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This bill would look to expand grant funding that allows medical facilities to be better prepared for large-scale chemical or biological emergencies.

The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) could be used under this bill to distribute funding to:

Improve the ability of medical facilities to respond to a surge in patients seeking medical attention.
Develop and maintain a pharmaceutical stockpile that includes medical equipment, medication, and other necessary supplies.
Acquire diagnostic tools in sufficient quantities to protect first responders, their families, immediate victims, and vulnerable populations.

","official_title":"To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to codify authority under existing grant guidance authorizing use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities.","short_title":"Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act","popular_title":null,"short_summary":"(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)\n\nMedical Preparedness Allowable Use Act\n\n (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities, including the development and maintenance of an initial pharmaceutical stockpile, including medical kits, and diagnostics sufficient to protect first responders, their families, immediate victims, and vulnerable populations from a chemical or biological event.","summarized":true,"cost":null,"cost_commentary":"A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.","impact":"People affected by a chemical or biological event, first responders, medical personnel, medical facilities receiving and distributing funding through UASI & SHSGP, and FEMA.","argument_for":"The U.S. medical system needs to be able to respond rapidly to a chemical or biological attack. Creating a pharmaceutical stockpile, and protecting healthcare workers will be essential for stopping an epidemic.","argument_against":"This bill does not outline any oversight to ensure that the grant funding is actually used for preparing medical facilities and personnel for a national disaster. 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Do U.S. Medical Facilities Need Better Plans For Large-Scale Chemical Or Biological Emergencies?