Sponsors (20)
This bill centralizes federal attention, research coordination, and family input to improve epilepsy diagnosis, care, and equity, but does so at the cost of new federal spending, added administrative burdens, potential program overlap, and the risk of unmet expectations or increased stigma if supports are not fully funded and implemented.
People with epilepsy will receive coordinated federal attention through a National Plan and annual assessments to improve diagnosis, care, and access to treatments.
Caregivers and families (including parents) gain formal input and visibility via an Advisory Council, public meetings, and required reporting, which can increase support and responsiveness to family needs.
Researchers and clinicians will get stronger, more coordinated support for research into unknown etiologies and rare epilepsies and for development of new therapies and best practices.
Taxpayers may face increased federal spending to implement the National Plan, Advisory Council, research coordination, and related activities through 2035.
Federal agencies, hospitals, and partner organizations will incur additional administrative burden from required coordination, data sharing, reporting, and ongoing evaluation.
If coordination is incomplete, nonprofits and health systems risk duplication of existing programs and wasted resources.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires HHS to create and update a coordinated National Plan for Epilepsy, perform regular assessments, and maintain an advisory council of federal and expert members.
Creates a federally led National Plan for Epilepsy run by the Department of Health and Human Services to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care coordination, research, and eventual cures for epilepsy. It requires HHS to develop and update an integrated plan, estimate federal investments, coordinate across federal agencies, solicit public input, perform an assessment within two years and annually after, and form an advisory council of federal and non‑federal experts including people living with epilepsy, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers.
Introduced February 10, 2025 by Eric Stephen Schmitt · Last progress February 10, 2025