National Plan for Epilepsy Act
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 526.
Official Summary
National Plan for Epilepsy Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national plan, form an advisory council, and take other actions to address epilepsy. The requirements sunset on December 31, 2035. Specifically, the bill requires HHS to carry out a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy. In carrying out the plan, HHS must implement activities such as coordinating research and services across all federal agencies and soliciting public comments. Also, HHS must establish an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services. The advisory council must report to HHS and Congress every two years with an evaluation of federally funded efforts. Additionally, HHS must annually report to Congress with recommended actions based on its assessments of the nation’s progress on epilepsy.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™The National Plan for Epilepsy Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and maintain a comprehensive national plan aimed at preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing epilepsy. The bill mandates the creation of an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services, which includes federal agency representatives and non-federal experts, to provide evaluations and recommendations to HHS and Congress. The plan includes coordination of research and services across federal agencies, public engagement, annual progress assessments, and data sharing. The provisions of the bill will sunset on December 31, 2035.
This bill establishes a coordinated federal effort through HHS to address epilepsy comprehensively, including research, treatment, and public awareness, with structured oversight and reporting requirements.
- HHS must establish and periodically update a National Plan for Epilepsy covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure.
- An Advisory Council composed of federal and non-federal members must be formed to evaluate federally funded efforts and provide biennial reports with recommendations.
- Annual reports to Congress are required to assess progress and recommend priority actions, supported by mandatory data sharing among federal agencies.
- The National Plan includes coordination across federal agencies, public comment solicitation, and international collaboration where possible.
- The program and its requirements will sunset on December 31, 2035.
['Individuals living with epilepsy and their caregivers', 'Department of Health and Human Services and associated federal agencies (NIH, CDC, FDA, CMS, HRSA, DoD, VA)', 'Healthcare providers specializing in epilepsy, including neurologists and epileptologists', 'Nonprofit organizations focused on epilepsy research and patient care', 'Researchers and biomedical scientists working on epilepsy']
['Implementation complexity due to coordination across multiple federal agencies and stakeholders', 'Potential administrative costs associated with establishing and maintaining the Advisory Council and conducting annual assessments and reports', 'Dependence on sustained federal funding and interagency cooperation to maintain the National Plan until its sunset date', 'Oversight challenges in ensuring timely and effective data sharing among agencies', 'The sunset provision may require future legislative action to extend or modify the program']
The bill was introduced in the Senate during the 119th Congress and has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. It was reported by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions with bipartisan sponsorship from multiple senators. The bill addresses a significant public health issue by formalizing federal coordination and oversight of epilepsy-related research and care efforts.
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['Improved coordination and data sharing may enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of federal epilepsy research and care programs.', "Increased public awareness and reduced stigma around epilepsy could result from the plan's emphasis on outreach and education.", 'Enhanced collaboration with international bodies may contribute to global advancements in epilepsy prevention and treatment.', "The advisory council's diverse membership may foster more inclusive and representative policymaking for epilepsy-related issues.", 'Annual reporting and evaluation may lead to more data-driven adjustments in federal epilepsy programs over time.']
The bill includes structured reporting and advisory mechanisms designed to promote transparency and accountability in federal epilepsy efforts. The public meeting requirement for the Advisory Council supports openness. The mandated data sharing among federal agencies is a positive oversight feature but may require careful monitoring to ensure compliance. The sunset clause introduces a fixed timeframe for the program, necessitating future review and potential reauthorization to continue activities beyond 2035.
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