HR 4331 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to preparation for an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

December 6, 2007

Mrs. LOWEY introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to preparation for an influenza pandemic, including an avian influenza pandemic, and for other purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2008'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress makes the following findings:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The Department of Health and Human Services reports that an influenza pandemic has a greater potential to cause rapid increases in death and illness than virtually any other natural health threat.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) Three pandemics occurred during the 20th century: the Spanish flu pandemic in 1918, the Asian flu pandemic in 1957, and the Hong Kong flu pandemic in 1968. The Spanish flu pandemic was the most severe, causing over 500,000 deaths in the United States and more than 20,000,000 deaths worldwide.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated conservatively that up to 207,000 Americans would die, and up to 734,000 would be hospitalized, during the next pandemic. The costs of the pandemic, including the total direct costs associated with medical care and indirect costs of lost productivity and death, are estimated at between $71,000,000,000 and $166,500,000,000. These costs do not include the economic effects of pandemic on commerce and society.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) Recent studies suggest that avian influenza strains, which are endemic in wild birds and poultry populations in some countries, are becoming increasingly capable of causing severe disease in humans and are likely to cause the next pandemic flu.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) In 2004, 8 nations--Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, China, Cambodia, and the Republic of Korea--experienced outbreaks of avian flu (H5N1) among poultry flocks. Cases of human infections were confirmed in Thailand and Vietnam (including a possible human-to-human infection in Thailand).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) As of December 4, 2007, 336 confirmed human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) have been reported, 207 of which have resulted in death.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(7) On February 23, 2005, Dr. Shigeru Omi, Asia regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO), stated with respect to the avian flu, `We at WHO believe that the world is now in the gravest possible danger of a pandemic.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(8) The best defense against influenza pandemics is a heightened global surveillance system. In many of the nations where avian flu (H5N1) has become endemic the early detection capabilities are severely lacking, as is the transparency in the health systems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(9) In addition to surveillance, pandemic preparedness requires domestic and international coordination and cooperation to ensure an adequate medical response, including communication and information networks, public health measures to prevent spread, use of vaccination and antivirals, provision of health outpatient and inpatient services, and maintenance of core public functions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT.

Title XXI of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-1 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`Subtitle 3--Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

`SEC. 2141. DEFINITION.

`For purposes of this subtitle, the term `State' shall have the meaning given such term in section 2(f) and shall include Indian tribes and tribal organizations (as defined in section 4(b) and 4(c) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2142. PROPOSAL FOR INTERNATIONAL FUND TO SUPPORT PANDEMIC INFLUENZA CONTROL.

`(a) In General- The Secretary should submit to the Director of the World Health Organization a proposal to study the feasibility of establishing a fund, (referred to in this section as the `Pandemic Fund') to support pandemic influenza control and relief activities conducted in countries affected by pandemic influenza, including pandemic avian influenza.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Content of Proposal- The proposal submitted under subsection (a) shall describe, with respect to the Pandemic Fund--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) funding sources;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) administration;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) application process by which a country may apply to receive assistance from such Fund;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) factors used to make a determination regarding a submitted application, which may include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the gross domestic product of the applicant country;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the burden of need, as determined by human morbidity and mortality and economic impact related to pandemic influenza and the existing capacity and resources of the applicant country to control the spread of the disease; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) the willingness of the country to cooperate with other countries with respect to preventing and controlling the spread of the pandemic influenza; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) any other information the Secretary determines necessary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Use of Funds- Funds from any Pandemic Fund established as provided for in this section shall be used to complement and augment ongoing bilateral programs and activities from the United States and other donor nations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2143. POLICY COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS.

`(a) In General- There is established the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Policy Coordinating Committee (referred to in this section as the `Committee').CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Membership-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Committee shall be composed of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the Secretary;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) the Secretary of Agriculture;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) the Secretary of State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) the Secretary of Defense;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) the Secretary of Commerce;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) the Secretary of Transportation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) the Secretary of Homeland Security;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(J) other representatives as determined appropriate by the Co-Chairs of the Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CO-CHAIRS- The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall serve as the Co-Chairs of the Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) TERM- The members of the Committee shall serve for the life of the Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Meetings-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Committee shall meet not less often than 2 times per year at the call of the Co-Chairs or as determined necessary by the President.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) REPRESENTATION- A member of the Committee under subsection (b) may designate a representative to participate in Committee meetings, but such representative shall hold the position of at least an assistant secretary or equivalent position.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Duties of the Committee-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) PREPAREDNESS PLANS- Each member of the Committee shall submit to the Committee a pandemic influenza preparedness plan for the agency involved that describes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) initiatives and proposals by such member to address pandemic influenza (including avian influenza) preparedness; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) any activities and coordination with international entities related to such initiatives and proposals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) INTERAGENCY PLAN AND RECOMMENDATIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) PREPAREDNESS PLAN- Based on the preparedness plans described under paragraph (1), and not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2008, the Committee shall develop an Interagency Preparedness Plan that integrates and coordinates such preparedness plans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) CONTENT OF PLAN- The Interagency Preparedness Plan under clause (i) shall include a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) departmental or agency responsibility and accountability for each component of such plan;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) funding requirements and sources;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) international collaboration and coordination efforts; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) recommendations and a timeline for implementation of such plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) REPORT-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) IN GENERAL- The Committee shall submit to the President and Congress, and make available to the public, a report that includes the Interagency Preparedness Plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) UPDATED REPORT- The Committee shall submit to the President and Congress, and make available to the public, on a biannual basis, an update of the report that includes a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) progress made toward plan implementation, as described under clause (i); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) progress of the domestic preparedness programs under section 2144 and of the international assistance programs under section 2145.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) CONSULTATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ENTITIES- In developing the preparedness plans described under subparagraph (A) and the report under subparagraph (B), the Committee may consult with representatives from the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, and other international bodies, as appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2144. DOMESTIC PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES.

