South Dakota Senate Bill SCR603

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/22
• Engrossed: 2/7/22
• Enrolled: 2/16/22

Caption

To raise awareness about tardive dyskinesia.

Impact

The passage of SCR603 does not change existing laws directly but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of understanding tardive dyskinesia as a public health issue. It positions the state as supportive of initiatives to inform and educate healthcare professionals and the community about the potential long-term effects of certain mental health treatments, encouraging better patient monitoring and care practices. The resolution may influence future legislative or public health campaigns related to mental health and drug safety.

Summary

SCR603 is a concurrent resolution aimed at raising awareness about tardive dyskinesia, a disorder characterized by involuntary movements often resulting from the long-term use of dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), such as antipsychotic medications. The resolution highlights the risks associated with these medications and emphasizes the need for greater awareness among both the public and the medical community regarding the possibility of tardive dyskinesia in patients undergoing treatment. The resolution declares the week of May 1, 2022, as 'Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week' in South Dakota, urging citizens to educate themselves about this issue.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SCR603 is predominantly positive, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to address mental health disorders and their treatment side effects. Legislators from both parties supported the resolution, indicating a unified front in advocating for mental health awareness. The resolution does not have significant opposition, as raising awareness about a medical condition is generally seen as beneficial; however, the challenges involved in addressing the complexities of mental health remain a topic of discussion.

Contention

While SCR603 does not stir much contention, it raises awareness about the risks associated with antipsychotic medications, advocating for regular screening of tardive dyskinesia in patients needing long-term DRBA treatments. Notable points of discussion include the need for educational resources to ensure that both healthcare providers and patients are aware of the potential for misdiagnosis and the imperative for informed treatment choices. As new treatments have recently been approved by the FDA, the resolution may also open avenues for discussions regarding access to these therapies.