trial information.
At the time of submission of an application under section 355 of title 21, section 360e of title 21, section 360j(m) of title 21, or section 262 of this title, or submission of a report under section 360(k) of title 21, such application or submission shall be accompanied by a certification that all applicable requirements of this subsection have been met. Where available, such certification shall include the appropriate National Clinical Trial control numbers.
Until the effective date of the regulations issued under paragraph (3)(D), the Secretary, acting through the Director of NIH and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall conduct a pilot project to determine the optimal method of verification to help to ensure that the clinical trial information submitted under paragraph (3)(C) is non-promotional and is not false or misleading in any particular under subparagraph (D). The Secretary shall use the publicly available information described in paragraph (3)(A) and any other information available to the Secretary about applicable clinical trials to verify the accuracy of the clinical trial information submitted under paragraph (3)(C).
If the Secretary determines that any clinical trial information was not submitted as required under this subsection, or was submitted but is false or misleading in any particular, the Secretary shall notify the responsible party and give such party an opportunity to remedy such noncompliance by submitting the required revised clinical trial information not later than 30 days after such notification.
The clinical trial information submitted by a responsible party under this subsection shall not be false or misleading in any particular.
If the responsible party for an applicable clinical trial fails to submit the primary and secondary outcomes as required under section 2(A)(ii)(I)(ll),5
The notice under clause (i) for a violation described in clause (i)(I)(aa) shall include the following statement: “The entry for this clinical trial was not complete at the time of submission, as required by law. This may or may not have any bearing on the accuracy of the information in the entry.”.
The notice under clause (i) for a violation described in clause (i)(I)(bb) shall include the following statement: “The entry for this clinical trial was found to be false or misleading and therefore not in compliance with the law.”.
The notice under clause (ii) for a violation described in clause (ii) shall include the following statement: “The entry for this clinical trial did not contain information on the primary and secondary outcomes at the time of submission, as required by law. This may or may not have any bearing on the accuracy of the information in the entry.”.
The Director of NIH shall provide that the public may easily search the registry and results data bank for entries that include notices required under this subparagraph.
Nothing in this subsection (or under section 552 of title 5) shall require the Secretary to publicly disclose, by any means other than the registry and results data bank, information described in subparagraph (B).
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $10,000,000 for each fiscal year.
Not later than 90 days after
The Council shall be composed of 27 members selected by the Director of NIH with approval from the Secretary from among the list of nominees under subparagraph (C).
The term of service for a member of the Council shall be 6 years, except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C).
Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member’s predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of that term. A member may serve after the expiration of that member’s term until a successor has taken office.
Not later than 2 years after
Strategic plans developed and updated by the national research institutes and national centers of the National Institutes of Health shall be prepared regularly and in such a manner that such plans will be informed by the strategic plans developed and updated under this subsection. Such plans developed by and updated by the national research institutes and national centers shall have a common template.
The Director of National Institutes of Health shall develop the strategic plan under paragraph (1) in consultation with the directors of the national research institutes and national centers, researchers, patient advocacy groups, and industry leaders.
The Director of NIH shall, as appropriate, continue to consult with the directors of relevant institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health, other relevant experts from such institutes and centers, and relevant experts within the Food and Drug Administration, to further the field of regenerative medicine using adult stem cells, including autologous stem cells, therapeutic tissue engineering products, human cell and tissue products, human gene therapies, and genetically modified cells.
The General Schedule, referred to in subsec. (b)(16), is set out under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
The National Literacy Act of 1991, referred to in subsec. (e)(5), is Pub. L. 102–73,
In subsec. (b)(14)(B), “section 8141 of title 40” substituted for “the Act of
2025—Subsec. (b)(7)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 118–228, § 3(b), inserted “and shall prioritize, as appropriate, such pediatric research that does not duplicate existing research activities of the National Institutes of Health” before “; and”.
Pub. L. 118–228, § 2(3), substituted “the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives” for “the Common Fund”.
2022—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted “Chapter 10 of title 5” for “The Federal Advisory Committee Act” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (b)(26). Pub. L. 117–328, § 2302, added par. (26).
