((a)) ** Expansion, intensification, and coordination of activities**

((1)) ** In general** The Director of NIH shall expand, intensify, and coordinate research and other activities of the National Institutes of Health with respect to autoimmune diseases.

((2)) ** Allocations by Director of NIH** With respect to amounts appropriated to carry out this section for a fiscal year, the Director of NIH shall allocate the amounts among the national research institutes that are carrying out paragraph (1).

((3)) ** Definition** The term “autoimmune disease” includes, for purposes of this section such diseases or disorders with evidence of autoimmune pathogensis  as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.1

((b)) ** Coordinating Committee**

((1)) ** In general** The Secretary shall ensure that the Autoimmune Diseases Coordinating Committee (referred to in this section as the “Coordinating Committee”) coordinates activities across the National Institutes and with other Federal health programs and activities relating to such diseases.

((2)) ** Composition** The Coordinating Committee shall be composed of the directors or their designees of each of the national research institutes involved in research with respect to autoimmune diseases and representatives of all other Federal departments and agencies whose programs involve health functions or responsibilities relevant to such diseases, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

((3)) ** Chair**

((A)) ** In general** With respect to autoimmune diseases, the Chair of the Committee shall serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary for Health, and the Director of NIH, and shall provide advice to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and other relevant agencies.

((B)) ** Director of NIH** The Chair of the Committee shall be directly responsible to the Director of NIH.

((c)) ** Plan for NIH activities**

((1)) ** In general** Not later than 1 year after , the Coordinating Committee shall develop a plan for conducting and supporting research and education on autoimmune diseases through the national research institutes and shall periodically review and revise the plan. The plan shall—

((A)) provide for a broad range of research and education activities relating to biomedical, psychosocial, and rehabilitative issues, including studies of the disproportionate impact of such diseases on women;

((B)) identify priorities among the programs and activities of the National Institutes of Health regarding such diseases; and

((C)) reflect input from a broad range of scientists, patients, and advocacy groups.

((2)) ** Certain elements of plan** The plan under paragraph (1) shall, with respect to autoimmune diseases, provide for the following as appropriate:

((A)) Research to determine the reasons underlying the incidence and prevalence of the diseases.

((B)) Basic research concerning the etiology and causes of the diseases.

((C)) Epidemiological studies to address the frequency and natural history of the diseases, including any differences among the sexes and among racial and ethnic groups.

((D)) The development of improved screening techniques.

((E)) Clinical research for the development and evaluation of new treatments, including new biological agents.

((F)) Information and education programs for health care professionals and the public.

((3)) ** Implementation of plan** The Director of NIH shall ensure that programs and activities of the National Institutes of Health regarding autoimmune diseases are implemented in accordance with the plan under paragraph (1).