Congress Passes Bioterrorism
Conference Report
May 24, 2002- The House and Senate approved the bioterrorism
conference report (H.
Rpt. 107-481) on May 22 and May 23, respectively, clearing
it for the president's signature. The report reconciles the
differences between the original bioterrorism bills (S.
1765 and H.R.
3448) which passed in December [see
Washington Highlights, Dec. 14].
The $4.6 billion bill authorizes $1.15 billion for stockpiling
vaccines and antibiotics, mandates the increased protection
of the food supply, and establishes new federal oversight
of drinking water treatment plants. Conferees reached compromise
on other issues:
- $1.6 billion is authorized for state grants in FY 2003,
with $520 million set aside for hospital preparedness.
Such sums as necessary are authorized through 2006. Additionally,
a new hospital and community preparedness program is authorized
for 2004-2006 that establishes grants to partnerships
of hospitals and state or local governments.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will
create and biennially review a list of biological agents
or toxins that pose a threat to public health and safety.
- Persons handling restricted biological agents or toxins
must register with the HHS Secretary, who will submit
names to the Attorney General for background checks. A
new provision allows for appeals of adverse decisions
of the Attorney General. The Secretary will maintain a
database of all registered persons and toxins.
- $300 million is authorized for the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention to upgrade its scientific equipment
and laboratories.
- HHS may award grants to health professions schools
and programs to relieve shortages of health professionals
to prepare for bioterrorism or another public health emergency.
Included as an amendment to the conference report was the
reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fees Act (PDUFA),
which was set to expire in September. PDUFA enables the Food
and Drug Administration to use fees imposed on the pharmaceutical
companies to expedite the testing of new drugs. User fees
for medical devices were considered during the conference,
but were not included in the final report.
Information:
Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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