May, Lyme Disease Awareness Month
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May, Lyme Disease Awareness Month HELP US! This page is in progress — a full list of any resolutions submitted will be posted at the end of May with your help. Please contact your state, county or local governing body and ask them to pass a May resolution to spread the word about Lyme & tick-borne diseases. Check on your governing body website to see if there is a place listed to submit a request. Click here to submit your state or county proclamation/resolution to LDA for inclusion on this page. 2021 May Lyme Awareness Proclamations Many states and counties take steps to raise awareness regarding Lyme and tick-borne diseases during May. Declaring “May Lyme Awareness Month” is one move to help remind people spring is here, ticks are out, prevention & proper education are your best tools to staying healthy. Proclamations are issued by governors and resolutions are adopted by the legislature. The LDA salutes and thanks all the governors, legislators, Lyme groups, and advocates who help raise awareness throughout the year. Your efforts make a
difference! See if your state has joined in May Lyme Awareness & Read the state proclamations. New Jersey Texas Colorado Click images for pdf versions NJ Governor Proclamation – May 2021 as TBD Awareness Month State of NJ Joint Resolution Occurring Each Year
Resolution above is from the NJ state legislature declaring every May Lyme Disease Awareness Month. City of Richardson, Texas Proclamation Signed by the Mayor
Colorado Proclamation Signed by the Governor
Submit 2021 May Awareness Proclamations / Resolutions States and counties throughout the US have proclaimed May Lyme Disease Awareness Month. Many states and counties have taken steps to raise awareness regarding Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Declaring “May Lyme Awareness Month” is one move to help remind people spring is here, ticks are out, prevention & proper education are your best tools to staying healthy. Proclamations are issued by governors and resolutions are
adopted by the legislature. The LDA salutes and thanks all the
governors, legislators, Lyme groups, and advocates who have
helped raise awareness throughout the year.
Your efforts make a difference!
Please submit an image of your state or county
proclamation/resolution so we can include it on our annual
list.
Any questions, email jennifer@lymediseaseassociation.org
Click here for 2021 list (in progress)
Click here for 2018 list
2021 May Awareness Proclamations
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2018 May Awareness
Proclamations / Resolutions
States and counties throughout the US have proclaimed May Lyme
Disease Awareness Month.
Many states and counties have taken steps to raise awareness
regarding Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Declaring “May Lyme
Awareness Month” is one move to help remind people spring is
here, ticks are out, prevention & proper education are your
best tools to staying healthy.
Proclamations are issued by governors and resolutions are
adopted by the legislature. The LDA salutes and thanks all the
governors, legislators, Lyme groups, and advocates who have
helped raise awareness throughout the year.
Your efforts make a difference!
Please submit an image of your state or county
proclamation/resolution so we can include it on our annual
list.
Any questions, email webmaster@lymediseaseassociation.org
{rsform 51}
Click here for last years list
May 2018 Declared Lyme
Disease Awareness Month
States and counties throughout the US have
proclaimed May Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
Many states and counties have taken steps to raise awareness
regarding Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Declaring “May Lyme
Awareness Month” is one move to help remind people spring is
here, ticks are out, prevention & proper education are your
best tools to staying healthy.
Proclamations are issued by governors and resulutions are
adopted by the legislature. The LDA salutes and thanks all
the governors, legislators, Lyme groups, and advocates who
have helped raise awareness throughout the year. Your efforts
make a difference!
We thank our neighbors to the North for joining in the efforts
to prevent the spread of Lyme.
See if your state has joined in May Lyme Awareness & Read the
state proclamations.
Arkansas New York Minnesota
Colorado Oregon
Maine Virginia
North
Vermont
Carolina
Nova
New
Scotia –
Hampshire
Halifax
Nova
New Jersey Scotia –
Pictou
Lyme Disease Association, Inc. Proclamation( C l i c k p i c t u r e f o r p d f )
House Resolution Introduced by US Rep. Faso
( C l i c k p i c t u r e f o r p d f )
Arkansas Proclamation
(Clic k pictu re for pdf)
Colorado
(Clic k pictu re for pdf)
Maine Proclamation
(Clic k pictu re for pdf)
Minnesota Proclamation (Click picture for pdf)
North Carolina Proclamation
(Clic k pictu re for pdf)
New Hampshire Proclamation
(Clic k pictu re for pdf)
New Jersey State of NJ Joint Resolution Occurring Each Year
(Click picture for pdf) May 30, 2008: Joint Resolution designating the month of May as “Lyme Disease Awareness Month.” Link above is from the NJ state legislature declaring every May Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
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an Kean, LDA Pres. Pat Smith, Assemblyman Dave Rible
Manchester County Proclamation( C l i c k p i c t u r e f o r p d f )
New York NY State Legislative Resolution
(Click picture for pdf)
NY Erie County Resolution
(Click picture for pdf)Oregon Proclamation
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)Virginia Loudoun County Resolution
( C l i c k p i c t u r e f o r p d f )
Vermont Proclamation
( C l i c k p i c t u r e f o r p d f )
Nova Scotia – Canada Halifax Proclamation
( C l i c k p i c t u r e f o r P D F )
Pictou Proclamation
( C l i c k p i c t u r e f o r P D F )
May Declared Lyme Disease
Awareness Month
See if your state has joined in May Lyme Awareness & Read the
state proclamations.
