TRENDS IN HEALTH LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATION
Editors: JOHN P. HUBBARD, M.D..
ON MAY 11 and 12, the Sub-Committee on Health Legislation of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare held hearings on S.904, a bill to provide for research relating to child life and development. As previously reported in this column, this bill proposes to provide $7,500,000 for the first year, and as much thereafter as may be necessary, for research relating to child life and development. This bill would broaden the mandate of the Children's Bureau to investigate and report upon all matters pertaining to the welfare of children and child life.
The chief emphasis of the bill is on integrated research calling for a multiprofessional approach, including the biologic, medical, psychologic, physical and social aspects of child life and development, as well as the community aspects of child life. Funds would be made available to disseminate information as to the practical application of new knowledge related to the health and well being of children; to make grants to universities and other public and private agencies for research projects; to establish and maintain research fellowships for qualified research specialists; to "provide training and instruction and establish and maintain traineeships in child life and development and pediatrics." A National Advisory Council of 15 members would advise the Children's Bureau in running this program, and would recommend research projects and programs.
