Health Care Personnel Added
as "First Responders"
January 9, 2004 - A presidential directive
issued Dec. 17 expands the definition of first responder within
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L.
107-296) to include "emergency management, public
health, clinical care, public works, and other skilled support
personnel (such as equipment operators) that provide immediate
support services during prevention, response, recovery operations."
This change broadens the types of health care workers considered
on the front lines during a terrorist attack, disaster or
other emergency to include hospitals and non-emergency personnel,
making them eligible for federal first responder funding.
The directive also calls upon the Secretary of Homeland Security
to develop a National Preparedness Goal to ensure the nation
is prepared to prevent, respond to, and recover from all types
of emergencies. The Secretary will also coordinate with other
federal agencies and departments, such as the Department of
Health and Human Services, that provide assistance for first
responder preparedness to establish a closely coordinated
interagency grant process by Sept. 30, 2005.
Information:
Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Government Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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