The ACC, joined by the American Society of Echocardiography, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, and the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, has submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) expressing significant concerns with proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance governing federal financial assistance programs. The societies argue that these proposed changes could undermine scientific integrity, innovation and the effective use of federal research investments and encourage OMB to withdraw the proposal.

The letter warns that provisions expanding political and administrative review of discretionary awards could weaken the longstanding peer-review process that helps ensure federal research funding is awarded based on scientific merit. The societies also raise concerns over expanded authority to terminate awards based on changing priorities, which could disrupt long-term clinical research, waste prior federal investments and delay the translation of research findings into evidence-based patient care.

Additional concerns covered by the comment letter center around proposed restrictions on international research collaborations, expanded compliance, disclosure and reporting requirements, and limitations on allowable costs for subscriptions, publications and dissemination activities.

“The ACC fully supports efforts to ensure accountability and responsible stewardship of federal research funding. However, we are deeply concerned that the proposed changes could weaken the peer-reviewed research system that drives medical innovation and improves patient care,” says ACC President Roxana Mehran, MD, FACC. “Policies that disrupt independent scientific review, limit collaboration or create unnecessary administrative burdens risk slowing progress against cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death worldwide. We believe that advancing high-quality science requires stable funding, rigorous and independent evaluation, global collaboration and the open exchange of knowledge. We urge the Administration to withdraw the proposed rule and work with the scientific and medical communities to strengthen oversight while preserving the scientific integrity that has made the United States a global leader in research.”

Read the full letter.

Clinical Topics: Cardiovascular Care Team

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Policy, Patient Care, United States, Awards and Prizes