Pennsylvania lawmakers are close to creating a task force to study the large prevalence of Lyme disease in the Commonwealth and to make recommendations about how best to educate Pennsylvanians in the prevention and treatment of Lyme disease.

SB 177 creating the Lyme task force was sponsored by long-time Lyme advocate Stewart J. Greenleaf, R-12, and passed with almost unanimous support of both houses. The Governor is expected to sign it.

Pennsylvania State Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf, R-12

One provision that was omitted from the bill is a requirement that insurers pay for longer courses of antibiotics if prescribed by a licensed caregiver.