[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 15, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 1980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-900]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Office of the Secretary


Statement of Organization, Functions and Delegations of Authority

    Part A, Office of the Secretary, Statement of Organization, 
Functions, and Delegations of Authority of the Department of Health and 
Human Services (HHS) is being amended at Chapter AA, Immediate Office 
of the Secretary, as last amended at 44 FR 31045, May 30, 1979. This 
reorganization is to establish a new Chapter AAB, ``Office of Public 
Health Preparedness (OPHP)'' to direct activities of the Department of 
Health and Human Services relating to protecting the civilian 
population from acts of bioterrorism and other public health 
emergencies. The changes are as follows: Under Part A, Office of the 
Secretary, Chapter AA, make the following changes:
    A. Under Section AA.10 ``Organization,'' add the following new 
component: Office of Public Health Preparedness.
    B. Establish a new chapter AAB, ``Office of Public Preparedness 
(OPHP)'' to read as follows:

Office of Public Health Preparedness

    AAB.00  MISSION
    AAB.10  ORGANIZATION
    AAB.20  FUNCTIONS
    Section AAB.00 Mission. The Office of Public Health Preparedness 
(OPHP) shall direct the Department of Health and Human Services' 
efforts to prepare for, protect against, respond to, and recover from 
all acts of bioterrorism and other public health emergencies that 
affect the civilian population; and shall serve as the focal point 
within HHS for these activities.
    Section AAB.10 Organization: The Office of Public Health 
Preparedness (OPHP) is headed by a Director, who reports directly to 
the Secretary, and serves as the Secretary's principal advisor on HHS 
activities relating to protecting the civilian population from acts of 
bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.
    Section AAB.20 Functions: The Office of Public Health Preparedness 
(OPHP) includes the following responsibilities:
    1. Serves as the Secretary's principal advisor on matters relating 
to bioterrorism and public health emergencies.
    2. Acts as the Department's liaison with the Office of Homeland 
Security.
    3. Serves as the principal representative of the Department to 
other Federal agencies and the private sector in all matters related to 
bioterrorism, and other public health emergencies.
    4. Directs HHS Operating and Staff Division implementation of a 
comprehensive HHS strategy to protect the civilian population from acts 
of bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. The OPHP will work 
with the OPDIVS and STAFFDIVs to ensure the adequacy of HHS strategy 
for preparing, preventing, responding to, and recovering from acts of 
bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.

    Dated: December 14, 2001.
Tommy G. Thompson,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 02-900 Filed 1-14-02; 8:45 am]
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