AHA responds to congressional RFI on reauthorizing preparedness programs

As Congress considers reauthorizing the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, AHA yesterday urged lawmakers to fund the Hospital Preparedness Program at a significantly increased level, strengthen the Strategic National Stockpile, require the federal government collaborate with stakeholders to build an efficient public health data infrastructure and require the Department of Health and Human Services make critical updates to its emergency preparedness playbook. 
 
Responding to a Request for Information from House Energy and Commerce members Reps. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., AHA called the recent decision to sunset the COVID-19 public health emergency “a testament to the progress we have made. However, during that transition, it is critical that we commit to building on the lessons learned and the advancements in care delivery and access made during the PHE. While we recognize that this RFI is only the first step in a longer process to reauthorize PAHPA, it is with this intent that the AHA makes its initial recommendations for creating a more effective and stable health care system.”