H.R. 4348: To reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, and for other purposes. (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as H.R. 4348, aims to extend and update the Kay Hagan Tick Act, which is focused on improving public health measures related to tick-borne diseases. The key features of the bill are as follows:

Reauthorization of Programs

The bill seeks to reauthorize several programs and initiatives targeting vector-borne diseases, particularly those related to ticks. It involves amendments to specific sections of the Public Health Service Act, which outlines a national strategy for dealing with these diseases.

National Strategy and Regional Centers

The bill modifies Section 317U of the Public Health Service Act by making the following changes:

Changes in Leadership: The language concerning the Tick-Borne Disease Working Group is updated. It removes the specific reference to this group and allows for a broader selection of "appropriate individuals" to be included in future discussions and strategies.
Enhancing Communication: It adds a provision focusing on the importance of capacity building, which includes improving the ability to identify, report, prevent, and respond to vector-borne diseases.
Extended Timeline: The reauthorization for certain programs is extended from the previous end date of 2025 to a new end date of 2030.

Support for Health Departments

The bill also aims to provide enhanced support to local health departments in their efforts to combat vector-borne diseases. This support will be reauthorized and extended until 2030, allowing local and regional health authorities to continue their work addressing these diseases effectively.

Overall, H.R. 4348 is designed to bolster the federal government's approach to managing tick-borne and other vector-borne diseases over the next several years, ensuring that resources and strategies are in place to tackle these public health challenges.