Epilepsy centers of excellence

(a)

Requirement for establishment of epilepsy centers of excellence

Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

7330A.

Epilepsy centers of excellence

(a)

Designation of centers

Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall designate an epilepsy center of excellence at each of the 5 centers designated under section 7327. (b)

Expert clinical and research staff

Each center designated under subsection (a) shall employ such expert clinical and research staff, including board certified neurologists and neurosurgeons, as may be necessary to ensure that such center is capable of serving as a center of excellence in research, education, and clinical care activities in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, including post-traumatic epilepsy. (c)

Requirements and operation of centers

Each center designated under subsection (a) shall function as a center for— (1)research on the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term effects of epilepsy, including epilepsy developed as a result of combat, in order to support the provision of services for such diagnosis and treatment in accordance with the most current information on epilepsy; (2)the development of evidence-based methodologies for treating individuals with epilepsy; (3)the continuous and consistent coordination of care from the point of referral throughout the diagnostic and treatment process and ongoing follow-up after return to home and community; (4)the development of a national system of coordinated care for veterans with epilepsy, including the development and maintenance of a national network of Department health care personnel with an interest and expertise in the care and treatment of epilepsy and the establishment of a referral system and procedure within each Veterans Integrated Service Network; (5)assist in the expansion, where appropriate, of the utilization of telehealth technology, including exploring the use of such technology to develop, transmit, monitor, and review neurological diagnostic tests and other applicable uses of telehealth technology for the diagnosis, care, and treatment of veterans with epilepsy; and (6)the dissemination of educational materials and research regarding diagnosis, care, and treatment of epilepsy, throughout the Department. (d)

Administration

In order to assist the Secretary in carrying out this section, the Secretary shall designate a national coordinator for epilepsy programs who shall report to the official responsible for neurology at the Veterans Health Administration and shall— (1)supervise the operation of the centers designated under this section; (2)coordinate and support the national network of Department health care professionals with an interest and expertise in the care and treatment of epilepsy; (3)ensure that the education and research mission of such centers is being accomplished; and (4)conduct regular evaluations of such centers to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section. (e)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2013.

(b)

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7330 the following new item:

7330A. Epilepsy centers of excellence.