April 30, 2009- Connecticut Lyme groups and the national Lyme Disease Association, Inc. are pleased to announce that H.B. 6200, with a floor amendment by Representative Betsy Ritter et al., passed through the Connecticut House of Representatives.
The House vote was unanimously in support of the bill by a final vote of 137 to 0.
The discussion on the floor this morning clearly delineated the protective intent of the bill. The bill will now proceed to the Senate for consideration.
H.B. 6200 contains language that will protect CT licensed Lyme treating physicians from prosecution by the State of Connecticut Medical Examining Board solely on the basis of a clinical diagnosis and /or for treatment of long-term Lyme disease.
The bill provides the definition for Lyme disease which includes , ``the presence in a patient of signs and symptoms compatible with acute infection with Borrelia burgdorferi; or with late stage or persistent or chronic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, or with complications related to such an infection.''
It also defines clinical diagnosis as determined by a physician ``...that is based on knowledge obtained through the medical history and physical examination alone, or in conjunction with the testing that provides supportive data for such clinical diagnosis.''
In addition, it provides for updating the definition if other strains are found to cause Lyme disease.
The final bill was the result of months of negotiations between Legislative leaders, the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the undersigned groups representing patients.
We would like to thank Representatives Jason Bartlett, Kim Fawcett, Chris Lyddy , Peggy Reeves and all of the legislators who supported this bill.
We would also like to thank the Legislative leadership for taking time from their busy schedules to meet with us over the past several weeks.
We particularly thank the joint Public Health Committee Chairs, Representative Betsy Ritter and Senator Jonathan Harris and the Public Health Committee for understanding this complex issue and its importance to patients in CT.
We would like to extend our appreciation to the patients, families and members of the Lyme community who wrote letters, made phone calls and testified in support of H.B. 6200.
We have confidence that the Connecticut Senate will fulfill its commitment to CT residents and pass this important piece of legislation intact.
Eastern Connecticut Chapter Lyme Disease Association
Posted by yanivnaced (Member # 13212) on :
does this mean Dr.J's practice will be out of danger?
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
I'd like to be sure we all thank the hard working volunteer groups and individuals that made this possible!
WAY TO GO, CT!!!!!
A big thumbs up to them!!!
Hey IDSA...
How do you like us now?
I know. Sometimes I just can't help myself!!! BAD Tincup!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
It means it has to pass the Senate...
THEN it maybe would? I can't say for sure.
For now... it shows the IDSA's strangle hold on Lyme is falling apart.
And it sure would make their theories MUCH less accepted in the medical community.
And the IDSA Panel would have to stand up and look at what is happening before coming back with more of the same IDIOT stuff... least THEY be in BIG trouble.
I call it the boys with the poopy pants syndrome.
Nobody is going to want to play with them any more.
Their ship is sinking.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
I didn't see the other post that had been started... so see the announcement by tonysgirl with the news report!
BTW- I don't think the latest bill wording and details are on the website at the moment... so do check tomorrow for updates.
Posted by Abxnomore (Member # 18936) on :
Oh happy day..........WHAT GOOD NEWS!!!!
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Wow.
Good things come to those who wait.
Would it need to be retroactive to protect Dr. J.?
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
That is GREAT news!!!
Thanks to everyone who worked to pull this off!!!
I don't know for sure but I doubt it would protect Dr. J. They have said all along that this is not about chronic lyme disease or diagnosis of lyme disease. snort Of course it is but the charges are not about treatment of lyme.
It won't affect Dr Jones because the charges against him are not for simply prescribing long term therapy, though it might affect some of his more recent charges I'm not familiar with.....but it doesn't take effect until July 1, 2009.
Posted by tickbattler (Member # 14873) on :
THanks for posting, Tincup! This is so great to read. It seems like the tide is turning faster and faster...
I hope Dr. J will be helped by this in some way or another. I have a call with him this Sunday about my kids, so if I have a chance I will ask him what he thinks about it.
tickbattler
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
TB said.. "I hope Dr. J will be helped by this in some way or another. I have a call with him this Sunday about my kids, so if I have a chance I will ask him what he thinks about it."
I am hoping also!!! Appeals? I don't know but it had to take the wind out of some of the sails of the IDIOTS going after him.
A 137 to NOTHING vote.... says something, doesn't it?
And please do let us know what Dr. J says. And give him a hug from me!!!!
Posted by dguy (Member # 8979) on :
Excellent news. Science wins out. I hope this spreads to neighboring states even faster than lyme did.
Posted by tonysgirl (Member # 11202) on :
Hey TC,
I am embarrassed to say this, but I haven't watched my man at all this season. I was talking to my sister about this earlier in the week. We both mentioned how we can't believe we haven't been watching.
I did hear my guy is doing well with his new team. I can't help it, I still like the big orange #20. I heard about Edwards at Talladega, I am glad he is ok and I hope the fans are as well.
Also, I am sorry about jumping the gun on the CT bill news. I should have mentioned that it passed the house only and should be on its way to the Senate. I guess I was so excited that I wanted to spread the word.
Posted by hcconn22 (Member # 5263) on :
It looks like our elected officials and state government GOT IT RIGHT. NICE.
This is great to see 137 to -0-
This is 137 individuals that represent all the towns of the State of CT. Towns that all have Lyme Disease.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Hey TG...
You said.. "I haven't watched my man at all this season."
Not to worry too much. I've watched him for you!
wink wink...
You won't believe this. The ONLY race I didn't see all the way through was the one where MY man won! I can't believe it!!!!
Mark was on the pole and I decided to try going without sleep an entire night... and the next night was race night. I fell asleep!!!
But yes, good that Carl is ok... and the others.
Nice seeing you! And you and sis best find time to watch!!!!
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[woohoo]](graemlins/woohoo.gif)
![[bow]](graemlins/bow.gif)
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Of course it is but the charges are not about treatment of lyme.