IRVING, Texas, March 14, 2023 – Yesterday, Vizient, Inc. offered feedback in response to the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Request for Information (RFI) on reauthorization of the bipartisan Pandemics and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). Through the RFI, Vizient weighed in on various policies that will need to be reauthorized and offered suggestions to improve the nation's public health and emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
In our comments, Vizient provided recommendations that aim to support providers and improve supply chain assurance, among other priorities. For example, Vizient encouraged the committee to consider proposals that would enhance communications regarding supply chain challenges to help prevent drug and medical device shortages and mitigate their impact when they do occur. Vizient also encouraged Congress to implement policies to help support the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).
As another top policy priority, Vizient proposed changes to strengthen the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) that would ensure hospitals can adequately prepare for and respond to emergencies, such as enhancing private-public coordination and building upon efforts to improve data standards to ease provider burdens.
"As a valuable partner and resource to healthcare providers, Vizient remains a strong advocate of efforts to advance disaster preparedness and response," said Shoshana Krilow, senior vice president of public policy and government relations for Vizient. "Enhanced public-private coordination among healthcare stakeholders, including GPOs, is critical to supporting patient care and minimizing disruption during times of emergency."
Vizient appreciates Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) for their leadership and ongoing commitment to improving the nation's emergency preparedness and response and looks forward to working with the committee on the timely reauthorization of PAHPA.
About Vizient, Inc.
Vizient, Inc., the nation's largest health care performance improvement company, serves more than 60% of the nation's acute care providers, which includes 97% of the nation's academic medical centers, and more than 25% of the non-acute market. Vizient provides expertise, analytics and advisory services, as well as a contract portfolio that represents more than $130 billion in annual purchasing volume. Vizient's solutions and services improve the delivery of high-value care by aligning cost, quality and market performance. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vizient has offices throughout the United States. Learn more at www.vizientinc.com