Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act

Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act

This bill modifies funding mechanisms for the Public Health Emergency Fund and requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report specified information to Congress related to public health emergencies that are infectious disease outbreaks, bioterrorist attacks, or disasters. Specifically, HHS must, upon determination of a public health emergency, convene a group of federal officials to prepare monthly reports concerning such matters as funding, collaboration, and best practices. The GAO must (1) report on, among other topics, the capacity of the public health system to respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks and how funds for public health emergencies have been expended within the last two years; and (2) issue a post-emergency report on response efforts by government entities.