Hospital Preparedness Program

(a) Increasing participation by EMS in the hospital preparedness program (1) In general Section 319C–2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–3b) is amended— (A) in subsection (b)(1)(A)— (i) in clause (iii)(III), by striking; and and inserting a semicolon; and (ii) by striking clause (iv) and inserting the following: (iv) one or more emergency medical service organizations; and (v) to the extent practicable, one or more emergency management organizations; and; and (B) in subsection (g)(1)— (i) by striking (1) Local response capabilities and inserting: (1) Local response capabilities (A) Program coordination; (ii) by striking extent practicable, ensure and inserting the following: “extent practicable— (i) ensure; (iii) by striking the period and inserting; and; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: (ii) seek to increase participation of eligible entities described in subsection (b)(1)(A) with lower participation rates relative to other eligible entities, such as emergency medical services organizations and health care facilities in underserved areas.. (2) Preferences Section 319C–2(d)(1)(A)(iii) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–3b(d)(1)(A)(iii)) is amended by striking subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii) and inserting clauses (ii) and (iv) of subsection (b)(1)(A). (b) Improving medical readiness and response capabilities Section 319C–2 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–3b) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting; and; and (C) by inserting at the end the following: (C) designate a lead entity to administer such award and support coordination between entities described in this subsection.; (2) in subsection (g)(1), as amended by subsection (a)(1)(B), by adding at the end the following: (B) Regional operations An eligible entity shall establish and maintain, or leverage an existing, capability to enable coordination of regional medical operations, which may include systems to facilitate information sharing and coordination, within a coalition described under subsection (b)(1)(A) and, as appropriate, among multiple coalitions that are in close geographic proximity to each other.; and (3) in subsection (j)(1)— (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 and inserting for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026, to remain available through December 31, 2026; and (B) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking September 30, 2023 and inserting December 31, 2026.