Modernizing Biosurveillance Capabilities and Epidemic Forecasting Act

To modernize biosurveillance capabilities and infectious disease data collection, and improve epidemic forecasting and outbreak analytics. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Modernizing Biosurveillance Capabilities and Epidemic Forecasting Act 2. Modernizing biosurveillance capabilities and infectious disease data collection Section 319D of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247d–4 (1) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking , and local , local, and Tribal (2) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting modernize, establish, (B) in paragraph (3)(B), by inserting , and make recommendations to improve the quality of data collected pursuant to subparagraph (A) to ensure complete, accurate, and timely sharing of such data, as appropriate, across such elements as described in subparagraph (A) under subparagraph (A) (C) in paragraph (5)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking and operating , operating, and updating, as appropriate, (II) in clause (iv), by striking and (III) in clause (v), by striking the period and inserting ; and (IV) by adding at the end the following: (vi) in collaboration with State, local, and Tribal public health officials, integrate and update applicable existing public health data systems and networks of the Department of Health and Human Services to reflect technological advancements, consistent with section 2823, as applicable. ; and (ii) in subparagraph (B)— (I) in clause (i), by inserting and 180 days after the date of enactment of the Modernizing Biosurveillance Capabilities and Epidemic Forecasting Act Innovation Act of 2019, (II) in clause (ii), by inserting experts in privacy and data security; forecasting); (III) in clause (iii)— (aa) in subclause (V), by striking and (bb) in subclause (VI), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (cc) by adding at the end the following: (VII) strategies to integrate laboratory and public health data systems and capabilities to support rapid and accurate reporting of laboratory test results and associated relevant data; (VIII) strategies to improve the collection and reporting of relevant, aggregated, deidentified demographic data to inform responses to public health emergencies, including identification of at-risk populations and to address potential health disparities; and (IX) strategies to improve the electronic exchange of health information between State and local health departments and health care providers and facilities to improve public health surveillance. ; and (D) in paragraph (6)(A)— (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting and every 5 years thereafter, Innovation Act of 2019, (ii) in clause (iii)— (I) in subclause (III), by striking and (II) by adding at the end the following: (V) improve coordination and collaboration, as appropriate, with other Federal departments; and (VI) implement applicable lessons learned from recent public health emergencies to address gaps in situational awareness and biosurveillance capabilities; ; (iii) in clause (iv), by striking and (iv) in clause (v), by striking the period and inserting , including a description of how such steps will further the goals of the network, consistent with paragraph (1); and (v) by adding at the end the following: (vi) identifies and demonstrates measurable steps the Secretary will take to further develop and integrate infectious disease detection, support rapid and accurate reporting of laboratory test results during a public health emergency, and improve coordination and collaboration with State, local, and Tribal public health officials, clinical laboratories, and other entities with expertise in public health surveillance. ; (3) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting , acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and in coordination with the heads of other appropriate agencies and offices within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Secretary (B) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting , including any public-private partnerships or other partnerships entered into to improve such capacity (C) by adding at the end the following: (6) Non-duplication of effort The Secretary shall ensure that activities carried out under an award under this subsection do not unnecessarily duplicate efforts of other agencies and offices within the Department of Health and Human Services. ; (4) by amending subsection (i) to read as follows: (i) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated— (1) to carry out subsection (a), $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023; and (2) to carry out subsections (b), (c), and (d), $136,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023. ; and (5) by striking tribal Tribal 3. Epidemic forecasting and outbreak analytics Title XXVIII of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300hh et seq. 2824. Epidemic forecasting and outbreak analytics (a) In general The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall continue activities related to the development of infectious disease outbreak analysis capabilities to enhance the prediction, modeling, and forecasting of potential public health emergencies and other infectious disease outbreaks, which may include activities to support preparedness for, and response to, such emergencies and outbreaks. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall identify strategies to include and leverage, as appropriate, the capabilities to public and private entities, which may include conducting such activities through collaborative partnerships with public and private entities, including academic institutions, and other Federal agencies, consistent with section 319D, as applicable. (b) Considerations In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may consider public health data and, as appropriate, other data sources related to the transmission of such infectious diseases that affect preparedness for, or response to, public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks. (c) Annual reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter for each of the subsequent 4 years, the Secretary shall prepare and submit a report, to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, regarding an update on progress on activities conducted under this section to develop infectious disease outbreak analysis capabilities and any additional information relevant to such efforts. .

Summary: Modernizing Biosurveillance Capabilities and Epidemic Forecasting Act This bill makes changes to various biosurveillance activities and infectious disease outbreak analysis capabilities. These changes include expanding reporting requirements and otherwise modifying the scope of biosurveillance activities with a specific focus on improving the integration of other sources of data (e.g., laboratory results) into applicable surveillance systems. The bill also requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to continue developing infectious disease outbreak analysis capabilities to respond to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks. In particular, the CDC must identify strategies to leverage the capabilities of public and private entities, including through collaborative partnerships. The CDC must report annually for five years on its efforts.