River Bend Times

Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), and Andre Carson (D-IN) have introduced the Diagnostic Testing Preparedness Plan Act, known as H.R. 1108. This proposed legislation mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) create a diagnostic testing preparedness plan for use during declared public health emergencies.

Dr. Miller-Meeks emphasized the importance of having a comprehensive plan for diagnostic and clinical lab testing capacities during such emergencies, referencing lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. "From development to distribution, it is crucial to have a comprehensive plan for diagnostic and clinical lab testing capacities during a public health emergency," she stated.

Congresswoman Schrier highlighted the essential role diagnostics play in public health preparedness, drawing comparisons with South Korea's response during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Diagnostics are an essential part of public health preparedness and, as was exemplified in the COVID-19 Pandemic when we struggled to provide the testing required to slow the spread of disease while South Korea was doing thousands of drive-thru tests daily,” said Schrier.

Congressman Carson noted that diagnostics are vital across various aspects of public health, including seasonal flu outbreaks and new infectious diseases like bird flu. He expressed pride in collaborating with Roche Diagnostics in his district on this bipartisan initiative. “Diagnostics play a role in every aspect of public health,” he said.

The bill aims to address gaps revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as supply chain issues and reliance on foreign materials for test production. It seeks to enhance coordination between public and private sectors to increase capacity for developing accurate tests swiftly.

The Bipartisan Diagnostics Testing Preparedness Plan Act has received endorsements from Johns Hopkins University, Roche Diagnostics, and the American Clinical Laboratory Association.