Local Lyme Task Force Hails Legislation Protecting Physicians

Patient groups across Connecticut and the nation, including members of the Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force, are elated by the June 21 announcement by Governor M. Jodi Rell that she has signed the Lyme disease doctor protection bill, following its recent unanimous passage in both houses of the Connecticut General Assembly.

Connecticut now becomes the third state in the nation to have a law that protects physicians who treat Lyme disease long term.

“Doctors in Connecticut — the absolute epicenter of Lyme disease — can continue to do what is best for their patients suffering from this complex illness. I think most people know someone who has been infected,” Gov Rell said. “The bill also recognizes that Lyme disease patients must have the freedom to choose which remedy or regimen best meets their needs.”

The disease gets its name from the shoreline town of Lyme, where in 1975 a cluster of children and adults there experienced uncommon arthritic symptoms. Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease is spread through the bite of infected deer ticks.

Symptoms include a rash, fatigue, headache, fever, and achy muscles and joints. Later symptoms may include arthritis, neurological problems, and heart problems.

The legislation, HB 6200, contains language that will protect Connecticut licensed Lyme treating physicians from prosecution by the State of Connecticut Medical Examining Board solely on the basis of a clinical diagnosis and/or for treatment of long-term Lyme disease.

The bill provides the definition for Lyme disease that includes “the presence in a patient of signs and symptoms compatible with acute infection with Borrelia burgdorferi; or with late stage or persistent or chronic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, or with complications related to such an infection.”

It also defines clinical diagnosis as determined by a physician “...that is based on knowledge obtained through the medical history and physical examination alone, or in conjunction with the testing that provides supportive data for such clinical diagnosis.”

In addition, it provides for updating the Lyme disease definition if other strains are found to cause Lyme disease.

This law resulted from months of negotiations between Legislative leaders, the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the undersigned patient groups. According to Maggie Shaw, Newtown Lyme Disease Task Force, “This law will be a relief to the families in Connecticut who will finally be able to receive care in their own communities and their own state. One of the burdens of Lyme disease, finding treatment, will be lifted from their shoulders, as this law offers hope to residents that more physicians who are knowledgeable about Lyme disease will be encouraged to practice within the State of Connecticut.”

Pat Smith, president of the national Lyme Disease Association, who has been working and meeting with legislators in Hartford to secure passage, commented on the new law: “Justice has been served. Human health has finally triumphed over vested interest in the Lyme capital of the world. Lyme patients and treating physicians in Connecticut can breathe a collective sigh of relief.

“For years, they have not only been battling the disease, but also battling the politics which have prevented patients from getting treatment and physicians from treating,” she continued. “Governor Rell and the Legislature have come down on the side of the people.”

The groups also extended gratitude to Newtown Representative Chris Lyddy, and recognized the support of patients, families, members of the Lyme community, the Connecticut Medical Society, Association of American Physicians and Surgeons, and the International Lyme & Associated Diseases Society was invaluable in getting the legislation passed.

“Doctors will have the right to use treatment guidelines based on their clinical experience and best medical judgment,” Gov Rell said. “This bill does not, however, shield any physician who provides substandard care.”

For wording on the bill, go to www.cga.ct.gov/HB6200 (File # 903).