Nearly 3.5 million Americans — including 456,000 children — live with epilepsy, a brain disorder that causes recurring seizures, yet in about half of all cases the cause remains unknown. Federal healthcare costs tied to epilepsy exceed $54 billion per year, and over 30 percent of people with the condition still have uncontrolled seizures. The National Plan for Epilepsy Act would require the federal government to create a coordinated national plan to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy, bringing together agencies like the NIH, FDA, and VA under one unified effort. An advisory council including patients, caregivers, doctors, and researchers would meet quarterly and report to Congress every two years on progress. The plan would run through December 31, 2035.
Congressional Summary
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national plan, form an advisory council, and take other actions to address epilepsy. The requirements sunset on December 31, 2035.Specifically, the bill requires HHS to carry out a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy. In carrying out the plan, HHS must implement activities such as coordinating research and services across all federal agencies and soliciting public comments.Also, HHS must establish an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services. The advisory council must report to HHS and Congress every two years with an evaluation of federally funded efforts.Additionally, HHS must annually report to Congress with recommended actions based on its assessments of the nation’s progress on epilepsy.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-02-11
- Date Added
- 2026-04-10
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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