The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act is up for its third
re-authorization this fall. This vital legislation shapes how public
health agencies respond to viral outbreaks, natural disasters and other
pandemic events. To reauthorize this legislation and strengthen the
U.S.’s ability to respond to public health emergencies, Congress is
currently drafting the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and
Advancing Innovation Act of 2018 (PAHPAI).
This legislation contains a number of measures that recognize the
importance of the healthcare supply chain and provide key avenues for
ensuring an efficient and effective response. These include provisions
that underscore the value of public and private sector coordination
during an emergency, and the incorporation of needed ancillary products
into the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise
planning process.
PAHPAI will be a key discussion topic for HIDA members as they
descend upon the nation’s capitol for the annual Washington Summit in
June. Healthcare distributors will have the opportunity to educate
lawmakers on the key role suppliers play in strengthening emergency
preparedness, and will encourage strong bipartisan support for the
PAHPAI legislation.
To learn more about PAHPAI, please see HIDA’s comments. If you would like to know how you can get involved in promoting this vital legislation, please contact me at Babb@HIDA.org.
Published: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/congress-preparing-key-healthcare-legislation-josh-babb