Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has introduced a new rule mandating the reporting of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) cases. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive loss of movement, speech, eating, and breathing abilities. The disease currently has no cure.

The rule became effective on May 15, making Michigan the fifth state in the United States to require mandatory ALS case reporting. This initiative aims to enhance the state's capacity to monitor and understand the disease.

“There are between 4,000 and 6,000 cases of ALS diagnosed across the country annually,” stated Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Mandatory reporting will help provide a better picture of who gets ALS and identify risk factors for the disease. This information will assist with research and could help offer a better future for those with ALS.”

Dr. Stephen Goutman from Michigan Medicine Pranger ALS Clinic emphasized that establishing ALS as a reportable disease is crucial for reducing its burden in Michigan. He noted that without a registry, it's challenging to know ALS rates or changes over time. Given projections of increased cases by 2030, collecting this data now is vital for understanding trends and optimizing care availability.

Healthcare professionals diagnosing or treating individuals with ALS must report these cases to MDHHS under this new rule. These reports will aid in developing a comprehensive chronic diseases registry and contribute to understanding chronic disease trends in Michigan.

Public health officials can use this data to track ALS case numbers and locations, providing insights into its incidence across Michigan. Statewide reporting supports trend analysis and epidemiological studies that can inform future research and public health measures.

“We applaud the State of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for approving the creation of an ALS registry for the state,” said Dr. Eva L. Feldman from Michigan Medicine ALS Center of Excellence. “We will now be the fifth state in the United States to have such a registry, pivotal in our fight against ALS. Michigan has one of the highest rates of ALS in the country, and this registry will help in our quest to solve why.”

The details about this new rule are available online for those interested or needing further information on how chronic diseases like ALS are tracked within Michigan.