HHS Seeks Expanded Authorities to Combat Future Pandemic Threats
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) wants
new emergency powers to steeply increase staffing and expedite contracting. HHS’
inability to quickly address these two needs during the COVID pandemic is the
impetus behind the Department’s expansion request. Dawn O’Connell, HHS Assistant
Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), stated at a press event that she was in talks with Congress to include these authorities
as part of the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act
(Public
Law 116-22). First passed in 2006, the Act established ASPR. The current law expires on Sept. 30.
During the pandemic, HHS’ efforts to address the supply chain shortages, expand
the domestic capacity to provide medical equipment diagnostics and accelerate
COVID vaccines and new treatments were initially hampered. HHS had to enter into
a Memorandum of Understanding with Department of Defense to acquire
new supplies quickly because the health agency could not do that on its own.
Likewise, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided HHS with additional
staffing and human resources capabilities that were needed due to the pandemic.
FEMA had certain immediate hiring and pay authorities that HHS did not possess.
Having this type of authority would enable HHS to have staffing surges when needed.
Having this authority will also enable HHS to be better prepare and therefore,
produce a quicker, more effective response to future pandemics.
Both chambers of Congress have begun work on the reauthorization
of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act in hopes of meeting its Sept. 30 expiration date.
