H.R. 2365: End Parkinson's Act

Summary

Directs the government to create a national plan and an advisory group to find ways to prevent, treat, and cure Parkinson's disease and similar conditions.

What problem does this solve?

The fight against Parkinson's disease across different government agencies was not well-coordinated, slowing down progress in research and patient care. This law creates a single national project and an advisory council to bring together experts and agencies to work together on a unified plan to end Parkinson's.

Who does this affect?

People with Parkinson's disease and related conditions
Caregivers and families of Parkinson's patients
Medical researchers and healthcare providers

What does this law do?

Creates the National Parkinson's Project

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and carry out a national project to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure Parkinson's disease.

Establishes an advisory council

Creates an Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services on related issues.

Requires a national plan

Mandates the creation and regular updating of an integrated national plan to fight Parkinson's disease and improve symptoms for those affected.

Specifies council membership

Requires the advisory council to include members from at least 14 federal agencies, as well as 10 non-federal experts, including patients, caregivers, doctors, and researchers.

Mandates annual reports to congress

Requires the advisory council to submit a yearly report to Congress with a list of federally-funded efforts, outcomes, and recommendations for priority actions.

Defines 'Parkinson's' broadly

Includes Parkinson's disease and other related neurodegenerative conditions like multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, and progressive supranuclear palsy.

Sets a termination date

Specifies that the National Parkinson's Project and its advisory council will end at the close of the calendar year 2035.

What is the real world impact?

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Unifies the federal effort against Parkinson's

Creates a single, coordinated national plan to focus research, services, and funding from various government agencies. This aims to speed up progress in finding a cure and improving care for patients and their families.

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Raises public awareness and hope

By creating a high-profile national project, the law brings more attention to Parkinson's disease. This can encourage more private donations, attract more researchers to the field, and provide a sense of hope for patients and families.

When does this start?

This law takes effect on July 2, 2024, and sets several deadlines for future actions.

First advisory council report

The advisory council must provide its first report to the Secretary and Congress no later than 18 months after the law is enacted.

First national assessment

The Secretary of Health and Human Services must complete the first assessment of the nation's progress no later than 24 months after the law is enacted.

First annual research meeting

The advisory council must hold its first public meeting to discuss Parkinson's research within 24 months of the law's enactment.

Project and council termination

The National Parkinson's Project and the advisory council will end at the close of calendar year 2035.