Monthly Archives: May 2009
BIAA Urges Cosponsorship of the National Neurotechnology Initiative Act
On April 22, 2009, BIAA circulated an action alert targeting House Members to cosponsor the National Neurotechnology Initiative Act of 2009 (HR 1483). The bill would promote discoveries and accelerate the development of new and safer treatments for brain-related illness, injury and disease.
The action alert message also details the need to initiate much-needed coordination among federal agencies with respect to research, while adding efficiency in the regulatory approval processes that would shorten development times and lead to more and better treatments for TBI and other neurological conditions.
BIAA submits letter of endorsement for the Concussion Treatment and Care Tools Act of 2009 (conTACT)
BIAA submitted a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee encouraging swift passage of the conTACT Act of 2009 (HR 1347), applauding the bill’s proposal to provide grants to states to ensure that elementary and secondary schools implement concussion management guidelines by funding computerized pre-season baseline and post-injury neuropsychological testing for student athletes.
BIAA will continue to track the progress of this measure and will advocate on its behalf.
BIAA endorses the Heroes at Home Act of 2009
This week, BIAA submitted a letter to the House Veteran’s Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health urging consideration of the Heroes at Home Act of 2009 (HR 667). The bill would significantly improve support for family caregivers of returning service members with TBI and acknowledge the critical role played by family caregivers in facilitating recovery from brain injury and the pressing need for training, certification and financial compensation of caregivers.
BIAA will continue to advocate for the swift passage of this bill as the 111th Congress progresses. The legislation currently has 36 cosponsors.
NIDDR Releases notice of proposed priorities for RRTCs and RERCs
This week the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services under the Department of Education proposed funding priorities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program administered by NIDRR. Specifically, this notice proposes four priorities for the Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTCs) and three priorities for the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERCs).
BIAA submits FY10 testimony to both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees
This week, BIAA submitted testimony to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.
Appropriations Update
President’s FY10 Budget Proposal Released
TBI Act, Department of Health and Human Services
The White House proposes to sustain funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Federal TBI Program, which provides grants to state agencies and protection and advocacy organizations to improve access to health and other services for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families. The President’s plan proposes $10 million be allocated to HRSA, the same amount designated in FY09.
Health Care Reform Update
Lawmakers are now developing policy options that could become part of the national health care reform, but currently no legislation has been introduced and there are no specific bills to support or oppose. In anticipation of both proposed and final legislation, BIAA has adopted five guiding principles (below) designed to aid Congress in drafting language that would increase access to treatment for individuals with brain injury.
Urge Congress to Support the Principles of the Brain Injury Healthcare Reform Pledge!
The Brain Injury Association has embarked on what may be the most important advocacy effort in our 29-year history. President Obama and the U.S. Congress are undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of our nation’s healthcare system and the discussions on what to include in the legislation are happening now. BIAA is committed to influencing this policy making for the benefit of the brain injury community.
Help us make sure that people with brain injury have access to the care that they so desperately need and deserve. Please contact your Senators and Representatives in Congress to urge them to sign a pledge in support of the healthcare reform principles benefiting individuals with brain injury.
Lifetime Caps Advocacy Day
This week BIAA participated in a day-long advocacy effort organized by the National Hemophilia Foundation in conjunction with the Raise the Caps Coalition in support of The Health Insurance Coverage Protection Act (HR 1085/S 442) sponsored by Representative Eshoo and by Senators Dorgan and Snowe. This bi-partisan measure which would set minimum lifetime limits on private health insurance at $10 million which would mitigate many of the challenges that people with high-cost chronic or catastrophic injuries or diseases face when procuring the medically necessary treatment that they need to live independent and productive lives.
