Budget Amendment ID: FY2022-S3-452

EHS 452

PPE Oversight Committee

Messrs. Timilty, Feeney, Tarr, Brady, O'Connor and Velis, Ms. Moran, Messrs. Cronin and Pacheco moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding after Section X, the following new section:-

"SECTION XX. There shall be a joint oversight committee on personal protective equipment, hereinafter the committee.

The committee shall include the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on public health, who shall serve as co-chairs; 3 members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; 3 members appointed by the president of the senate; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the house; and 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the senate.

The committee shall conduct a comprehensive review, which shall include, without limitation: (1) a review to determine the current supplies for personal protective equipment that meet the standards of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that were in effect on January 1, 2020, held by the Commonwealth, acute care hospitals, non-acute hospitals and state operated facilities; (2) a review to determine how the Commonwealth, acute care hospitals, non-acute hospitals and state operated facilities will establish a supply chain and store of at least sixty (60) days of personal protective equipment per the standards in place at the CDC on January 1, 2020. (3) A review and examination of the elements that led to personal protective equipment shortages during the course of the pandemic. (4) what were the differences between what acute care hospitals, non-acute hospitals and state operated facilities had on hand between March 2020 and December 2020 vs what should have had under existing CDC standards.

The committee shall conduct immediate public hearings and examine witnesses to acquire all information necessary to discharge its responsibilities.

The committee shall file its report on the results of its review and study and its recommendation, if any, together with drafts of legislation if necessary, to carry its recommendation into effect with the Clerks of the House and Senate by September 1, 2021."