A house resolution designating May 3 to 9, 2026, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Danny Nadeau

Designates May 3–9, 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week to raise public and medical awareness of TD, its link to DRBA use, and importance of screening and treatment.

Resolution introduced, referred to Rules and Legislative Administration

#disabilitiesandaccess #resolutions

Summary of HR 12 (94th Legislature, 2025-2026) – Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week

Purpose and intent

Designates a specific awareness period in Minnesota: May 3 to May 9, 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.

Aims to raise public and medical community awareness about tardive dyskinesia (TD), its causes, symptoms, and impact on individuals treated with dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), including certain antipsychotics and medications for other conditions.

Key provisions and changes

Establishes the designation of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week within Minnesota.

Encourages awareness and education among residents of Minnesota about TD, its symptoms, and its potential consequences on physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Highlights the link between prolonged DRBA use (often used to treat serious mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and certain gastrointestinal disorders like gastroparesis, nausea, and vomiting) and the risk of developing TD.

References that regular screening for TD in patients treated with DRBAs is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association, underscoring the importance of monitoring and early detection.

Notes that there are FDA-approved treatments for TD for adults, produced through clinical research.

Who or what would be affected

Residents of Minnesota, particularly individuals taking DRBAs for mental health or related medical conditions.

Healthcare providers, caregivers, and medical professionals in Minnesota who monitor patients on DRBAs, given the emphasis on awareness and regular TD screening.

Public and medical communities within Minnesota, through increased awareness efforts during the designated week.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The resolution was introduced and referred to the Rules and Legislative Administration committee on May 11, 2026.

As a House resolution, it does not create new law or funding but designates a time frame for awareness and education activities.

Sponsorship noted: Co-sponsor Danny Nadeau.

Potential impact

Raises public consciousness about TD and its association with DRBA medications.

Encourages healthcare practices that screen for TD in patients taking DRBAs, aligning with American Psychiatric Association recommendations.

May foster increased reporting, earlier recognition of TD symptoms, and better patient education about treatment options, including FDA-approved TD therapies for adults.

Could support future advocacy, education campaigns, and community outreach during the designated Awareness Week.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to other state-level TD awareness efforts or outline potential talking points for health advocates during the May 3–9, 2026 period.