Sponsored by Rep. Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake) and Sen. Doug Magnus (R-Slayton), a new law establishes the third week of every September as Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week. During this time, Minnesotans will be urged to become better informed about mitochondrial diseases, which affect mitochondria — the “power plants” in every cell of the body.
The provisions may be cited in statute as “Leo’s Law,” so named after Leo James Chapman-Nesseth, a 1-year-old who died from a mitochondrial disorder in 2010. Hamilton said he was contacted by the boy’s parents, who suggested legislation to raise awareness of the condition.
According to the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation’s website, Mitochondrial disorders occur when the power plants in a body’s cells fail to convert oxygen and food into energy. They can cause a wide range of serious health problems, from strokes and seizures to organ failure and immune system problems. Mitochondrial diseases can be inherited, or they can develop due to environmental factors.
The law takes effect Aug. 1, 2011.
HF287/
SF361*/CH104
A positive balance
Omnibus health care law focuses on reform, restoring cuts and delaying pending cuts
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Looking out for children and families
Law offers new safe haven option for newborns; addresses adoption and child safety
(view full story)
Published 5/25/2012
Caring for those who care for others
Omnibus health and human services bill remains a moving target
(view full story)
Published 3/30/2012
Nursing home funding models
Should residents who can afford to, pay more?
(view full story)
Published 3/23/2012
Minnesota Index: Smoking in the state
Facts and statistics on tobacco use in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 3/16/2012
Reform measures draw support
Health and human services reductions draw sharp DFL rebuke
(view full story)
Published 8/11/2011
Delivery of health and human services
Governor says proposal puts too many people in health care jeopardy
(view full story)
Published 7/15/2011
Surgical precision
HHS budget — end-of-session sticking point
(view full story)
Published 5/20/2011
Advocating for patients and constituents
Nurses as legislators add their perspective to health care issues
(view full story)
Published 5/13/2011
Aiming for reform
House approves omnibus health and human services finance bill
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Omnibus game and fish bill approved
Deer hunting, two-line fishing provisions push people’s buttons
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
Care for underserved communities
Community paramedic program is a ‘first of its kind’ proponents say
(view full story)
Published 4/8/2011
A hand up in climb out of poverty
Bipartisan initiative looks to fund expansion of ‘Circles of Support’ program
(view full story)
Published 4/1/2011
Feature: A healthier Minnesota
Long-term savings the goal of statewide improvement plan
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011
At Issue: No access for all
Report says more oversight needed of state-funded non-emergency transportation
(view full story)
Published 2/4/2011