; and (B) are verified in their entirety to produce superior health outcomes. (11) There are numerous United States populations in which a practice of no vaccination is followed and which therefore provide a natural comparison group for comparing total health outcomes. (12) No comparative study of such health outcomes has ever been conducted. (13) Given rising concern over the high rates of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and other chronic conditions, the need for such studies is becoming urgent. 3. Study on health outcomes in vaccinated and unvaccinated American populations (a) In general The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this Act referred to as the Secretary ), acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, shall conduct or support a comprehensive study— (1) to compare total health outcomes, including the incidence and risk of autism, in vaccinated populations in the United States with such outcomes in unvaccinated populations in the United States; and (2) to determine whether exposure to vaccines or vaccine components is associated with autism spectrum disorders, chronic conditions, or other neurological conditions. (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize the conduct or support of any study in which an individual or population is encouraged or incentivized to remain unvaccinated. (c) Qualifications With respect to each investigator carrying out the study under this section, the Secretary shall ensure that the investigator— (1) is objective; (2) is qualified to carry out such study, as evidenced by training experiences and demonstrated skill; (3) is not currently employed by any Federal, State, or local public health agency; (4) is not currently a member of a board, committee, or other entity responsible for formulating immunization policy on behalf of any Federal, State, or local public health agency or any component thereof; (5) has no history of a strong position on the thimerosal or vaccine safety controversy