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Public Health Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2023
6/11/2024, 4:13 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1166
One key aspect of the bill is the establishment of a national stockpile of medical supplies, which would be maintained and regularly updated to meet the needs of various public health emergencies. This stockpile would include items such as personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other critical medical supplies.
Additionally, the bill calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy for the distribution of these medical supplies, taking into account factors such as population density, healthcare infrastructure, and the specific needs of different communities. This strategy would aim to ensure that supplies are distributed efficiently and equitably during emergencies. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for increasing domestic production of medical supplies, as well as incentivizing research and development in this area. By bolstering domestic production capabilities, the bill seeks to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and improve the resilience of the medical supply chain. Overall, the Public Health Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that aims to strengthen the nation's preparedness for public health emergencies by enhancing the availability and distribution of essential medical supplies.
Congressional Summary of HR 1166
Public Health Emergency Medical Supplies Enhancement Act of 2023
This bill expands certain authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) to respond to public health emergencies.
Specifically, during a public health emergency, any medical equipment or supplies determined by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Homeland Security to be scarce and critical materials essential to the national defense may be deemed as such by the President, and funds available to implement the DPA may be used for the purchase, production, or distribution of such medical equipment or supplies.
Further, during a public health emergency, the President and federal agencies may take specific actions to support the production of such materials or supplies, including with respect to supply chains, private-sector coordination, needs assessments, and overall strategies.
The bill provides for enhanced reporting under the DPA during a public health emergency. Additionally, a report required under the DPA for FY2023 and FY2024 shall include the percentage of contracts awarded to small businesses.
