Us Code § 286c - Purpose, establishment, functions, and funding of National Center for Biotechnology Information

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 286c — Purpose, establishment, functions, and funding of National Center for Biotechnology Information, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 286c. Purpose, establishment, functions, and funding of National Center for Biotechnology Information

(a) Establishment

In order to focus and expand the collection, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of the results of biotechnology research by information systems, and to support and enhance the development of new information technologies to aid in the understanding of the molecular processes that control health and disease, there is established the National Center for Biotechnology Information (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Center") in the National Library of Medicine.

(b) Functions

The Secretary, through the Center and subject to section 286(d) of this title, shall—

(1) design, develop, implement, and manage automated systems for the collection, storage, retrieval, analysis, and dissemination of knowledge concerning human molecular biology, biochemistry, and genetics;

(2) perform research into advanced methods of computer-based information processing capable of representing and analyzing the vast number of biologically important molecules and compounds;

(3) enable persons engaged in biotechnology research and medical care to use systems developed under paragraph (1) and methods described in paragraph (2); and

(4) coordinate, as much as is practicable, efforts to gather biotechnology information on an international basis.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title IV, §478, as added Pub. L. 100–607, title I, §105, Nov. 4, 1988, 102 Stat. 3052; amended Pub. L. 103–43, title XIV, §1402(b), June 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 171.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1993—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–43 struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: "For the purpose of performing the duties specified in subsection (b) of this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1989 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 1990. Funds appropriated under this subsection shall remain available until expended."

subpart 4—national information center on health services research and health care technology

About This Section

42 U.S.C. § 286c is part of Title 42 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 42 U.S.C. § 286c. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 286c

What does United States Code § 286c cover?

Section 286c ("Purpose, establishment, functions, and funding of National Center for Biotechnology Information") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 286c?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 286c" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 286c apply to my situation?

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Sources & Verification

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