DERBY — Joseph Guarnaccia, M.D., clinical director of the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital, was recently inducted into the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame at its 2015 Society Leadership Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
Dr. Guarnaccia was recognized for his more than 20 years of volunteer service with the Connecticut Chapter, which focuses on impacting public policy and improving care for Connecticut residents.
Recently Dr. Guarnaccia worked with the chapter to pass Bill 418, which broadens coverage by insurance companies for off-label prescription drugs in Connecticut, off-label meaning the medication is being used in a manner not currently specified in the FDA’s approved packaging label.
Effective January 2016, peer-reviewed medical literature will be added as an acceptable reference source for coverage determination related to off-label prescriptions.
Multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease of the central nervous system, affects more than 6,500 Connecticut residents.
The cause is unknown and there is currently no cure. Symptoms can include numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and in some more severe cases total paralysis.
The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS for any one person cannot be predicted.
Those seeking additional information on the Connecticut Chapter may visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
Those seeking additional information on the Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Center at Griffin Hospital may visit www.griffinhealth.org.
