Delaware General Assembly

CHAPTER 70

FORMERLY

SENATE BILL NO. 67

WHEREAS, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) is a debilitating and progressively chronic condition characterized by severe burning pain, pathological changes in bone and skin, excessive sweating, tissue swelling, and extreme sensitivity to touch; and

WHEREAS, while RSDS is thought to be a nerve disorder that generally occurs at the site of a minor or major trauma injury, but may also occur without an apparent injury to the afflicted person; and

WHEREAS, the causes of RSDS are unknown, the syndrome is thought to be the result of damaged nerves of the sympathetic nervous system; and

WHEREAS, the disorder is unique in that it simultaneously affects the nerves, skin, muscles, blood vessels, and bones; and

WHEREAS, RSDS is often misdiagnosed because this condition is either unknown or is poorly understood; and

WHEREAS, the prognosis for patients suffering from RSDS is generally much better when the condition is identified and treated as early as possible, ideally within three months of the onset of the first symptoms; and

WHEREAS, if treatment is delayed, the disorder can quickly spread to the entire limb, and changes in bone and muscle may become irreversible, resulting in limited mobility, atrophy of the muscles, and eventual disability and unemployment of patients; and

WHEREAS, a delay in diagnosis or treatment for this syndrome can result in severe physical and physiological problems, and early recognition and prompt treatment of RSDS provide the greatest opportunity for recovery; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the State to establish a program to educate both individuals and medical professionals regarding this debilitative disease and to promote research to accurately identify, diagnose, and treat this disease;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Chapter 30, Title 16 of the Delaware Code by striking the descriptive heading of Chapter 30 in its entirety and by substituting in lieu thereof:

"CHAPTER 30. NONCONTAGIOUS DISEASE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES".

Section 2. Amend Chapter 30, Title 16 of the Delaware Code by adding thereto a new section to read:

"§3002. RSDS education.

The Secretary of Health and Social Services shall establish, promote, and maintain a Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS), also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, education initiative in order to raise public awareness of, and to educate consumers, health professionals, teachers, and human services providers about, the causes and nature of RSDS, personal risk factors, the value of early detection and prompt treatment, and options for diagnosing and treating the disease.".