spacerspacerspacerspacerspacer
Center for BiosecurityUPMC | University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
horizontal rulespacer


Areas of Focus

  
Special Topics
  
Resources
The Center

 

This Website is supported by funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Home > Biosecurity Briefing > Archive > Government Response
Tools:||Link to this page
horizontal rule
spacer

Biosecurity Briefing

Subscribe | About | Current Issue | RSS | Archive

Government Policy and Programs Archive

Bio Briefing - Government Policy and Programs

Biosecurity Briefing articles relating to government response.
  1. OSHA Seeks Public Comment on Workplace Stockpiling Guidance (05-16-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: OSHA of the U.S. Department of Labor released proposed guidance on workplace stockpiling of facemasks and respirators for pandemic influenza and is seeking public comment.
    Fri, 16 May 2008 19:32:26 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-05-16-oshapubcomntworkstckpile.html
  2. Second NRC Committee Calls on NIH to Conduct Further Risk Assessment Studies for Proposed Boston BSL-4 Laboratory (05-09-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: NRC Com. recommendations from its second review of proposed construction of the Natl. Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratory (NEIDL), a National Institutes of Health-funded Biosaftey Level-4 laboratory at Boston University.
    Mon, 12 May 2008 15:48:14 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/science_biosecurity/2008-05-09-nrccomcallsnihassessbsl4.html
  3. House Committee Discusses Hospital Surge Capacity for Mass Casualty Events (05-09-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: House Com. on Oversight and Government Reform held the first of a two part hearing to assess the impact of "Medicaid regulations on hospital emergency surge capacity and the ability of hospitals to respond to a mass casualty event."
    Mon, 12 May 2008 15:44:43 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-05-09-housecomhospsurge.html
  4. HHS Spends $192.5 Million on H5N1 Vaccine (05-02-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: CIDRAP reported that the HHS purchased $192.5 million worth of clade 2.2 H5N1 vaccine from sanofi pasteur. The purchase will provide 6.4 to 38.5 million doses of the vaccine to the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).
    Mon, 05 May 2008 16:20:01 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-05-02-hhsspends192mh5n1vaccine.html
  5. DHS Releases Summary of TOPOFF 4 After Action Report (04-25-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Department of Homeland Security FEMA issued a press release announcing the availability of "preliminary observations from national exercise TOP OFFICIALS 4 (TOPOFF 4)."
    Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:03:50 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/pub_health_prep/2008-04-25-dhstopoff4afteractionrpt.html
  6. HHS Announces Director for Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority (BARDA) (04-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On April 14, 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a press release naming Robin Robinson, Ph.D. as the first director of the Biomedical Advanced Research Development Authority (BARDA).
    Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:45:56 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-04-18-hhsannouncedirectorbarda.html
  7. ASPR Makes First Playbook Available (03-28-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: DHHS/ASPR has published the first in a planned series of playbooks addressing response to disasters and other large scale emergencies.
    Fri, 28 Mar 2008 21:18:53 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/pub_health_prep/2008-03-28-aspr1stplaybook.html
  8. HHS Releases Fifth Pandemic Planning Update (03-28-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On March 17, 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued Pandemic Planning Update V, which outlines progress made in U.S. pandemic influenza planning.
    Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:52:03 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-03-28-hhs5thpanplanupdate.html
  9. CDC/HHS Hold Pandemic Flu Exercises (03-21-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: In January 2007, the CDC began a series of exercises to determine the types of challenges that may arise in the early stages of an influenza pandemic. CIDRAP News reported the CDC recently held the fourth exercise in this series.
    Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:41:10 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-03-21-cdchhspanfluexercises.html
  10. HHS Issues New Guidance for State Pandemic Influenza Operating Plans (03-21-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Federal Guidance to Assist States in Improving State-Level Pandemic Influenza Operating Plans was released, detailing progress made by states as well as the need for better guidance from the U.S. Government.
    Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:38:57 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-03-21-hhsguidestatepanfluop.html
  11. IOM Hosts Workshop on Strategies to Improve Medical Countermeasure Dispensing (03-14-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Institute of Medicine convened the "Workshop on Medical Countermeasures Dispensing." The meeting focused largely on business sector involvement in and solutions for countermeasures distribution.
    Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:21:33 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/pub_health_prep/2008-03-14-iomwrkshpmedcntrdispense.html
  12. NIH Establishes Entities to Address Concerns about Boston Biolab (03-14-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: NIH announced two new steps that the agency will take to address public safety concerns about the National Biocontainment Laboratory located at Boston University Medical Center.
    Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:39:48 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/science_biosecurity/2008-03-14-nihentitiesbostonbiolab.html
  13. Study: MedKits Show Promise as a Countermeasure Distribution Strategy (03-14-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A study of the CDC MedKit concept demonstrated that pre-positioning caches of antibiotics in individual households could be an effective strategy to ensure public has access to medical countermeasures after a release of anthrax.
    Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:14:59 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/pub_health_prep/2008-03-14-medkitscntrdiststrategy.html
  14. First Pre-Pandemic Flu Vaccine Recommended for EU-Wide Marketing License (03-07-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The European Medicines Agency, equivalent of U.S. FDA, announced that it recommends "the authorization of...[Europe's] first 'pre-pandemic vaccine' for humans against influenza caused by the H5N1 virus."
    Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:20:39 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/2008-03-07-1stprepanfluvaceulicense.html
  15. California Releases Healthcare Surge Guidelines (03-07-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Calif. Dept of Public Health released its Standards and Guidelines for Healthcare Surge during Emergencies. They cover a multitude of difficult issues related to emergencies, with solutions and tools for a number of these issues.
    Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:26:44 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/hosp_prep/2008-03-07cahealthcaresurgeguide.html
  16. California Establishes the Nation's First State Cabinet Position for Volunteer Management (03-07-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Governor Schwarzenegger of California announced the creation of the first state cabinet-level office for volunteer management in the nation in an effort to "move civic engagement to the highest levels of state government."
    Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:14:10 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/community_engage/2008-03-07-ca1stcabinetvolunteermgt.html
  17. HHS Requests Proposals for Next Anthrax Vaccine (03-07-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: CQ Politics reported that the HHS released a request for proposals (RFP) for development of a new anthrax vaccine. The RFP requires 25 million doses of a vaccine that can be administered in only three doses.
    Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:57:04 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/countrmeasr_dev/2008/2008-03-07-hhsrfpanthraxvac.html
  18. CDC Issues First Report on States' Public Health Preparedness (02-22-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The CDC released a report that evaluated, on a state-by-state basis (and the District of Columbia), the cumulative impact of the agency's Public Health Emergency Preparedness cooperative agreements.
    Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:36:56 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/pub_health_prep/2008-02-22-cdcreportstatesphp.html
  19. USDA OIG Makes Recommendations for Agency Pandemic Planning (02-15-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: USDA OIG says USDA "has made significant progress in developing or revising policies and procedures to detect, contain, and eradicate highly pathogenic avian influenza," but problems remain with ability to manage, report outbreaks.
    Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:14:37 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-02-15-usdaoigrecommendpanplan.html
  20. DHS Releases National Response Framework (01-25-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Dept of Homeland Security released the National Response Framework, which is intended to be "a guide to how the Nation conducts all-hazards response" to disaster management.
    Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:26:36 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/2008-01-25-dhsreleasenatlrespframe.html
  21. ACLU Advocates Changes to Government Pandemic Plans, Enters into Dialogue with HHS (01-18-2008)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The ACLU identifies concerns about a perceived shift in pandemic planning strategy in the post-Sept 11 era which, according to the ACLU, has moved away from a public health focus and toward a law enforcement/nat'l security focus.
    Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:30:03 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/2008/2008-01-18-acluadvocateschanges.html
  22. TFAH Releases Edition of Annual Preparedness Report (12-21-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Trust for America's Health released its 2007 annual preparedness report, Ready or Not, which "contains state-by-state health preparedness scores based on 10 key indicators to assess health emergency preparedness capabilities."
    Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:40:56 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/pub_health_prep/content/2007-12-21-tfahreleasesedannualpreprprt.html
  23. National Biodefense Science Board Membership Announced, First Meeting Held (12-21-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt officially announced the 13 voting members of the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB). It met for the first time from December 17-18 in Washington, DC.
    Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:16:48 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-12-21-natlbiodefensescienceboard.html
  24. Committee Reports that FDA Has Insufficient Personnel, Resources to Meet Mission (12-07-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A recent report issued by the FDA Science Board's Subcommittee on Science and Technology has concluded that FDA can no longer fulfill its mission without substantial and sustained additional appropriations.
    Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:01:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-12-07-comrprtsfdainsufficientresources.html
  25. National Academies' Report on Boston BSL-4 Laboratory (11-30-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The National Academies released Technical Input on the NIH risk analysis for a proposed biocontainment lab at Boston Univ. The document notes that the risk analysis for the Boston lab was "not sound and credible."
    Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:04:44 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/science_biosecurity/content/2007-11-30-natlacadrprtbostonbsl-4lab.html
  26. AHRQ Releases Report on Engaging Community Call Centers in Public Health Response (11-02-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) announced the release of a report that outlines four planning products that can help community health call centers participate in emergency response.
    Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:52:41 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-11-02-ahrqrprtengagngcomcallcntrsphresponse.html
  27. HHS Releases Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act Progress Report (11-02-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS released a progress report "highlighting some of the major activities that the Department has undertaken" since the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) was signed in to law in December 2006.
    Fri, 02 Nov 2007 20:39:09 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-11-02-hhspanall-hazprepactprogressrprt.html
  28. Senate Hearing and GAO Report Examine Anthrax Preparedness Efforts (10-26-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Senate Com. on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held a hearing titled Six Years After Anthrax: Are We Better Prepared to Respond to Bioterrorism? The hearing addressed a GAO report on mgng anthrax vac.
    Fri, 26 Oct 2007 21:22:02 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-10-26-senategaorptexamineanthraxprep.html
  29. New Report Finds Critical Gaps in Planning Efforts to Protect, Treat Children in Flu Pandemic (10-19-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: TFAH and AAP announced a new report titled Pandemic Influenza: Warning, Children At-Risk. According to the press release, there are critical gaps in U.S. pandemic flu planning efforts for treating and caring for children.
    Fri, 19 Oct 2007 20:41:03 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-10-19-rprtfindsgapsplanchildrenflupan.html
  30. White House Releases HSPD 21: National Strategy for Public Health and Medical Preparedness (10-19-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The White House released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 establishing a "National Strategy for Public Health and Medical Preparedness." It builds upon "key principles" from previous White House releases.
    Fri, 19 Oct 2007 20:27:42 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/pub_health_prep/content/2007-10-19-whreleaseshspd21natlstrategyphprep.html
  31. HHS Awards $22.5 Million for Electronic Health Records Demonstration Initiative (10-12-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On October 5, 2007, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it would award contracts for trial implementation of the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN).
    Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:44:37 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-10-12-hhsawardsmillionselechealthrecdemo.html
  32. White House Releases Updated National Strategy for Homeland Security (10-12-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The White House released its updated National Strategy for Homeland Security, which provides 4 broad goals for the country to organize around and outlines what it defines as the current threats "confronting the United States."
    Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:36:15 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-10-12-whreleasesupdatednatlstrategy.html
  33. U.S. House of Representatives Holds Hearing on Biosafety Lab Facilities (10-05-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The U.S. House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing addressing the lack of federal oversight of BSL-3 and BSL-4 lab facilities, where research is conducted on some of the most dangerous pathogens.
    Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:51:02 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-10-05-ushousehearingbiosafetylabs.html
  34. New York Academy of Medicine Releases Tools for Shelter-in-Place during an Emergency (09-28-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On September 10, 2007, the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) announced the publication of an emergency preparedness report and tools designed to offer guidance about sheltering in place during a public health crisis.
    Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:24:15 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/pub_health_prep/content/2007-09-28-nyacadmedtoolsshelter.html
  35. GAO Identifies Shortcomings in Coordination of Federal Pandemic Preparedness Efforts (09-14-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The GAO released a review of federal pandemic influenza preparedness activities entitled Influenza Pandemic: Further Efforts are Needed to Ensure Clearer Federal Leadership Roles and an Effective National Strategy.
    Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:29:19 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-09-14-gaoshortcomingsfedpandemicprep.html
  36. House Committee Concerned About Timeline for Acquisition of Anthrax Countermeasures (09-14-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The House Committee on Homeland Security expressed disappointment regarding the pace with which the agency has moved toward the development and procurement of a recombinant protective antigen anthrax vaccine.
    Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:03:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/countrmeasr_dev/content/2007/2007-09-14-housecomtimeanthraxcounter.html
  37. DHS Releases Draft National Response Framework (09-14-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On September 10, 2007, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the Draft National Response Framework (NRF), which was developed to replace the National Response Plan.
    Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:48:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-09-14-dhsreleasesdraftnatlresponse.html
  38. GAO Report: Variable Progress in DHS Activities (09-14-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: An August 2007 GAO report assessing Department of Homeland Security mission and management goals finds that there are variable rates of progress toward goals that are critical to the agency's effectiveness.
    Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:37:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-09-14-gaorprtvariableprogressdhs.html
  39. HHS Announces an Extra $75 Million for State/Local Pandemic Preparedness (08-31-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS Secretary Leavitt announced that his department is making available an additional $75 million for "states, territories and four metropolitan areas to help strengthen their capacity to respond to a pandemic influenza outbreak."
    Fri, 31 Aug 2007 19:02:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-08-31-hhsannouncesextra75milpanprep.html
  40. Canada, Mexico and the United States announce Trilateral Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza (08-24-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On August 21, 2007, the Presidents of the United States and Mexico and the Prime Minister of Canada announced the North American Plan for Avian and Pandemic Influenza.
    Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:46:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/content/2007-08-24-canadamexicousplanavianpandemicflu.html
  41. DHS OIG Report Finds Biological Surveillance Program Falling Short of Goals (08-17-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A report by the US Dept of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General says the National Bio-Surveillance Integration System, a "a key element of DHS' bio-protection program," is "falling short" of its objectives.
    Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:25:35 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-08-17-dhsoigrprtbiosurveillancefallingshort.html
  42. Congress, GAO Concerned about Nation's Disaster Response Capability (08-03-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is concerned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is still unprepared to handle large-scale disasters such as 2005's Hurricane Katrina.
    Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:10:25 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-08-03-congressgaoconcerndisasterresponse.html
  43. U.S. To End Support for Bio-Threat Reduction Programs in Russia (08-03-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Science published a biosecurity report on the end of U.S. government support for bioweapons non-proliferation and threat reduction efforts in Russia "in favor of a similar but larger initiative in (other) parts of the world..."
    Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:53:13 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/content/2007-08-03-usendsupportbio-threatreducationrus.html
  44. Coalition Releases Recommendations for Improved Medical and Public Health Preparedness and Response (07-27-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The AMA announced release of consensus report that provides 53 "strategic recommendations" intended to "promote a coordinated national agenda for strengthening health system preparedness for terrorism and other disasters."
    Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:58:33 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/hosp_prep/content/2007-07-27-coalitionrecommendationsmedphprep.html
  45. AHRQ Releases Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Resources (07-27-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On July 19, 2007 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released its Emergency Preparedness Atlas: U.S. Nursing Home and Hospital Facilities.
    Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:53:10 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/hosp_prep/content/2007-07-27-ahrqreleaseshealthcareprep.html
  46. HHS to Provide $896.7 Million to States to Enhance Public Health Preparedness and Response (07-20-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, announced the award of $896.7 million in FY2007 grants to states, territories, and four metropolitan areas "to improve and sustain their ability to respond to public health emergencies."
    Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:59:01 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-07-20-hhs896miltostatesphprep.html
  47. White House, HHS Issue Updates on Pandemic Planning (07-20-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On Tuesday, July 17, 2007, the White House Homeland Security Council released its one-year review of the National Strategy for Pandemic Flu Implementation Plan (originally released May 2006).
    Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:45:27 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-07-20-whitehousehhsupdatespanplan.html
  48. EU Urges Improved Coordination for Bioterrorism Prevention (07-13-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On July 11, 2007, Reuters reported that the European Commission (EC) was calling for greater coordination among European Union (EU) member states to prevent a biological attack.
    Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:15:47 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/international_biosecurity/content/2007-07-13-euurgesimprovedcoordination.html
