PRINTER'S NO. 3114

        INTRODUCED BY STURLA, FAIRCHILD, SOLOBAY, HUTCHINSON, CORRIGAN,

           BELFANTI, CAPPELLI, FRANKEL, GEORGE, GRUCELA, HARHAI, HORSEY,

           JAMES, JOSEPHS, LESCOVITZ, MANDERINO, McGEEHAN, MELIO,

           TURZAI, PALLONE, SAINATO, SCHULER, STABACK, STEELMAN, THOMAS,

           TIGUE, VEON, WANSACZ, WOJNAROSKI, YOUNGBLOOD AND CURRY,

           JANUARY 2, 2002

        REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY

           PREPAREDNESS, JANUARY 2, 2002

                                     AN ACT

     1  Amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), entitled

     2     "An act providing for and reorganizing the conduct of the

     3     executive and administrative work of the Commonwealth by the

     4     Executive Department thereof and the administrative

     5     departments, boards, commissions, and officers thereof,

     6     including the boards of trustees of State Normal Schools, or

     7     Teachers Colleges; abolishing, creating, reorganizing or

     8     authorizing the reorganization of certain administrative

     9     departments, boards, and commissions; defining the powers and

    10     duties of the Governor and other executive and administrative

    11     officers, and of the several administrative departments,

    12     boards, commissions, and officers; fixing the salaries of the

    13     Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and certain other executive

    14     and administrative officers; providing for the appointment of

    15     certain administrative officers, and of all deputies and

    16     other assistants and employes in certain departments, boards,

    17     and commissions; and prescribing the manner in which the

    18     number and compensation of the deputies and all other

    19     assistants and employes of certain departments, boards and

    20     commissions shall be determined," providing for measures to

    21     detect and track potential and existing public health

    22     emergencies, for declaring state of public health emergency,

    23     for control of property and persons during state of public

    24     health emergency and for public information regarding and

    25     planning for public health emergencies; and establishing the

    26     Public Health Emergency Planning Commission.

    27     The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

     1  hereby enacts as follows:

     2     Section 1.  The act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known

     3  as The Administrative Code of 1929, is amended by adding an

     4  article to read:

     5                           ARTICLE XXV-D

     6               EMERGENCY HEALTH POWERS AND PROCEDURES

     7                    (a)  Preliminary Provisions

     8  Section 2501-D.  Short title.

     9     This article shall be known and may be cited as the Emergency

    10  Health Powers Act.

    11  Section 2502-D.  Legislative findings.

    12     The General Assembly finds that:

    13         (1)  The Commonwealth must do more to protect the health,

    14     safety and general well-being of its citizens.

    15         (2)  New and emerging dangers, including emergent and

    16     resurgent infectious diseases and incidents of civilian mass

    17     casualties, pose serious and immediate threats.

    18         (3)  A renewed focus on the prevention, detection,

    19     management and containment of public health emergencies is

    20     called for.

    21         (4)  Emergency health threats, including those caused by

    22     bioterrorism and epidemics, require the exercise of

    23     extraordinary government functions.

    24         (5)  The Commonwealth must have the ability to respond

    25     rapidly and effectively to potential or actual public health

    26     emergencies.

    27         (6)  The exercise of emergency health powers must promote

    28     the common good.

    29         (7)  Emergency health powers must be grounded in a

    30     thorough scientific understanding of public health threats

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     1     and disease transmission.

     2         (8)  Guided by principles of justice, it is the duty of

     3     the Commonwealth to act with fairness and tolerance toward

     4     individuals and groups.

     5         (9)  The rights of people to liberty, bodily integrity

     6     and privacy must be respected to the fullest extent possible

     7     consistent with the overriding importance of the public's

     8     health and security.

     9         (10)  This article is necessary to protect the health and

    10     safety of the citizens of this Commonwealth.

    11  Section 2503-D.  Purposes.

    12     The purposes of this article are to:

    13         (1)  Authorize the collection of data and records, the

    14     control of property, the management of persons and access to

    15     communications.

    16         (2)  Facilitate the early detection of a health emergency

    17     and allow for immediate investigation of such an emergency by

    18     granting access to individuals' health information under

    19     specified circumstances.

    20         (3)  Grant State officials the authority to use and

    21     appropriate property as necessary for the care, treatment and

    22     housing of patients and for the destruction of contaminated

    23     materials.

    24         (4)  Grant State officials the authority to provide care

    25     and treatment to persons who are ill or who have been exposed

    26     to infection and to separate affected individuals from the

    27     population at large for the purpose of interrupting the

    28     transmission of infectious disease.

    29         (5)  Ensure that the needs of infected or exposed persons

    30     will be addressed to the fullest extent possible given the

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     1     primary goal of controlling serious health threats.

     2         (6)  Provide State officials with the ability to prevent,

     3     detect, manage and contain emergency health threats without

     4     unduly interfering with civil rights and liberties.

     5         (7)  Require the development of a comprehensive plan to

     6     provide for a coordinated, appropriate response in the event

     7     of a public health emergency.