States and counties throughout the US have proclaimed May Lyme
Disease Awareness Month. Many states and counties have taken
steps to raise awareness regarding Lyme and tick-borne
diseases. Declaring “May Lyme Awareness Month” is one move to
help remind people spring is here, ticks are out, prevention &
proper education are your best tools to staying healthy.
Proclamations are issued by governors and resolutions are
adopted by the legislature. The LDA salutes and thanks all the
governors, legislators, Lyme groups, and advocates who have
helped raise awareness throughout the year. Your efforts make
a difference!
We thank our neighbors to the North for joining in the efforts
to prevent the spread of Lyme.
Please click on your state to see what has been done.
Alabama Michigan Canada –
Georgia Oregon
Halifax CntyCanada –
Pennsylvania
Arkansas Maine Minnesota Wolfville
Cnty
Maryland New Jersey
Colorado Wisconsin
Massachusetts
Delaware New York
Lyme Disease Association
(Click picture for pdf)Alabama
(click picture for pdf)Arkansas
(clic k pictu re for pdf)
Colorado
(click picture for pdf
Governor John Hickenlooper grants COTBDAA’s request for
proclamation….
Buena Vista Colorado Board of Trustee MeetingProclamation for May Lyme Awareness Month (First item on agenda) May 11, 2017 Delaware House Concurrent Resolution Viewable online Or click here for pdf of certificate Article: May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month (Town of Henolopen Acres)
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House Pete Schwartzkopf, Marian Eastman and other Lyme disease
advocates
Georgia(click picture for pdf) Maine
(click picture for pdf) Maryland
( c l i c k p i c t u r e f o r p d f )
Massachusetts
(click picture for pdf)Michigan
(click picture for
pdf)http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7
-277-57577_59874-410773–,00.html
New Jersey(click picture for pdf) Proclamation on the left is from the Governor
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Joint resolution from the General Assembly 2017, Also saluting the work on the Lyme
Disease AssociationMay 30, 2008: Joint Resolution designating the month of May as “Lyme Disease
Awareness Month.”
Link above is from the NJ state legislature declaring every May Lyme Disease
Awareness Month.
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an Kean, LDA Pres. Pat Smith, Assemblyman Dave RibleNew York NYS Senate and Assembly Pass Resolutions Declaring May ‘Lyme Disease Awareness Month’ Erie County Dutchess County
(click pictures for pdf’s)
Erie County Legislature declares May as Lyme Disease Awareness
Month
Oregon
(click picture for pdf)Pennsylvania (Click pictures for pdf’s) Governors Proclamation Chester County Proclamation PA Senate Resolution (Pg 1 and 2) Click here for online version
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nt, LDA ;Doug Fearn, President, LDA of Southeastern PAWisconsin
(click picture for pdf)
2017 Senate Joint Resolution 45 / 2017 Assembly Joint
Resolution 41
Madison Area Lyme Support Group:
May is Lyme Awareness Month in Wisonsin since 2004Canada, Nova Scotia – Halifax County
(click picture for pdf)
Canada, Nova Scotia – Wolfville County(click picture for pdf)
https://wolfville.ca/proclamation-lyme-disease-awareness-month
-may-2017.html
2009 Summary of Lyme Related
Legislation
The LDA has worked with numerous groups throughout the US to help push for passage
of Lyme legislation that will help the Lyme community.
Anyone comtemplating introduction of state legislation needs to thoroughly
understand all the issues surrounding Lyme disease and how patients and physicians
can be hurt by passage of legislation that is not carefully worded and vetted by
individuals who understand the political climate in their state and the history of
Lyme legislation in other states. Legislation that is passed is seldom repealed.
New Hampshire
HB 1326 Doctor protection (Gary Daniels)5 hour hearing on bill
NH Medical Society against bill
February 17, 2010Awaiting action in Senate
New Hampshire Lyme bill passes the NH House as
amended
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1326.html
SENATE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION
Bill was in fight to amend. Died. (Advocates did not want amendment)
Maryland
Three Lyme-related bills have passed through the Maryland legislative
process so far this session (2010)
LDA & most other Lyme groups were not favorable to 2 of these bills which we
felt would have caused problems for docs and patients
HB 290- Doctor Protection- Voted Unfavorable in Committee and Withdrawn.
