The $787 billion economic stimulus bill signed into law this week by President Obama will, for the first time, provide money -- $1.1 billion -- for the federal government to compare the effectiveness of different treatments for the same illness.

Under the legislation, researchers will receive $1.1 billion to compare medical devices, drugs, surgery, and other ways of treating specific conditions. The bill calls for a council of up to 15 federal employees to coordinate research and to advise the President and Congress on how to spend the money, which will be immediately available to the Health and Human Services Department, though it can be spent over several years.

Supporters of the legislation believe such research will help determine when drugs and monitoring compare favorably with surgery for certain conditions, such as leg pain from blocked arteries. Supporters also say that such research will save money and lives by ensuring development of the most effective treatments, while discouraging costly, ineffective treatments.

Those opposed fear the legislation could lead to misuse of research by insurers or government to deny coverage for more expensive treatments, thus rationing care. Critics go on to say the legislation could put government in the middle of the doctor-patient relationship as treatments are monitored to make sure doctors are doing what government says is appropriate and cost-effective.

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