Senate Bill SB 971 is scheduled to be introduced this Thursday, January 24th at 8:30 AM in Richmond. It has taken a tremendous effort to have this bill drafted and prepared for this hearing. Senator Dick Black will introduce SB 971 with letters of support from Congressman Frank Wolf and we anticipate one from Governor McDonnell. Professionals will be testifying in support of this bill.
Our presenters alone will not get this bill passed.
The Virginia Medical Society will oppose the bill, claiming that government should not interfere with the way physicians practice medicine. As patients know too well, early detection and treatment is critical to prevent dissemination and development of chronic illness.
Yet all too often, early tests lead to dismissal of Lyme as a diagnosis. This patient information bill will ensure that anyone receiving a negative Lyme disease test result will be informed the test is not conclusive and they should consider retesting.
If you're not there on Thursday, the assumption of the General Assembly will be:
Patients
do NOT need to be informed about the inaccuracy of Lyme disease testing.
We need you, your family and friends in Richmond on Thursday.
Due to the early time of day the hearing has been scheduled, we are asking as many people as possible to attempt to car pool together and drive down to Richmond in the morning, or to bus together.
Please arrive at the General Assembly Building by 8:00 AM sharp. We are hoping that the room will be filled with Lyme patients and their friends and family members from Virginia and surrounding states showing their support as well as the very fact that they exist. We have also been told that a visual representation is a very powerful way to sway the way a committee might vote.
Your physical presence is just as important as the presenters.
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for you and your friends and family members to be in Richmond Thursday morning supporting this bill.
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