KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

Back to Delaware

SCR66 • 2025

DESIGNATING THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF MAY AS "TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARENESS WEEK" IN DELAWARE.

DESIGNATING THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF MAY AS "TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARENESS WEEK" IN DELAWARE.

Healthcare
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Poore
Last action
2025-05-08
Official status
Passed 5/8/25
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific details on the exact actions or programs that will be encouraged beyond raising awareness about Tardive Dyskinesia screening.

Designating Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week

This bill makes the first full week of May 'Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week' in Delaware to raise awareness about this condition.

What This Bill Does

  • Declares the first full week of May as 'Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week'.
  • Encourages healthcare providers, patients, and care partners to learn about Tardive Dyskinesia screening.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People in Delaware who are at risk or affected by Tardive Dyskinesia.
  • Healthcare providers and patients dealing with mental health conditions treated with antipsychotic medications.

Terms To Know

Tardive Dyskinesia
A condition caused by long-term use of certain medicines that leads to uncontrollable movements in the body.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not provide funding for awareness programs or screenings.
  • It is a resolution, so it does not have the force of law but encourages actions related to Tardive Dyskinesia awareness.

Bill History

  1. 2025-05-08 Delaware General Assembly

    Introduced in Senate

  2. 2025-05-08 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed By Senate. Votes: 19 YES 2 ABSENT

  3. 2025-05-08 Delaware General Assembly

    Passed In House by Voice Vote

Official Summary Text

DESIGNATING THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF MAY AS "TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARENESS WEEK" IN DELAWARE.
This resolution designates the first full week of May as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Delaware.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Poore & Rep. Ross Levin

Sens. Mantzavinos, Wilson; Reps. Burns, K. Johnson

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 66

DESIGNATING THE FIRST FULL WEEK OF MAY AS "TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARENESS WEEK" IN DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia often require treatment with antipsychotic medications for effective management, and antipsychotic prescribing rates continue to rise; and

WHEREAS, while prolonged antipsychotic use may be essential for the treatment of certain conditions, it is associated with tardive dyskinesia (TD) a condition marked by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, or extremities; and

WHEREAS, people at higher risk of TD include those older than 55 years, Black individuals, women, individuals with mood or substance abuse disorders, intellectual disabilities, or central nervous system injuries, and those with high cumulative antipsychotic exposure, and

WHEREAS, approximately 60% of the estimated 800,000 U.S. adults living with TD remain undiagnosed, and even mild TD symptoms can be stigmatizing and impair physical, social, and emotional well-being, underscoring the urgency of early screening, early detection, and intervention; and

WHEREAS, the American Psychiatric Association recommends routine TD screening in their clinical guidelines for antipsychotic treatment, and individuals treated with antipsychotics or experiencing abnormal movements should consult their healthcare providers to assess TD risk, receive TD screenings, and determine appropriate treatment together; and

WHEREAS, the FDA-approved treatments for TD can provide options for symptom management and improved quality of life for many individuals living with TD; and

WHEREAS, TD screening education and awareness should be encouraged for health care providers, patients, and care partners to help ensure patients prescribed antipsychotics receive care and support that aligns with clinical best

practice, including regular TD screenings.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the 153

rd

General Assembly, the House of Representatives concurring therein, designates the first full week of May as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in recognition and support of Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week, the General Assembly underscores the importance of early detection and intervention to improve outcomes for people living with mental health conditions and prescribed antipsychotics, and supports efforts to raise awareness about the causes and symptoms of TD and the importance of routine TD screening.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution designates the first full week of May as "Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week" in Delaware.

Author: Senator Poore