H.R. 5536: Headache Education, Access, Diagnosis, and Care Health Equity Act

This bill, officially titled the Headache Education, Access, Diagnosis, and Care Health Equity Act, aims to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of headache disorders in the United States. The bill outlines several key components:

National Headache Disorders Initiative

The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) is tasked with creating a National Headache Disorders Initiative (NHDI). This initiative will include:

• Developing programs to address the medical, social, and economic impacts of headache disorders.
• Expanding the workforce focused on headache care and research.
• Collaborating with existing federal initiatives focused on related issues.
• Ensuring adequate federal resources are directed toward headache research and services.
• Focusing on research to enhance diagnosis and develop new treatments for headache disorders.
• Improving protocols for diagnosis and care coordination for headache disorders.
• Increasing data collection regarding headache disorders to better inform clinical care and identify disparities.
• Running public awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with headache disorders.
• Collaborating with international organizations on headache-related issues.

Advisory Council on Headache Disorders Research, Care, and Services

The bill establishes an Advisory Council that will advise the Secretary on matters related to headache disorders. Membership will include:

• Federal experts from various health agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.
• Non-Federal representatives, including patient advocates, healthcare providers specializing in headache disorders, and representatives from affected communities.

The Advisory Council is required to meet quarterly and hold annual research meetings to foster collaboration in headache disorder research.

Data Sharing

Federal agencies that collect data on headache disorders are required to share this information with the Secretary of HHS to help produce a comprehensive understanding of the issues surrounding these disorders.

Annual Report to Congress

The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress detailing:

• Evaluations of federally funded programs related to headache research and care.
• Data on disparities affecting specific populations.
• Recommendations for actions to improve diagnosis, treatment, public awareness, and reduce stigma.
• A national plan with short- and long-term objectives for addressing headache disorders.

Sunset Clause

The bill includes a provision stating that it will cease to be effective five years after its enactment.

Definition of Headache Disorders

The bill defines “headache disorders” to include a range of conditions primarily characterized by headache, such as migraines, tension headaches, and other specified conditions, ensuring that various populations, including vulnerable groups, are considered in its initiatives.

Relevant Companies

• ABBV: AbbVie is involved in pharmaceuticals that may include treatments for migraine and headache disorders.
• AMGN: Amgen has products related to headache treatment, including migraine therapies.
• TEVA: Teva, as a generics manufacturer, produces medications that may treat headache and pain disorders.