SW Indiana News

WASHINGTON – On June 5, 2023, U.S Representative Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-Ind.-08), Greg Pence (R-Ind.-06), Andre Carson (D-Ind.-01), and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-Wash.-08) introduced the Diagnostic Testing Preparedness Plan Act (DTPP), which would facilitate the innovation and development of diagnostics between the private and public sectors during Public Health Emergencies.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw the critical role that diagnostic tests played in the public health response. 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. Today, 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 Dr. Bucshon. 

“Diagnostics are essential for successful disease outbreak containment and response,” said Congressman Pence. “It is important the HHS have a blueprint for communicating and collaborating with the private and public sectors to ensure diagnostics are readily available. In order to avoid issues during future Public Health Emergencies, the HHS needs to be prepared with a plan for diagnostic testing in advance.”

“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 Congressman Carson. “Whether it’s a bad flu season or the outbreak of new infectious disease, my bill will ensure we are better coordinated and better prepared to tackle the world’s most serious health problems. I’m honored to work with Roche Diagnostics in my home district and with my Hoosier colleagues across the aisle on this important effort.”

“One lesson from the pandemic is that public-private partnerships sparked innovation and helped our supply chain fill in gaps when we needed it most,” said Congresswoman Schrier. Having a plan in place that we can put into action will ensure we are not caught unprepared during a Public Health Emergency again, and will allow a much quicker, nimbler response next time. I am proud to sponsor this bipartisan legislation with Representative Pence.”

Click here to read the bill.

Background:

The Diagnostic Testing Preparedness Plan Act directs 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, the Diagnostic Testing Preparedness Plan Act would:

1. Direct the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to develop a plan for public-private coordination on national diagnostic testing during a Public Health Emergency.
2. Enhance national security as it relates to biodefense.
3. Ensure the Diagnostic Testing Preparedness Plan is updated every three years and is publicly available within one year of enactment. 
4. Requires HHS to submit an after-action assessment and evaluation report to Congress within one year of the Diagnostic Testing Preparedness Plan being activated during a Public Health Emergency.

The bipartisan Diagnostics Testing Preparedness Plan Act is endorsed by Roche Diagnostics, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, and Advamed.

Original source can be found here.