H.R. 594, the "Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research and Education Amendments of 2014"

Muscular dystrophy is a group of more than 30 genetic diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness and degeneration.  The Muscular Dystrophy Community Assistance, Research and Education Act was originally passed in 2001 and reauthorized in 2008 with the goal of improving muscular dystrophy research, surveillance, and educational efforts.

H.R. 594 was introduced by Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) and Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY).  The bill adds the Administration for Community Living and Social Security Administration to the Muscular Dystrophy Coordinating Committee (MDCC); directs the MDCC to include studies and clinical care interventions relevant for adults with muscular dystrophy in its plan for research and education activities on muscular dystrophy; asks the Centers for Disease Control to collect and share data on all populations affected by muscular dystrophy in a timely manner; and requires the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to incorporate findings from the national transitions survey of minority, young adult, and adults communities of muscular dystrophy patients into the care considerations that the Department develops. These changes reflect new scientific advances and will help to better incorporate the needs of adults living with muscular dystrophy into current work in this area.

On July 28, 2014, the House passed H.R. 594 by voice vote. The bill was signed into law by President Obama on September 26, 2014.