ASA Provides Formal Input on Pandemic Preparation to Key Senate Committee

On June 26, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) sent a formal communication to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) in response to the Committee’s request for input on preparing for the next pandemic. The request was part of a White Paper by Committee Chairman, Lamar Alexander (R-TN), which outlined a series of questions eliciting recommendations that Congress can consider and act on this year. In formal comments to the HELP Committee, ASA offered comprehensive input on how the federal government can prepare for the next pandemic and be better positioned with diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments for COVID-19.  ASA detailed strategies to ensure health care professionals have the supplies they need to care for patients and respond to the next pandemic. ASA also voiced support for various legislative measures that will better prepare federal, state, and local officials for the next pandemic.

ASA emphasized that the nation’s response to COVID-19 and future pandemics should be grounded in having a skilled, professional healthcare workforce; patients are best cared for when traditional care team models of practice are utilized. 

Physician anesthesiologists are frontline leaders in the fight against COVID-19 who have saved lives and cared for patients. ASA encouraged the Committee to ensure future policies are made with consultation of medical and professional stakeholders that will lead to evidence-based actions.

ASA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Administration to address this public health emergency and future pandemics.