Bill > HB2489

This bill establishes a statewide strategic essential buffer stock program for emergency preparedness and drug shortage prevention in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Health Services, in coordination with other state agencies like the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and the Department of Education, will create a comprehensive system to procure, manage, and distribute essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies during public health emergencies, including natural disasters, man-made disasters, and mass casualty events. The program requires detailed planning and modeling to determine the types and quantities of emergency supplies needed, with a particular focus on supporting rural and medically underserved areas. The bill outlines specific guidelines for prioritizing distribution of limited resources, considering factors such as the location's rural status, underserved population, infection rates, and hospitalization rates. The program will use a "virtually sequestered buffer stock" approach, which involves an inventory of medications managed by a distribution vendor to prevent expiration and ensure availability during emergencies. Key goals include maximizing available federal and state funding, establishing clear distribution protocols, and creating a flexible system that can respond quickly to various types of public health emergencies. The bill defines important terms like "essential buffer stock," "natural disaster," "outbreak," and "designated recipients" to provide clarity and scope for the proposed program.

Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82281