The Lyme Disease Resource Center (LDRC) is conducting a campaign to encourage the public to write to the Governor urging him to sign SB2097, the Lyme Disease Bill. The bill has passed the State Senate and Assembly and should be on the Governor’s desk. In 1999, Senator Wes Chesbro sponsored a bill that created an advisory committee to the Dept. of Health Services. The so-called Lyme Disease Advisory Committee was supposed to focus on physician education. More than two years later, physician education remains in the discussion phase. Meanwhile, Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections are often not recognized
We have several tick-borne infections in California. People are being infected but often cannot find a physician who has the expertise to diagnose and treat them.
Patients who are not diagnosed and treated promptly are much more likely to become chronically ill, unable to work, and many are forced to apply for disability. Some may have their doctor-recommended treatments cut off prematurely by insurers.
The situation is costing the state millions of dollars in disability, unemployment and lost tax revenue, not to mention individual pain and suffering. SB2097 strengthens the Lyme Disease Advisory Committee by adding a second Lyme disease physician/specialist and providing for rotating 3-year terms. There are no new costs associated with this bill. In fact, SB2097 decreases current costs by eliminating travel reimbursements except in case of hardship. Many physicians do not report their cases. The state only counts a fraction of the reported cases, giving a false impression that tick-borne diseases are not a serious public health threat. SB2097 creates a new subcommittee to focus on reporting.
Because of the state’s budget shortfall, the bill’s supporters fear that the governor may veto it, although its costs are minimal, unless he hears from hundreds of constituents. Since California has so much Lyme disease, I hope that many will take the time to write.
Barbara Barsocchini, vice-president
Lyme Disease Resource Center