(a) In this section, "Commission" means the Pediatric Cancer Research Commission. (b) There is a Pediatric Cancer Research Commission. (c) The purpose of the Commission is to oversee the award of competitive grants from the Pediatric Cancer Fund, established under § 20-120 of this subtitle, to public and private entities in the State. (d) The Commission consists of: (1) The Secretary of Health, or the Secretary's designee; and (2) The following members appointed by the Governor: (i) Two individuals who are adult survivors of pediatric cancer or caregivers of pediatric cancer patients, who may be identified in consultation with the American Childhood Cancer Organization; (ii) One representative of the American Childhood Cancer Organization; (iii) Four scientists with expertise in pediatric cancer research; (iv) Two advanced practice registered nurses who have experience in pediatric cancer care; and (v) Three physicians with expertise in treating pediatric cancer patients. (e) (1) The term of an appointed member is 3 years. (2) The terms of the appointed members of the Commission are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2024. (3) If a vacancy occurs during the term of an appointed member, the Governor shall appoint a successor who shall serve until the term expires. (4) At the end of a term, a member may continue to serve only until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (5) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. (6) A member may not serve more than two consecutive full terms. (f) Each member of the Commission shall disclose to the State Ethics Commission whether the member is employed by or has a financial interest in an entity that may apply to conduct State-funded pediatric cancer research. (g) (1) The Governor may remove a member for neglect of duty, incompetence, misconduct, malfeasance, misfeasance, nonfeasance, or any other sufficient cause. (2) The Governor may not remove a member for political party preference. (h) (1) A majority of the full authorized membership of the Commission is a quorum. (2) The decision of the Commission shall be by a majority of the quorum present and voting. (i) The Commission shall meet at least twice a year, at the times and places that it determines. (j) A member of the Commission: (1) May not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but (2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. (k) The Commission annually shall elect a chair and vice chair from among its members. (l) The Commission shall: (1) Develop criteria, standards, and requirements for the review of applications for pediatric cancer research grants from the Pediatric Cancer Fund; (2) Establish procedures and guidelines to be used in the review, evaluation, ranking, and rating of the research grant proposals; (3) Develop criteria and a process for reviewing grant applications to ensure that each application is complete and satisfies the criteria, standards, and requirements developed by the Commission under item (1) of this subsection; (4) Develop disclosure and recusal guidelines to be followed by members of the Commission when considering grant applications; (5) Establish standards for the oversight of awards; and (6) Conduct progress reviews of grant recipients. (m) The Commission may consult with experts in performing its duties.
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