     8  Section 2504-D.  Definitions.

     9     The following words and phrases when used in this article

    10  shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the

    11  context clearly indicates otherwise:

    12     "Bioterrorism."  The intentional use of any microorganism,

    13  virus, infectious substance or biological product that may be

    14  engineered as a result of biotechnology or any naturally

    15  occurring or bioengineered component of any such microorganism,

    16  virus, infectious substance or biological product to cause

    17  death, disease or other biological malfunction in a human,

    18  animal, plant or another living organism in order to influence

    19  the conduct of government or to intimidate or coerce a civilian

    20  population.

    21     "Chain of custody."  The methodology of tracking specimens

    22  for the purpose of maintaining control and accountability from

    23  initial collection to final disposition of the specimens and

    24  providing for accountability at each stage of collecting,

    25  handling, testing, storing and transporting the specimens and

    26  reporting test results.

    27     "Commission."  The Public Health Emergency Planning

    28  Commission.

    29     "Contagious disease."  An infectious disease that can be

    30  transmitted from person to person, animal to person or insect to

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     1  person.

     2     "Health care facility."  A non-Federal institution, building

     3  or agency, or portion thereof, whether for profit or nonprofit,

     4  that is used, operated or designed to provide health services,

     5  medical treatment or nursing, rehabilitative or preventive care

     6  to any person or persons. The term includes, but is not limited

     7  to, ambulatory surgical facilities, health maintenance

     8  organizations, home health agencies, hospices, hospitals,

     9  infirmaries, intermediate care facilities, kidney treatment

    10  centers, long-term care facilities, medical assistance

    11  facilities, mental health centers, outpatient facilities, public

    12  health centers, rehabilitation facilities, residential treatment

    13  facilities, skilled nursing facilities and adult day-care

    14  centers. The term also includes, but is not limited to, the

    15  following related property when used for or in connection with

    16  the foregoing: laboratories, research facilities, pharmacies,

    17  laundry facilities, health personnel training and lodging

    18  facilities, patient, guest and health personnel food service

    19  facilities and offices and office buildings for persons engaged

    20  in health care professions or services.

    21     "Health care provider."  A person or entity who provides

    22  health care services. The term includes, but is not limited to,

    23  hospitals, medical clinics and offices, special care facilities,

    24  medical laboratories, physicians, pharmacists, dentists,

    25  physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered and other

    26  nurses, paramedics, emergency medical or laboratory technicians

    27  and ambulance and emergency medical workers.

    28     "Infectious disease."  A disease caused by a living organism,

    29  which disease may or may not be transmissible from person to

    30  person, animal to person or insect to person.

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     1     "Infectious waste."  Any of the following:

     2         (1)  Biological waste, including blood and blood

     3     products, excretions, exudates, secretions, suctioning and

     4     other body fluids and waste materials saturated with blood or

     5     body fluids.

     6         (2)  Cultures and stocks, including etiologic agents and

     7     associated biologicals, specimen cultures and dishes and

     8     devices used to transfer, innoculate and mix cultures, wastes

     9     from production of biologicals and serums and discarded live

    10     and attenuated vaccines.

    11         (3)  Pathological waste, including biopsy materials and

    12     all human tissues, anatomical parts that emanate from

    13     surgery, obstetrical procedures, autopsy and laboratory

    14     procedures and animal carcasses exposed to pathogens in

    15     research and the bedding and other waste from such animals,

    16     but not including teeth or formaldehyde or other preservative

    17     agents.

    18         (4)  Sharps, including needles, IV tubing with needles

    19     attached, scalpel blades, lancets, glass tubes that could be

    20     broken during handling and syringes that have been removed

    21     from their original sterile containers.

    22     "Isolation."  The compulsory physical separation, including

    23  the restriction of movement or confinement, of individuals or

    24  groups believed to have been exposed to or known to have been

    25  infected with a contagious disease from individuals who are

    26  believed not to have been exposed or infected, in order to

    27  prevent or limit the transmission of the disease to others.

    28     "Mental health support personnel."  This term includes, but

    29  is not limited to, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers

    30  and volunteer crisis counseling groups.

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     1     "Protected health information."  Information, whether oral,

     2  written, electronic, visual, pictorial, physical or any other

     3  form that relates to an individual's past, present or future

     4  physical or mental health status, condition, treatment, service,

     5  products purchased or provision of care, and that reveals the

     6  identity of the individual whose health care is the subject of

     7  the information, or where there is a reasonable basis to believe

     8  such information could be utilized, either alone or with other

     9  information that is or should reasonably be known to be

    10  available to predictable recipients of such information, to

    11  reveal the identity of that individual.

    12     "Public health authority."  The Department of Health, a local

    13  government agency that acts principally to protect or preserve

    14  the public's health, a person authorized to act on behalf of the

    15  Department of Health or local public health agency.

    16     "Public health emergency."  An occurrence or imminent threat

    17  of an illness or health condition, caused by bioterrorism,

    18  epidemic or pandemic disease or novel and highly fatal

    19  infectious agent or biological toxin, that poses a substantial

    20  risk of a significant number of human fatalities or incidents of

    21  permanent or long-term disability, where such illness or health

    22  condition includes, but is not limited to, an illness or health

    23  condition resulting from a natural disaster.

