Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to the GAO, what is one key area where HHS needs to improve regarding the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)?
According to the GAO, what is one key area where HHS needs to improve regarding the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)?
HHS needs to improve coordination, both internally and externally, regarding the SNS.
What specific guidance document related to the SNS has not been updated since 2014, and why is this problematic?
What specific guidance document related to the SNS has not been updated since 2014, and why is this problematic?
The main guidance document has not been updated since 2014. This is problematic because it doesn't reflect that ASPR is now the agency responsible for the SNS.
What are the roles of the ASPR and CDC regarding the SNS, according to the GAO recommendations?
What are the roles of the ASPR and CDC regarding the SNS, according to the GAO recommendations?
The GAO recommended that the ASPR and CDC clearly define each agency's roles and responsibilities with respect to the SNS in an official document.
During the COVID-19 response, approximately what percentage of jurisdictions felt that the process for requesting SNS items did not follow written guidance?
During the COVID-19 response, approximately what percentage of jurisdictions felt that the process for requesting SNS items did not follow written guidance?
What action did the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee take in 2023 regarding pandemic preparedness, and what is the current status of this action?
What action did the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee take in 2023 regarding pandemic preparedness, and what is the current status of this action?
Besides COVID-19, during which other public health emergency were issues with the strategic national stockpile brought to light?
Besides COVID-19, during which other public health emergency were issues with the strategic national stockpile brought to light?
According to the GAO survey, what percentage of jurisdictions didn't know who to contact to request supplies from the SNS during the COVID-19 pandemic?
According to the GAO survey, what percentage of jurisdictions didn't know who to contact to request supplies from the SNS during the COVID-19 pandemic?
What two actions did HHS take to address coordination and tracking of SNS requests, according to the report?
What two actions did HHS take to address coordination and tracking of SNS requests, according to the report?
What was the third recommendation made by the GAO related to tribal nations, and what was HHS's response?
What was the third recommendation made by the GAO related to tribal nations, and what was HHS's response?
What broader action did the GAO take in 2022, partly due to stockpile coordination issues?
What broader action did the GAO take in 2022, partly due to stockpile coordination issues?
Flashcards
Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
A stockpile of drugs, vaccines, and medical supplies for use by states, localities, territories, and tribes during emergencies.
SNS Guidance Document
SNS Guidance Document
The main guidance document for the SNS has not been updated since 2014 and does not reflect that the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response is the current agency responsible for it.
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
The agency currently responsible for the SNS. Works with the CDC.
GAO Report Findings
GAO Report Findings
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HHS Coordination Improvements
HHS Coordination Improvements
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Jurisdictions Response
Jurisdictions Response
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HHS Improvements
HHS Improvements
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Study Notes
Strategic National Stockpile Readiness
- A recent GAO report indicates that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has not addressed systemic issues that states encountered while requesting supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) during the COVID-19 and mpox public health emergencies.
- The GAO suggests improved internal and external coordination related to the SNS to manage challenges effectively during future emergencies.
- The SNS contains drugs, vaccines, and other medical supplies for states, localities, territories, and tribes during emergencies.
Issues with the Strategic National Stockpile
- The main guidance document for the SNS has not been updated since 2014 and does not reflect that the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is the responsible agency.
- The GAO recommends that ASPR and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should define their roles and responsibilities regarding the SNS in an official document.
- The recommendation includes developing procedures for updating guidance on requesting and receiving SNS items.
HHS Response and GAO Findings
- HHS agreed with the GAO's recommendations and stated that designating an entity to engage with tribes on SNS access challenges was already completed.
- HHS has created a new office for external coordination and a new system for tracking SNS requests.
- A GAO survey of public health officials from 62 jurisdictions revealed that, for COVID-19 response, 35% of jurisdictions felt the process for requesting SNS items did not follow written guidance, and 42% felt the process for receiving items did not conform to guidance.
- For mpox response, 30% of jurisdictions felt the process for requesting SNS items did not follow written guidance, and 27% felt the process for receiving items did not conform to guidance.
- 24% of jurisdictions did not know who to contact to request supplies from the SNS during COVID-19.
Additional Information
- In 2022, the GAO placed HHS’ leadership and coordination of public health emergencies on its high-risk list due to stockpile coordination issues.
- The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee advanced bipartisan pandemic preparedness and response legislation in 2023.
- The legislation aimed to strengthen the SNS, but action on it has since stalled.
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