PREDICT Act Public health Response and Emergency Detection through Integrated wastewater Community Testing Act
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly impact state and local public health laws by promoting the integration of wastewater-based epidemiology as a reliable method for monitoring disease prevalence in communities. Through grant funding, various health departments—state, tribal, or local—can develop capabilities that will allow them to implement effective sampling programs and respond to findings appropriately. This will not only facilitate timely public health responses but could also lead to more coordinated efforts among different jurisdictions in tackling infectious disease outbreaks.
Summary
SB2237, known as the Public Health Response and Emergency Detection through Integrated Wastewater Community Testing Act or the PREDICT Act, aims to enhance public health preparedness by providing a framework for the detection and monitoring of infectious diseases through wastewater surveillance. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements to eligible entities for the establishment, maintenance, or improvement of wastewater surveillance systems that can help in early detection and response to public health emergencies.
Contention
Although the PREDICT Act emphasizes its potential benefits, there may be concerns regarding privacy and data usage with respect to how surveillance data is managed and reported. Some stakeholders might raise issues about the accuracy of surveillance methods in detecting diseases, which could fuel further discussions on best practices and protocols in sampling and data reporting. Moreover, communities could voice concerns regarding funding allocations and the prioritization of specific health threats or areas needing urgent attention.
Additional_notes
The bill also stipulates the need for technical assistance and guidance from the Secretary to ensure that awarded entities utilize scientifically rigorous methods for wastewater testing. There is a strong focus on cooperation among various public and private entities to leverage and enhance the capabilities of existing public health infrastructures, highlighting a multi-faceted approach in addressing health threats from infectious diseases.
To amend the Public Health Service Act to require the development of a diagnostic testing preparedness plan to be used during public health emergencies, and for other purposes.
A wastewater infrastructure grant program and the duties of the department of environmental quality; to authorize a Bank of North Dakota line of credit; to provide an appropriation; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.