`(a) Pandemic Preparedness Activities- The Secretary shall strengthen, expand, and coordinate domestic pandemic influenza preparedness activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) State Preparedness Plan-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- As a condition of receiving funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Health Resources and Services Administration related to bioterrorism, a State shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) designate an official or office as responsible for pandemic influenza preparedness;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) submit to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention a Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan described under paragraph (2); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) have such Preparedness Plan approved in accordance with this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) PREPAREDNESS PLAN-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan required under paragraph (1) shall address--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) human and animal surveillance activities, including capacity for epidemiological analysis, isolation and subtyping of influenza viruses year-round, including for avian influenza among domestic poultry, and reporting of information across human and veterinary sectors;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) methods to ensure surge capacity in hospitals, laboratories, outpatient healthcare provider offices, medical suppliers, and communication networks;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) assisting the recruitment and coordination of national and State volunteer banks of healthcare professionals;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) distribution of vaccines, antivirals, and other treatments to priority groups, and monitor effectiveness and adverse events;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) networks that provide alerts and other information for healthcare providers and organizations at the National, State, and regional level;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) communication with the public with respect to prevention and obtaining care during pandemic influenza;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vii) maintenance of core public functions, including public utilities, refuse disposal, mortuary services, transportation, police and firefighter services, and other critical services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(viii) provision of security for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) first responders and other medical personnel and volunteers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(II) hospitals, treatment centers, and isolation and quarantine areas;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(III) transport and delivery of resources, including vaccines, medications and other supplies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(IV) other persons or functions as determined appropriate by the Secretary;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ix) the acquisition of necessary legal authority for pandemic activities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(x) integration with existing national, State, and regional bioterrorism preparedness activities or infrastructure;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xi) coordination among public and private health sectors with respect to healthcare delivery, including mass vaccination and treatment systems, during pandemic influenza; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(xii) coordination with Federal pandemic influenza preparedness activities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS- The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan required under paragraph (1) shall include a specific focus on surveillance, prevention, and medical care for traditionally underserved populations, including low-income, racial and ethnic minority, immigrant, and uninsured populations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) APPROVAL OF STATE PLAN-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall develop criteria to rate State Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plans required under paragraph (1) and determine the minimum rating needed for approval.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) TIMING OF APPROVAL- Not later than 180 days after a State submits a State Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan as required under paragraph (1), the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall make a determination regarding approval of such Plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) REPORTING OF STATE PLAN- All Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plans submitted and approved under this section shall be made available to the public.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) ASSISTANCE TO STATES- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration may provide assistance to States in carrying out this subsection, or implementing an approved State Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan, which may include the detail of an officer to approved domestic pandemic sites or the purchase of equipment and supplies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) WAIVER- The Secretary may grant a temporary waiver of 1 or more of the requirements under this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Domestic Surveillance-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall establish minimum thresholds for States with respect to adequate surveillance for pandemic influenza, including possible pandemic avian influenza.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) ASSISTANCE TO STATES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall provide assistance to States and regions to meet the minimum thresholds established under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) TYPES OF ASSISTANCE- Assistance provided to States under subparagraph (A) may include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) the establishment or expansion of State surveillance and alert systems, including the Sentinel Physician Surveillance System and 122 Cities Mortalities Report System;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) the provision of equipment and supplies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) support for epidemiological analysis and investigation of novel strains;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) the sharing of biological specimens and epidemiological and clinical data within and across States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) other activities determined appropriate by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) DETAIL OF OFFICERS- The Secretary may detail officers to States for technical assistance as needed to carry out this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Private Sector Involvement-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, and in coordination with private sector entities, shall integrate and coordinate public and private influenza surveillance activities, as appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) GRANT PROGRAM-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- In carrying out the activities under paragraph (1), the Secretary may establish a grant program to provide grants to eligible entities to coordinate pandemic preparedness surveillance activities between States and private health sector entities, including health plans and other health systems.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) ELIGIBILITY- To be eligible to receive a grant under subparagraph (A), an entity shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) be a State with a collaborative relationship with a private health system organization or institution.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) USE OF FUNDS- Funds under a grant under subparagraph (A) may be used to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(i) develop and implement surveillance protocols for patients in outpatient and hospital settings;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(ii) establish a communication alert plan for patients for reportable signs and symptoms that may suggest influenza;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iii) purchase necessary equipment and supplies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(iv) increase laboratory testing and networking capacity;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(v) conduct epidemiological and other analyses; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(vi) report and disseminate data.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) DETAIL OF OFFICERS- The Secretary may detail officers to grantees under subparagraph (A) for technical assistance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) REQUIREMENT- As a condition of receiving a grant under subparagraph (A), a State shall have a plan to meet minimum thresholds for State influenza surveillance established by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture under subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Temporary Facility- The Secretary may establish a temporary Federal facility or body to coordinate Federal support and assistance to States and localities, activities across Federal agencies or departments, or direct implementation of Federal authorities and responsibilities when appropriate under Federal law or when State and local actions to address the pandemic or threat of pandemic are deemed insufficient by the Secretary or Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(f) Procurement of Antivirals for the Strategic National Stockpile- The Secretary shall determine the minimum number of doses of antivirals needed to prevent infection or treat infection during pandemic influenza, including possible pandemic avian influenza, for health professionals (including doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, pharmacists, veterinarians, laboratory personnel, epidemiologists, virologists and public health practitioners), core public utility employees, and those persons expected to be at high risk for serious morbidity and mortality from pandemic influenza, and take immediate steps to procure this minimum number of doses for the Strategic National Stockpile described under section 319F-2.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(g) Procurement of Vaccines for the Strategic National Stockpile- Subject to development and testing of potential vaccines for pandemic influenza, including possible pandemic avian influenza, the Secretary shall determine the minimum number of doses of vaccines needed to prevent infection during at least the first wave of pandemic influenza for health professionals (including doctors, nurses, mental health professionals, pharmacists, veterinarians, laboratory personnel, epidemiologists, virologists, and public health practitioners), core public utility employees, and those persons expected to be at high risk for serious morbidity and mortality from pandemic influenza, and take immediate steps to procure this minimum number of doses for the Strategic National Stockpile described under section 319F-2.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2145. INTERNATIONAL PANDEMIC INFLUENZA ASSISTANCE.