HB 798- Task Force- Voted Unfavorable in Committee and Withdrawn
HB 2- Reporting Cases- Voted Unfavorable in Committee and Withdrawn
Purpose of this last bill, HB 2, was unclear; it favored reporting, yet
reporting was already done in MD
Massachusetts
June 30, 2010 – Massachusetts Governor Signs Lyme Disease Doctor Protection
Bill into Law
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law the FY11 Budget which
contained language on doctor protection for Lyme disease treating physicians.
The law permits doctors to clinically diagnose and treat patients long term.
The state medical board cannot bring charges against a doctor solely for
prescribing long-term antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease.
Bill Number: HB 1148 (Hargraves)
To allow physicians to prescribe, administer or dispense
long-term antibiotics for therapeutic purposes to patients
clinically diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Introduced (05/20/2009);
Referred to the HOUSE RULES (06/03/2009);
Reported, referred to the JOINT RULES, reported, rules and
suspended and referred to the JOINT COMMITTEE ON PUBLICHEALTH (06/22/2009);
Senate Concurred (06/24/2009);
Reported favorably by the Joint Committee on Public Health
(02/09/2010)
Bill was amended (not wanted by advocates) but original
version was then appended to budget and passed by both
houses. Awaiting governor’s signature.
Bill Number: HB 4480
An Act relative to tick borne illnesses
Would establish a special commission for the purpose of
investigating and studying the incidence and impacts of
Lyme disease and its associated co-infections in the
commonwealth
Status: New draft of HB 1148 and HB 3592 (02/08/2010);
referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care
Financing (02/08/2010).
Minnesota
SF 1631/ (Marty, Vanderveer)
Passed out of Senate Committee after hearing
HF2597 (Ward) In place of the bill, an agreement was reached and the MN
Medical Board, which passed a limited doctor protection agreement (patient,
parent, guardian etc. complaints can still generate action by medical board)
Hearing in House and tabled
New Jersey
Neuroendocrine immune disorders
AR 122/SR133 New resolution, SR-20, introduced without the words “Lyme
disease” in it in 2010
Initiated by chronic fatigue advocates
Asked NJ legislature to memorialize formation of NEI Center
that includes Gulf War Syndrome, multiple chemical
sensitivity, chronic fatigue syndrome, & Lyme disease
LDA and most other Lyme groups opposed the Resolution
Lyme not autoimmune disease but has specific
bacterial cause
Motion did not come up for vote in SenateFailed
Passed the Senate in June 2010
New Jersey Department of Education Adopted NJ Core Curriculum Content Gr 6
Section : “Diseases & Health Conditions”
#3. Compare and contrast diseases and health conditions prevalent in
adolescents, including: asthma, obesity, diabetes, Lyme disease, STDs, and
HIV/AIDS
SE: 191-195, 200-201
Applying Health Skills 201
Core Curriculum Content Standards for Comprehensive Health & Physical
Education Grade 6 Teen Health Course 1- 2005
Pennsylvania
SB 1199 (Greenleaf) Referred to Senate Banking & Insurance
Doctor Protection
Insurance
Task Force on TBDs
Upcoming hearing 6-22-10
Awaiting amendment�to the bill listed on the PA House website
Rhode Island
RI currently enacted Lyme disease curriculum bill, Chapter 087 / 2010 – H
7418 S 2265 Substitute A
LDA proposed new language changes (removing word treatment)
Sponsor proposed�that amendment & to only provide materials
06/09/2010 House passed Sub A
06/10/2010 Placed on Senate Calendar
06/11/2010 Senate passed Sub A in concurrence
06/14/2010 Transmitted to Governor
06/16/2010 Enacted – Click here for bill text
Lyme Disease Association, Inc. 2010 All Rights Reserved
PO Box 1438, Jackson, NJ 08527LDA Activities in States – 2008 & 2009 MN / WI Summer 2009 Trip Hot Topics in Forest Lake Minnesota LDA President Pat Smith (L) with LA TV’s host Greg Ochs after she appeared on his hour long show Hot Topics in Forest Lake Minnesota on August 9, 2009. Author Pam Weintraub, (R) taped another show the next day with Greg. Ms. Smith discussed the spread of the disease, prevention, legislation, and the controversies. Ms. Weintraub focused on the science in her show. LDA Meets with Congressional Offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin Wisconsin ranks 7th in the country and Minnesota ranks 8th in reported Lyme disease cases, dispelling the myth that Lyme is a disease only found in the Northeast. LDA discussed HR 1179 with legislative offices there after a 4-day August trip in those states, hosted by the Minnesota Lyme Action Support Group, an LDA affiliate. LDA Goes to Wisconsin Forest Lake Minnesota Lyme Disease Forum
