Attachment C - Authorizing Legislation

Attachment C Radiological Event Messages For Public Health Workers

TITLE 42 CHAPTER 6A SUBCHAPTER XXVI Part A > § 300hh

§ 300hh. National preparedness plan

(a) In general

(1) Preparedness and response regarding public health emergencies

The Secretary shall further develop and implement a coordinated strategy, building upon the core public health capabilities established pursuant to section 247d–1 of this title, for carrying out health-related activities to prepare for and respond effectively to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies, including the preparation of a plan under this section. The Secretary shall periodically thereafter review and, as appropriate, revise the plan.

(2) National approach

In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall collaborate with the States toward the goal of ensuring that the activities of the Secretary regarding bioterrorism and other public health emergencies are coordinated with activities of the States, including local governments.

(3) Evaluation of progress

The plan under paragraph (1) shall provide for specific benchmarks and outcome measures for evaluating the progress of the Secretary and the States, including local governments, with respect to the plan under paragraph (1), including progress toward achieving the goals specified in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) Preparedness goals

The plan under subsection (a) of this section should include provisions in furtherance of the following:

(1) Providing effective assistance to State and local governments in the event of bioterrorism or other public health emergency.

(2) Ensuring that State and local governments have appropriate capacity to detect and respond effectively to such emergencies, including capacities for the following:

(A) Effective public health surveillance and reporting mechanisms at the State and local levels.

(B) Appropriate laboratory readiness.

(C) Properly trained and equipped emergency response, public health, and medical personnel.

(D) Health and safety protection of workers responding to such an emergency.

(E) Public health agencies that are prepared to coordinate health services (including mental health services) during and after such emergencies.

(F) Participation in communications networks that can effectively disseminate relevant information in a timely and secure manner to appropriate public and private entities and to the public.

(3) Developing and maintaining medical countermeasures (such as drugs, vaccines and other biological products, medical devices, and other supplies) against biological agents and toxins that may be involved in such emergencies.

(4) Ensuring coordination and minimizing duplication of Federal, State, and local planning, preparedness, and response activities, including during the investigation of a suspicious disease outbreak or other potential public health emergency.

(5) Enhancing the readiness of hospitals and other health care facilities to respond effectively to such emergencies.

(c) Reports to Congress

(1) In general

Not later than one year after June 12, 2002, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a report concerning progress with respect to the plan under subsection (a) of this section, including progress toward achieving the goals specified in subsection (b) of this section.

(2) Additional authority

Reports submitted under paragraph (1) by the Secretary (other than the first report) shall make recommendations concerning—

(A) any additional legislative authority that the Secretary determines is necessary for fully implementing the plan under subsection (a) of this section, including meeting the goals under subsection (b) of this section; and

(B) any additional legislative authority that the Secretary determines is necessary under section 247d of this title to protect the public health in the event of an emergency described in section 247d (a) of this title.

(d) Rule of construction

This section may not be construed as expanding or limiting any of the authorities of the Secretary that, on the day before June 12, 2002, were in effect with respect to preparing for and responding effectively to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.