At least two states -- Missouri and California -- are considering bills aimed at helping people with fibromyalgia (FMS).
The Missouri legislation would create the Missouri Fibromyalgia Panel, which would be charged with raising money for an information-and-outreach campaign to help with early diagnosis and treatment, educate doctors and other healthcare providers, and, in some cases, override insurance-company restrictions on what medications can be prescribed for FMS.
The California resolution would establish a 15-member Legislative Task Force on Fibromyalgia. It's goals would be similar to the Missouri panel's, with the addition of formulating a State Fibromyalgia Strategic Plan and holding a Fibromyalgia Summit during the 2009 to 2010 legislative session.
Two California lawmakers, state Senator Negrete McLeod and Assemblymember Sharon Runner, are co-sponsors of a national resolution calling for advocacy for improved treatments, more research by the National Institutes of Health, comprehensive health insurance and building awareness of FMS.
Sources:
2008 Missouri House of Representatives. All rights reserved. "HB 2243 -- Missouri Fibromyalgia Awareness Initiative Program"
2008 California state Senate. All rights reserved. "california legislation > acr 112"
