Representatives Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) and Zack Space (D-OH) have introduced H.R. 5106, a bill that would establish a National Commission on Urological Trauma. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

According to Representative Shea-Porter, urogenital organ injury makes up nearly ten percent of war-related injuries. Shea-Porter indicated that the bill evolved from concern that current service members and veterans are suffering severe pain from injuries, and that resources are needed to assist them.

The Commission would be given the responsibility to conduct a study on urotrauma among members of the armed forces and veterans. According to the text of the legislation, that would include an analysis of the incidence, duration, morbidity rate, and mortality rate of urotrauma; an analysis of the social and economic costs and effects of urotrauma; access to facilities and other resources related to urotrauma with regard to the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs; an evaluation of programs to improve the prevention or treatment of urotrauma; and creation of a long-term plan for the use of the resources of the Federal Government to improve the prevention and treatment of urotrauma.

The commission would be allowed to hold hearings and receive evidence, including witness testimony. A year after the commission is created, it would produce an interim report for a congressional committee, and a final report two years later, including recommendations the commission considers important to address the issue.

Adapted in part from Representative Shea-Porter's press release.

Link: http://www.shea-porter.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=643&Itemid=67

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