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The National Plan for Epilepsy



Standing Together with the Epilepsy Community

Building a coordinated federal approach to epilepsy research, care, and quality of life.

Epilepsy affects millions of people across the United States, yet federal efforts related to epilepsy research, public health, care, data, and services remain fragmented. A National Plan for Epilepsy would provide a coordinated framework for identifying gaps, aligning federal activities, and advancing progress across the epilepsy community.

AES is proud to work in partnership organizations across the epilepsy community to advance this goal. 190 organizations support this legislation. As the professional society for epilepsy, AES brings the clinical and scientific expertise of our members to this work.

Advancing a National Plan for Epilepsy requires two complementary efforts: securing federal action and defining a shared community vision for the research, care, services, and support that a national plan should address.

Learn More About the National Plan

Visit the National Plan for Epilepsy Website

Learn More

Pass the Plan

Advancing the National Plan for Epilepsy Act

The bipartisan National Plan for Epilepsy Act would create a federal process to review and strengthen epilepsy programs, research, and coordination across the federal government.

The U.S. Senate passed the legislation by unanimous consent on August 4, 2026. Action by the House of Representatives is now needed to send the legislation to the President before the end of the 119th Congress in December.

Current Legislative Status

February 2025: The National Plan for Epilepsy Act (S. 494 / H.R. 1189) was introduced in the House and Senate.

August 2026: The Senate passed an amended version of S. 494 by unanimous consent.

September 2026: The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing that included testimony from an epilepsy community member on H.R. 1189.

Next step: House passage of the legislation.

Help Pass the Plan

Urge your U.S. representative to support passage of the National Plan for Epilepsy Act before the end of the 119th Congress.

Contact Your Representative

Plan the Plan

Defining the Epilepsy Community's Priorities

AES is one of nine national epilepsy organizations participating in the National Plan for Epilepsy Committee, or NPEC. NPEC brought together people with epilepsy, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, advocates, and nonprofit leaders to identify the issues a meaningful national plan should address.

Through expert work groups and a public comment process, NPEC developed five Epilepsy Community Consensus Priorities . These priorities represent a shared community vision. They are intended to inform future federal planning and guide broader efforts to improve the lives of people with epilepsy and their families.

Increase coordination and advocacy

Strengthen collaboration across the epilepsy community and improve coordination among federal agencies and other partners.

Accelerate and integrate research, surveillance, and data

Expand and coordinate research, public health surveillance, and data collection to advance diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and cures.

Strengthen support and improve quality of life

Address the health, educational, employment, and social needs of people with epilepsy and their caregivers.

Enhance public awareness and education

Improve understanding of epilepsy, reduce stigma, and strengthen education for professionals and the public.

Enhance clinical care and prevention

Improve access to timely diagnosis, specialized care, effective treatments, and strategies that reduce preventable illness and death.

Through NPEC, AES helps ensure that the perspectives of epilepsy clinicians, scientists, and other professionals are reflected in this work.

Explore the Community Consensus Priorities