Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Response Act

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Response Act

This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies public health preparedness and response programs and activities. The bill also addresses potential shortages of drugs and medical devices.

Affected public health programs and activities include

• the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program and other programs that support state, territorial, tribal, and local preparedness and response;
• activities that support the development of medical countermeasures, diagnostic testing capacity, and the administration of the Strategic National Stockpile;
• requirements concerning biosecurity, including with respect to biological agents and toxins that pose a threat to animal, plant, and human health; and
• the Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps and other programs to enable volunteer health providers and other health professionals to respond during disasters and emergencies.

The bill also (1) establishes specific procedures with respect to certain claims for compensation for deaths or injuries in association with COVID-19 vaccinations or medical countermeasures; (2) establishes programs to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and other at-risk individuals during public health emergencies; and (3) makes various changes to address and mitigate shortages of drugs and devices, including by expanding certain reporting and notification requirements.