Bilirakis Works to Improve Health Care and Treatment
This week, the Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health continued efforts to improve health care and treatment. Members discussed bipartisan legislation to address shortcomings in the current health care system to better serve our patients, athletes, families, and communities.
"These bills will bring about necessary reforms to our health care system," said Congressman Gus Biliriaks (R-FL). "Thanks to the input of experts, stakeholders, and patients, we have created bipartisan legislation to truly help people across the country."
Congressman Bilirakis is a co-sponsor of H.R. 4153, the Educating to Prevent Eating Disorders Act that would establish a pilot program to test the impact of early intervention on the prevention, management, and course of eating disorders. Bilirakis questioned Dr. Bermudez on this important topic:
"As part of my ongoing commitment to raise awareness and find solutions for mental health issues, I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation to help those suffering from this devastating mental illness," said Bilirakis. "About 30 million people suffer from an eating disorder. This issue is very important to so many of my constituents and it is crucial we do what we can to help all those affected."
Congressman Bilirakis is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 921, the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, legislation to clarify medical liability rules for athletic trainers and medical professionals to ensure they are properly covered by their malpractice insurance while traveling with athletic teams in another state.
"When our sports teams travel to take on opponents, their medical staff does too," said Bilirakis. "This legislation will ensure our local teams will still have access to the team physicians when they cross state lines."
The Subcommittee also discussed bipartisan bills to help athletic trainers, medical professionals, expectant mothers, nurses, patients, and families across the nation.
To read text of the legislation and to watch the hearing, click here.