IOM Proposals for Overhaul at CIRM Win High Marks

The Institute of Medicine's recommendations for major changes at the California stem cell agency today received generally high marks from independent observers and critics.

Many of the proposals echoed suggestions from California's Little Hoover Commission, the state's good government agency. Asked for comment, Stuart Drown, the commission's executive director, said,

“The institute’s recommendations for much-needed changes to CIRM’s governance structure to provide greater efficiency, clarity and accountability reinforce the recommendations the Little Hoover Commission made in 2009."

He continued,

“Then and now, the Commission’s recommendations are aimed at improving CIRM’s ability to meet its goals for the good of all who can benefit from stem cell research, and to ensure that California taxpayers’ dollars are put to their most efficient use to that end.”

The California Stem Cell Report also asked the agency's first president, Zach Hall, for his thoughts. Here is the full text of what Hall, who was one of the peer reviewers on the IOM study, had to say,

“The IOM Committee and its staff have done an impressive job.  The report recognizes the scientific value and...