Creates the lymphedema and lymphatic diseases research grants program

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of this bill amends the Public Authorities Law by adding a new section 3153-a to establish a lymphedema and lymphatic disease research grants program. This new section lays out how the grants program shall be administered. It also defines "biomedical research institution," "lymphedema," and "lymphatic diseases." This new section also provides that the foundation may adopt rules and regulations to determine whether an applicant can find other funding, give priority to those applications for assistance that secure private support for research or commit new resources to the expansion of this type of research, and consider the potential long term economic benefits to the state for awarding the specific grant. Further, the foundation has to submit a report to the governor, speaker of the assembly, the temporary president of the senate and to any other state legislator at his or her request, a report on the grants program.

Section 2 of this bill amends the State Finance Law by adding a new section 99-w to create a fund for lymphedema and lymphatic diseases research and education.

Section 3 of this bill provides that this act shall take effect immediately.

Existing law

Currently, there is no law that provides for a fund for lymphedema and lymphatic diseases research and education, and there are no grant programs for such research and education.

Justification

This legislation would establish a lymphedema and lymphatic disease research grants program. Grants, not to exceed fifty thousand dollars, would be awarded on a completive basis to biomedical research institutions that are conducting direct research related to lymphedema and lymphatic disease. Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs, and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired

(primary), or when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes removed (secondary). Radiation therapy, used in the treatment of various cancers and some AIDS-related diseases, can damage otherwise healthy lymph nodes and vessels causing scar tissue to form which interrupts the normal flow of the lymphatic fluid. Moreover, untreated, lymphedema can lead into a decrease or loss of functioning of the limbs, skin breakdown, and chronic infections. In the most severe cases, untreated lymphedema can develop into a rare form of lymphatic cancer. This legislation would provide much need funding to those involved in direct research of lymphedema or lymphatic diseases. These diseases are far more common than society notes; however, funding for research has historically not kept pace to the dramatically growing need for it.

Legislative history

2014: S.3072 - Referred to Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business 2013: S.3072 - Referred to Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business 2012: S.882A - Referred to Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions 2011: S.882A - Referred to Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions 2010: S.2585A - Referred to Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions 2009: S.2585A - Referred to Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions 2008: S.4266A - 3rd Reading Calendar 2007: S.4266A - 3rd Reading Calendar

Fiscal implications

Subject to available appropriations.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.