Approximately 2.5 million Americans experienced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An estimated 3.2 million Americans are living with long-term, severe disabilities as a result of brain injury. Another 360,000 men and women are estimated to have been inflicted by a TBI in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The national cost of TBI is estimated to be $60 billion annually, according to the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force (CBITF) co-chair, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ).
The Task Force has set March 18, 2015 as this year’s Brain Injury Awareness Day. Here's a look at proposals pending before Congress related to brain injury. Share your voice on POPVOX!
Related Bills in Congress
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Concussion Awareness and Education Act (HR 1271)
— Bipartisan — “Would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Secretary of the Department of Defense (DoD) where applicable, to conduct systemic research on the treatment, surveillance and prevention of concussion injuries. In addition, this legislation also seeks to establish the Concussion Research Commission, under the direction of the Secretary of HHS, to identify and formulate systemic recommendations to address key components of concussion research, surveillance, education, treatment and prevention,” according to the bill sponsor. (Read bill text)
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Concussion Treatment and Care Tools (ConTACT) Act (HR 582 and S 307 in the Senate)
— Bipartisan — Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish guidelines for states on the implementation of best practices for diagnosis, treatment, and management of mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBIs) in school-aged children, including best practices relating to student athletes returning to play after an MTBI. (Read bill text)
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Supporting Athletes, Families and Educators to Protect the Lives of Athletic Youth Act (SAFE PLAY Act) (HR 829 and S 436 in the Senate)
Would direct the CDC and the US Department of Health and Human Services to: Recommend guidelines for the development of emergency actions plans for student athletes; Report to Congress on the number of sports related fatalities and catastrophic injuries and their cause; and Develop and disseminate information about the health risks associated with exposure to excessive heat and humidity, and how to avoid heat-related illness, according to the bill sponsor. “Would also provide assistance for school districts to develop and implement a standard plan for concussion safety and management and set up concussion management teams to respond to incidents on campus.” (Read bill text)
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Secondary School Student Athletes' Bill of Rights (HRes 112 and SRes 83 in the Senate)
— Bipartisan — Expresses support for: (1) the principles and values set forth in the Secondary School Student Athletes' Bill of Rights; and (2) secondary schools that have successfully implemented programs, policies, and practices to emphasize and encourage student athlete safety and well-being. Recognizes the importance of proper safety measures, timely medical assessments, and appropriate environmental conditions, and the role that teachers, parents, coaches, and athletic health care team members play, in ensuring the well-being of secondary school student athletes. (Read resolution text)
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Adult Day Center Enhancement Act (HR 263)
Will expand and enhance adult day programs that provide care and support for those living with neurological diseases and disorders. “Adult day programs provide a critical source of support for those living with neurological diseases and disorders. This bill would ensure that these vital programs are strengthened while ensuring that the needs of young adults and veterans are met,” according to the bill sponsor. “We must ensure that individuals suffering from MS, Parkinson’s, TBI and other similar neurological diseases or conditions and their families can continue to live their lives with dignity.” (Read bill text)
Bills Related to the Military
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Ensuring Access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Military Medical Facilities (HR 146)
Directs the Secretary of Defense to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy available at a military medical treatment facility to a member of the Armed Forces who is: (1) prescribed such therapy by a physician, (2) serving on active duty, and (3) diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. (Read bill text)
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TBI Assessment Act (S 244)
“Directs the VA to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to conduct a comprehensive review of the VA's assessment of cognitive impairment for veterans who file disability claims related to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The VA's compensation exams determine whether or not a veteran has TBI, and the extent of the veteran's disability-which is then used by the VA to process a veteran's claim for disability benefits,” according to the bill sponsor. (Read bill text)
— Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of a complex legislative system. —
