S. 2398: Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act

The proposed legislation, known as the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, aims to continue and expand federal efforts to address tick-borne diseases in the United States. Here is a summary of its main features:

Short Title

The bill will be formally referred to as the "Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act."

Reauthorization of Programs

The bill seeks to reauthorize certain programs that focus on combating vector-borne diseases, particularly those spread by ticks. This includes:

National Strategy and Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease

Under this section, the bill modifies existing legislation concerning the national strategy and the establishment of regional centers of excellence that specialize in addressing vector-borne diseases. Key changes include:

• The removal of a specific reference to the "Tick-Borne Disease Working Group" which was established earlier under the 21st Century Cures Act. Instead, the bill proposes a more general inclusion of "appropriate individuals" for consultation.
• The reauthorization period for certain initiatives will be extended from 2021-2025 to 2026-2030, allowing ongoing focus and resources directed towards ticks and associated diseases.

Enhanced Support for Health Departments

The bill also aims to provide improved assistance to health departments, helping them tackle vector-borne diseases more effectively. Similar to the first subsection, it extends the support period from 2021-2025 to 2026-2030.

Impact on Health and Research

By reauthorizing and modifying these programs, the legislation seeks to bolster federal resources and strategic efforts to address the growing concern of tick-borne diseases, which have been on the rise in recent years. It aims to enhance disease prevention, research, and response efforts at both the national and regional levels.

Relevant Companies

None found.