The bill, H.F. No. 1765, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, seeks to establish the Minnesota Epilepsy Program under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 145. The program aims to provide statewide support, education, and resources for individuals living with epilepsy and related seizure disorders in order to improve health outcomes and reduce early mortality, including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Key Provisions:

1. Epilepsy Support and Education:

   • The Minnesota Department of Health will identify priority actions to provide communication resources, tools, strategies, and policies to assist individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers.
   • Focus on community-based and culturally specific approaches to ensure accessibility.
   • The effectiveness of these strategies will be evaluated.
   • Funds may be granted to community organizations to collaborate on epilepsy-related health initiatives.

2. Professional Training and Education:

   • The Department of Health, in collaboration with medical and nursing boards, state agencies, and non-profit epilepsy advocacy organizations, will develop training programs and educational materials.
   • The training will target health care providers, including emergency workers, community health practitioners, and EMS personnel, teaching screening and referral methods.
   • Grants will be available for nonprofit organizations to develop epilepsy-related curriculum and training materials for schools.

3. Data Collection and Statewide Planning:

   • A system for data collection, analysis, and reporting on epilepsy and seizure disorders in Minnesota will be created.
   • Data on diagnoses, clinical outcomes, mortality rates, and population health trends will be compiled.
   • Findings will support statewide coordination efforts to improve health equity for individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers.
   • The state will evaluate the effectiveness of its epilepsy-related initiatives.

Appropriation of Funds:

• The bill allocates funding from Minnesota’s general fund for implementing the Minnesota Epilepsy Program in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Purpose:

This law is designed to enhance epilepsy care, awareness, and accessibility of resources in Minnesota while promoting training for healthcare providers and ensuring data-driven decision-making to improve long-term outcomes.