This week Congressman Sam Graves (R-MO-6) advanced one of the AASM’s legislative issues by introducing a resolution to help combat high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other complications facing U.S. veterans.

House Resolution 825, which was drafted by the AASM, addresses the connection between PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can lead to a host of other health problems for returning military men and women. The objective of the resolution is to:

  • raise public awareness of sleep apnea, especially for our military personnel and veterans;
  • support providing access to care for military personnel and veterans with sleep illnesses such as OSA;
  • encourage all American soldiers and veterans to seek and maintain healthy sleep habits both during and after active duty; and 
  • further explore CPAP therapy as a viable treatment for OSA in patients with PTSD.

For several months the AASM has been meeting with federal lawmakers to advocate on this and other issues of importance to our members. The AASM has been discussing significant issues such as the need for a Stark exception for sleep physicians so Medicare patients with OSA can receive coordinated care; the need for expanded use of telemedicine; and the importance of addressing the nation’s drowsy driving epidemic.

We hope that our members will support House Resolution 825 by submitting a letter to your Representative or Senator and making a donation to the AASM Political Action Committee (PAC).

If you would like further information on the resolution or any other AASM advocacy initiative, please contact the AASM Government Relations and Health Policy Department at policy@aasm.org.