Bill 118 s 2538, also known as the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory Authorization Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to authorize the construction and operation of regional biocontainment laboratories in order to enhance the nation's ability to respond to public health emergencies, such as infectious disease outbreaks.
The bill outlines the requirements and procedures for the establishment of these regional biocontainment laboratories, including the necessary safety and security measures that must be in place. It also specifies the criteria for selecting the locations of these laboratories, taking into account factors such as population density, proximity to research institutions, and existing infrastructure.
Additionally, the bill addresses funding for the construction and operation of these laboratories, outlining the sources of funding and the allocation of resources. It also establishes a framework for collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector partners, in order to ensure the success of these regional biocontainment laboratories.
Overall, the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory Authorization Act of 2023 aims to strengthen the nation's preparedness and response capabilities in the face of public health emergencies, by establishing a network of regional biocontainment laboratories that can quickly and effectively respond to infectious disease outbreaks.