U.S Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) on June 5 introduced a bipartisan bill that would require the development of a diagnostic testing preparedness plan to be used during public health emergencies to help successfully contain and respond to a disease outbreak.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the critical role that diagnostic tests played in the public health response,” Rep. Bucshon said on Monday. “However, one of the lessons learned from the pandemic is that we need to have a comprehensive plan in place that allows private-sector innovators and the federal government to work together so that we can rapidly develop and distribute the diagnostic tools needed.”
The congressman cosponsored the Diagnostic Testing Preparedness Plan Act, H.R. 3795, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN) and two other original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), to facilitate the innovation and development of diagnostics between the private and public sectors during public health emergencies.
“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation that will ensure that the United States puts in place such a plan, ensuring that our nation is better prepared to quickly and effectively respond in a future public health emergency — which ultimately will save lives,” said Rep. Bucshon.
If enacted, H.R. 3795 would direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a plan for rapid development, approval, scaling, procurement, and distribution of diagnostics during a public health emergency.
Specifically, H.R. 3795 would direct the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to develop the plan to enhance national security as it relates to biodefense, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Bucshon’s staff. The ASPR would ensure the plan is updated every three years and is publicly available within one year of enactment.
Additionally, the bill would require HHS to submit an after-action assessment and evaluation report to Congress within one year of the plan being activated, the summary says.
H.R. 3795 has been endorsed by Roche Diagnostics, Johns Hopkins University, and the Commission for Biodefense.
“COVID-19 emphasized the need to improve and invest in our diagnostic response nationwide, but diagnostics play a role in every aspect of public health,” said Rep. Carson. “Whether it’s a bad flu season or the outbreak of a new infectious disease, my bill will ensure we are better coordinated and better prepared to tackle the world’s most serious health problems.”