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State Representative Bob Dettmer
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4124
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
REPRESENTATIVE DETTMER PUSHES FOR BETTER TREATMENT FOR THOSE WITH LYME DISEASE
By Bob Dettmer
State Representative
District 52A
While serving in office I have had the opportunity to meet with many people on a variety of issues. One issue that I had relatively little previous experience with was that of Lyme disease. But after talking with constituents that have had the disease I quickly realized something needed to be done.
This past session I introduced legislation in the Minnesota House of Representatives, which was also carried by Sen. Ray Vandeveer in the Senate that would allow for those suffering from Lyme disease to receive better treatment. Under current Medical Board guidelines doctors can only prescribe medication for four weeks. With treatment times much longer than the currently allowed 4 weeks we need to make sure the people are able to receive, and the doctors are able to provide, the treatment needed.
Last year more than 1,200 people were diagnosed with Lyme disease in Minnesota. But the number of people infected could be much higher, because the disease is often misdiagnosed. Once Lyme disease is properly diagnosed, only being able to prescribe four weeks of medication leaves doctors in Minnesota the inability to dispense the long-term antibiotic therapy needed for treatment.
Treating Lyme disease effectively can require 16 months, or more, to fully treat and cure an infected person. This means several trips to the doctors’ office to receive the prescription necessary. People should have the freedom to receive the necessary treatment to fight this disease without repeat visits to the doctor. People deserve the freedom and choice to get the best treatment with the least amount of hassle.
While no action was taken this past session Sen. Vandeveer and I will reintroduce similar legislation next year and push for action in the Senate and House. This legislation will be necessary, especially next spring when we enter into tick season. We will continue meeting with the Medial Board and those who are searching for solutions to the Lyme disease health problem. More information on Lyme disease can be found at the Minnesota Lyme Action Group web site:
www.minnesotalymeactiongroup.com
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