SB 596
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2005 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Revised
Senate Bill 596 (Senator Colburn, et al.)
Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs and Finance Health and Government
Operations
State Board of Physicians - Information Regarding Lyme Disease and Other
Tick-Borne Illness
This bill requires the Board of Physicians to develop and disseminate a document to all
licensees regarding the most recent diagnosis and treatment information for Lyme
Disease and other related tick-borne illness. The document must include the most recent information regarding the use of long-term antibiotic or antimicrobial therapy and be distributed annually.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2005
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The distribution of information regarding Lyme Disease and long-term
treatment could be handled with existing Board of Physicians budgeted resources. No
effect on revenues.
Local Effect: None.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Background: Lyme Disease is an infection that spreads throughout the whole body.
The disease begins when a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi enters the skin
SB 596 / Page 2 when a person is bitten by an infected tick. The bacteria can spread through skin and blood to reach parts ofthe body far from the tick bite.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antibiotic treatment for
three to four weeks with doxycycline or amoxicillin is generally effective in early
disease. Some patients with Lyme Disease develop chronic symptoms that do not
disappear. These symptoms can include arthritis, nerve pains, and concentration and
memory problems. Later-stage Lyme Disease, particularly with objective neurological
manifestations, may require treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone or penicillin for four
weeks or more, depending on disease severity. In later-stage disease, treatment failures may occur and retreatment may benecessary.
Incidences of Lyme Disease occur mainly in the northeastern states. Maryland has the
seventh highest infection rate in the nation, with 17.4 cases per 100,000 residents.
Current Law: None applicable.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Cross File: None.
Information Source(s): Lyme Disease – HHS Programs and Resources (June 2001),
U.S. General Accounting Office; U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
National Institutes of Health; Office of Administrative Hearings; Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene (Board of Physicians); Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History:
mam/ljm
First Reader - March 8, 2005
Revised - Senate Third Reader - April 4, 2005
Analysis by: Susan D. John Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
Fiscal and Policy Note
http://mlis.state.md.us/2005rs/fnotes/bil_0006/sb0596.pdf
Original Bill Was Gutted by Andy Harris/Paula Hollinger in the Maryland Senate Health Committee after passing the House. It had to be killed to protect patients and doctors.