`(a) In General- The Secretary shall assist other countries in preparation for, and response to, pandemic influenza, including possible pandemic avian influenza.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) International Surveillance-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in collaboration with the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health, shall establish minimum standards for surveillance capacity for all countries with respect to pandemic influenza, including possible pandemic avian influenza.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) ASSISTANCE- The Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture shall assist other countries to meet the standards established in paragraph (1) through--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) the detail of officers to foreign countries for the provision of technical assistance or training;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) laboratory testing, including testing of specimens for viral isolation or subtype analysis;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) epidemiological analysis and investigation of novel strains;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) provision of equipment or supplies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) coordination of surveillance activities within and among countries;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) the establishment and maintenance of an Internet database that is accessible to health officials domestically and internationally, for the purpose of reporting new cases or clusters of influenza and under information that may help avert the pandemic spread of influenza; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) other activities as determined necessary by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Increased International Medical Capacity During Pandemic Influenza- The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may provide vaccines, antiviral medications, and supplies to foreign countries from the Strategic National Stockpile described under section 319F-2.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Assistance to Foreign Countries- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration may provide assistance to foreign countries in carrying out this section, which may include the detail of an officer to approved international pandemic sites or the purchase of equipment and supplies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2146. PUBLIC EDUCATION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.

`(a) In General- The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in consultation with the United States Agency for International Development, the World Health Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, and foreign countries, shall develop an outreach campaign with respect to public education and awareness of influenza and influenza preparedness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Details of Campaign- The campaign established under subsection (a) shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) be culturally and linguistically appropriate for domestic populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) be adaptable for use in foreign countries;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) target high-risk populations (those most likely to contract, transmit, and die from influenza);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) promote personal influenza precautionary measures and knowledge, and the need for general vaccination, as appropriate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) describe precautions at the State and local level that could be implemented during pandemic influenza, including quarantine and other measures.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2147. HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.

