Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2015

Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention, Education, and Research Act of 2015

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the Tick-Borne Diseases Advisory Committee to advise HHS on how to: (1) ensure coordination with other federal agencies, private organizations, and constituency groups regarding efforts to address Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases; (2) ensure that a broad spectrum of scientific viewpoints is considered in public health policy decisions and that information disseminated to the public and physicians is based on the best available science; and (3) advise federal agencies on priorities related to tick-borne diseases.

HHS must coordinate federal activities related to tick-borne diseases and conduct or support activities related to tick-borne diseases, including:

• developing diagnostic tools and tests,
• improving the efficient utilization of diagnostic tests,
• surveillance and reporting,
• providing and promoting access to a clearinghouse of information,
• increasing public education,
• creating a physician education program on the latest research and treatment options for Lyme disease,
• research on tick repellents and strategies for the control of ticks,
• exploring the potential for vaccines,
• establishing epidemiological research objectives, and
• determining the effectiveness of different treatments.

HHS must report on scientific conferences that cost the federal government more than $100,000 and address tick-borne diseases.