108th Congress

Stroke Treatment and Ongoing Prevention Act

H.R. 3658/S. 1909

Background

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted (ischemic) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding the brain cells (hemorrhagic). The symptoms of stroke are easy to spot: sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking; dizziness; or loss of balance or coordination. Brain cells can die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or when they are damaged by sudden bleeding in or around the brain. Damaged cells can linger in a compromised state for several hours, and with timely treatment, these cells can be saved. Stroke is diagnosed through several techniques: a short neurological examination, blood tests, CT scans, MRI scans, Doppler ultrasound, and arteriography (an imaging technique used to visualize damage to the arteries). Stroke seems to be more common in some families. Family members may have a genetic tendency for stroke or share a lifestyle that contributes to stroke. The most important risk factors for stroke are hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and cigarette smoking. Other risks include heavy alcohol consumption, high blood cholesterol levels, illicit drug use, and genetic or congenital conditions. Some risk factors for stroke apply only to women, and primary among these are pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

Provisions of the Legislation/Impact on NIH

Both H.R. 3658 and S. 1909 would amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to engage in activities designed to increase knowledge and awareness of stroke prevention and treatment. Both bills would require the Secretary to conduct educational campaigns, maintain a national registry, and establish an information clearinghouse related to the disease. The bills would authorize $5 million for each of the years 2005 through 2009 for these activities. The legislation would also allow the Secretary to make grants to States and other public and private entities to develop medical professional training programs and telehealth networks that would seek to coordinate stroke care and improve patient outcomes. The legislation would authorize the appropriation of $14 million in 2005 and $70 million for 2005 through 2009 for the grant programs and for a study and reports evaluating the telehealth grant program.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has existing authority to support and conduct research on stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The stroke education activities identified in the legislation are currently being carried out through the communication and public liaison components of NIH. The bills would likely result in an expansion of efforts in these areas.

Status and Outlook

H.R. 3658 was introduced by Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) on December 8, 2003, and was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. On January 28, 2004, H.R. 3658 was reported favorably out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and forwarded to the full House Committee on Energy and Commerce. On March 3, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce ordered H.R. 3658 reported out to the House. On March 30, a report was filed from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and H.R. 3658 was placed on the Union Calendar. On June 14, H.R. 3658 was considered in the House Under Suspension of the Rules and passed by a two-thirds majority on a voice vote. On June 15, H.R. 3658 was received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. No further action has occurred on this legislation.

S. 1909 was introduced by Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) on November 20, 2003, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. No further action has occurred on this legislation.