Lyme Disease Education and Prevention

Lyme disease has had a serious impact in our region, with many new cases reported each year.  It is critical that people are well informed about how to avoid tick bites and know what to do if bitten.  I have introduced legislation in the Senate that would enhance public education and make it easier for doctors to treat Lyme Disease.

SB 1199, the Lyme and Related Tick-Borne Disease Education, Prevention and Treatment Act, will help promote greater public awareness and education of Lyme disease for the public and physicians.  It also looks to provide for insurance coverage for long-term antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease as well as ensuring that physicians have a right to diagnose and treat Lyme based on clinical judgment and protects health care providers from professional misconduct proceedings solely for prescribing long-term antibiotics.

The following links will provide more information on my legislation.

• Senate Bill 1199
• June 22, 2010 – Senate Banking & Insurance Committee hearing on Senate Bill 1199, sponsored by Senator Greenleaf, which would establish the Lyme and Related Tick-Borne Disease Education, Prevention and Treatment Act, and create a task force.
  Agenda and Testimony  |  - 2:27
• June 21, 2010 - Senate Committee to Hold Hearing on Senator Greenleaf's Lyme Disease Legislation
• Co-sponsorship memo on SB 1199