Promoting Partnerships To Improve Veterans’ Health

NPC Statute and VHA Handbook 1200.17


NPC Statute: A revised NPC authorizing statute was signed into law on May 5, 2010. It was passed by Congress as title VIII of S. 1963 and became Public Law 111-163. It is codified at 38 USC §§7361-7366.

NPC Authorizing Statute – 38 USC 7361-7366 – May 2010 [Word doc]

NPC Authorizing Statute – 38 USC 7361-7366 – May 2010 [pdf]

VHA Handbook: VA regulations specific to NPCs are contained in VHA Handbook 1200.17 (formerly M-3, Part I, Chapter 17). Handbook 1200.17 was revised and published in 2017. The Handbook is for research as well as research and education foundations.

VHA Handbook 1200.17 [pdf]


NPC Legislative Timeline


Original NPC Authorizing Statute
October 15, 1987 - House Report 100-373
April 21, 1988 - House Report 100-578
May 20, 1988 - Legislation - PL 100-322
Addition of Education Authority and Other Enhancements
July 16, 1999 - House Report 106-237
November 16, 1999 - Conference Report 106-470
November 30, 1999 - Legislation - PL 106-117


Clarified intent of Congress that NPCs may administer pharmaceutical company clinical trials (no changes made to the statute)
June 25, 1991 - House Report 102-130
Addition of FTCA protections for certain NPC employees and other enhancements

November 10, 2003 - Senate Report 108-193 (no mention of NPC provisions)
December 6, 2003 - Legislation - PL 108-170

Thorough clarification and modernization of the statute

July 23, 2009 - House Report 111-225
July 24, 2009 - Senate Report 111-60
Inspector General Act Clause referenced in §7366(b)
May 5, 2010 - Legislation - PL 111-163


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