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In addition, the assistant secretary “may conduct a study on issues that have the potential to adversely affect the handling and rapid delivery of medical countermeasures to individuals during public health emergencies occurring in the United States.”
If the assistant secretary decides not to conduct such a study, he or she must inform Congress no later than nine months after enactment of the law and explain why such a decision was reached.
If a study is undertaken, the assistant secretary has one year to submit a report to Congress summarizing the findings.
New Law Boosts Programs to Deal with Health Security Threats
Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec said in a statement that the new law “strengthens U.S. programs that are critical to protecting Americans from modern, evolving health security threats.”
These programs include the Hospital Preparedness Program and National Disaster Medical System.
“More than 31,000 healthcare entities across the country participate in Hospital Preparedness Program coalitions. These partnerships in every state and U.S. territory bring together healthcare facilities – not just hospitals – and healthcare services in local communities to provide coordinated medical care during disasters,” Kadlec explained.
The National Disaster Medical System “brings medical professionals, services and equipment from across the country to provide medical care in support of hospitals, shelters, and whole communities after a disaster,” he added.
Kadlec related that the new law improves federal agency coordination through a Public Health and Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise, enabling agencies to bridge gaps, avoid redundant capabilities, and set priorities in developing medical products for emergencies.
The law also provides a ten-year authorization for the Project BioShield Special Reserve Fund, which has resulted in the development of 10 medical products that have earned Food and Drug Administration approval and the addition of 15 medications, vaccines, and treatments to the Strategic National Stockpile, he said.
Bill Authors Stress Importance of Preparedness, Response
Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), a co-author of the legislation, said that it “better equips our federal agencies to respond to new and emerging threats that jeopardize our national security and public health. I applaud the House and Senate’s bipartisan commitment to strengthening our nation’s existing preparedness and response programs.”
Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN), also a co-author, said it “is critically important legislation that works to make our nation better prepared for and able to keep Americans safer in response to natural disasters or biological, chemical, radiological or nuclear threats to our public health and national security.”
The legislation focuses on the needs of special populations including children, people with disabilities, and seniors before and during a public health emergency. It also provides federal resources for programs related to pandemic influenza and emerging infectious diseases.
Brooks added that the legislation “will ensure our healthcare professionals are trained to respond to possible pandemic outbreaks, prioritize the further development of our national stockpile of vaccines, medical equipment and diagnostics, and establish new advisory groups focused on protecting vulnerable populations such as senior citizens and people with disabilities during public health threats and emergencies.”