`The Secretary, directly or through contract, and in consultation with professional health and medical societies, shall develop and disseminate pandemic influenza training curricula--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) to educate and train health professionals, including physicians, nurses, public health practitioners, virologists and epidemiologists, veterinarians, mental health providers, allied health professionals, and paramedics and other first responders;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) to educate and train volunteer, non-medical personnel whose assistance may be required during a pandemic influenza outbreak; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) that address prevention, including use of quarantine and other isolation precautions, pandemic influenza diagnosis, medical guidelines for use of antivirals and vaccines, and professional requirements and responsibilities, as appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2148. RESEARCH AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.

`The Director of the National Institutes of Health (referred to in this section as the `Director of NIH'), in collaboration with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other relevant agencies, shall expand and intensify--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) human and animal research, with respect to influenza, on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) vaccine development and manufacture, including strategies to increase immunological response;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) effectiveness of inducing heterosubtypic immunity;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) antivirals, including minimal dose or course of treatment and timing to achieve prophylactic or therapeutic effect;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) side effects and drug safety of vaccines and antivirals in subpopulations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) alternative routes of delivery;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) more efficient methods for testing and determining virus subtype;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) protective measures; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) other areas determined appropriate by the Director of NIH; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) historical research on prior pandemics to better understand pandemic epidemiology, transmission, protective measures, high-risk groups, and other lessons that may be applicable to future pandemics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2149. RESEARCH AT THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION.

`The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, shall expand and intensify research, with respect to influenza, on--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) communication strategies for the public during pandemic influenza, taking into consideration age, racial and ethnic background, health literacy, and risk status;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) changing and influencing human behavior as it relates to vaccination; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) development and implementation of a public, non-commercial and non-competitive broadcast system and person-to-person networks.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2150. INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE STUDY ON THE LEGAL, ETHICAL, AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF PANDEMIC INFLUENZA.

`(a) In General- The Secretary shall contract with the Institute of Medicine to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) study the legal, ethical, and social implications of, with respect to pandemic influenza--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) animal/human interchange;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) global surveillance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(C) case contact investigations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(D) vaccination and medical treatment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(E) community hygiene;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(F) travel and border controls;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(G) decreased social mixing and increased social distance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(H) civil confinement; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(I) other topics as determined appropriate by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Attacking Viral Influenza Across Nations Act of 2008, submit to the Secretary a report that describes recommendations based on the study conducted under paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Implementation of Recommendations- Not later than 180 days after the submission of the report of under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall address the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine regarding the domestic and international allocation and distribution of pandemic influenza vaccine and antivirals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

`SEC. 2151. NATIONAL PANDEMIC INFLUENZA ECONOMICS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

`(a) In General- There is established the National Pandemic Influenza Economics Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the `Committee').CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(b) Membership-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Comptroller General of the United States and shall include domestic and international experts on pandemic influenza, public health, veterinary science, commerce, economics, finance, and international diplomacy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) CHAIR- The Comptroller General of the United States shall select a Chair from among the members of the Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(c) Duties- The Committee shall study and make recommendations to Congress and the Secretary on the financial and economic impact of pandemic influenza and possible financial structures for domestic and international pandemic response, relating to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) the development, storage and distribution of vaccines;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) the storage and distribution of antiviral and other medications and supplies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) increased surveillance activities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(4) provision of preventive and medical care during pandemic;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(5) reimbursement for health providers and other core public function employees;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(6) reasonable compensation for farmers and other workers that bear direct or disproportionate loss of revenue; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(7) other issues determined appropriate by the Chair.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(d) Compensation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- Each member of the Committee who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Committee. All members who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES- A member of the Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Committee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(e) Staff-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(1) IN GENERAL- The Chair of the Committee shall provide the Committee with such professional and clerical staff, such information, and the services of such consultants as may be necessary to assist the Committee in carrying out the functions under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(2) DETAIL OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(A) IN GENERAL- An employee of the Federal Government may be detailed to the Committee without reimbursement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(B) CIVIL SERVICE STATUS- The detail of the employee shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





`(3) PROCUREMENT OF TEMPORARY AND INTERMITTENT SERVICES- The Chair of the Committee may procure temporary and intermittent services in accordance with section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of that title.'.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. PANDEMIC INFLUENZA AND ANIMAL HEALTH.

(a) In General- The Secretary of Agriculture shall expand and intensify efforts to prevent pandemic influenza, including possible pandemic avian influenza.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Report- Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report that describes the anticipated impact of pandemic influenza on the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Assistance- The Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the World Health Organization, and the World Organization for Animal Health, shall provide domestic and international assistance with respect to pandemic influenza preparedness to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) support the eradication of infectious animal diseases and zoonosis;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) increase transparency in animal disease states;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) collect, analyze, and disseminate veterinary data;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) strengthen international coordination and cooperation in the control of animal diseases; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) promote the safety of world trade in animals and animal products.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act (and the amendments made by this Act) for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2012.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink