EPA Institute Course Catalogue

Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002

Course Description

Effective responses to public health emergencies require close collaboration between all types of health professionals involved in patient care. These include healthcare providers, medical specialists, the public health infrastructure and all participants in the emergency response. The goal of this course is to equip a workforce of healthcare professionals with how to address emergency preparedness, response issues and to acquaint them with the legislation involved in this process.

An effective response to a bioterrorism attack requires prepared, well-trained local responders. Such responders have been taught the unique characteristics of biological agents that could be used as weapons of mass destruction. They are trained to protect themselves, their families, and the local community. Emergency responders should also be trained to facilitate relationships and interactions among federal, state, and local agencies.

The safety of a nation relies on enhancing controls over dangerous biological agents and toxins. Proper inventory and trained staff are required to handle and transport the 42 listed dangerous biological organisms. The course provides a brief legislative look on the Title and a list of bio-hazard microorganisms.

The purpose of understanding The Bioterrorism Act of 2002, is to provide an explanation as well as training to food industry personnel on the new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. The course focuses on the definitions, terms and implications involved, specifically with Section 305, the Registration of Food Facilities and Section 307, Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments. For Section 305, the on-line examples of registering a domestic food facility and a foreign food facility will provide helpful advice and serve as a guide for this activity.

This course will also be geared toward helping participants in evaluating the susceptibility of a water utility to potentially harmful threats which can result in adverse consequences. Participants will learn the legislative requirement of the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 in securing the nation's drinking water facilities.

Topics will cover the need for vulnerability assessment, Emergency Response Plans for Water Utilities, and Security Enhancements for Water Utilities. This module will highlight new procedures and countermeasures to address risks identified in the vulnerability assessment.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, students will know:

• The need for Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Prepared Response Act of 2002 (commonly known as BTA 2002)
• Making of the Act, and its Titles.
• Brief overview of all the Titles of BTA 2002
• The need for a Hospital Preparedness Program and an Emergency Plan within State, City and County.
• The Bio-Hazards originating from bacteria and viruses, their lists and specific requirements from Secretary of Health and Human Services to handle and transport such organisms.
• The US Food Legal System
• Specific regulations within Title III of the Act which are food industry specific Registration of Food Facilities (Section 305)
• All terms involved with a domestic Food Facility registration and Prior Notice of Food Importing to the U.S.
• Drinking water supply safety and its emergency plan requirements.
• Safe Drinking Water Amendments as per The Bioterrorism Act.