Section 20-121 - Pediatric Cancer Research Commission(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.Added by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 925,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.Added by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 924,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.