VTDIGGER: House Approves Welch-Backed Lyme Disease Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation co-written by Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., meant to bolster the federal response to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses on a voice vote late Tuesday.
Welch and his co-sponsor, Rep. Chris Gibson, R-N.Y., represent states in which Lyme is a growing public health concern.
The number of confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Vermont has grown from 11 in 2002 to 674 in 2013.
The bill would bring together federal health agencies, physicians and patient advocates in a working group to better coordinate the federal response to tick-borne illness. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a strategic plan with benchmarks for progress, according to a statement from Welch.
Lyme disease is a serious concern for people enjoying Vermont’s natural beauty, Welch said in the statement, adding, “There is an urgent need to know more about this debilitating disease and find effective ways to combat it.”
Gov. Peter Shumlin this spring signed a law meant to protect physicians from professional repercussions for employing alternative treatments.
For more information about Lyme disease in Vermont, click here.