MN HF262

Establishes a grant program administered by the commissioner of health to award grants to publicly funded research institutions for research into spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, with emphasis on new and innovative treatments and rehabilitation efforts.

Requires the commissioner to allocate grant funds equally between spinal cord injury research and traumatic brain injury research, in consultation with an advisory committee.

Creates an eight-member advisory committee including representatives from the University of Minnesota Medical School, Courage Center, neurosurgeons, physicians specializing in spinal cord and brain injury treatment, a rehabilitative specialist, and individuals or family members affected by these injuries.

Appropriates $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2014 and $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2015 from the general fund to the commissioner of health for grants under this program.

Requires the commissioner to report annually to legislative committees on health care policy beginning January 15, 2015, specifying grant-recipient institutions and the purposes for which funds were used.