Senator Schmitt and Senator Klobuchar, Representatives Costa and Murphy Introduce the National Plan for Epilepsy
WASHINGTON – Recently, Senator Eric Schmitt and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) along with Representative Jim Costa (D-CA-21) and Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC-03), co-chairs of the House Epilepsy Caucus, introduced the National Plan for Epilepsy with the support of the Senate Epilepsy Caucus, to encourage the development of safe and effective treatments, strategies, and other approaches to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy or to enhance functioning and improve quality of life for individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers. November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and Senators Schmitt and Klobuchar are co-founders of the Senate Epilepsy Caucus.
“Putting forward The National Plan for Epilepsy to coordinate a whole of government approach and tackle the complex nature of treating and supporting those with epilepsy is no easy feat, but it is encouraging to see bipartisan buy-in from Senator Klobuchar along with our colleagues in the House of Representatives to take the disease head on. It’s personal for me, I’m proud of this effort, and I remain excited for the future of this extraordinary caucus.” said Senator Eric Schmitt.
“Epilepsy affects more than three million Americans, including over 55,000 Minnesotans. More must be done to address the needs of people living with epilepsy and advance medical research into earlier diagnosis and improved treatment. The bipartisan National Plan for Epilepsy will ensure there is a unified approach to improve the health of Americans living with this condition,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar.
“This legislation marks a pivotal step toward a future where people living with epilepsy receive the care and attention they deserve. By establishing a National Plan for Epilepsy, we will ensure that federal resources are allocated more efficiently, that research is prioritized, and that the voices of those directly affected are heard,” said Rep. Jim Costa.
“The Epilepsy Foundation of America is beyond thrilled that the National Plan for Epilepsy has been introduced today in honor of National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Through support and investment, a National Plan can begin to address disparities and work towards achieving health equity. It will empower the entire epilepsy community to come together while bringing hope to millions of families across the U.S. We are incredibly grateful to the Epilepsy Caucus co-chairs for introducing this critical legislation and look forward to working with them to move this bill forward,” said Bernice Martin Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the Epilepsy Foundation of America.
“Thanks to Senators Schmitt and Klobuchar, we are taking a transformative step forward for the millions of families impacted by epilepsy. Now is the moment for true collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive groundbreaking research, provide comprehensive and holistic support for patients, improve outcomes, and, at long last, work toward a cure,” said Dr. Dan Lowenstein, Epilepsies Action Network Board Member and Professor of Neurology, University of California San Francisco.
“My son’s epilepsy diagnosis changed the trajectory of our lives, and those of our entire family. This bill is for Nicol, who continues to live with seizures at the age of 25, and who will have to navigate epilepsy for the rest of his life. I am very thankful to all the advocates and policymakers who have gotten us this far. This is a historic opportunity to accelerate progress for all those living with epilepsy, and for a better future for families across the country,” said Scott and Jillian Copeland, Co-Founders of Epilepsies Action Network, and caregivers to a son with epilepsy.
BACKGROUND:
The National Plan for Epilepsy requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to perform an assessment of progress every year in how epilepsy-related programs are operating and coordinating with each other, and also give recommendations on improvements.
The National Plan for Epilepsy is based off of the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act which was signed into law by President Biden this past summer.
Finally, the bill establishes an advisory council to promote the efforts and increase public awareness of epilepsy. The council will consist of:
- 4 individuals living with epilepsy
- 2 family caregivers for individuals with epilepsy
- 2 health care providers
- 2 biomedical researchers with epilepsy-related expertise in basic, translational, or clinical population science or drug development science
- 3 representatives from 3 separate nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated experience in epilepsy research or epilepsy patient care and other services.
The plan will need to be reauthorized in 2035.
Read the bill text here.
