‘Resolve, To Provide Education Concerning and Insurance Coverage for Lyme Disease’

‘Sec. 1. Public education; Lyme disease. Resolved: That within existing resources, the Department of Health and Human Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention shall develop a public education program related to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. At a minimum, the public education program developed by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention must include the distribution of written materials to elementary and secondary schools and health care providers throughout the State. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention shall also expand and update the information and resources made available on its publicly accessible website regarding Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses; and be it further

Sec. 2. Committee review; authorization to submit legislation. Resolved: That upon the approval of the Legislative Council, the Joint Standing Committee on Insurance and Financial Services shall review issues regarding Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, including, but not limited to, the difficulties associated with diagnosis, the differences between treatment protocols recommended for treatment and the manner in which insurance coverage is provided. In conducting its review, the committee shall invite the participation of interested parties and gather public input as necessary. The committee may submit legislation related to its review to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.’