Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 903 would allow the Department of Health and Human Services to utilize dentists and dental facilities to respond to medical emergencies. The bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to include dental personnel within the definition of ``emergency response providers.'' Mr. Speaker, there has been uncertainty as to whether dental providers could be considered emergency response providers. This bill also requires the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security to serve as the Department's primary point of contact for the dental community with respect to medical and public health matters related to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other manmade disasters. Finally, the bill amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to allow, if necessary, operational plans developed by Federal agencies with responsibilities under the National Response Plan to address preparedness and deployment of dental resources. This bill was drafted to ensure that Congress was not being prescriptive as to how the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Homeland Security should plan for medical emergencies. The bill provides these Departments increased flexibility to utilize additional professional expertise and capacity, if they feel it is appropriate. This is just common sense.…”