Briefing the Minnesota Senate Pat Smith’s Testimony Regarding MN Bill – HF 2597 PA Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee Hearing on Lyme Disease On December 2, 2009, PA Representative Mathew Bradford hosted a hearing on Lyme disease. LDA was invited to testify as was LDA SEPA, an LDA affiliate and several other Lyme groups. The Committee heard several hours of testimony and then heard from local residents many of whom had children sick with Lyme disease. The Committee makes recommendations to the Pennsylvania House about issues affecting residents across the state after conducting hearings in various locations, of whom had children sick with Lyme disease. Picture LDA president Pat Smith and LDA of Southeastern Pennsylvania President Doug Fearn in Worcester PA on December 3, 2009 where they testified before the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee on Combating Lyme Disease. Also pictured are advocate Don Hannum, Pennsylvania Lyme Disease Awareness Committee, and Melissa Walsh, MPH, Supervisor of Chronic Disease Injury Prevention Division, Chester County Department of Health, who testified about the amount of Lyme disease in Chester County and the reporting issues, and Karen Simeone, Program Director and Julia Wagner, Director of the Montgomery County Lyme Information & Support Group who spoke about a number of local families and their children who are affected. Ms. Smith addressed the federal issues, epidemiology, state issues and provided recommendations table to the
Committee. Mr. fearn spoke about the programs provided for PA Lyme patients by LDASEPA and factors contributing to the spread, especially the increase in deer population. NJ LDA President Pat Smith (L) and NJ LymeQuest Support Group Leader, Jeannine Phillips (R), meet with Assemblyman Chivukula about Lyme disease issues in New Jersey. TN Lyme Disease in Tennessee LDA President Pat Smith with Michael Schulz, Field Representative for Lamar Alexander after a meeting in the Senator’s Nashville Office on Lyme and other Tick- borne diseases in Tennessee. TX Texas LDA asks for help from Texas Residents Texas is rounding up and moving out to “Give Lyme the Boot”. A Concurrent Resolution, H.C.R. 152 was unanimously and enthusiastically voted out of committee on April 28, and referred to the House calendar for full consideration of an interim study of the status of Lyme disease in Texas. All Texas patients, family, friends and interested parties can support this effort here.
State Laws/Policies/Reg – Prior to 2008 State Laws/Policies/Regulations Enacted Rhode Island Rhode Island Diagnosis & Treatment Act Doctor Protection Legislation Adopted CHAPTER 159, 2002-H 7996A. Enacted 06/25/2002. Introduced By: Representatives Rabideau, and Ginaitt. Rhode Island, June 10, 2004 The Lyme Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter (LDARIC), is pleased to announce that on June 8, Governor Donald Carcieri signed S2939/H7240 into law, removing the sunset provision from the 2003 Lyme insurance law. This signing makes Rhode Island the only state in the nation with mandatory coverage for long-term antibiotics for treatment of Lyme disease when ordered by a treating physician who determines it is
medically necessary after a thorough review of a patient’s medical
history and condition.
In 2004, patients have already received reimbursement under
the original law passed in 2003; however, the 2003 law
contained a sunset provision that would have terminated the
law at the end of 2003, depriving patients of much needed
treatment. Recently, the RI legislature overwhelmingly passed
the new law eliminating that sunset provision ─ no expiration,
so patients can continue to receive coverage.
Senator Michael Damiani and Representative Raymond Gallison,
Jr. were the sponsors of the legislation.
LDARIC thanks the Governor, the sponsors, all the legislators
who voted for the bills and all patients and groups who helped
at various stages along the way. A united effort culminated in
the passage of this crucial legislation.
LDARIC asks everyone to contact the legislators and thank
them.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE LEGISLATIVE DOCUMENT
CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST OF LEGISLATURES
Blue Cross Press Release:
Rhode Island is to be congratulated on the passage of its bill protecting
doctors who treat Lyme disease long-term, as well as the adoption of the
provision by Blue Cross of Rhode Island, which enables patients who have
chronic Lyme disease receive treatment. The Governor’s Commission on Lyme
Disease and Other Tick-borne Diseases is to be commended for holding two
separate hearings with over 12 hours of significant and often moving
testimony from physicians, advocates and patients. The Lyme Community
Coalition of Rhode Island and the South Coast Lyme Action Group did a
phenomenal job helping to organize the individuals who presented
testimony, obtaining media coverage and lobbying legislators.
