Bill Summary
The "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Awareness and Research Act of 2026" aims to enhance research, raise awareness, and improve access to treatment for individuals affected by Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a severe condition impacting a significant percentage of women and people assigned female at birth, characterized by debilitating emotional and physical symptoms that disrupt daily life.
The legislation includes several key provisions:
1. **Research Expansion**: The Department of Health and Human Services will intensify research into PMDD, focusing on its causes, diagnosis, and treatment, while ensuring diverse populations are represented.
2. **Data Collection**: The Secretary will gather data on PMDD's prevalence, economic impact, and barriers to diagnosis and treatment.
3. **Public Awareness Campaign**: A public health initiative will be launched to educate patients and healthcare providers about PMDD, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage timely medical care.
4. **Provider Education**: Continuing medical education will be developed to ensure healthcare providers can accurately diagnose PMDD and provide evidence-based treatment.
5. **Training Grants**: Grants will be awarded to institutions to create or enhance training programs for healthcare professionals to improve their understanding and management of PMDD.
6. **Progress Reporting**: A report will be submitted to Congress within two years of enactment, outlining advancements in PMDD research, awareness, and treatment access.
The Act is designed to promote better understanding and management of PMDD, ultimately improving quality of life for those affected.
Possible Impacts
The "Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Awareness and Research Act of 2026" could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Improved Diagnosis and Treatment Access**: The legislation mandates increased research funding and support for clinical trials related to PMDD. This could lead to better diagnostic criteria and more effective treatment options for individuals suffering from PMDD. As a result, affected individuals may experience improved quality of life due to earlier detection and access to tailored therapies.
2. **Increased Public Awareness and Reduced Stigma**: The Act includes provisions for public health awareness campaigns aimed at educating both patients and healthcare providers about PMDD. This could lead to greater recognition of the disorder, reducing stigma associated with menstrual health issues. As a result, individuals may feel more comfortable discussing their symptoms and seeking medical help, which can lead to timely treatment.
3. **Enhanced Training for Healthcare Professionals**: The legislation supports grants to train healthcare professionals in recognizing and managing PMDD. This could lead to a more informed healthcare workforce capable of accurately diagnosing and treating PMDD. Consequently, patients may receive better care and support from their healthcare providers, leading to improved management of their condition.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8160 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8160
To expand research, improve awareness, and increase access to treatment
for individuals affected by Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 30, 2026
Ms. Ansari (for herself, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Bell, Ms. Brownley, Mr.
Carter of Louisiana, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Goldman
of New York, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Johnson of
Georgia, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. McGarvey, Ms.
Norton, Ms. Pressley, Ms. Ross, Mr. Thanedar, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Tonko,
Mrs. Trahan, Ms. Velazquez, Ms. Williams of Georgia, and Ms. Wilson of
Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To expand research, improve awareness, and increase access to treatment
for individuals affected by Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Awareness and Research Act of 2026''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (referred to in this
section as ``PMDD'') is a severe, chronic, and often disabling
medical condition affecting an estimated 5 to 8 percent of
women and people assigned female at birth of reproductive age.
(2) PMDD is characterized by extreme mood shifts,
irritability, depression, anger, hopelessness, tension,
anxiety, and physical symptoms, such as difficulty
concentrating, change in appetite, decreased energy, over or
under sleeping, or joint and muscle aches, in the luteal phase
of the menstrual cycle, significantly impairing work,
education, and daily life.
(3) Despite its prevalence and debilitating impact, PMDD
remains under-diagnosed, under-researched, and stigmatized.
(4) Early detection, effective treatment, and increased
public and provider awareness are essential to improving
quality of life for individuals living with PMDD.
SEC. 3. RESEARCH WITH RESPECT TO PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER
(PMDD).
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in
this section referred to as the ``Secretary''), acting through the
Director of the National Institutes of Health, shall--
(1) expand and intensify research on Premenstrual Dysphoric
Disorder (referred to in this section as ``PMDD''), including
the causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of PMDD;
(2) support clinical trials to develop improved treatment
options for PMDD; and
(3) ensure adequate representation of diverse racial,
ethnic, and socioeconomic populations in PMDD-related research.
(b) Surveillance and Data Collection.--The Secretary shall collect
and publish data on--
(1) the prevalence and incidence of PMDD across
populations;
(2) the economic and workforce impact of PMDD; and
(3) barriers to diagnosis and treatment of PMDD.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section
there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as is necessary for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
SEC. 4. EDUCATION AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO
PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD).
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a public health
awareness campaign that is designed to--
(1) raise patient and health care provider awareness of
PMDD symptoms and treatment options;
(2) reduce stigma associated with menstrual health
conditions; and
(3) encourage individuals to seek timely medical care.
(b) Provider Education.--The Secretary, acting through the
Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration,
shall develop, and disseminate, continuing medical education materials
to ensure that health care providers have sufficient knowledge--
(1) to accurately diagnose PMDD;
(2) to distinguish PMDD from other mental health and
gynecological conditions; and
(3) to provide evidence-based care.
(c) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall coordinate with existing awareness, education, and outreach
programs and activities of the Department of Health and Human Services.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section
there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as is necessary for
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
SEC. 5. GRANTS TO TRAIN HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WITH RESPECT TO PMDD.
(b) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible
entities for the purpose described in subsection (b).
(c) Use of Funds.--A grant awarded under this subsection shall be
used to develop, establish, or expand training programs (including
accredited residency programs, fellowships, or other related clinical
training) for physicians, registered nurses, nurse practitioners,
physician assistants, pharmacists, other health care providers, and
students and trainees to improve care, treatment, or management
services for PMDD.
(d) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
subsection, an entity shall--
(1) be--
(A) an accredited school of medicine or osteopathic
medicine;
(B) an accredited nursing school;
(C) an accredited school of pharmacy;
(D) an accredited public or nonprofit private
hospital;
(E) an accredited medical residency program;
(F) an accredited nurse practitioner residency
program; or
(G) a related training program for clinicians,
allied health professionals, or social workers that
interface with affected populations, which may include
hospitals and research institutions, as determined by
the Secretary; and
(2) submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require.
(e) Training Opportunities.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary shall expand outreach activities to support and expand
training programs, fellowships, and other opportunities for students,
faculty, and trainees (including continuing medical education) or
establish new training opportunities to address barriers to access to--
(1) primary and specialty care services to support mid-life
women's health; and
(2) early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and care
services for perimenopause, menopausal symptoms, and related
chronic conditions.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section
there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as is necessary for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
SEC. 6. REPORT ON IMPACTS ON PMDD RESEARCH AND TREATMENT.
(a) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on
progress made in--
(1) expanding PMDD research;
(2) improving awareness of, and education on, PMDD; and
(3) increasing access to diagnosis of, and treatment for,
PMDD.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section
there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as is necessary for
each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
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