Columbus Standard

Washington, D.C. – On June 5, 2023, Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN), Congressman Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Congressman Andre Carson (D-IN), and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA) 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.

“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, it is crucial for the HHS to be prepared with a plan for diagnostic testing in advance.”

“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. 

“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 (DTPP) directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), and in conjunction with relevant agencies, to develop a plan for rapid development, approval, scaling, procurement, and distribution of diagnostics during a Public Health Emergency. Specifically, the DTPP would:

1. direct ASPR to develop a plan for public-private coordination on national diagnostic testing during a Public Health Emergency.
2. direct the HHS Secretary, in conjunction with the ASPR Assistant Secretary, to make the DTPP, which would enhance national security as it relates to biodefense, publicly available within one year of enactment and updated every subsequent three years.
3. direct the HHS Secretary, in conjunction with the ASPR Assistant Secretary, to submit an after-action assessment and evaluation report to Congress within one year of the DTPP being activated during a Public Health Emergency.

Original source can be found here.