Blue Cross Resolution: Revised 8/22/02
Presently, Blue Cross covers up to four weeks per year of intravenous
antibiotic therapy deemed medically necessary by a treating physician for
certain illnesses including Lyme disease. Blue Cross agrees with and will
adopt the following statement of its policy in its physician’s manual
regarding testing and treatment of Lyme disease to become effective byJuly 1, 2002.
New England Governors’ Conference, Inc. Resolution:
The LDA is very excited that the New England Governor’s Conference passed
Resolution 166, A Resolution of the New England Governor’s Conference,
Inc. Concerning Lyme Disease & Other Tick-borne Illnesses. Introduced by
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond’s office, it was adoption certified
on August 26th, 2002, and signed by Chairman Almond. Other Governors who
make up the Conference are Jane Swift, MA; John G. Rowland, CT; Angus S.
King, Jr., ME; Jeanne Shaheen, NH; and Howard Dean, MD, VT.
Connecticut
Public hearing on Bill 5747 (Bartlett)
February 26, 2007
Video: CT-N OnDemand: Public Health Committee Public Hearing
Testimony by Pat Smith, President, LDA
Testimony by Brian A. Fallon, MD
Testimony by Eva Sapi, Ph.D.
Testimony by Daniel J. Cameron, M.D., M.P.H.
Testimony by Yvonne Bokhour
Connecticut Insurance Bill
In 1999, Connecticut passed a limited Lyme disease insurance bill which
states insurers must pay for 30 days of IV antibiotic treatment, 60 days
or orals antibiotics. Anyone requiring longer therapy has to get second
opinion approval from an infectious disease doctor, a rheumatologist, or
a neurologist.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Fights Back Against Lyme
New Hampshire Governor declares May Lyme Disease Awareness Month
NH Legislature Passes Resolution supporting more federal research
and physician and public education in New Hampshire
LDA President invited to speak by GovernorNew York Victory In NY The following memorandum (click here) was issued June 15, 2005 by OPMC Director Dennis Graziano to every staff member of the Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) and copied to all the members of the Board for Professional Medical Conduct and its chief counsel. New Jersey 1992 Public Education Law The Lyme Disease Association of New Jersey, now LDA, was successful in having the following laws adopted in New Jersey. P.L. 18A 35-5.1 (1992) The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall develop curriculum guidelines for the teaching of information on the prevention of Lyme disease within the public school health curriculum. The guidelines shall emphasize disease prevention and sensitivity for victims of the disease. The Commissioner of Education shall periodically review and update the guidelines to insure that the curriculum reflects the most current information available. P.L. 18A 35-5.3 (1992) The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall also provide curriculum guides for the training of all teachers who instruct students with Lyme which emphasizes the special needs and problems of students with the disease, in order to provide information about how best to teach those students. Each school district shall annually provide training to all teachers who instruct students with Lyme disease, based upon the guidelines. 2005 Medical Board Administrative The NJ State Board of Medical Examiners worked with LDA to
have Lyme literate physicians placed on the NJ State Board of Medical Examiners Review Board. 2006 Assembly Resolution passed Memorializes Congress and President to enact “Lyme and Tick- borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2005.” California California Governor signed AB 592 into law on September 22, 2005 This law added the doctors treating of Lyme disease to an existing California law that does not allow physicians to be disciplined solely for alternative or complementary treatment. California Lyme Disease Association (CALDA), an affiliate of the LDA, was instrumental in getting this law passed. The idea for the law originated from the OPMC policy memo issued in New York which expresses similar sentiments based on existing New York law. Maryland Thanks to All! LDA, Maryland groups, and patients thank you for your efforts in defeating the Maryland Lyme disease bill, HB 836. It died in the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee without the committee taking action, so it never went to the full senate for consideration, as was the plan. Pat Smith, LDA President, and Ron Hamlen, a member of the LDASEPA board and a Maryland resident, testified against the bill at the hearing, and many others submitted written testimony. Hundreds of patients and groups nationwide reacted with emails and phone calls against the bill after the sponsor testified before the committee, citing that only one group was in opposition and “fear” as the reason the patients opposed the bill. It was an awesome grassroots effort that culminated in success for patients. Special thanks to Jean F. Galbreath,
President of the Harford County Lyme Disease Support Groups, Inc., an LDA affiliate, and the Lyme Disease Education and Support Groups of Maryland for leading the effort. Do you live or work in Maryland? STOP HB 836 now before it STOPS your Lyme treatment! You need to take action now. The Maryland Delegates voted for a bill that mandates the Maryland Department of Health to disseminate “latest consensus guidelines” (read IDSA) to physicians in Maryland. HB 836 is now moving to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee for a hearing/vote on April 4. If it passes here, these guidelines may prevent Lyme patients from getting further treatment and those just bitten from getting a diagnosis. Stop it now while you can. Contact the Senate Committee members TODAY; don’t wait!! LDA’s Maryland Senate Testimony Against Bill – April 4, 2007 National Lyme Disease Association President Addresses Maryland House of Delegates Rural Caucus Focus on research and help for Maryland patients who cannot get diagnosed & treated Annapolis, March 8—In a presentation before the Maryland House Rural Caucus, 40 delegates heard the President of the national Lyme Disease Association (LDA) provide an overview of Lyme disease, types of research being carried out on the disease in Maryland, and examples of why Maryland patients often cannot get diagnosed or treated. Maine Maine LD 1521 Hearing in Insurance & Finance Committee April 10, 2007 Co-Chairs, Senator Nancy Sullivan and Representative John Brautigam, Insurance and Finance Committee; and Senator Bruce Bryant, Bill Sponsor.
