Apr 21, 2009
California NeuroAlliance Hosts 10th Annual Public Policy Conference
Sacramento: April 21, 2009 — The California NeuroAlliance will host its 10th Annual Public Policy Conference at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on April 27 and 28, 2009 in Sacramento. This conference will address emerging public policy issues that affect people with neurological disorders and will provide an opportunity to hear first hand from key California decision makers. The conference will feature presentations from the following policymakers:
Art Torres, Vice Chair of California Institute for Regenerative Medicine
California Stem Cell Research Policy
This will be the first public presentation by the former chair of the California Democratic Party since joining the Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
Hon. Wesley Chesbro, CA State Assembly (D-Eureka)
Durable Medical Equipment Legislation
Assemblyman Chesbro will speak on AB 214 (Chesbro), legislation he authored that would require health insurers to provide coverage of Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
Hon. Roger Niello, Vice Chair, Assembly Budget Committee
Assemblyman Niello will address the Republican Caucus’ perspective on strategies to close the mounting budget deficit.
Conference attendees also will participate in advocacy training. With other Alliance members, participants will visit legislators at the state capitol to lobby in support of AB 214 (Chesbro) Health Care Coverage: Durable Medical Equipment and restoration of four optional Medi-Cal benefits critical to people living with neurological conditions that are slated to be eliminated beginning July 1, 2009 – dult dental, optometric services, speech therapy, and incontinence creams and washes.
The Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society is proud to have played a pivotal role in founding the California NeuroAlliance. Each year, the chapter is a leading organizer of this conference.
For further information about this conference or a copy of the schedule, please contact Julie Legrand, Director of Communications for the National MS Society at 415-230-6678 or 415-215-1234.
About the California NeuroAlliance
The California NeuroAlliance is a coalition that represents 2.5 million Californians affected by neurological conditions, their advocates, and their physicians. The mission of the California NeuroAlliance is to promote access to quality health care through education, public awareness, and advocacy. Organizations participating in the California NeuroAlliance include the following agencies:
• The ALS Association
• American Academy of Neurology
• American Stroke Association (a division of American Heart Association)
• Association of California Neurologists
• Epilepsy Foundation of America
• Huntington's Disease Society of America
• Hydrocephalus Association
• National Fibromyalgia Association
• The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
• Neurofibromatosis, Inc. California
• Neuropathy Association
• Parkinson Association of Northern California
About the Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society
The Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society provides vital programs and services to more than 20,000 people living with multiple sclerosis in its 40 county region and funds critical research projects to help develop better treatments and find a cure. The National MS Society is currently funding over $12.6 million in active research grants to institutions in Northern California. The Chapter is also a leading advocate for Californian’s living with MS at the federal, state and local levels. www.msconnection.org