[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 56 (Monday, March 23, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Page 16372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06047]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


Solicitation for Public Comments on Section 209 of the Pandemic 
and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act

AGENCY: Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy, Office of the 
Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of the Secretary, Department of 
Health and Human Services.

ACTION: Request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health in the 
Department of Health and Human Services seeks public comment regarding 
Section 209 of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing 
Innovation Act.
    Congress passed the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and 
Advancing Innovation Act (PAHPAIA) in June 2019. Section 209 of this 
legislation states that the Secretary of Health and Human Services 
shall submit to Congress a report containing recommendations related to 
maintaining an adequate national blood supply. The legislation poses 
four specific questions regarding the adequacy of the national blood 
supply. HHS welcomes any public feedback related to how these questions 
should be addressed and/or potential solutions. The set of questions is 
available in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

DATES: To be assured consideration, electronic or written/paper 
comments must be submitted no later than midnight Eastern Standard Time 
(EST) on April 22, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Individuals are encouraged to submit responses 
electronically to [email protected]. Please indicate ``RFI RESPONSE'' in 
the subject line of your email. Written responses should be addressed 
to: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Mary E. Switzer 
Building, 330 C Street SW, Room L600, Washington, DC 20024 Attn: 
ACBTSA-PAHPAIA Sec. 209. Mailed paper submissions and electronic 
submissions received after the deadline will not be reviewed. Responses 
to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the federal 
government to form a binding contract or issue a grant.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Berger, Designated Federal 
Officer, Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy, (202) 795-
7608.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    (1) Challenges associated with the continuous recruitment of blood 
donors (including those newly eligible to donate);
    (2) Ensuring the adequacy of the blood supply in the case of public 
health emergencies;
    (3) Implementation of the transfusion transmission monitoring 
system; and
    (4) Other measures to promote safety and innovation, such as the 
development, use, or implementation of new technologies, processes, and 
procedures to improve the safety and reliability of the blood supply.

    Dated: March 11, 2020.
James J. Berger,
Senior Advisor for Blood and Tissue Policy, Office of Infectious 
Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy.
[FR Doc. 2020-06047 Filed 3-20-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4150-28-P