Rare Diseases Act of 2002

The Rare Diseases Act of 2002 (pronunciation: /rɛər diːˈziːz ækt ɒv 2002/) is a significant piece of legislation in the United States that has greatly impacted the field of healthcare and medicine.

Etymology

The term "Rare Diseases Act of 2002" is derived from the English language. The word "rare" (from the Latin rārus meaning "thinly sown") refers to something not found in large numbers and thus of interest for its rarity. "Diseases" (from the Old French desaise meaning "lack of ease") refers to a particular quality, habit, or disposition regarded as adversely affecting a person or group of people. "Act" (from the Old French acte meaning "a thing done") in this context refers to a formal decision, law, or the like, by a legislature, ruler, court, or other authority. The year "2002" signifies the year the act was passed.

Overview

The Rare Diseases Act of 2002 was signed into law by President George W. Bush on November 6, 2002. The Act amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) as a federal entity, tasked with coordinating and supporting research on rare diseases.

Provisions

The Act defines a rare disease as any disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. It also authorizes the establishment of regional centers of excellence for clinical research into, training in, and demonstration of diagnostic, prevention, control, and treatment methods for such diseases.

Impact

The Rare Diseases Act of 2002 has had a significant impact on the research and treatment of rare diseases. It has led to increased funding for research, improved coordination of research efforts, and greater focus on the needs of patients with rare diseases.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Rare Diseases Act of 2002
Wikipedia's article - Rare Diseases Act of 2002

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Rare Diseases Act of 2002