The Director of NIH may conduct or support research to examine the long-term health implications of silicone breast implants, both gel and saline filled. Such research studies may include the following:

(1) Developing and examining techniques to measure concentrations of silicone in body fluids and tissues.

(2) Surveillance of recipients of silicone breast implants, including long-term outcomes and local complications.

For purposes of this section, the term “breast implant” means a breast prosthesis that is implanted to augment or reconstruct the female breast.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title IV, § 498C, as added Pub. L. 107–250, title II, § 215(b), Oct. 26, 2002, 116 Stat. 1615.)