Relative to Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.
The resolution seeks to empower individuals experiencing symptoms of TD to consult their healthcare providers for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The American Psychiatric Association recommends regular screening for TD, underscoring the legislative intent to enhance awareness and improve health outcomes for those affected by this condition. By officially designating a week for awareness, the resolution aims to foster discussions around the necessity of monitoring and treating TD among healthcare providers and the public.
House Resolution No. 88, introduced by Assembly Member Boerner, designates the week of May 6, 2024, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in California. This resolution aims to raise awareness about Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a movement disorder that can occur in individuals taking dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs) commonly used to treat serious mental health conditions. The bill emphasizes the condition's prevalence, with an estimated 600,000 individuals affected in the United States, and highlights the importance of regular monitoring for patients using these medications.
While HR 88 does not appear to have substantial opposition regarding its intent, it could face discussions around the allocation of resources for awareness programs and the responsibilities placed on healthcare providers for monitoring TD. The potential for integrating this awareness initiative into broader mental health initiatives remains a point of interest, particularly as discussions continue about mental health treatment protocols in California.