Recognizing the significant and often overlooked behavioral health needs experienced by individuals and families affected by rare diseases, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1290
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-29T16:07:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This resolution recognizes the behavioral health needs of individuals and families affected by rare diseases, which often include anxiety, depression, and caregiver stress due to long diagnostic delays and care challenges. It affirms that behavioral health support should be part of comprehensive rare disease care and urges federal actions to address gaps in access and resources.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Recognizes that rare diseases affect 25 to 30 million Americans, many of them children, and that related behavioral health issues are common but often overlooked.
- States that behavioral health care is essential and should be integrated into clinical care, research, and federal policies.
- Calls on agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to prioritize behavioral health in rare disease programs.
- Encourages expansion of standardized peer support programs for patients, caregivers, and families.
- Supports training to improve cultural competency in care delivery.
- Urges increased investment in the behavioral health workforce, especially for child and adolescent services.
- Recommends that public and private insurers address reimbursement barriers for integrated care.
- Promotes incentives for clinicians to receive education on rare diseases and their mental health aspects.
- Supports collaboration among federal agencies, advocacy groups, academic institutions, and community partners.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced This is a non-binding House resolution and introduces no changes to existing statutes or regulations. It serves only as a formal recognition and set of recommendations.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Encourages the Department of Health and Human Services and related bodies to include behavioral health in rare disease research funding and care models.
- Citizens: Aims to improve access to mental health support for rare disease patients and families through better workforce capacity and peer programs.
- No direct effects on international relations are addressed.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and families living with rare diseases.
- Caregivers and patient advocacy organizations.
- Federal health agencies and programs.
- Behavioral health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
- Health insurance payors and health care systems.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The resolution carries no legal force and does not create new rights or obligations. It operates within Congress's authority to issue statements of policy and may influence future legislative or administrative priorities without altering constitutional frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-05-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the significant and often overlooked behavioral health needs experienced by individuals and families affected by rare diseases, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (4 pages)