Energy and Commerce Committee Advances Preparedness Bill

Jul 19, 2018 - 03:32 PM
ambulence

The House Energy and Commerce Committee yesterday advanced the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2018 (H.R. 6378). The bill, as amended, would authorize $264.6 million in annual funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program, down from $374.7 million currently. The bill also changes the name of HPP to the Healthcare Preparedness and Response Program. The committee did not adopt changes advocated by AHA to increase the HPP funding level to at least $515 million; explicitly permit health systems, academic medical centers and state, metropolitan and regional hospital associations to compete for HPP partnership awards; and formally keep the HPP and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Programs separate under their respective agencies. However, the amended bill does include AHA-supported changes to the Public Health Emergency Fund’s financing and uses, and AHA-supported legislation that would extend liability standards under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 to licensed health professionals who volunteer in another state during a disaster.

Related News Articles

Headline
NETEC to award grants to 75 hospitals seeking to become Level 2 special pathogen treatment centers
The National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center announced Oct. 15 that it will award $37.5 million in grants to 75 hospitals seeking to…
Headline
Government funding bill fails 10th time in Senate as chamber adjourns until next week
The Senate Oct. 16 failed for a 10th time to advance the continuing resolution to extend government funding and end the ongoing shutdown. The chamber adjourned…
Chairperson's File
Chair File: Leadership Dialogue — Legislative Outlook and Health Care Advocacy with AHA Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes
Public
There is a saying that is very timely for our field: A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. As we head into the final months of 2025, hospitals and health…
Headline
Shutdown expected to continue next week as Senate adjourns
The federal government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate adjourned Oct. 9 after failing to pass spending legislation; senators plan…
Headline
AHA calls for Senate committee to strengthen supply chain for pharmaceuticals, medical devices
The AHA provided a statement of record to the Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing Oct. 8 on the pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains.…
Headline
Senate again fails to pass CR, government shutdown continues
The federal government shutdown will continue as the Senate Oct. 3 failed to adopt a government funding deal. The latest attempt to pass the House-passed…