Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act
Impact
If passed, HB8223 will lead to enhanced federal support for research into menopause and associated conditions, such as mental and behavioral health challenges, diabetes, and hypertension. It mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities for public health promotion activities and to improve early detection and treatment of menopause symptoms. The bill also requires grants for training programs designed to educate healthcare professionals on how to effectively manage menopausal symptoms, thereby potentially transforming the quality of care provided to women during mid-life.
Summary
House Bill 8223, titled the 'Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act,' focuses on improving the health outcomes of women during the menopausal transition and beyond. The bill proposes significant reforms aimed at expanding research, public health promotion, and training programs related to menopause and mid-life women's health. It emphasizes the need for better public health awareness and education concerning menopausal symptoms, chronic conditions associated with mid-life, and the overall healthcare services available to this demographic. This legislation seeks to address the unique health challenges faced by women as they enter this stage of life.
Contention
Some points of contention may arise regarding the funding allocations and the prioritization of certain healthcare services over others. Stakeholders may argue about the best strategies to effectively disseminate the benefits of the bill across diverse populations, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to specialized care is limited. There may also be discussions on the role of community stakeholders and the effectiveness of proposed training programs in achieving desired health outcomes among mid-life women.
Expressing support for the recognition of October 2023, as "World Menopause Awareness Month" and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding global awareness and access to care during the menopausal transition and post-menopause.
Establishes interagency council on menopause in DOH and requires certain lincensed health care professionals to distribute menopause informational pamphlets under certain circumstances.