Subsec. (b)(27) to (29). Pub. L. 117–328, § 2323, added pars. (27) to (29).
2021—Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 117–15 added subsec. (o).
2018—Subsec. (n)(1)(C). Pub. L. 115–271 added subpar. (C).
2016—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 114–255, § 2038(a)(1), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “shall assemble accurate data to be used to assess research priorities, including information to better evaluate scientific opportunity, public health burdens, and progress in reducing minority and other health disparities;”.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 114–255, § 2031(a)(1), inserted “, and through the development, implementation, and updating of the strategic plan developed under subsection (m)” before semicolon.
Subsec. (b)(8)(C), (D). Pub. L. 114–255, § 2038(a)(2), added subpars. (C) and (D).
Subsec. (b)(25). Pub. L. 114–255, § 2014(a), added par. (25).
Subsec. (j)(2)(D)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 114–255, § 2051(1), inserted “, unless the responsible party affirmatively requests that the Director of the National Institutes of Health publicly post such clinical trial information for an applicable device clinical trial prior to such date of clearance or approval” before semicolon.
Subsec. (j)(2)(D)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 114–255, § 2051(2), added cls. (iii) and (iv).
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 114–255, § 2031(a)(2), added subsec. (m).
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 114–255, § 2036(a), added subsec. (n).
2014—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 113–94 amended par. (7) generally, enacting similar provisions and adding provisions relating to allocating funds appropriated pursuant to section 282a(a)(2) of this title for making grants for pediatric research.
2011—Subsec. (b)(24). Pub. L. 112–74, § 221(d)(1), substituted “287a” for “282d”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 112–74, § 221(b)(5)(B), redesignated and transferred subsec. (g) of this section to subsec. (b) of section 285k of this title.
2010—Subsec. (b)(24). Pub. L. 111–148 added par. (24).
2008—Subsec. (j)(3)(C). Pub. L. 110–316, § 302(1), in introductory provisions, substituted “for each applicable clinical trial for a drug that is approved under section 355 of title 21 or licensed under section 262 of this title or a device that is cleared under section 360(k) of title 21 or approved under section 360e or 360j(m) of title 21, the following elements:” for “the following elements for drugs that are approved under section 355 of title 21 or licensed under section 262 of this title and devices that are cleared under section 360(k) of title 21 or approved under section 360e or 360j(m) of title 21:”.
Subsec. (j)(3)(I)(i), (iii). Pub. L. 110–316, § 302(2), substituted “applicable clinical trials described in subparagraph (C)” for “drugs described in subparagraph (C)”.
2007—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–482, § 102(f)(1)(A), substituted “Director of NIH who shall” for “Director of the National Institutes of Health (hereafter in this subchapter referred to as the ‘Director of NIH’) who shall”.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–482, § 102(a)(5), substituted “paragraph (16)” for “paragraph (6)” in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–482, § 102(a)(6), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: “shall be responsible for the overall direction of the National Institutes of Health and for the establishment and implementation of general policies respecting the management and operation of programs and activities within the National Institutes of Health;”.
Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 109–482, § 102(b), added pars. (2) and (3) and struck out former pars. (2) and (3) which read as follows:
“(2) shall coordinate and oversee the operation of the national research institutes and administrative entities within the National Institutes of Health;
“(3) shall assure that research at or supported by the National Institutes of Health is subject to review in accordance with section 289a of this title;”.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 110–85, § 1104(2), inserted “minority and other” after “reducing”.
Pub. L. 109–482, § 102(b), added par. (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (14).
Subsec. (b)(5) to (22). Pub. L. 109–482, § 102(a)(1)–(4), (b), added pars. (5) to (13), redesignated former pars. (4) to (11) and (14) as (14) to (22), respectively, in par. (21) inserted “and” at end, and struck out former pars. (12) and (13) which read as follows:
“(12) after consultation with the Director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health, shall ensure that resources of the National Institutes of Health are sufficiently allocated for projects of research on women’s health that are identified under section 287d(b) of this title;
“(13) may conduct and support research training—
“(A) for which fellowship support is not provided under section 288 of this title; and
“(B) which does not consist of residency training of physicians or other health professionals; and”.
