The U.S. Senate passed S. 793, the Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act as sponsored by Senator Hatch (R-UT), that would expand and intensify programs that monitor traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases, research treatment techniques, and provide states with federal funding for the treatment of TBI.
In addition to reauthorizing current brain injury programs, the bill also would require a study of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with TBI. Veterans often do not receive adequate treatment, rehabilitation, and help reintegrating into their communities once they leave the hospital. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to consider similar legislation before the end of the year.
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions reported that there is a strong need for this legislation. "Most rehabilitation programs are designed for people with physical disabilities, not cognitive disabilities that require special accommodations. Finding needed services is typically a logistical, financial, and psychological challenge for family members and other caregivers, because few coordinated systems of care exist for individuals with TBI...More work needs to be done at both the national and State level to build an effective, durable service system for meeting the needs of individuals with TBI and their families." For further information, please contact Elizabeth Mundinger, ASHA's Director of Federal and Political Advocacy, via e-mail at emundinger@asha.org or by phone at 800-498-2071, extension 5610.
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