State Rep. Kathy Kennedy. Contributed photo.
State Rep. Kathy Kennedy (R-119) hailed passage on April 20 of a proposal that aims to increase efforts to make endometriosis diagnosis easier while improving treatment options for all patients regardless of race, socio-economic status or sexual orientation.
The legislation, HB-5278, would require the University of Connecticut Health Center, in consultation with a research laboratory, develop a plan to establish an endometriosis data and biorepository program in the state to promote early detection of endometriosis in adolescents and adults, new therapeutic strategies for treatment and better overall management of endometriosis and early access to the latest therapeutic options for people diagnosed with endometriosis.
The bill also allows physicians’ continuing education in risk management to address screening for endometriosis and cultural competency to address the effects of systemic racism, explicit and implicit bias, racial disparities and the experiences of transgender and gender diverse people on patient diagnosis, care and treatment. It applies to license registration periods on or after Oct. 1.
Kennedy, who is a member of the Endometriosis Working Group, said, “This bill addresses a significant health concern among many women in our state. Having providers receive additional training, which may provide for an earlier diagnosis and treatment experience across a broader cultural population, will improve access to quality care.”
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory gynecologic condition that affects 200 million female-born individuals worldwide, 6.5 million in the United States and one out of 10 in Connecticut. It causes chronic debilitating pain, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia; is a leading cause of hysterectomy among individuals of reproductive age; and is associated with infertility, systemic inflammation, anxiety, depression, bladder and bowel dysfunction, as well as cancer.
During the Public Health Committee’s public hearing, Danielle Luciano, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UConn Health, testified that endometriosis symptoms and delayed diagnosis cost the health system and workforce productivity an estimated $20 billion annually.
The bill now heads to the state Senate for further action.