New Task Force Report & Recommendations to Address Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases

Commentary: The Lyme bill goes before the NY State Assembly today. Here is the NY Senate web site to read the new task force report & recommendations to address Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Please read the comments by the Senators on the task force. They clearly recognize that this is an epidemic, that a comprehensive plan is necessary, and that the practice of medicine needs to be left in the hands of treating physicians caring for their patients. Senator Marchione says about the bill:

“I represent Columbia County which has some of the highest reported cases of Lyme Disease not just in New York State, but the United States. I have listened to heart-wrenching stories from my constituents who are living with – and struggling with – Lyme Disease and the serious physical, emotional, psychological and financial devastation that it has caused them and their families. While the state Legislature should not be practicing medicine, we can, and should, ensure that pioneering and courageous doctors taking a proactive approach to treating Lyme Disease are not unfairly targeted by the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Doctors shouldn’t be threatened with investigations or possible loss of their license to practice medicine just because they put their patients first. Passage of a legislative remedy that will help protect doctors, sponsored by my colleague Senator Hannon, along with other bipartisan recommendations from our Task Force report, should be at the top of Albany’s must-do list before session concludes.”

I am very appreciative of the hard work of our legislative body and Senator Hannon to get this bill passed.

New Task Force Report & Recommendations to Address Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases, New York Senate