42 U.S.C. § 254c-5 : US Code - Section 254C-5: Epilepsy; seizure disorder

Search 42 U.S.C. § 254c-5 : US Code - Section 254C-5: Epilepsy; seizure disorder

(a) National public health campaign
(1) In general
The Secretary shall develop and implement public health
surveillance, education, research, and intervention strategies to
improve the lives of persons with epilepsy, with a particular
emphasis on children. Such projects may be carried out by the
Secretary directly and through awards of grants or contracts to
public or nonprofit private entities. The Secretary may directly
or through such awards provide technical assistance with respect
to the planning, development, and operation of such projects.
(2) Certain activities
Activities under paragraph (1) shall include -
(A) expanding current surveillance activities through
existing monitoring systems and improving registries that
maintain data on individuals with epilepsy, including children;
(B) enhancing research activities on the diagnosis,
treatment, and management of epilepsy;
(C) implementing public and professional information and
education programs regarding epilepsy, including initiatives
which promote effective management of the disease through
children's programs which are targeted to parents, schools,
daycare providers, patients;
(D) undertaking educational efforts with the media, providers
of health care, schools and others regarding stigmas and
secondary disabilities related to epilepsy and seizures, and
its effects on youth;
(E) utilizing and expanding partnerships with organizations
with experience addressing the health and related needs of
people with disabilities; and
(F) other activities the Secretary deems appropriate.
(3) Coordination of activities
The Secretary shall ensure that activities under this
subsection are coordinated as appropriate with other agencies of
the Public Health Service that carry out activities regarding
epilepsy and seizure.
(b) Seizure disorder; demonstration projects in medically
underserved areas
(1) In general
The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health
Resources and Services Administration, may make grants for the
purpose of carrying out demonstration projects to improve access
to health and other services regarding seizures to encourage
early detection and treatment in children and others residing in
medically underserved areas.
(2) Application for grant
A grant may not be awarded under paragraph (1) unless an
application therefore is submitted to the Secretary and the
Secretary approves such application. Such application shall be
submitted in such form and manner and shall contain such
information as the Secretary may prescribe.
(c) Definitions
For purposes of this section:
(1) The term "epilepsy" refers to a chronic and serious
neurological condition characterized by excessive electrical
discharges in the brain causing recurring seizures affecting all
life activities. The Secretary may revise the definition of such
term to the extent the Secretary determines necessary.
(2) The term "medically underserved" has the meaning applicable
under section 295p(6) of this title.
(d) Authorization of appropriations
For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are
authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for
each of the fiscal years 2001 through 2005.