With the Improving Access to Clinical Trials Act (IACT) of 2009 set to expire on October 5, 2015, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation championed a new bill to make the IACT legislation permanent.

The bill, which was passed in the US Senate and US House of Representatives, will now go to President Obama for his signature.

The IACT allows individuals living with rare diseases, like cystic fibrosis, to receive compensation for participating in clinical trials without losing access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid benefits. In making IACT permanent, those receiving federal assistance will not have to choose between access to government benefits and participating in clinical trials.