IC 16-41-42.2-5 (Version b): Duties of the state department

Sec. 5. The state department shall do the following:

(1) Consider policy matters relating to spinal cord and brain injury research projects and programs under this chapter.

(2) Consider research applications and make grants for approved research projects under this chapter.

(3) Consider applications and make grants to health care clinics that:

(A) are exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(B) employ physical therapists licensed under IC 25-27; and

(C) provide in Indiana long term activity based therapy services at affordable rates to individuals with spinal cord injuries or brain injuries that require extended post acute care.

(4) Consider the application's efficacy in providing significant and sustained improvement to individuals with spinal cord injuries or brain injuries.

(5) Formulate policies and procedures concerning the operation of the state department.

(6) Review and authorize spinal cord and brain injury research projects and programs to be financed under this chapter. For purposes of this subdivision, the state department may establish an independent scientific advisory panel composed of scientists and clinicians who are not members of the state department to review proposals submitted to the state department and make recommendations to the state department. Collaborations are encouraged with other Indiana-based researchers as well as researchers located outside Indiana, including researchers in other countries.

(7) Review and approve progress and final research reports on projects authorized under this chapter, including any other information the state department has required to be submitted as a condition of receiving a grant.

(8) Review and make recommendations concerning the expenditure of money from the fund.

(9) Take other action necessary for the purpose of administering the fund.

(10) Provide to the governor, the general assembly, and the legislative council an annual report not later than January 30 of each year showing the status of funds appropriated under this chapter. The report to the general assembly and the legislative council must be in an electronic format under IC 5-14-6.