Senate Bill S.1503

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1503

Summary: S.1503 — 114th Congress (2015-2016) All Bill Information (Except Text)

There is one summary for S.1503. Bill summaries are authored by CRS.

Shown Here:
Introduced in Senate (06/04/2015)

Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee to advise HHS on how to: (1) ensure coordination with other federal agencies, private organizations, and constituency groups regarding efforts to address Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases; (2) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is considered in public health policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is based on the best available science; and (3) advise federal agencies on priorities related to tick-borne diseases.

HHS must coordinate federal activities related to tick-borne diseases and conduct or support activities related to tick-borne diseases, including:

· developing diagnostic tools and tests,

· improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic tests,

· surveillance and reporting,

· providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information,

· increasing public education,

· creating a physician education program on the latest research and treatment options for Lyme disease,

· research on tick repellents and strategies for the control of ticks,

· exploring the potential for vaccines,

· establishing epidemiological research objectives, and

· determining the effectiveness of different treatments.

HHS must report on scientific conferences that cost the federal government more than $100,000 and address tick-borne diseases.