You asked for information on past legislative proposals on neurofeedback therapy.

SUMMARY

Neurofeedback therapy legislation was most recently considered by the General Assembly in 2002 and 2003, but not adopted. It is a procedure for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or other identifiable learning disabilities in children and is also known as EEG biofeedback. In this approach, wires attached to the scalp measure brain wave patterns. A computer monitor provides positive feedback when a state of focus and attention is attained.

LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON NEUROFEEDBACK THERAPY

2002

sHB 5501 would have established an “Education and Neurofeedback” pilot program to improve the literacy of children with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders, as well as reduce the use of psychotropic drugs by school children. The bill originated in the Education

Committee, which favorably reported and referred it to the Public Health Committee, which also gave it a favorable report (File 295). The House referred the bill to the Legislative Management Committee where no action was taken.

Another 2002 bill, “An Act Concerning Revisions to the Education Statutes” passed the House with an amendment that directed the Department of Public Health (DPH), in consultation with the Department of Education, to establish a neurofeedback pilot program for 40 students, 12 to 14 years old within available appropriations (see File 349, as amended by House “F”). The bill died in the Senate.

2003

sHB 6610, “An Act Concerning Neurofeedback Therapy,” as originally drafted, would have established a pilot program similar to that considered in 2002. The bill (File 470) was favorably reported by the Education Committee and referred to the Public Health Committee, which also favorably reported it.

The House passed the bill with House amendment “A” that required the education and public health commissioners to evaluate, within available appropriations, the value, efficacy, and cost of neurofeedback in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or other identifiable learning disabilities in children eligible for special education and related services. The evaluation had to include a survey of scientific literature and consultation with appropriate experts in child development, child psychology, special education, and other relevant field, including experts affiliated with UConn, UConn Health Center, Connecticut Children’s Hospital, and the Yale Child Development Center (see File 775).

The bill as amended passed the House but not the Senate.

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