Packed room heard testimony of many residents who have experienced Lyme disease. LDA Testimony Bill Language LD 1521 West Virginia West Virginia HB 4568, which can be accessed at: http://www.legis.state.wv.us/ was introduced (adapted from the RI bill S2939/H7240) into the West Virginia House in 2008 and died on it’s third reading. However, it has been assigned to be a part of an interim study. North East Region New England Governors’ Conference, Inc. Resolution The LDA is very excited that the New England Governor’s Conference passed Resolution 166, A Resolution of the New England Governor’s Conference, Inc. Concerning Lyme Disease & Other Tick-borne Illnesses. Introduced by Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond’s office, it was adoption certified on August 26th, 2002, and signed by Chairman Almond. Other Governors who make up the Conference are Jane Swift, MA; John G. Rowland, CT; Angus S. King, Jr., ME; Jeanne Shaheen, NH; and Howard Dean, MD, VT. Other State Activities Harrisburg Testimony on Lyme Bill On September 14, 2007, (from L ) Ron Hamlen, PhD; Dr Ann Corson; and (2nd from R) Pat Smith, LDA president; Dr. Joseph Burrascano (R) were invited to testify before the Pennsylvania House Health Committee on HB 798. The Honorable Merle Phillips (C), the bill sponsor, also spoke about the merits of the bill which will provide for protection for physicians who treat long-term and mandatory insurance coverage. Two patients also
presented their compelling stories. Reported Lyme Cases by State* *CDC has indicated reported cases are about 10% of actual cases that meet the CDC surveillance criteria Pennsylvania Representative Merle Phillips (PA-R-108) introduced a bill in 2005 that passed the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. The bill was sent to the Senate where it died in the Senate Insurance Committee at the end of the 2006 session. The bill would have protected physicians who treat long-term for Lyme disease, required insurers to reimburse patients for treatment and would have created a special task force to develop strategies to inform the public about Lyme disease. Picture Kim Uffleman (L) and Pat Smith, LDA president (R) with NJ State Assemblyman Upenda Chivukula’s Health Aide, Sheridan Balmeo in the State Capitol in Trenton, New Jersey after being invited to testify at a hearing which was arranged by the Assemblyman on Lyme disease before the Assembly Health committee. Photos of Senator Christopher Dodd’s Press Conference On Monday, July 25, 2005, Senator Christopher Dodd (CT) for himself and Senator Rick Santorum (PA) introduced into the US Senate S.1479. The “Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2005” focuses on research and education but also contains an effective advisory committee that will have input into the expenditure of the monies and provide the Lyme community and its physicians a strong public voice and balanced scientific viewpoint in regard to tick-borne diseases. The committee will include a selection of doctors and scientists who support chronic Lyme disease and also patients and representatives from patient advocacy groups. On Tuesday, July 26, 2005, Congressman Christopher Smith (NJ) introduced H.R. 3427 for himself and for Congresswoman Sue Kelly (NY) in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, DC. The Smith/Kelly Bill is the
identical companion bill to the Dodd/Santorum Bill. These new bills will:
Increase the amount of Lyme research funding available by $100
million over 5 years.
Ensure mandatory research goals, better surveillance and improved
prevention programs.
Ensure that committee is balanced & represents diversity of
scientific viewpoints on issues.
Provide for outcomes research, including treatment studies.
Picture
Senator Charles Schumer holds a New York press conference to
support Lyme disease legislation S-1479/H-R3427. The conference was at
Fordham University’s Louis Calder Center in Armonk where Lyme disease
research is currently taking place. The Senator was successful in getting
funding several years ago for work ongoing there on tick-borne diseases.
