National Plan for Epilepsy Act
Key claim: The National Plan for Epilepsy Act would require HHS to create a national epilepsy plan, an advisory council, and biennial congressional reporting to coordinate research, care, and services through 2035.
Abstract
(HR1189 · 119th Congress) National Plan for Epilepsy Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national plan, form an advisory council, and take other actions to address epilepsy. The requirements sunset on December 31, 2035. Specifically, the bill requires HHS to carry out a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure epilepsy. In carrying out the plan, HHS must implement activities such as coordinating research and services across all federal agencies and soliciting public comments. Also, HHS must establish an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services. The advisory council must report to HHS and Congress every two years with an evaluation of federally funded efforts. Additionally, HHS must annually report to Congress with recommended actions based on its assessments of the nation’s progress on epilepsy. Latest action (2025-02-11): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Why this matters
For patients and providers, a national epilepsy plan would not immediately change what is covered or paid for, but it would create a durable federal mechanism to align research funding, care standards, and services — similar in structure to prior national plans for Alzheimer’s and other conditions. The advisory council and biennial reporting cycle could shape downstream HHS priorities and appropriations through 2035.