H.R. 741 would provide for the expansion of Federal efforts concerning the prevention, education, treatment, and research activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, including the establishment of a Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee.
Detailed Summary
Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee. Requires the Committee to advise the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary for Health regarding how officials can: (1) ensure interagency coordination and communication and minimize overlap regarding efforts to address tick-borne diseases; (2) identify opportunities to coordinate efforts with other federal agencies and private organizations addressing such diseases; (3) ensure interagency coordination and communication with constituency groups; (4) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is represented in public heath policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is balanced; and (5) advise relevant federal agencies on priorities related to Lyme and tick-borne diseases.
Requires the Secretary, acting through the appropriate federal officials, to provide for the coordination of all federal programs and activities related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, including: (1) developing sensitive and accurate diagnostic tools and tests, (2) improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic testing currently available; (3) accurately determining the prevalence of such diseases; (4) evaluating the feasibility of creating a national uniform reporting system; (5) providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information on such diseases; (6) increasing public education related to such diseases; (7) creating a physician education program; (8) establishing epidemiological research objectives to determine the long term course of illness for Lyme disease; and (9) determining the effectiveness of different treatment modalities by establishing treatment outcome objectives
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 2/2/2007: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Richard Laferriere
This is very important health care legislation. There still is nothing even close to a gold-standard blood test to diagnose Lyme disease and the differing medical opinions over treatment leave many across the U.S. without prompt and complete treatment.
Steve Schimmel
There is NO other tick-bourne disease more prevalent than Lyme in this country. Thousands are suffering unnecessarily. This legislation must be passed so that the obstacles to proper diagnosis and treatment are eliminated. THIS IS IMPORTANT!
Nicolette M. Ciano
Many people with Lyme disease are not diagnosed and treated in a timely fashion because of the medical debates of how to diagnose and treat Lyme disease. So, many people go undiagnosed and become very ill...Both my daughter and I were undiagnosed for 9 years and now struggle daily with the long term affects of Lyme disease which when undiagnosed and untreated causes reoccuring symptoms such as severe fatigue, headaches, GI problems, joint pain, mucle pain, joint swelling, "Lyme" arthrits and a myriad of other symptoms. This disease if robbing young and and old alike of a quality of health that all should be entitled to. For so many afflicted it means relief and for those at risk it means prevention and or immediate diagnosis and treatment instead of a long chronic illness that right now has no cure!!!!
Nancy Sustersic
My friend Jessica Stevens is fighting for her life today because of Lyme's disease.
I watched as her parents and friends tried everything and called everyone hoping and praying for a diagnosis 14 months ago.
Please help see that these medical tests and assistance are easier to receive.
How much more progress and less stress could have happened to Jessica and all that love her if diagonis & treatment could have been started earlier.
Thanks you!
Joe Dillon
There is so much money misdirected or spent unwisely in Washington that it would be a crime not to fund research that could improve countless American lives today and the lives of others that will be affected in the future by this terrible disease.
LaVon Leppo
I am active with a local Lyme Association in Salisbury Maryland. I fully support this bill. Undiagnosed Lyme has caused me my business of 18 years. I have gone from total inability to talk, walk, and do simple daily functions. I finally found a Doctor after 9 years of suffering and more than 9 surgeries. There is already a large number of people that would benefit from this research. I am greatful to God for this opportunity to see our federal funds spent on something so worth while.
Deborah S. Rondeau
Yes, We must acknowledge this dangerous disease. Many members of our society are suffering now or will be suffering in the future. Our country and it's people deserve more than what is out there today .Please pass this bill before it's too late for some of the Lyme sufferers out there.