The Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) submitted a response to the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Request for Information (RFI) on the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA). The legislation includes numerous programs, like the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), that aid the U.S. in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. On March 28, ASCO also responded to the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee’s RFI on PAHPA reauthorization.

The Association’s response provided insights into medical supplies and drug shortages in oncology throughout the pandemic. The response also included recommendations for policymakers on how to strengthen and improve the vitality of the SNS to protect individuals with cancer and the care they receive during future health care crises.

ASCO’s response also included a request for the Verifying Accurate Leading-edge IVCT Development (VALID) Act to be included in PAHPA reauthorization. The VALID Act aims to modernize the regulation of all Laboratory Developed Tests and in vitro diagnostic tests under a single framework under the Food and Drug Administration. It would create a flexible, risk-based regulatory system that would incentivize and improve the development of advanced, reliable tests.

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