Bill · S. 494· Senate(119-S-494)
National Plan for Epilepsy Act
- Introduced
- 2/10/2025
- Last activity
- 8/10/2026 — Held at the desk.
- Sponsored by
- Eric Schmitt
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 19
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Awaiting House
What this bill would do
The National Plan for Epilepsy Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review and update existing Federal programs related to epilepsy. This review covers research, prevention, early identification, diagnosis, and treatment. The Secretary is tasked with identifying knowledge gaps and ways to improve health outcomes. The process involves soliciting input from Federal agencies, patient advocates, and subject matter experts. Finally, the Secretary must submit a report containing findings and recommendations to specific Congressional committees within two years.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill focuses on improving diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for those with epilepsy, a disabling condition.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+5
The bill aims to improve health outcomes, functionality, and quality of life for people living with epilepsy.
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+4
The bill directs a review to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and coordination of care for individuals with epilepsy.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Health Outcomes: The review aims to address knowledge gaps and improve health outcomes related to epilepsy (Section 2(a)).
-
Better Care and Coordination: The Act directs the consideration of opportunities to improve early diagnosis and the coordination of care and treatment for individuals with epilepsy (Section 2(b)(3)(C)).
-
Life-Saving Prevention: The review includes looking at ways to better prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and other epilepsy-related mortalities (Section 2(b)(3)(D)).
-
Enhanced Quality of Life: There is a focus on supporting new treatments and strategies to enhance functioning and improve the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers (Section 2(b)(3)(F)).
-
Stakeholder Inclusion: The Secretary is required to solicit input from relevant stakeholders, including patient advocates (Section 2(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+4Increases Research Funding+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5
- 8/10/2026
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Held at the desk.
- Received in the House.
- 8/4/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4426-4427; text: CR S4426-4427)
- 7/28/2026
- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 526.
- 7/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/22/2026
- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 7/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/18/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/17/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/1/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/11/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/17/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/5/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 1/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/17/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/27/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/20/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/8/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/1/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/3/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/24/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/10/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
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