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Title:

The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act: Its Contributions and New Potential to Increase Public Health Preparedness

Authors:

Ryan Morhard, Crystal Franco

Date posted:

June 18, 2013

Publication type:

Commentary

Publication:

Biosecur Bioterror 2013;11(2):145-152

Publisher:

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

DOI:

10.1089/bsp.2013.0042

Availability:

Open access

See also:

Full article available on publisher's site: HTML • PDF

Introduction:

Approximately 6 years ago, then-President George W. Bush first signed the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) into law, reforming the nation's public health preparedness landscape. On March 14, 2013, President Barack Obama reauthorized the legislation, incorporating important lessons learned and setting the path for the next 5 years. When the law was originally passed by the 109th Congress, policymakers were acting in response to Hurricane Katrina and the threat of a possible influenza pandemic. Members of the 113th Congress have reauthorized PAHPA, seeking to enhance existing programs and authorities in light of recent public health emergencies. This article examines PAHPA, considers its impact on preparedness over the past 5 years, and describes the recently signed reauthorization legislation.