  49. Role of FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) Program Examined (07-13-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: A policy review published in Emerging Infectious Diseases examines the utility of the Emergency Use Authorization as a tool for approving public health countermeasures in the event of a national public health emergency.
    Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:09:14 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-07-13-rolefdaemergencyuseauthorization.html
  50. Committee Report: DHS Leadership Vacancies May Pose Security Risk (07-13-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Members from the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security raised concern that vacancies of top level positions at the Dept of Homeland Security could increase U.S. vulnerability to terrorist attacks.
    Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:02:19 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-07-13-comrptdhsleadershipvacancies.html
  51. HHS to Provide $430 Million in Grants to Improve Medical Preparedness and Response to Mass Casualty Disasters (07-06-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On June 28, 2007, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, announced the award of $430 million in grants to states, territories, and four major metropolitan areas to better prepare healthcare networks.
    Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:39:50 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/hosp_prep/content/2007-07-06-hhstoprovidegrantstoimprovemedicalprep.html
  52. CDC Halts Select Agent Research at Texas A&M (07-06-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: According to the Dallas News, the U.S. CDC suspended all select agent research at Texas A&M University due to the university's failure to report two human exposures to dangerous biological agents in 2006.
    Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:25:33 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/science_biosecurity/content/2007-07-06-cdchaltsresearchattexas.html
  53. GAO Reviews USDA's Avian Flu Planning Efforts (06-29-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: The Government Accountability Office released a report examining progress of the United States Department of Agriculture in preparing for an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus like H5N1 in domestic poultry.
    Tue, 03 Jul 2007 12:49:00 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-06-29-gaoreviewsusdaavianfluplan.html
  54. Analysis of Toronto SARS Experiences Questions Effectiveness of Quarantine, Cancellation of Elective Procedures (06-22-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: Two articles in Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) analyze the medical and public health impacts of the SARS outbreak in Toronto and call into question the effectiveness of quarantine and restrictions on elective procedures.
    Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:46:55 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/pub_health_prep/content/2007-06-22-analysistorontosarsquarantine.html
  55. HHS Announces CBRN Advisory Board and Pandemic Vaccine Contracts (06-22-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced that the agency has established a public health advisory board to provide guidance on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. He also announced contracts for flu vaccine.
    Fri, 22 Jun 2007 20:36:01 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-06-22-hhscbrnadvisorybrdvaxcontracts.html
  56. IOM Releases Report from Workshop on the Ethical and Legal Considerations of Mitigating a Pandemic (06-15-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On June 1, 2007, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a summary of a September 2006 workshop entitled Ethical and Legal Considerations in Mitigating Pandemic Disease.
    Mon, 18 Jun 2007 13:47:22 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-06-15-iomrprtethicallegalmitigatepandemic.html
  57. FDA Releases Final Guidance Documents on Seasonal and Pandemic Flu Vaccines (06-08-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On June 5, 2007, the FDA released two final guidance documents addressing the approval and production processes for seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines.
    Fri, 08 Jun 2007 21:05:58 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/avian_pandemic_flu/content/2007/2007-06-08-fdareleasesguidancefluvax.html
  58. HHS Purchases Next Generation Smallpox Vaccine (06-08-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: HHS announced the award of a $500 million contract to Bavarian Nordic for the manufacture and development of 20 million doses of next generation modified Ankara (MVA) smallpox vaccine to be added to the Strategic National Stockpile.
    Fri, 08 Jun 2007 20:54:59 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/countrmeasr_dev/content/2007/2007-06-08-hhspurchasesnextgensmallpoxvax.html
  59. OSHA Releases Pandemic Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Employers (05-25-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: On May 21, 2007, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor released its Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers.
    Fri, 25 May 2007 17:56:47 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-05-25-oshapandemicguidehealthcare.html
  60. Public Opinion Poll: Federal Government, National Guard Not Prepared for Crises (05-18-2007)

    Biosecurity Briefing: AP reported USA Today/Gallup poll says most people feel that they and their local emergency response agencies are ready for a natural disaster but the federal government is not.
    Fri, 18 May 2007 21:01:54 GMThttp://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/biosecurity_briefing/archive/govt_response/content/2007-05-18-publicopinionfedgovtnotpreparedcrises.html