I 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6715 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 27, 2012 Ms. Richardson introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to make grants to State and local governments to assist in preparing for and responding to mass casualty incidents, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Protecting Our Protectors Act of 2012.

2.

Preparing for and responding to mass casualty incidents

(a)

Authority To make grants

The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and in consultation with the Assistant Secretary, Office of Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, shall make grants to State and local governments to assist in preparing for and responding to mass casualty incidents resulting from natural disasters and acts of terrorism and other man-made disasters. (b)

Use of grants

The grants shall be used for the following purposes: (1)To strengthen medical surge capacity. (2)To strengthen mass prophylaxis capabilities, including the development and maintenance of an initial pharmaceutical stockpile sufficient to protect first responders, their families, and immediate victims from a chemical or biological event. (3)To procure home medical kits that are approved pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) or the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.), as applicable. (c)

Guidance on anthrax exposure

The Administrator shall issue guidance on anthrax exposure and proper administration of the anthrax vaccine, either pre- or post-exposure. (d)

Annual report on vaccination levels of emergency service providers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall issue an annual report on the vaccination levels of emergency service providers.