Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS)
In 2003, the Pennsylvania legislature passed
House Bill 999 known as the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) Education Act. It was signed by the Governor on December 30, 2003. The bill, known as Act 62 of 2003, was introduced by state Representative Merle H. Phillips, R-Sunbury. Pennsylvania is the third state in the nation to pass such a bill.
The Act requires the Department to:
- Establish a public education and outreach campaign of print materials to promote awareness among the general public,
- Make materials available through hospitals, clinics and local health departments and other agencies, and
- Promote and coordinate professional education of health care professionals regarding current diagnosis and treatment options for RSDS.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, also referred to as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, is a chronic disease of the sympathetic nervous system.