House bill would increase funding for Hospital Preparedness Program

Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) today introduced the Hospital Preparedness Program Reauthorization Act of 2018, which would increase the level of federal funding authorized to support regional health care systems in preparing for natural disasters and other threats. The HPP, created after 9/11, is the only federal funding source that supports efforts by regional health care systems to improve preparedness and readiness. The bill would increase the HPP’s authorization level to $515 million for each fiscal year through FY 2023, doubling its current level of appropriated funding. “As key components of our nation’s critical infrastructure, the HPP plays a vital role in helping hospitals and health systems sustain, develop and update their emergency preparedness and response capabilities,” said AHA Executive Vice President Tom Nickels. “The investments through this program have improved health care system responses during many catastrophes, such as Superstorm Sandy, the Boston Marathon bombing, the Ebola crisis, and recent hurricanes, including Maria and Harvey. The AHA thanks Representative Dingell for introducing this important legislation and looks forward to working with Congress to reauthorize and strengthen the HPP.”