§254c–5 Epilepsy; Seizure Disorder

Summary

The Secretary must create and run a national public health effort to help people with epilepsy, with special attention to children. The work can be done by the Department or by giving grants or contracts to public or nonprofit groups, and the Secretary can give technical help. The effort must include expanding monitoring and registries, boosting research on diagnosis, treatment, and care, and running public and professional education aimed at parents, schools, daycare providers, patients, and the media. It must also address stigma and related disabilities, build partnerships with disability organizations, and other related activities. The Secretary must coordinate these efforts with other Public Health Service agencies. The Health Resources and Services Administration may get grants for demonstration projects to improve access to seizure care in medically underserved areas, with approved applications required. “Epilepsy” is defined as a serious, long-term brain condition with recurring seizures; “medically underserved” has the meaning in section 295p(6). Funds as needed were authorized for fiscal years 2001 through 2005.