Public Health Improvement Act
Public Health Improvement Act
Plain Language Summary
# Public Health Improvement Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would significantly limit the power of federal health agencies during health crises. Specifically, it would restrict the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from taking broad actions to control disease spread, requiring them to get Congress's approval to renew public health emergencies instead of being able to do so on their own. The bill would also narrow the CDC's focus to only communicable (contagious) diseases, removing its authority over other health issues like injuries, occupational hazards, and chronic diseases. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions:** The bill would impact Americans during public health emergencies and the federal agencies that respond to health crises.
Key changes include: limiting CDC and National Institutes of Health (NIH) director terms to 12 years, requiring Congressional votes to extend public health emergencies, and eliminating HHS's discretionary authority to implement disease prevention measures. Essentially, it shifts more decision-making power to Congress and away from health agency experts. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 999, 119th Congress) and was introduced by Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO). It has not yet been voted on or passed.
CRS Official Summary
Public Health Improvement ActThis bill narrows the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with respect to the control of communicable diseases and renewals of public health emergencies. It also limits the priorities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to solely communicable diseases. Specifically, the bill removes HHS' discretion to take measures it deems necessary to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. It also narrows the objectives and priorities of the CDC by removing noncommunicable diseases, injuries, occupational and environmental hazards, and discretionary priorities from its strategic plan.Also, the bill removes the authority of HHS to renew a declaration of a public health emergency and instead requires Congress to issue a renewal. The bill also limits the terms of the directors of the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to 12 years and requires members of the Advisory Committee to the Director of the CDC to be appointed by members of Congress and other officials (currently appointed by the director). Additionally, the bill transfers eight offices from the CDC to the NIH (e.g., the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.