Nebraska LR 110: Interim study to investigate the advertisement and use of unproven stem cell injections as a therapy for health disorders

Bill Text

ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH LEGISLATURE
FIRST SESSION
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 110

Introduced by Lathrop, 12.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this interim study is to investigate the advertisement
and use of unproven stem cell injections as a therapy for health disorders.
Stem cells of the body are capable of developing into any of the body's 200
different kinds of cells and, with proper study, development, and approval, may
offer the potential to combat diseases that have few or no treatments. The only
stem-cell-based products that have approval from the federal Food and Drug
Administration are those made from blood-forming cells that are derived from
umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, or bone marrow. These are used
primarily to treat patients with cancer or other disorders of the blood or
immune system. Any other advertised use of stem cells is not approved by the
federal Food and Drug Administration and the advertising of such unapproved
uses violates state and federal law. It has been documented across the United
States that patients who have received unapproved stem cell therapy have
suffered serious infections, blindness, tumor growth, or even death. Older
individuals are particularly vulnerable to misleading marketing statements
regarding stem cell therapy as they may not be good candidates for other
treatment options, but are desperate for relief. More than 500 clinics across
the United States, including several in Nebraska, offer unproven stem cell
therapies which cost tens of thousands of dollars and are not covered by
private or public insurance. Such clinics do not possess approval from the
federal Food and Drug Administration, nor scientific substantiation for the
claims made within their advertising campaigns, and are harming Nebraskans.
Other states have implemented new laws to establish consumer protections for
those in the public who are unaware of potential risks, dangerous side effects,
and lack of effectiveness of such unapproved stem cell therapy. By informing
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the public that certain treatments have not been proven safe or effective,
Nebraskans can make more informed decisions about their healthcare.
The issues addressed by this interim study shall include, but not be
limited to:
(1) Stem cells and stem cell products;
(2) The approval process for stem cell therapies by the federal Food and
Drug Administration;
(3) Current clinical trials for stem cells and stem cell products;
(4) Products and services offered at stem cell clinics located in Nebraska
and the advertising techniques used to promote such products and services; and
(5) The role the state can play in protecting the public from potential
adverse effects of unproven stem cell therapies, including the state agencies
that can work together to share information.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, FIRST SESSION:
1. That the Health and Human Services Committee of the Legislature shall
be designated to conduct an interim study to carry out the purposes of this
resolution.
2. That the committee shall upon the conclusion of its study make a report
of its findings, together with its recommendations, to the Legislative Council
or Legislature.
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