    24     "Public safety authority."  The Pennsylvania Emergency

    25  Management Agency, a local government agency that acts

    26  principally to protect or preserve the public safety or a person

    27  authorized to act on behalf of the Pennsylvania Emergency

    28  Management Agency or local agency.

    29     "Quarantine."  The term shall have the same meaning as the

    30  term "isolation."

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     1     "Specimens."  The term includes, but is not limited to,

     2  blood, sputum, urine, stool, other bodily fluids, wastes,

     3  tissues and cultures necessary to perform required tests.

     4     "Tests."  The term includes, but is not limited to, any

     5  diagnostic or investigative analysis necessary to prevent the

     6  spread of disease or protect the public's health, safety and

     7  welfare.

     8      (b)  Measures to Detect and Track Potential and Existing

     9                     Public Health Emergencies

    10  Section 2511-D.  Reporting.

    11     (a)  Illness or health condition.--

    12         (1)  A health care provider, coroner or medical examiner

    13     shall report all cases of persons who harbor any illness or

    14     health condition that may be caused by bioterrorism, epidemic

    15     or pandemic disease or novel and highly fatal infectious

    16     agents or biological toxins and might pose a substantial risk

    17     of a significant number of human fatalities or incidents of

    18     permanent or long-term disability.

    19         (2)  Such illnesses and health conditions include, but

    20     are not limited to, the diseases caused by the biological

    21     agents listed in 42 CFR 72, App. A and any illnesses or

    22     health conditions identified by the public health authority

    23     as potential causes of a public health emergency.

    24     (b)  Pharmacists.--

    25         (1)  In addition to the requirements of subsection (a)

    26     for health care providers, a pharmacist shall report any

    27     unusual or increased prescription rates, unusual types of

    28     prescriptions or unusual trends in pharmacy visits that may

    29     be caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease or

    30     novel and highly fatal infectious agents or biological toxins

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     1     and might pose a substantial risk of a significant number of

     2     human fatalities or incidents of permanent or long-term

     3     disability.

     4         (2)  Prescription-related events that require a report

     5     include, but are not limited to, any of the following:

     6             (i)  An unusual increase in the number of

     7         prescriptions to treat fever, respiratory or

     8         gastrointestinal complaints.

     9             (ii)  An unusual increase in the number of

    10         prescriptions for antibiotics.

    11             (iii)  An unusual increase in the number of requests

    12         for information on over-the-counter pharmaceuticals to

    13         treat fever, respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints.

    14             (iv)  Any prescription that treats a disease that is

    15         relatively uncommon and has bioterrorism potential.

    16     (c)  Manner of reporting.--The report shall be made in

    17  writing within 24 hours to the public health authority. The

    18  report shall include the following information, if available:

    19         (1)  The patient's name, date of birth, sex, race and

    20     current address, including municipality and county.

    21         (2)  The name and address of the health care provider,

    22     coroner or medical examiner and of the reporting individual,

    23     if different.

    24         (3)  Any other information needed to locate the patient

    25     for follow up.

    26         (4)  For cases related to animal or insect bites, the

    27     suspected locating information of the biting animal or insect

    28     and the name and address of any known owner.

    29     (d)  Animal diseases.--

    30         (1)  A veterinarian, livestock owner, veterinary

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     1     diagnostic laboratory director or other person having the

     2     care of animals shall report animals having or suspected of

     3     having any disease that may be caused by bioterrorism,

     4     epidemic or pandemic disease or novel and highly fatal

     5     infectious agents or biological toxins and might pose a

     6     substantial risk of a significant number of human and animal

     7     fatalities or incidents of permanent or long-term disability.

     8         (2)  The report shall be made in writing within 24 hours

     9     to the public health authority and shall include the

    10     following information, if available:

    11             (i)  The suspected locating information of the

    12         animal.

    13             (ii)  The name and address of any known owner.

    14             (iii)  The name and address of the reporting

    15         individual.

    16     (e)  Enforcement.--The public health authority may enforce

    17  the provisions of this section in accordance with existing

    18  enforcement rules and regulations.

    19     (f)  Definition.--As used in this section, the term "health

    20  care provider" includes an out-of-State medical laboratory,

    21  provided that the laboratory has agreed to the reporting

    22  requirements of this Commonwealth. Results must be reported by

    23  the laboratory that performs the test, but a laboratory in this

    24  Commonwealth that sends specimens to a laboratory outside this

    25  Commonwealth shall also report the results.

    26  Section 2512-D.  Tracking.

    27     (a)  General rule.--The public health authority shall:

    28         (1)  Ascertain the existence of cases of an illness or

    29     health condition caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic

    30     disease or novel and highly fatal infectious agent or

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     1     biological toxin that poses a substantial risk of a

     2     significant number of human fatalities or incidents of

     3     permanent or long-term disability.

     4         (2)  Investigate all such cases for sources of infection

     5     and ensure that they are subject to proper control measures.

     6         (3)  Define the distribution of the illness or health

     7     condition.

     8     (b)  Identification of exposed individuals.--To fulfill these

     9  duties, the public health authority shall identify exposed

    10  individuals as follows:

    11         (1)  Acting on information developed in accordance with

    12     section 2511-D or other reliable information, the public

    13     health authority shall identify all individuals thought to

    14     have been exposed to an illness or health condition caused by

    15     bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease or novel and

    16     highly fatal infectious agents or biological toxins that

    17     poses a substantial risk of a significant number of human

    18     fatalities or incidents of permanent or long-term disability.

