SF 2148

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 11:35pm

A bill for an act
relating to health; establishing an education and research program related to
complex regional pain syndrome; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
Statutes, chapter 145.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [145.935] COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME EDUCATION
AND RESEARCH PROGRAM ACT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin The following terms have the meanings given:
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new text begin (1) "commissioner" means the commissioner of health; and
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new text begin (2) "complex regional pain syndrome" or "CRPS" means a debilitating and
progressively chronic syndrome characterized by severe burning pain, pathological
changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity
to touch.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Findings. new text end

new text begin The legislature finds and declares the following:
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new text begin (a) Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as reflex sympathetic
dystrophy syndrome, is a debilitating and progressively chronic syndrome characterized
by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue
swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch, and occurs in five percent of all nerve injuries.
new text end

new text begin (b) More specifically, CRPS is thought to be a neuropathic pain syndrome that
generally occurs at the site of a minor or major trauma injury, but may also occur without
an apparent injury to the affected person.
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new text begin (c) While the cause of CRPS is unknown, the syndrome is thought to be the result of
damaged nerves of the sympathetic nervous system.
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new text begin (d) The syndrome is unique in that it simultaneously affects the nerves, skin,
muscles, blood vessels, and bones, and if untreated, can result in permanent disability and
chronic pain.
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new text begin (e) CRPS is often misdiagnosed because this syndrome is either unknown or is
poorly understood. The prognosis for patients suffering from CRPS is generally much
better when identified and treated as early as possible.
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new text begin (f) If treatment is delayed, CRPS can quickly spread to the entire limb, and changes
in bone and muscle may become irreversible, resulting in limited mobility, atrophy of the
muscles and eventual permanent disability of patients.
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new text begin (g) Since a delay in diagnosis or treatment for this syndrome can result in severe
physical and physiological problems, and early recognition and prompt treatment of
CRPS provides the greatest opportunity for recovery, it is in the best interest of the public
to establish a program to educate both individuals and medical professionals regarding
this debilitating condition and to promote research to accurately identify, diagnose, and
treat CRPS.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Education and research programs. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must establish
a CRPS education and research program. The purpose of the program is to promote
public awareness of the causes of CRPS, the value of early detection and the diagnosis of
and possible treatments for CRPS, and to promote research, through public and private
sources, to accurately identify, diagnose, and treat CRPS.
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new text begin (b) The commissioner must establish a public education program through the
department's Web site, to promote CRPS education, which will enable individuals to make
informed decisions about their health, including, but not limited to, the following elements:
new text end

new text begin (1) the cause and nature of CRPS;
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new text begin (2) the risk factors that contribute to the manifestation of CRPS;
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new text begin (3) available treatment options, including risks and benefits of those options;
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new text begin (4) environmental safety and injury prevention;
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new text begin (5) rest and use of appropriate body mechanics;
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new text begin (6) the availability of CRPS diagnostic, treatment, and outreach services in the
community; and
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new text begin (7) any other factors or elements that might mitigate the effects of CRPS.
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new text begin (c) The commissioner must notify local public health departments, hospitals, clinics,
and other healthcare providers about the availability of information concerning CRPS on
the department's Web site.
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new text begin (d) Within the limits of funds available to the Department of Health for this purpose,
the commissioner must coordinate, promote, and offer professional education programs,
through institutions of higher education, for healthcare providers and health-related
community-based organizations, which may include, but are not limited to, the following
elements:
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new text begin (1) research findings;
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new text begin (2) the cause and nature of CRPS;
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new text begin (3) the risk factors, including, but not limited to, lifestyle, heredity, and drug
interactions;
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new text begin (4) diagnostic procedures and appropriate indications for their use;
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new text begin (5) medical and surgical treatment options, including experimental and established
drug therapies, and the risks and benefits of each option;
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new text begin (6) environmental safety and injury prevention; and
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new text begin (7) the availability of CRPS diagnosis and treatment and support services in the
community.
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new text begin (e) The commissioner must promote research, through both private and public
funding sources, to accurately identify, diagnose, and treat CRPS.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Resources. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may accept and expend any grants, awards,
or other funding resources or appropriations available for purposes of this section.
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