News Release
For Immediate Release
June 21, 2010
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700
Senate Committee to Hold Hearing on Senator Greenleaf's Lyme Disease Legislation
HARRISBURG—On Wednesday, June 22, 2010, the Senate Banking and Insurance
Committee will hold a public hearing at the State Capitol on Senator Greenleaf's
SB 1199, the Lyme and Related Tick-Borne Disease Education, Prevention and
Treatment Act.
Lyme disease, an inflammatory disease spread through a tick bite, can pose a serious
threat to the health and quality life of many citizens of the Commonwealth.
During 2009, Pennsylvania ranked #1 in the nation with 8,087 reported cases of
Lyme disease. While Lyme disease is most prevalent in Southeastern
Pennsylvania, it is also found across the state.
The early clinical diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Lyme disease and other
tick-borne disorders can greatly reduce the risks of continued, diverse and
chronic signs and symptoms which can affect every system and organ of the human
body and often every aspect of life. Left untreated, Lyme can cause a number of
signs and symptoms which can become quite severe.
SB 1199 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.
As a member of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, Senator Greenleaf will be present to
hear from witnesses.
"I look forward to
hearing from witnesses regarding this legislation," said Senator Greenleaf.
"There are many suffering from Lyme disease here in Pennsylvania, and I hope
that this hearing will help move along this important legislation."
The hearing on SB 1199 will take place
tomorrow, Tuesday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. in Hearing Room 1, North Office
Building Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