Florida Lyme Legislation Introduced
Florida’s patient community has succeeded in having state Lyme disease
legislation introduced in 2006 in Tallahassee. Companion bills HB 1013
(Homan) and SB 2022 (Wise) have now been filed and patients in
partnership with doctors, advocates and constituents across the state are
asking for insurance mandated coverage of long-term antibiotics and other
newly-developed therapies as deemed medically necessary by the treating
physician. Florida Lyme Advocacy (Lori Hoerl, Founder and Director), Life
Lyme (Sandi Lanford, Founder and Director), and Pam Marks (Gulf Coast
Advocate) have been instrumental in this collaborative patient effort.
The national Lyme Disease Association has provided input and support
throughout the process. View bills – http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/.
Email Lorbell1@aol.com to find out how you can help with passage.The legislative committee recommended a substitute study bill to replace
the Lyme bill. Unfortunately, time constraints did not permit that bill
to be crafted to ensure that patients and Lyme literate physicians would
be on that committee to provide direct input into the study process.
Therefore, the Lyme bill is dead for this session. Florida Lyme Advocacy
will be working toward introduction and passage of a new Lyme bill in
2007. Contact Lorbell1@aol.com to help prepare to pass this bill next
year.
Lyme Hearings In Massachusetts
The Joint Massachusetts Legislative Committee on Public Health has
announced that there will be a Public Hearing on Lyme Disease beginning
10:00 am, Wednesday, October 12th in Hearing Room A-1 at the
Massachusetts State House, Beacon Hill, Boston. The program will begin
with testimony from an expert panel consisting of:
Brian Fallon, MD, MPH
Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Charles Ray Jones, MD
Patricia V. Smith, President, Lyme Disease Association, Inc.
Testimony To Massachusetts Combined Health Committee
By Pat Smith, President, Lyme Disease Association, Inc.
Senator Schumer Seeks Federal Monies For Lyme at Press Conference
On August 12, US Senator Charles Schumer (NY) held a televised press
conference in Dutchess County, New York, to promote a plan to help combat
Lyme disease. Senator Schumer is seeking an additional $10 million of
funding from CDC and NIH, $3million and 7 million respectively. Senator
Schumer is also urging the CDC to launch an awareness campaign to educate
the public to the hazards of Lyme disease. Senator Schumer hosted a similar press
conference in Westchester County on September 10, 2004 to promote his three prong strategies.
New York
On July 21, 2004, the OPMC Reform Bill, passed the State Senate
unanimously. Passed by the Assembly a few weeks earlier, the bill now
requires approval by Governor Pataki in order to become law.
For several years, the New York State Office of Professional
Medical Conduct (OPMC) has been disproportionately
investigating and prosecuting doctors who treat chronic Lyme
disease.The resulting climate of fear has caused many doctors throughout the country to refuse to treat Lyme disease. You can: 1) Email Governor Pataki, asking him to sign the OPMC Reform bill, Bill # A4274b. Go to the following web address and scroll down a bit. You will find a form on which to include your email message. http://161.11.3.75 2) Telephone Governor Pataki at: 518-474-8390 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 518-474-8390 end_of_the_skype_highlighting PLEASE WRITE OR CALL IMMEDIATELY. State Legislative/Policy Accomplishments The LDA has been active working with groups in many states throughout the Northeast to help facilitate passage of doctor protection, prevention, Lyme disease task force and other related legislation. For current state legislative achievements, please click here. For some some early legislative successes see information below. CT FL MD NH NJ NY RI Northest Region Rhode Island
2002 Lyme disease Diagnosis and treatment Act Doctor Protection for Long Term Treatment CHAPTER 159, 2002-H 7996A. Enacted 06/25/2002. Introduced By: Representatives Rabideau, and Ginaitt. 2003 (effective 2004) Mandatory Insurance Coverage for Lyme Disease “Lyme Disease Diagnosis and Treatment” Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 5-37.5-5. Mandatory coverage for certain Lyme disease treatments. Introduced By: Senators Michael Damiani, Representative Raymond Gallison, Jr Date Introduced: February 11, 2004 Section 5-37.5-5 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-37.5 Connecticut 2009 Connecticut HB 6200 Doctor Protection Effective July 1, 2009, the new law allows clinical judgment in diagnosis and treatment for Lyme disease. Sponsors Fawcett, Bartlett, Lyddy, Reeves, others, instrumental in passage. LDA worked with many Connecticut Lyme groups and legislators in Hartford. View bill signing photo album. 2006 Civil Investigative Demand (CID) against IDSA filed by AG Blumenthal In November, CT Attorney General Richard Blumenthal filed a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) concerning guidelines for Lyme disease issued earlier that year by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). The CID enabled Blumenthal to look into possible anti-trust violations by IDSA in development of its guidelines. LDA with CALDA and TFL, its affiliates, brought the situation to the attention of the AG on behalf of patients. Florida
2006 HB 1013 (Homan) and SB 2022 (Wise) Florida Lyme Legislation Introduced LDA worked with Florida’s patient community to have Lyme disease legislation introduced in 2006 in Tallahassee, asking for insurance mandated coverage of long-term antibiotics and other newly-developed therapies as deemed medically necessary by the treating physician. The legislative committee recommended a substitute study bill to replace the Lyme bill. Unfortunately, time constraints did not permit that bill to be crafted to ensure that patients and Lyme literate physicians would be on that committee to provide direct input into the study process. Therefore, LDA worked with Florida Lyme Advocacy, an LDA affiliate, to let the bill die. New Hampshire 2005 New Hampshire Declares Lyme Disease Awareness Month New Hampshire Governor declares May Lyme Disease Awareness Month on May 26, 2005. LDA President invited to speak at the event and meet with support groups there. 2005 Legislature Passes Resolution Supporting more federal research and physician and public education in New Hampshire New York 2005 OPMC Memo Protecting Treating Physicians The following memorandum was issued June 15, 2005 by OPMC Director Dennis Graziano to every staff member of the Office of Professional Medical Conduct (OPMC) and copied to all the members of the Board for Professional Medical Conduct and its chief counsel. LDA spent several years working with NYS legislators on doctor protection, with this being the end result.