Subsec. (b)(23). Pub. L. 110–85, § 304(a), added par. (23).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 109–482, § 102(c), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i) and struck out former subsec. (i) which related to discretionary fund for use by the Director of NIH to carry out activities authorized in this chapter.
Subsec. (i)(5). Pub. L. 109–482, § 103(b)(1), struck out first sentence which read as follows: “For the purpose of carrying out this subsection, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary.”
Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 110–85, § 801(a), added subsec. (j) and redesignated former subsec. (j) as (k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).
Pub. L. 109–482, § 102(c)(2), (d), added subsec. (k) and redesignated former subsec. (k) as (j).
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 110–85, § 801(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (k) as (l).
Pub. L. 109–482, § 102(c)(1), struck out subsec. (l) which read as follows: “The Director of NIH shall carry out the program established in part F of subchapter X of this chapter (relating to interagency research on trauma).”
2002—Subsec. (j)(3)(A). Pub. L. 107–109, which directed the amendment of the first sentence of subsec. (j)(3)(A) by substituting “trial sites,” for “trial sites, and” and “in the trial, and a description of whether, and through what procedure, the manufacturer or sponsor of the investigation of a new drug will respond to requests for protocol exception, with appropriate safeguards, for single-patient and expanded protocol use of the new drug, particularly in children,” for “in the trial,”, was executed by making the substitutions in the second sentence, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
1998—Subsec. (b)(13), (14). Pub. L. 105–392 added pars. (13) and (14).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–362 inserted “and” at end of par. (1), substituted a period for “; and” at end of par. (2), and struck out par. (3) which read as follows: “annually prepare and submit to the Director of NIH a report concerning the prevention and dissemination activities undertaken by the Associate Director, including—
“(A) a summary of the Associate Director’s review of existing dissemination policies and techniques together with a detailed statement concerning any modification or restructuring, or recommendations for modification or restructuring, of such policies and techniques; and
“(B) a detailed statement of the expenditures made for the prevention and dissemination activities reported on and the personnel used in connection with such activities.”
1997—Subsecs. (j) to (l). Pub. L. 105–115 added subsec. (j) and redesignated former subsecs. (j) and (k) as (k) and (l), respectively.
1993—Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 103–43, § 141(b), added par. (12).
Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 103–43, § 210(b), added par. (5).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–43, § 201, substituted “other public and private entities, including elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. The Associate Director shall—” and pars. (1) to (3) for “other public and private entities. The Associate Director shall annually report to the Director of NIH on the prevention activities undertaken by the Associate Director. The report shall include a detailed statement of the expenditures made for the activities reported on and the personnel used in connection with such activities”.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103–43, § 202, added subsec. (g).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 103–43, § 206, added subsec. (h).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–43, § 208, added subsec. (i).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 103–43, § 210(c), added subsec. (j).
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 103–43, § 303(b), added subsec. (k).
1992—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 102–321 substituted “220” for “two hundred”.
1988—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 100–607 inserted “and scientific program advisory committees” after “peer review groups”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–482 applicable only with respect to amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2007 or subsequent fiscal years, see section 109 of Pub. L. 109–482, set out as a note under section 281 of this title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 105–115 effective 90 days after
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–321 effective
Pub. L. 109–482, title I, § 103(c),
Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title II, § 2014(b),
Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title II, § 2038(i),
Pub. L. 114–255, div. A, title II, § 2039,
Pub. L. 110–85, title III, § 305,
[Pub. L. 117–328, div. FF, title III, § 3104,
Pub. L. 110–85, title VIII, § 801(c),
Pub. L. 110–85, title VIII, § 801(d),
Pub. L. 105–115, title I, § 113(b),
Pub. L. 103–43, title IX, § 902(c),
Pub. L. 103–43, title XIX, § 1901(a),
Pub. L. 103–43, title XIX, § 1905,
Pub. L. 103–43, title XIX, § 1907,
Pub. L. 103–43, title XIX, § 1912,
Pub. L. 103–43, title XX, § 2002,