Bill
SR 117
Designates May 5–11, 2024 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week to raise public awareness, promote regular screening for at‑risk patients, and encourage evaluation of symptoms.
Status: Adopted
Primary purpose
- SR 117 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating May 5–11, 2024 as “Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) Awareness Week.” Its intent is to raise public and medical-community awareness about TD, encourage regular monitoring of at‑risk patients, and prompt people experiencing symptoms to seek medical evaluation.
Key findings and statements in the resolution
- TD is an involuntary movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal, repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, fingers, or toes.
- TD can result from prolonged use of dopamine receptor–blocking medications, including antipsychotics and certain antiemetic (anti‑nausea) drugs. These medications are used to treat serious mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder) and some gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., gastroparesis, severe nausea/vomiting).
- Even mild TD symptoms can have physical, social, and emotional impacts.
- The resolution cites an estimated U.S. prevalence of about 600,000 people with TD and notes that roughly 65% of people with TD are undiagnosed.
- The American Psychiatric Association recommends regular screening of people taking TD‑risk medications.
- Clinical research has produced FDA‑approved treatments for adults with TD; early recognition and treatment can improve outcomes.
Key provisions / actions requested
- Officially designate May 5–11, 2024 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
- Encourage individuals experiencing uncontrollable, abnormal, or repetitive movements to consult their healthcare provider regarding symptoms.
- Promote awareness and understanding of TD among the public and medical community.
Who is affected / intended audience
- Patients taking dopamine‑blocking medications (psychiatric and certain GI patients) and their caregivers.
- Healthcare providers who prescribe or monitor these medications.
- Public health and advocacy groups concerned with mental health, movement disorders, and medication safety.
Procedural / timeline notes
- Introduced and adopted by the Senate (text shows adoption on May 7, 2024 in the enrolled resolution). The overall compiled document lists the resolution as ADOPTED.
- Sponsors listed in the enrolled text include Senators McDonald Rivet, Huizenga, and Santana (among others indicated in the record). The resolution is non‑binding and symbolic rather than regulatory; it does not create new law or funding.
Impact
- As a formal observance resolution, the measure primarily aims to raise visibility of TD, encourage clinical vigilance and screening, and reduce under‑diagnosis by promoting patient‑provider discussion and awareness of available treatments.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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