The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has implemented a new rule mandating the reporting of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) cases, effective May 15.
Michigan is now the fifth state in the U.S. to require ALS case reporting, aiming to enhance disease monitoring and research.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and eventually impacting movement, speech, eating and breathing.
The new rule requires healthcare professionals and facilities in Michigan to report ALS cases to the MDHHS, contributing to a comprehensive registry of chronic diseases in the state
“Mandatory reporting will help provide a better picture of who gets ALS and identify risk factors for the disease,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive
Dr. Stephen Goutman, director of Michigan Medicine Pranger ALS Clinic, emphasized the importance of the registry, stating, “Without a registry, we do not know the rates of ALS in the state or whether these rates are changing.”
Dr. Eva L. Feldman, director of Michigan Medicine ALS Center of Excellence, praised the initiative.
“Michigan has one of the highest rates of ALS in the country, and this registry will help in our quest to solve why,” she said.
The registry will allow public health officials to track the number and distribution of ALS cases, providing insight into disease trends and clusters. This information is expected to guide future research and public health actions, optimizing care for individuals living with ALS.
Given the projected increase in ALS cases by 2030, collecting this data is essential for informing changing disease trends.
The rule is part of a broader effort to develop a comprehensive registry of chronic diseases, enhancing the understanding of chronic disease trends in Michigan.
The mandatory reporting of ALS cases in Michigan is anticipated to improve research and care for those affected by the disease offering hope for better future outcomes.