Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Preparing for a pandemic

As Hawaii prepares for the possibility of a swine flu outbreak, the following information on past appropriations for pandemic influenza may be helpful.

In 2006, the state legislature passed SB2348 which was signed into law as Act 84. The bill appropriated $6.3 million from the general fund to prepare for a novel strain of influenza by acquiring medications, mass clinic supplies, laboratory supplies and equipment, personal protective equipment, and a data management system for tracking cases and contacts.

The legislature appropriated $5 million from the emergency and budget reserve fund for additional medication, laboratory equipment, supplies, personnel, and public education programs.

A link to SB2348, CD1: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2006/Bills/SB2348_CD1_.htm

In 2005, the legislature passed HB516 which was signed into law as Act 46. The bill authorizes the Department of Health to maintain an emergency response stockpile to prepare for or respond to an event.

A link to HB516, SD1: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2005/bills/hb516_sd1_.htm

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