SECOND REGULAR SESSION

House Concurrent Resolution No. 27

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

4977L.01I

            Whereas, fibromyalgia is a significant health problem affecting over five million adults nationwide. It is six times more prevalent than muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, leukemia, and multiple sclerosis combined; and

            Whereas, fibromyalgia is a disabling pain condition. Its symptoms are chronic, and include pain, extreme fatigue, sleep disorders, migraine headaches, and impairment of memory and concentration; and

            Whereas, the average fibromyalgia patient suffers for an average of five years prior to obtaining a correct diagnosis, resulting in a worsened condition that is more debilitating and more difficult and expensive to treat; and

            Whereas, fibromyalgia patients are often misunderstood by family members, employers, and physicians as malingerers, depressives, and hypochondriacs due to inadequate knowledge of fibromyalgia. While the condition may be mistakenly thought of by some as a mental health disorder, it is actually a pain condition as defined by the American College of Rheumatology and should be treated as such. Fibromyalgia patients look normal and can function normally for short periods of time, but quickly experience debilitating pain and fatigue; and

            Whereas, fibromyalgia is costly to the state. An estimated one billion dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, and associated economic costs can be attributed nationwide to the disease. It is also costly in social terms to families and children, as 90% of fibromyalgia patients are women; and

            Whereas, evidence indicates that the incidence of fibromyalgia may be increasing at a rapid rate:

            Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-fourth General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby support the establishment of the Missouri Fibromyalgia Awareness Initiative Program to do all of the following:

            (1) Promote public awareness regarding fibromyalgia, a widespread but poorly understood disease;

            (2) Promote understanding of the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment and management;

            (3) Promote the delivery of appropriate information, programs, and services;

            (4) Encourage research into the nature, cause, and treatment of this debilitating disease. Currently there is no laboratory test for detecting fibromyalgia;

            (5) Promote open access to accepted treatments for fibromyalgia and distribution of information about how patients can gain access to those therapies; and

            (6) Require an assessment, including the potential implications for use of different types of controlled substances and abuse of other substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs; and

            Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed copies of this resolution for Governor Matt Blunt and the Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services.