Amend Pandemic Preparedness Legislation to Prioritize Diagnostic Test Development and Deployment

Abstract

As the world becomes increasingly globalized, the propensity of pandemics, such as COVID-19, increases. The United States Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019 (PAHPAI) details the federal response to a health crisis including pandemics. The PAHPAI has hindered the nation’s response to COVID-19 due to its lack of emphasis on diagnostic testing (Burr 2019). Rapid testing is critical to slowing the spread of this disease. Ample testing will identify infected populations and will allow communities to take necessary precautions such as staying home and avoiding contact with others. Widespread shelter in place would not be necessary to control the spread of the virus, therefore reducing the economic impact of the pandemic. We propose Congress amends the PAHPAI to institute an improved testing response for future pandemics.