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Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023

1/30/2024, 8:15 AM

Summary of Bill HR 405

Bill 118 HR 405, also known as the Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023, aims to establish a strategic stockpile of essential medicines to ensure the availability of critical medications during public health emergencies. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to identify and procure essential medicines that are necessary for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions.

The stockpile will be maintained in a secure location and regularly updated to reflect changes in medical needs and advancements in pharmaceuticals. The bill also includes provisions for the distribution and management of the stockpile, including guidelines for prioritizing the allocation of medications during emergencies.

Additionally, the bill calls for increased transparency and accountability in the procurement and management of the stockpile, with regular reporting requirements to Congress and the public. It also includes provisions for the development of a national strategy for ensuring the availability of essential medicines in the event of a public health crisis. Overall, the Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023 aims to strengthen the nation's preparedness for public health emergencies by ensuring the availability of critical medications when they are needed most.

Congressional Summary of HR 405

Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a pilot program to test the effectiveness of acquiring, maintaining, managing, and distributing a stockpile of generic drugs at risk of shortage.

To carry out the pilot program, HHS must enter into contracts for a term of up to three years with drug manufacturers, co-op or chain pharmacy warehouses, or other eligible entities to create a six-month stockpile of up to 50 types of such drugs.

The bill establishes various program requirements, including annual evaluations by the Government Accountability Office.

Current Status of Bill HR 405

Bill HR 405 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 20, 2023. Bill HR 405 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 20, 2023.  Bill HR 405's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of January 27, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 405

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
4
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 405

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 405

Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023
Essential Medicines Strategic Stockpile Act of 2023
To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for stockpiles to ensure that all Americans have access to generic drugs at risk of shortage, and for other purposes.

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