    19         (2)  The public health authority shall counsel and

    20     interview such individuals as appropriate to assist in the

    21     positive identification of exposed individuals and develop

    22     information relating to the source and spread of the illness

    23     or health condition. Such information includes the name and

    24     address, including city and county, of any person from whom

    25     the illness or health condition may have been contracted and

    26     to whom the illness or health condition may have spread.

    27         (3)  The public health authority shall, for examination

    28     purposes, close, evacuate or decontaminate any facility or

    29     decontaminate or destroy any material when the authority

    30     reasonably suspects that such facility or material may

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     1     endanger the public health.

     2     (c)  Enforcement.--An order of the public health authority

     3  given to effectuate the purposes of this section shall be

     4  enforceable immediately by the public safety authority.

     5  Section 2513-D.  Information sharing.

     6     (a)  Duty of public safety authority.--Whenever the public

     7  safety authority learns of a case of a reportable illness or

     8  health condition, an unusual cluster or a suspicious event, it

     9  shall immediately notify the public health authority.

    10     (b)  Duty of public health authority.--Whenever the public

    11  health authority learns of a case of a reportable illness or

    12  health condition, an unusual cluster or a suspicious event that

    13  it reasonably believes has the potential to be caused by

    14  bioterrorism, it shall immediately notify the appropriate public

    15  safety authority and Federal health and public safety

    16  authorities.

    17     (c)  Limitation.--Sharing of information on reportable

    18  illnesses, health conditions, unusual clusters or suspicious

    19  events between authorized personnel shall be limited to

    20  information necessary for the treatment, control, investigation

    21  and prevention of a public health emergency.

    22          (c)  Declaring State of Public Health Emergency

    23  Section 2521-D.  Standards for declaration.

    24     (a)  Declaration by Governor.--

    25         (1)  A state of public health emergency shall be declared

    26     by the Governor if the Governor finds an occurrence or

    27     imminent threat of an illness or health condition caused by

    28     bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease or novel and

    29     highly fatal infectious agents or biological toxins that

    30     poses a substantial risk of a significant number of human

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     1     fatalities or incidents of permanent or long-term disability.

     2     The declaration shall be published as a notice in the

     3     Pennsylvania Bulletin.

     4         (2)  To make such a finding, the Governor shall consult

     5     with the public health authority and may consult with any

     6     public health and other experts as needed.

     7     (b)  Construction.--Nothing in the duty of the Governor to

     8  consult with the public health authority or the discretion to

     9  consult with public health or other experts shall be construed

    10  to limit the Governor's authority to act without such

    11  consultation when the situation calls for prompt and timely

    12  action.

    13  Section 2522-D.  Procedures for declaration.

    14     The state of public health emergency shall be declared by an

    15  executive order that indicates:

    16         (1)  The nature of the public health emergency.

    17         (2)  The area that is or may be threatened.

    18         (3)  The conditions that have brought about the public

    19     health emergency.

    20  Section 2523-D.  Effect of declaration.

    21     (a)  General rule.--The declaration of a state of public

    22  health emergency shall activate the disaster response and

    23  recovery aspects of the State, local and interjurisdictional

    24  disaster emergency plans in the affected political subdivision

    25  or area. The declaration shall authorize the deployment and use

    26  of any forces to which the plans apply and the use or

    27  distribution of any supplies, equipment and materials and

    28  facilities assembled, stockpiled or arranged to be made

    29  available pursuant to this article.

    30     (b)  Emergency powers of Governor.--During a state of public

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     1  health emergency, the Governor may:

     2         (1)  Suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute

     3     prescribing procedures for conducting State business or the

     4     orders, rules and regulations of any State agency if strict

     5     compliance with the same would prevent, hinder or delay

     6     necessary action, including emergency purchases, by the

     7     public health authority to respond to the public health

     8     emergency and increase the health threat to the population.

     9     The suspension shall be published as a notice in the

    10     Pennsylvania Bulletin.

    11         (2)  Utilize all available resources of the State

    12     government and its political subdivisions, as reasonably

    13     necessary to respond to the public health emergency.

    14         (3)  Transfer the direction, personnel or functions of

    15     State departments and agencies to perform or facilitate

    16     response and recovery programs regarding the public health

    17     emergency.

    18         (4)  Mobilize all or any part of the Pennsylvania

    19     National Guard into service of the Commonwealth. An order

    20     directing the Pennsylvania National Guard to report for

    21     active duty shall state the purpose for which it is mobilized

    22     and the objectives to be accomplished.

    23         (5)  Provide aid to and seek aid from other states in

    24     accordance with any interstate emergency compact made with

    25     the Commonwealth.

    26     (c)  Coordination by public health authority.--The public

    27  health authority shall coordinate all matters pertaining to the

    28  public health emergency response of the Commonwealth. The public

    29  health authority shall have primary jurisdiction, responsibility

    30  and authority for:

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     1         (1)  Planning and executing public health emergency

     2     assessment, mitigation, preparedness response and recovery

     3     for the Commonwealth.

