Braun
U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) have introduced the bipartisan Promoting Access to Critical Countermeasures by Ensuring Specimen Samples (ACCESS) to Diagnostics Act, which supports quicker research and development of medical countermeasures, including diagnostic tests, vaccines, and therapeutics, in response to emerging infectious diseases.
This bill would require the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance for public and private sector entities’ quick access to specimen samples to ensure a greater supply of diagnostic tests and other countermeasures.
“Diagnostic tests have been a critical component to curbing the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses and have enabled Americans to stay safe and continue to go to work, school, and attend social gatherings,” Sen. Braun said. “It’s imperative that diagnostic test developers have quick access to viral samples in order to respond to the growing demand for COVID-19 and other diagnostics, particularly as new variants continue to emerge.”