National Plan for Epilepsy Act
What does the National Plan for Epilepsy Act do?
S 494 is a Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Eric S. Schmitt (R-MO). This bill directs HHS to review, and where necessary update or recommend to Congress, existing federal programs, activities, and strategic plans related to epilepsy research, prevention, early identification, diagnosis, and treatment — with the stated purpose of identifying and addressing knowledge gaps and improving health outcomes. The Secretary must convene and solicit input from other federal agencies and relevant stakeholders (including patient advocates and non-federal subject matter experts), and must submit a report on the review's findings to Senate HELP and House Energy and Commerce within 2 years of enactment. The bill does not authorize appropriations.
Did S 494 pass? Where it stands
As of August 24, 2026, S 494 has passed the Senate.
Status: Passed Senate
Latest vote: Senate Passed by unanimous consent on August 4, 2026
Outlook: Likely
Key provisions
- HHS Review Duty
- HHS Secretary must review existing federal epilepsy programs, activities, and strategic plans
- Where necessary and appropriate, the Secretary provides recommendations to Congress and updates the programs
- Coverage: research, prevention, early identification, diagnosis, and treatment
- Purpose: identify and address knowledge gaps and improve epilepsy health outcomes
- Required Review Contents
- Findings from evidence-based research, status of federally-funded research, knowledge gaps, and population disparities
- Review of federal programs including gaps and opportunities for coordination, global-health opportunities, near/long-term goals, and level of federal investment
- Opportunities to improve collaboration, close knowledge gaps, improve early diagnosis and coordinated care, better prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and other mortalities, improve surveillance, and support new treatments and quality-of-life approaches
- Review of current public health strategies and consideration of additional evidence-based strategies
- External Input and Report to Congress
- Secretary must regularly convene and solicit input from other federal agencies (as appropriate) and relevant stakeholders including patient advocates and non-federal subject matter experts
- Report due to Senate HELP and House Energy and Commerce within 2 years of enactment
- Report must describe steps taken to solicit stakeholder input, summarize feedback and identified needs
- Report must include recommendations to improve coordination and support of federal programs, plus proposals for implementation
- Report must identify any statutory or other barriers that impede implementation of recommended changes
Last updated August 12, 2026