Pennsylvania Act 2003-62 — REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY SYNDROME EDUCATION ACT - ENACTMENT

Act text

REFLEX SYMPATHETIC DYSTROPHY SYNDROME EDUCATION ACT - ENACTMENT
                  Act of Dec. 30, 2003, P.L. 434, No. 62              Cl. 35
                                  AN ACT

     Establishing the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Education
        Program; and providing for powers and duties of the
        Department of Health.

        The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
     hereby enacts as follows:

     Section 1.  Short title.
        This act shall be known and may be cited as the Reflex
     Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Education Act.
     Section 2.  Definitions.
        The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
     have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
     context clearly indicates otherwise:
        "Department."  The Department of Health of the Commonwealth.
        "RSDS."  Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.
     Section 3.  Findings.
        Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome, also known as complex
     regional pain syndrome, is a chronic neurological syndrome
     characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in
     bone and skin, tissue swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch.
     Untreated, RSDS can result in permanent deformity and chronic
     pain.
     Section 4.  Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Education
                    Program.
        (a)  Establishment.--The department shall establish the
     Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Education Program to
     promote public awareness of the causes of RSDS and the value of
     early detection, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
        (b)  Duties of department.--The department shall:
            (1)  Establish a public education and outreach campaign
        via written materials and brochures to promote awareness of
        RSDS and enable individuals to make informed decisions about
        their health, including, but not limited to:
                (i)  Cause and nature of the disease.
                (ii)  Risk factors that contribute to the
            manifestation of the disease.
                (iii)  All available treatment options, including
            risks and benefits of said options.
                (iv)  Environmental safety and injury prevention.
                (v)  Rest and use of appropriate body mechanics.
                (vi)  Availability of RSDS diagnostic, treatment and
            outreach services in the community.
                (vii)  Any other factors or elements that might
            mitigate the effects of this disease.
            (2)  Develop educational materials and brochures which
        shall be made available to consumers through State and local
        departments of health, hospitals, clinics and other health
        care providers.
            (3)  Develop relationships with health care providers and
        health-related community-based organizations to promote and
        coordinate professional education programs on RSDS for,
        including, but not limited to:
                (i)  Research findings.
                (ii)  Cause and nature of the disease.
                (iii)  Risk factors, including, but not limited to,
            lifestyle, heredity and drug interactions.
                (iv)  Diagnostic procedures and appropriate
            indications for their use.
                (v)  All medical and surgical treatment options,
            including experimental and established drug therapies and
            the benefits and risks of each option.
                (vi)  Environmental safety and injury prevention.
                (vii)  Availability of RSDS diagnosis, treatment and
            support services in the community.
     Section 5.  Grant acceptance.
        The department may accept grants, services and property from
     the Federal Government, foundations, organizations and other
     entities as may be available to carry out the provisions of this
     act.
     Section 6.  Effective date.
        This act shall take effect in 60 days.