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Tribal Medical Supplies Stockpile Access Act of 2022
12/30/2022, 3:33 AM
Summary of Bill HR 6372
The bill establishes a tribal medical supplies stockpile program, which will provide tribes with access to a range of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment, testing kits, and other essential items. The program will be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with tribal governments.
In addition to providing access to medical supplies, the bill also includes provisions to improve coordination between federal, state, and tribal governments in responding to public health emergencies. This includes the development of emergency response plans tailored to the needs of tribal communities and the establishment of communication channels to ensure timely and effective coordination. Overall, the Tribal Medical Supplies Stockpile Access Act of 2022 seeks to address the disparities in access to medical supplies faced by Native American tribes and improve their ability to respond to public health emergencies. By establishing a dedicated stockpile program and improving coordination between governments, the bill aims to ensure that tribal communities have the resources they need to protect the health and well-being of their members.
Congressional Summary of HR 6372
Tribal Medical Supplies Stockpile Access Act of 2022
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to deploy drugs, vaccines, biological products, medical devices, and other supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile directly to health programs or facilities operated by the Indian Health Service (IHS), tribes, or tribal organizations. Such supplies from the stockpile are used to respond to public health emergencies.
Specifically, if HHS distributes pandemic or epidemic products (e.g., drugs or medical devices) to states or other entities, HHS must also deploy such products directly to health programs or facilities operated by IHS or other tribal entities.
HHS must coordinate with states, programs, and facilities to ensure supplies and products are distributed to such tribal entities.