     4         (2)  Coordinating public health emergency response

     5     between State and political subdivisions.

     6         (3)  Collaborating with relevant Federal Government

     7     authorities, elected officials of other states, private

     8     organizations or private sector companies.

     9         (4)  Coordinating recovery operations and mitigation

    10     initiatives subsequent to public health emergencies.

    11         (5)  Organizing public information activities regarding

    12     State public health emergency response operations.

    13     (d)  Identification.--After the declaration of a state of

    14  public health emergency, special identification for all public

    15  health personnel working during the emergency shall be issued by

    16  the Governor or public health authority as soon as possible. The

    17  identification shall indicate the authority of the bearer to

    18  exercise public health functions and emergency powers during the

    19  state of public health emergency. Public health personnel shall

    20  wear the identification in plain view.

    21  Section 2524-D.  Enforcement.

    22     During a state of public health emergency, the public health

    23  authority may request assistance in enforcing orders pursuant to

    24  this article from the public safety authority. The public safety

    25  authority may request assistance, with the approval of the

    26  Governor, from the Pennsylvania National Guard in enforcing the

    27  orders of the public health authority.

    28  Section 2525-D.  Termination of declaration.

    29     (a)  Executive order.--The Governor shall terminate the state

    30  of public health emergency by executive order upon finding that

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     1  the occurrence of an illness or health condition caused by

     2  bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease or novel and highly

     3  fatal infectious agents or biological toxins no longer poses a

     4  substantial risk of a significant number of human fatalities or

     5  incidents of permanent or long-term disability or that the

     6  imminent threat of such an occurrence has passed. The executive

     7  order shall be published as a notice in the Pennsylvania

     8  Bulletin.

     9     (b)  Automatic termination.--

    10         (1)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this article,

    11     a state of public health emergency shall be terminated

    12     automatically 30 days after its declaration unless renewed by

    13     the Governor under the same standards and procedures set

    14     forth in this article for a declaration of a state of public

    15     health emergency.

    16         (2)  Any such renewal shall also be terminated

    17     automatically after 30 days unless renewed by the Governor

    18     under the same standards and procedures set forth in this

    19     article for a declaration of a state of public health

    20     emergency.

    21     (c)  State legislature.--By a two-thirds vote of both

    22  chambers, the General Assembly may terminate a state of public

    23  health emergency after 60 days from the date of original

    24  declaration upon finding that the occurrence of an illness or

    25  health condition caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic

    26  disease or novel and highly fatal infectious agents or

    27  biological toxins no longer poses a substantial risk of a

    28  significant number of human fatalities or incidents of permanent

    29  or long-term disability or that the imminent threat of such an

    30  occurrence has passed. Such a termination by the General

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     1  Assembly shall supersede any renewal by the Governor.

     2     (d)  Content of termination order.--All orders terminating a

     3  state of public health emergency shall indicate:

     4         (1)  The nature of the emergency.

     5         (2)  The area that was threatened.

     6         (3)  The conditions that make possible the termination of

     7     the state of public health emergency.

     8          (d)  Control of Property during State of Public

     9                          Health Emergency

    10  Section 2531-D.  Emergency measures concerning dangerous

    11                 facilities and materials.

    12     The public health authority may exercise, for such period as

    13  the state of public health emergency exists, the following

    14  powers:

    15         (1)  To close, direct and compel the evacuation of or to

    16     decontaminate or cause to be decontaminated any facility of

    17     which there is reasonable cause to believe that it may

    18     endanger the public health.

    19         (2)  To decontaminate or cause to be decontaminated or

    20     destroy any material of which there is reasonable cause to

    21     believe that it may endanger the public health.

    22  Section 2532-D.  Access to and control of facilities and

    23                 property.

    24     The public health authority may exercise, for such period as

    25  the state of public health emergency exists, the following

    26  powers concerning facilities, materials, roads or public areas:

    27         (1)  To procure, by condemnation or otherwise, construct,

    28     lease, transport, store, maintain, renovate or distribute

    29     materials and facilities as may be reasonable and necessary

    30     for emergency response, with the right to take immediate

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     1     possession thereof. Such materials and facilities include,

     2     but are not limited to, communication devices, carriers, real

     3     estate, fuels, food, clothing and health care facilities.

     4         (2)  To compel a health care facility to provide services

     5     or the use of its facility if such services or use are

     6     reasonable and necessary for emergency response. The use of

     7     the health care facility may include transferring the

     8     management and supervision of the health care facility to the

     9     public health authority for a limited or unlimited period of

    10     time, but shall not exceed the termination of the state of

    11     public health emergency.

    12         (3)  To control, restrict and regulate by rationing and

    13     using quotas, prohibitions on shipments, price fixing,

    14     allocation or other means, the use, sale, dispensing,

    15     distribution or transportation of food, fuel, clothing and

    16     other commodities, alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives

    17     and combustibles, as may be reasonable and necessary for

    18     emergency response.

    19         (4)  To prescribe routes, modes of transportation and

    20     destinations in connection with evacuation of persons or the

    21     provisions of emergency services.

    22         (5)  To control ingress and egress to and from any

    23     stricken or threatened public area, the movement of persons

    24     within the area and the occupancy of premises therein, if

    25     such action is reasonable and necessary for emergency

    26     response.

