a. Review and authorize approved research projects, for which purpose the commission may establish an independent scientific advisory panel composed of scientists and clinicians who are not members of the commission to review proposals submitted to the commission and make funding recommendations to the commission;

b. Apportion all available funds to qualifying research institutions to finance approved research projects and necessary institutional support services;

c. Ensure that funds so apportioned to approved research projects are not diverted to any other use;

d. Take steps necessary to encourage the development within the State of spinal cord research projects;

e. Compile a directory of all spinal cord research projects being conducted in the State; and

f. Provide the Governor and the Legislature with a report by January 30 of each year describing the status of the commission’s activities and the results of its funded research efforts.

L.1999,c.201,s.4.