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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 15, 2024 12:33 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Michael H. Schlossberg |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Medication-Induced Movement Disorders Education Program |
| Patients prescribed certain kinds of medications, including antipsychotic medications, may develop abnormal, involuntary movements and those neuromuscular movements can persist or become permanent. Many patients, caregivers, and health care providers are unaware of this risk, even while prescription rates of these medications continue to rise across the country and the Commonwealth. Many Commonwealth services remain unaware that specific populations they serve are more at risk for these involuntary movement disorders. In fact, the majority of patients living with certain medication-induced movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia, tardive dystonia, and tardive akathisia, remain undiagnosed. Moreover, a disproportionate number of at-risk patients receive care from safety net providers in our public health system. According to the American Psychiatric Association, high-risk patients for these disorders include adults older than 55, women, Black patients, patients with mood disorders, substance use disorders, or intellectual disabilities; and patients with long-term use of antipsychotics, particularly high-dose or first-generation antipsychotic medications. Education about medication-induced movement disorders, the importance of routine screening, and corresponding provider practice guidelines can raise awareness, support early identification of symptoms and diagnosis, and provide pathways to intervene earlier with appropriate treatment and care. Similar laws requiring public education for these same medication-induced movement disorders have passed in neighboring states; both the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives have considered and passed resolutions recognizing the harm caused by these disorders in the current and previous sessions. To that end, this legislation will establish a medication-induced movement disorder program within the Department of Health, in coordination with other key Departments that serve patients who are often prescribed these mental health medications. Specifically, this program will provide educational information to providers and the public on the importance of screening and recognizing symptoms of medication-induced movement disorders; develop clinical guidance for treating medication-induced movement disorders, including for the use of telehealth, which may require additional considerations for at-risk patients; and provide education and outreach on the elimination of stigma associated with medication-induced involuntary movements. Please consider joining me in sponsoring this important legislation. |
Memo Updated: October 15, 2024 12:50 PM