    27  Section 2533-D.  Safe disposal of infectious waste.

    28     The public health authority may exercise, for such period as

    29  the state of public health emergency exists, the following

    30  powers regarding the safe disposal of infectious waste:

    20020H2261B3114                 - 18 -

     1         (1)  To adopt and enforce measures to provide for the

     2     safe disposal of infectious waste as may be reasonable and

     3     necessary for emergency response. Such measures may include,

     4     but are not limited to, the collection, storage, handling,

     5     destruction, treatment, transportation and disposal of

     6     infectious waste.

     7         (2)  To compel any business or facility authorized to

     8     collect, store, handle, destroy, treat, transport and dispose

     9     of infectious waste under the laws of this Commonwealth and

    10     any landfill business or other such property to accept

    11     infectious waste or provide services or the use of the

    12     business, facility or property, if such action is reasonable

    13     and necessary for emergency response. The use of the

    14     business, facility or property may include transferring the

    15     management and supervision of such business, facility or

    16     property to the public health authority for a limited or

    17     unlimited period of time, but shall not exceed the

    18     termination of the state of public health emergency.

    19         (3)  To procure, by condemnation or otherwise, any

    20     business or facility authorized to collect, store, handle,

    21     destroy, treat, transport and dispose of infectious waste

    22     under the laws of this Commonwealth and any landfill business

    23     or other such property as may be reasonable and necessary for

    24     emergency response, with the right to take immediate

    25     possession thereof.

    26         (4)  To require that all bags, boxes or other containers

    27     for infectious waste be clearly identified as containing

    28     infectious waste.

    29  Section 2534-D.  Safe disposal of corpses.

    30     The public health authority may exercise, for such period as

    20020H2261B3114                 - 19 -

     1  the state of public health emergency exists, the following

     2  powers regarding the safe disposal of corpses:

     3         (1)  To adopt and enforce measures to provide for the

     4     safe disposal of corpses as may be reasonable and necessary

     5     for emergency response. Such measures may include, but are

     6     not limited to, the embalming, burial, cremation, interment,

     7     disinterment, transportation and disposal of corpses.

     8         (2)  To take possession or control of any corpse.

     9         (3)  To order the disposal of any corpse of a person who

    10     died of an infectious disease through burial or cremation

    11     within 24 hours after death.

    12         (4)  To compel any business or facility authorized to

    13     embalm, bury, cremate, inter, disinter, transport and dispose

    14     of corpses under the laws of this Commonwealth to accept any

    15     corpse or provide the use of its business or facility if such

    16     actions are reasonable and necessary for emergency response.

    17     The use of the business or facility may include transferring

    18     the management and supervision of such business or facility

    19     to the public health authority for a limited or unlimited

    20     period of time, but shall not exceed the termination of the

    21     state of public health emergency.

    22         (5)  To procure, by condemnation or otherwise, any

    23     business or facility authorized to embalm, bury, cremate,

    24     inter, disinter, transport and dispose of corpses under the

    25     laws of this Commonwealth as may be reasonable and necessary

    26     for emergency response, with the right to take immediate

    27     possession thereof.

    28         (6)  To require that any corpse, prior to disposal, be

    29     clearly labeled with all available information to identify

    30     the decedent and the circumstances of death. Any corpse of a

    20020H2261B3114                 - 20 -

     1     person with an infectious disease shall have an external,

     2     clearly visible tag indicating that the corpse is infected

     3     and, if known, the infectious disease.

     4         (7)  To require that any person in charge of disposing of

     5     a corpse shall maintain a written record of the corpse and

     6     all available information to identify the decedent and the

     7     circumstances of death and disposal. If a corpse cannot be

     8     identified, prior to disposal a qualified person shall, to

     9     the extent possible, take fingerprints and one or more

    10     photographs of the corpse and collect a DNA specimen. All

    11     information gathered under this paragraph shall be promptly

    12     forwarded to the public health authority.

    13  Section 2535-D.  Control of health care supplies.

    14     (a)  Procurement.--The public health authority may purchase

    15  and distribute antitoxins, serums, vaccines, immunizing agents,

    16  antibiotics and other pharmaceutical agents or medical supplies

    17  that it deems advisable in the interest of preparing for or

    18  controlling a public health emergency, without any additional

    19  legislative authorization.

    20     (b)  Rationing.--

    21         (1)  If a state of public health emergency results in a

    22     Statewide or regional shortage or threatened shortage of any

    23     product covered by subsection (a), whether or not such

    24     product has been purchased by the public health authority,

    25     the public health authority may control, restrict and

    26     regulate by rationing and using quotas, prohibitions on

    27     shipments, price fixing, allocation or other means, the use,

    28     sale, dispensing, distribution or transportation of the

    29     relevant product necessary to protect the health, safety and

    30     welfare of the people of this Commonwealth.

    20020H2261B3114                 - 21 -

     1         (2)  In making rationing or other supply and distribution

     2     decisions, the public health authority may give preference to

     3     health care providers, disaster response personnel and

     4     mortuary staff.