New Jersey Public Education Law The Lyme Disease Association of New Jersey, now LDA, helped to write and secure passage of the following education laws in New Jersey’. P.L. 18A 35-5.1, 5.2 The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall develop curriculum guidelines for the teaching of information on the prevention of Lyme disease within the public school health curriculum. The guidelines shall emphasize disease prevention and sensitivity for victims of the disease. The Commissioner of Education shall periodically review and update the guidelines to insure that the curriculum reflects the most current information available. P.L. 18A 35-5.3 The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall also provide curriculum guides for the training of all teachers who instruct students with Lyme which emphasizes the special needs and problems of students with the disease, in order to provide information about how best to teach those students. Each school district shall annually provide training to all teachers who instruct students with Lyme disease, based upon the guidelines. 1993 Governor’s Lyme Disease Advisory Council The law established the (NJ) Governor’s Lyme Disease Advisory Council, GLDAC, the first in the nation, designed to apprise the Governor of problems relating to Lyme in NJ. The current LDA president was GLDAC chair in 1997. The LDA(NJ) worked with legislators to develop and pass this legislation. 1997 S 560 Tick-Borne Disease Vector Management Authorizes Boards of Chosen Freeholders [county government] to designate mosquito commissions and others to undertake tick-borne disease vector management programs. 2005 Medical Board Administrative The NJ State Board of Medical Examiners worked with LDA to have Lyme
literate physicians placed on the NJ State Board of Medical Examiners Review Board. 2006 Assembly Resolution Passed Memorializes Congress and President to enact “Lyme and Tick- borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2005.” 2009 Senate Resolution Not Considered Had SR 133 removed from consideration by NJ Senate. SR 133 would lump Lyme disease in with diseases of unknown origins in a proposed NEI (neuro endocrine immune) center, decreasing ability of patients to get treated for Lyme disease. LDA led this battle on behalf of patients. Maryland 2007 Defeat IDSA Guidelines Distribution Bill HB836 Helped defeat HB 836, which died in the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee without the committee taking action. The bill mandated the Maryland Department of Health to disseminate “latest consensus guidelines” (read IDSA) to physicians in Maryland. LDA’s Maryland Senate Testimony Against Bill – April 4, 2007 LDA worked with several Maryland groups on this effort. North East Region 2002 New England Governors’ Conference, Inc. Resolution The LDA is very excited that the New England Governor’s Conference passed Resolution 166, A Resolution of the New England Governor’s Conference, Inc. Concerning Lyme Disease & Other Tick-borne Illnesses. Introduced by Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond’s office, it was adoption certified on August 26th, 2002, and signed by Chairman Almond. Other Governors who make up the Conference are Jane Swift, MA; John G. Rowland, CT; Angus S. King, Jr., ME; Jeanne Shaheen, NH; and Howard Dean, MD, VT.
New England Governors’ Conf., Inc. Resolution The LDA is very excited that the New England Governor’s Conference passed Resolution 166, A Resolution of the New England Governor’s Conference, Inc. Concerning Lyme Disease & Other Tick-borne Illnesses. Introduced by Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Almond’s office, it was adoption certified on August 26th, 2002, and signed by Chairman Almond. Other Governors who make up the Conference are Jane Swift, MA; John G. Rowland, CT; Angus S. King, Jr., ME; Jeanne Shaheen, NH; and Howard Dean, MD, VT. Click here to view resolution
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