For those of you who are unfamiliar with NAPA, it is listed at the end of this post. I just received an update from my chapter's Public Policy Advocate, who states:
"The new development I learned about on a conference call with our National Office this week, is that the Secretary of Health and Human Services would be overseeing NAPA and may then appoint a designee to carry out the plan. In other words, legislation would no longer be required to create a project office. That is how I understand that it is being presented to Committee at this time. I will keep you updated regarding and changes or outcomes. This is a great move towards coordinating efforts to address Alzheimer’s disease. Please see the posting below. "
U. S. Senate to Consider National Alzheimer’s Project Act
11.11.10
We are pleased that a significant development has occurred that brings us one step closer to passage of one of the Alzheimer's Association's top legislative priorities, the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) (S. 3036/H.R. 4689). After months of Alzheimer's Association direct work, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee announced it will consider NAPA on Nov. 17.
NAPA would:
Launch a campaign within the federal government to overcome Alzheimer's disease. Create a National Alzheimer's Disease Plan with clear objectives, accountability and timelines. Update and report the national plan, outcomes, recommendations and priority actions to Congress annually. Establish an inter-agency Advisory Council that will coordinate and evaluate all federal efforts on Alzheimer research, care, institutional services, and home- and community-based programs We are proud that NAPA is one of very few pieces of legislation that the committee will consider this month. Committee consideration, also known as a mark-up, will include any amendments or changes to the legislation. The Association has been working and will continue to work closely with the sponsors of the bill and members of the committee to ensure that any amendments contribute to the goals of the legislation.
We anticipate that the bill will be passed by the committee next week. With the help of Association advocates, chapters and staff, we then hope to secure a successful vote on the Senate floor.
So, according to the e-mail, if all goes as planned, a Senate vote will not be necessary to get this legislation. It's a big IF, but it is currently a possiblity.