     5     (c)  Distribution.--

     6         (1)  During a state of public health emergency, the

     7     public health authority may procure, store or distribute any

     8     antitoxins, serums, vaccines, immunizing agents, antibiotics

     9     and other pharmaceutical agents or medical supplies located

    10     within this Commonwealth as may be reasonable and necessary

    11     for emergency response, with the right to take immediate

    12     possession thereof.

    13         (2)  If a public health emergency simultaneously affects

    14     more than one state, nothing in this section shall be

    15     construed to allow the public health authority to obtain

    16     antitoxins, serums, vaccines, immunizing agents, antibiotics

    17     and other pharmaceutical agents or medical supplies for the

    18     primary purpose of hoarding such items or preventing their

    19     fair and equitable distribution among affected states.

    20  Section 2536-D.  Compensation.

    21     The Commonwealth shall pay just compensation to the owner of

    22  any facility or materials that are lawfully taken or

    23  appropriated by a public health authority for its temporary or

    24  permanent use under this article according to the procedures and

    25  standards set forth in section 2575-D. Compensation may not be

    26  provided for facilities or materials that are closed, evacuated,

    27  decontaminated or destroyed when there is reasonable cause to

    28  believe that they may endanger the public health pursuant to

    29  section 2531-D.

    30  Section 2537-D.  Destruction of property.

    20020H2261B3114                 - 22 -

     1     To the extent practicable, consistent with the protection of

     2  public health, prior to the destruction of any property under

     3  this article, the public health authority shall institute

     4  appropriate civil proceedings against the property to be

     5  destroyed in accordance with the existing laws and rules of the

     6  courts of this Commonwealth or any such rules that may be

     7  developed by the courts for use during a state of public health

     8  emergency. Any property acquired by the public health authority

     9  through such proceedings shall, after entry of the decree, be

    10  disposed of by destruction as the court may direct.

    11       (e)  Control of Persons during Public Health Emergency

    12  Section 2541-D.  Control of individuals.

    13     During a state of public health emergency, the public health

    14  authority shall use every available means to prevent the

    15  transmission of infectious disease and to ensure that all cases

    16  of infectious disease are subject to proper control and

    17  treatment.

    18  Section 2542-D.  Mandatory medical examinations.

    19     (a)  Powers of public health authority.--The public health

    20  authority may exercise, for such period as the state of public

    21  health emergency exists, the following emergency powers over

    22  persons:

    23         (1)  To compel a person to submit to a physical

    24     examination or testing, or both, as necessary to diagnose or

    25     treat the person subject to the following:

    26             (i)  The medical examination or testing may be

    27         performed by any qualified person authorized by the

    28         public health authority.

    29             (ii)  The medical examination or testing may not be

    30         reasonably likely to result in serious harm to the

    20020H2261B3114                 - 23 -

     1         affected individual.

     2             (iii)  The medical examination or testing shall be

     3         performed immediately upon the order of the public health

     4         authority without resort to judicial or quasi-judicial

     5         authority.

     6             (iv)  If the public health authority is uncertain

     7         whether a person who refuses to undergo medical

     8         examination or testing may have been exposed to an

     9         infectious disease or otherwise poses a danger to public

    10         health, the public health authority may subject the

    11         individual to isolation or quarantine as provided in this

    12         article.

    13         (2)  To require any physician or other health care

    14     provider to perform the medical examination or testing, or

    15     both.

    16     (b)  Enforcement.--An order of the public health authority

    17  given to effectuate the purposes of this section shall be

    18  immediately enforceable by any law enforcement officer.

    19     (c)  Penalty.--A person who refuses to submit or perform a

    20  medical examination or test under this section commits a

    21  misdemeanor.

    22  Section 2543-D.  Isolation and quarantine.

    23     (a)  State policy and powers.--

    24         (1)  It is the policy of the Commonwealth that the

    25     individual dignity of any person isolated or quarantined

    26     during a state of public health emergency shall be respected

    27     at all times and upon all occasions.

    28         (2)  The needs of persons isolated or quarantined shall

    29     be addressed in a systematic and competent fashion.

    30         (3)  To the extent possible, the premises in which

    20020H2261B3114                 - 24 -

     1     persons are isolated or quarantined shall be maintained in

     2     safe and hygenic manners, designed to minimize the likelihood

     3     of further transmission of infection or other harm to persons

     4     subject to isolation or quarantine.

     5         (4)  Adequate food, clothing, medication and other

     6     necessities and competent medical care shall be provided to

     7     persons who are isolated or quarantined.

     8         (5)  The public health authority may exercise, for such

     9     period as the state of public health emergency exists, the

    10     following emergency powers over persons:

    11             (i)  To establish and maintain places of isolation

    12         and quarantine.

    13             (ii)  To require isolation or quarantine of any

    14         person by the least restrictive means necessary to

    15         protect the public health. All reasonable means shall be

    16         taken to prevent the transmission of infection among the

    17         isolated or quarantined individuals.

    18     (b)  Individual cooperation.--A person subject to isolation

    19  or quarantine:

    20         (1)  Shall comply with the public health authority's

    21     rules and orders.

    22         (2)  Shall not go beyond the isolation or quarantine

    23     premises.

