President Obama last month signed into law the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013 (H.R. 307). American Hospital Association-supported provisions in the bill reauthorize the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals, Medical Reserve Corps and other critical preparedness activities through fiscal 2018; clarify allowable activities for recipients of HPP funds; and permit national collaboration among HPP-funded entities. "Thousands of hospitals and communities across the country participate in these programs, and because of this participation they now have stronger capabilities and better planning to respond to disasters," says Health & Human Services Assistant Secretary Nicole Lurie.

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