Bill > HR1108

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a comprehensive Diagnostic Testing Preparedness Plan to improve the nation's ability to respond quickly to public health emergencies involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats and emerging infectious diseases. The plan must outline processes for rapidly developing, validating, authorizing, manufacturing, procuring, and distributing diagnostic tests, with a focus on facilitating coordination between public and private entities. Key considerations include assessing domestic testing capacity, exploring novel testing technologies (such as high-throughput laboratory, point-of-care, and at-home diagnostics), identifying medical supply needs, and developing strategies for efficient test distribution. The Secretary must coordinate with industry stakeholders, device manufacturers, laboratories, and governmental entities, and may contract with public and private organizations to increase domestic testing capacity. The bill mandates that the initial plan be publicly released within one year of enactment and updated at least every three years, ensuring the United States remains prepared for potential future public health emergencies by having a flexible and adaptable diagnostic testing strategy.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1108/all-info