On March 21, the AANS and the CNS submitted comments to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce supporting the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Initially passed in 2006, PAHPA has continued to improve the nation’s public and medical preparedness and response capabilities during public health emergencies and disasters. Reauthorizing these essential health programs will continue to foster opportunities for these ongoing successful public-private collaborations. The AANS and the CNS also submitted similar comments to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. PAHPA programs will expire on Sept. 30.
One specific recommendation from the neurosurgery groups is for Congress to include the Good Samaritan Health Professionals Act in the PAHPA reauthorization legislation, providing liability protections for health care professionals who volunteer their services during a federally declared disaster or emergency. The AANS and the CNS also joined the Alliance of Specialty Medicine and Health Coalition on Liability and Access in making this same recommendation.
