Arthritis Prevention Control Cure Act Committee Approval

Author: Arthritis Foundation
Published: 2010/09/23 - Updated: 2026/01/31
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: Laws and Rights - Related Publications

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This announcement provides authoritative information from the Arthritis Foundation regarding legislative action on H.R. 1210/S. 984, the first significant bipartisan arthritis legislation in over three decades. The content offers valuable insights into federal policy affecting the 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability, and details how the Act would enhance federally funded research, strengthen public health initiatives, and address the critical shortage of pediatric rheumatologists. People with disabilities, seniors managing arthritic conditions, and healthcare advocates will find this information particularly relevant as it outlines specific policy mechanisms designed to improve access to care and support for those affected by this widespread condition - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

House Committee Approves Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act

The Arthritis Foundation announces a major step in passing bi-partisan arthritis legislation in more than 30 years. The Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act (H.R. 1210/S. 984) was approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and will now go to the House of Representatives to vote on passage.

Bill sponsor U.S. Rep Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) urged the committee leadership to pass the bill in order to address arthritis, a disease that impacts one in five (46 million) Americans and 300,000 children and is the nation's most common cause of disability.

"I'm very proud that my bipartisan legislation has been passed by the Energy and Commerce Committee. The bill will provide states and non-profits the resources they need to tackle this debilitating disorder," Rep. Eshoo said. "It invests in the critical needs of children and adults suffering from arthritis, and in research that will alleviate the costs to future generations of Americans who are diagnosed. I'll continue to fight for this legislation until it's signed into law."

Main Content

The Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act, when enacted, will better focus federally funded arthritis research, expand and strengthen public health initiatives proven to combat the burden of arthritis, and improve access to pediatric rheumatologists to address the country's severe shortage of these critical health professionals.

"The Arthritis Foundation is comprised of people all across this nation who have worked tirelessly over the past seven years to let Congress know that more needs to be done for people with arthritis," said Dr. John Klippel, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "Our grassroots advocates deserve to be recognized for reaching and successfully communicating this message to the majority of Congress."

To date, 179 Representatives have joined as co-sponsors of the bill. The Arthritis Foundation urges people to show support for this bill by calling their member of congress and becoming an advocate today.

Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of the 46 million Americans, including 300,000 children, living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. The Foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; supporting research and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The advancement of the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act through the House Energy and Commerce Committee represents a significant policy milestone after decades of legislative inaction on a condition that silently affects nearly one in five Americans. What makes this legislation particularly noteworthy is its bipartisan support - 179 co-sponsors demonstrate rare political consensus on a healthcare issue that crosses demographic and geographic boundaries. The bill's three-pronged approach of enhancing research funding, expanding proven public health programs, and addressing the pediatric rheumatologist shortage reflects a nuanced understanding of arthritis as both a medical and social challenge. For the 300,000 children living with juvenile arthritis and the millions of adults whose daily functioning is compromised by this condition, the legislation offers not just hope but concrete mechanisms for improved care delivery and scientific advancement that could reshape treatment paradigms for generations to come - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Arthritis Foundation and published on 2010/09/23, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.