Senate Committee Approves Catastrophic Health Emergency Powers Bill

Oklahoma State Senate Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 30 For Immediate Release: March , 2003 Clip Senate Committee Approves Catastrophic
Health Emergency Powers Bill A Senate committee has given the nod to a measure aimed at protecting the public in the event of a catastrophic health emergency. Angela Monson is Senate author of House Bill along with principal author Representative Bill Paulk With the nation on the brink of war, I think it reemphasizes the importance of having a plan in place so that we can help ensure the delivery of medical care and services in the face of a truly catastrophic event here in Oklahoma, said Senator Monson, DOKC Those events included under the term catastrophic health emergency could include a nuclear attack, bioterrorism or a chemical attack resulting in large numbers of deaths in an area, large numbers of serious or longterm disabilities or widespread exposure to an infectious or toxic agent. The legislation also calls for a task force which will include members of the medical community to help work out details of the health emergency plan. Nothing is set in concrete. I want to work with fellow members to help address any concerns or make improvements to the bill throughout the process. But the general idea is to have a plan already in place. In the event of some sort of attack, the Governor would declare a catastrophic health emergency, explained Monson. The legislature could disapprove the declaration, but if they do not object, the plan would stay in place no longer than thirty days unless the Governor extends. The plan would deal with a wide range of health considerations including coordination of services of physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians and mental health support personnel in the wake of an emergency. It would also address the special concerns of a bioterrorist attack which could leave large numbers of the population susceptible to infectious diseases. A massive coordination of medical personnel and facilities is just something we are not prepared for. Thats what we hope to remedy with this bill, said Monson. HB must now be considered by the full Senate.