Congress Investigates Consulting
Arrangements by NIH Employees
December 12, 2003 - As part of a continuing investigation
into management and ethics concerns at the National Institutes
of Health (NIH), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman
Billy Tauzin (R-La.) and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee
Chairman James Greenwood (R-Pa.) Dec. 8 ordered NIH to turn
over various records relating to all consulting arrangements
between NIH employees and drug companies and other outside
activities.
The letter
was prompted in part by a Dec. 7 Los Angeles Times story
that reported that several high-level NIH scientists have
received unreported fees and stock options from drug companies
for consulting outside their government work. The letter indicates
the Committee also is examining additional information on
the subject of outside consulting agreements and other activities
of NIH scientists that have arisen from the investigation
the Committee initiated on June 26, 2003, concerning the receipt
of cash by NIH scientists in the form of lecture awards from
outside entities that do business with the NIH. The letter
notes, "The receipt of outside payments, even though
approved, raises concerns about whether the integrity of NIH
clinical research has been affected and whether the honor
system used by NIH to enforce recusals signed by NIH scientists
and other conflict-of-interest rules has been violated."
In reply, NIH issued a statement
Dec. 10 that it is "vigorously investigating these allegations."
The statement notes NIH "has already taken steps to bring
greater transparency and more stringent review of NIH scientists'
outside activities." NIH Director Elias A. Zerhouni,
M.D., announced Nov. 20 that he is establishing a standing
committee to provide advice to the NIH Deputy Ethics Counselors
on specific activities such as the acceptance of lecture awards
and consulting arrangements. The committee also will help
NIH officials determine the appropriateness of engaging in
activities that are not part of their official duties.
In addition, Dr. Zerhouni has called for a Blue Ribbon Panel
of the Advisory Committee to the NIH Director and additional
outside experts to review how NIH addresses outside consulting
activities to identify systemic solutions for improvement.
Dr. Zerhouni also has ordered an immediate review of every
outside consulting relationship entered into by NIH employees
within the last five years, to confirm that all rules and
regulations are being followed and that the activities are
in the best interest of the public.
Information:
Tony Mazzaschi, Senior Director
AAMC Scientific Affairs
tmazzaschi@aamc.org
(202) 828-0059
Dave Moore, Senior Director
AAMC Government Relations
dbmoore@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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