§247d–1. National needs to combat threats to public health

(a) Capacities

(1) In general

Not later than 1 year after November 13, 2000, the Secretary, and such Administrators, Directors, or Commissioners, as may be appropriate, and in collaboration with State and local health officials, shall establish reasonable capacities that are appropriate for national, State, and local public health systems and the personnel or work forces of such systems. Such capacities shall be revised every 10 years, or more frequently as the Secretary determines to be necessary.

(2) Basis

The capacities established under paragraph (1) shall improve, enhance or expand the capacity of national, State and local public health agencies to detect and respond effectively to significant public health threats, including major outbreaks of infectious disease, pathogens resistant to antimicrobial agents and acts of bioterrorism. Such capacities may include the capacity to-

(A) recognize the clinical signs and epidemiological characteristic of significant outbreaks of infectious disease;

(B) identify disease-causing pathogens rapidly and accurately;

(C) develop and implement plans to provide medical care for persons infected with disease-causing agents and to provide preventive care as needed for individuals likely to be exposed to disease-causing agents;

(D) communicate information relevant to significant public health threats rapidly to local, State and national health agencies, and health care providers; or

(E) develop or implement policies to prevent the spread of infectious disease or antimicrobial resistance.

(b) Supplement not supplant

Funds appropriated under this section shall be used to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, and local public funds provided for activities under this section.

(c) Technical assistance

The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to the States to assist such States in fulfilling the requirements of this section.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2001, and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year through 2006.

(July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title III, §319A, as added Pub. L. 106–505, title I, §102, Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2316 .)

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 247d–2, 247d–3, 247d–4 of this title.