Bill to Create Kidney Disease and Diabetes Registry Subject of Senate Hearing

Officials from the Health and Human Services departments won approval from lawmakers on Wednesday for the creation of a registry to track Virgin Islanders suffering from kidney disease and diabetes.

Proponents of Bill No. 35-0207 told the 35th Legislature Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services they hope data obtained from the registry will help improve patient outcomes.

Diabetes is currently the sixth leading cause of death in the Virgin Islands. Testifiers told committee members that showing patients how to better manage diabetes may also reduce incidents of end-stage kidney disease.

Health Committee Chairman Sen. Ray Fonseca introduced the measure as the sponsor of the bill. He urged his colleagues to support 35-0207 and approve $250,000 to fund its creation.