Sample Legislation

State legislators have many options in efforts to increase awareness, education and service provision within their state. The following examples 1) demonstrate the wide range of policy options available; and 2) provide state legislators with sample legislation to facilitate Rheumatoid Arthritis and Arthritis initiatives.

"Arthritis Foundation" License Plate

Mississippi

Arthritis Awareness

Day

Massachusetts

Month

Puerto Rico

Initiatives

Illinois

Arthritis Program Creation

Arthritis Center Creation

Missouri

Arthritis Education and Outreach

Pennsylvania

West Virginia

Rheumatology Fellowships

Missouri

Arthritis Information Network Creation

Missouri

State Legislature Findings and Comments

Illinois

Maryland

Waivers

Illinois

Facts & Statistics

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with no known cause or cure.
Approximately 1.3 million Americans have RA.
Two to three times more women than men have RA.
Onset usually occurs between 20 and 60 years of age with incidence increasing with age.
Possible RA risk factors include genetics, environment (bacteria or virus), hormone levels and/or stress.
RA often begins with morning stiffness and fatigue, progressing over weeks or months to joint swelling and pain.
Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential to slow progression of the disease and delay loss of function.
Treatment often includes a combination of medication and possibly surgery.
Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are the most common cause of disability in the United States.

Sample Legislation

Facts & Statistics

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