Sickle Cell Disease Bill Becomes Law

ASCP is pleased to report that bipartisan legislation to address sickle cell disease was signed into law by President Trump on December 18. The measure, the Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2018 (S 2465), was introduced by Sens. Tim Scott, R-S.C. and Cory Booker, D-N.J., in February. ASCP is a supporter of the measure and congratulates the American Society of Hematology, which provided and coordinated much of the public advocacy needed to secure the legislation’s enactment.

The new law, P.L. 115-327, reauthorizes an existing sickle cell disease prevention and treatment program for approximately $4.5 million for the next five years. The measure also provides support for the collection and maintenance of data on such diseases and conditions, including subtypes as applicable, and their associated health outcomes and complications. In addition, the measure provides support for state health departments and regional laboratories for testing to identify such diseases and conditions.

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To read more articles from ePolicy News click here.

For more information regarding ASCP's advocacy initiatives and policy positions, please contact ASCP's Center for Public Policy at (202) 408-1110.

 

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