H.R. 6539: Strategic Teams for Organized Response Mobilization Act

The Strategic Teams for Organized Response Mobilization Act (STORM Act) aims to improve the response to emergencies by allowing the use of health care workforce platforms. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:

Emergency Preparedness

The Act defines an **emergency** as an event that has been declared under specific federal regulations. It allows for the use of specific private technology platforms that connect employers with independent contractor health care workers during such emergencies.

Health Care Workforce Platform

A **health care workforce platform** is a private entity that:

• Partners with independent health care contractors who are properly credentialed.
• Can quickly provide a surge of health care workers during an emergency.
• Is financially self-sustaining outside of emergencies.

Independent Contractor Health Care Worker

An **independent contractor health care worker** is defined as a licensed professional who:

• Is contracted to provide health care services instead of being an employee of a facility.
• Is verified by a health care workforce platform.
• Is available to respond to health care needs during an emergency.

Public-Private Partnership

The bill allows the **President** to certify health care workforce platforms for collaboration. Once certified, these platforms can enter agreements with the federal government to facilitate their use during emergencies. Such agreements must last at least one year.

State Licensure Waivers

During emergencies, the Act enables the President to coordinate with states to waive certain licensing requirements for independent contractors from other states. This waiver applies when:

• The contractor is providing services during an emergency.
• The contractor holds a valid license in at least one state.

The President is also tasked with creating procedures to expedite this waiver process, ensuring qualified workers can be deployed swiftly to areas in need.

Reporting Requirements

Within one year of the bill's enactment, the President must report to Congress on how often these licensure waivers are used, including:

• The number of workers deployed under these waivers.
• The length of time they are deployed.
• Any challenges faced during implementation.

Liability Protections

The Act provides liability protections for independent contractor health care workers and the platforms that use them, stating that they will not be held liable for injuries resulting from their actions during emergencies, as long as they adhere to the law. Exceptions to this protection exist for cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

Additionally, individuals and platforms that contract with the federal government for emergency responses will be considered employees of the government for certain legal claims.

Regulatory Authority

The bill grants the President the authority to issue necessary regulations to implement these provisions, which include determining the applicability of existing tort laws to those working in emergency conditions under the Act.

Relevant Companies

• AMGN - Amgen Inc. could potentially experience an influx of demand for health care solutions and workforce support services as the bill facilitates quicker deployment of health care workers during emergencies.
• MRNA - Moderna Inc. may benefit from partnerships or collaborations with health care platforms during public health emergencies.