    24         (3)  Shall not put himself in contact with any person not

    25     subject to isolation or quarantine other than a physician or

    26     other health care provider, public health authority or person

    27     authorized to enter an isolation or quarantine premises by

    28     the public health authority.

    29     (c)  Unauthorized entry.--No person other than a person

    30  authorized by the public health authority shall enter an

    20020H2261B3114                 - 25 -

     1  isolation or quarantine premises. If, by reason of an

     2  unauthorized entry into an isolation or quarantine premises, the

     3  person poses a danger to public health, that person may be

     4  subject to isolation or quarantine pursuant to the provisions of

     5  this article.

     6     (d)  Termination.--Isolation or quarantine of any person

     7  shall be terminated when the public health authority determines

     8  that such isolation or quarantine of such person is no longer

     9  necessary to protect the public health.

    10     (e)  Due process.--

    11         (1)  Before isolating or quarantining a person, the

    12     public health authority shall obtain a written, ex parte

    13     order from a court of this Commonwealth authorizing such

    14     action. The court shall grant such order upon finding that

    15     probable cause exists to believe isolation or quarantine is

    16     warranted pursuant to the provisions of this article. A copy

    17     of the authorizing order shall be given to the person

    18     isolated or quarantined, along with notification that the

    19     person has a right to a hearing under this paragraph.

    20         (2)  Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the public health

    21     authority may isolate or quarantine a person without first

    22     obtaining a written, ex parte order from the court if any

    23     delay in the isolation or quarantine of the person would pose

    24     an immediate threat to the public health. Following such

    25     isolation or quarantine, the public health authority shall

    26     promptly obtain a written, ex parte order from the court

    27     authorizing the isolation or quarantine.

    28         (3)  A person isolated or quarantined pursuant to the

    29     provisions of paragraph (1) or (2) shall have the right to a

    30     court hearing to contest the ex parte order. If such person,

    20020H2261B3114                 - 26 -

     1     or his or her representative, requests a hearing, the hearing

     2     shall be held within 72 hours of receipt of such request,

     3     excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. The request

     4     shall be in writing. A request for a hearing shall not stay

     5     the order of isolation or quarantine. At the hearing, the

     6     public health authority must show that the isolation or

     7     quarantine is warranted pursuant to the provisions of this

     8     section.

     9         (4)  On or after 30 days following a hearing on the ex

    10     parte order or such hearing as is provided for this

    11     subsection, a person isolated or quarantined pursuant to the

    12     provisions of this section may request in writing a court

    13     hearing to contest that person's continued isolation or

    14     quarantine. The hearing shall be held within 72 hours of

    15     receipt of such request, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and

    16     legal holidays. A request for a hearing shall not alter the

    17     order of isolation or quarantine. At the hearing, the public

    18     health authority must show that continuation of the isolation

    19     or quarantine is warranted pursuant to the provisions of this

    20     section.

    21         (5)  A person isolated or quarantined pursuant to the

    22     provisions of this section may request a hearing in the

    23     courts of this Commonwealth for remedies regarding that

    24     person's treatment and the terms and conditions of such

    25     isolation or quarantine. Upon receiving a request for either

    26     type of hearing described in this paragraph, the court shall

    27     fix a date for a hearing. The hearing shall take place within

    28     ten days of the receipt of the request by the court. The

    29     request for a hearing shall not alter the order of isolation

    30     or quarantine.

    20020H2261B3114                 - 27 -

     1         (6)  If, upon hearing, the court finds that the isolation

     2     or quarantine of the individual is not warranted under the

     3     provisions of this section, then the person shall be released

     4     from isolation or quarantine. If the court finds that the

     5     isolation or quarantine of the individual is not in

     6     compliance with the provisions of subsection (a), the court

     7     may then fashion remedies appropriate to the circumstances of

     8     the state of public health emergency and in keeping with the

     9     provisions of this article.

    10         (7)  Judicial decisions shall be based upon clear and

    11     convincing evidence, and a written record of the disposition

    12     of the case shall be made and retained. The petitioner shall

    13     have the right to be represented by counsel or other lawful

    14     representative. The manner in which the request for a hearing

    15     is filed and acted upon will be in accordance with the

    16     existing laws and rules of the courts of this Commonwealth or

    17     any such rules that are developed by the courts for use

    18     during a state of public health emergency.

    19     (f)  Penalty.--A person who fails to comply with the

    20  provisions of subsection (b) or (c) commits a misdemeanor.

    21  Section 2544-D.  Vaccination and treatment.

    22     (a)  Powers of public health authority.--The public health

    23  authority may, for such period as the state of public health

    24  emergency exists, compel a person to be vaccinated or treated,

    25  or both, for an infectious disease subject to the following

    26  provisions:

    27         (1)  Vaccination may be performed by any qualified person

    28     authorized by the public health authority.

    29         (2)  A vaccine may not be given if the public health

    30     authority has reason to know that a particular individual is

    20020H2261B3114                 - 28 -

     1     likely to suffer serious harm from the vaccination.

     2         (3)  Treatment may be performed by any qualified person

     3     authorized by the public health authority.

     4         (4)  Treatment must not be such as is reasonably likely

     5     to lead to serious harm to the affected individual.

     6     (b)  Refusal.--If, by reason of refusal of vaccination or

     7  treatment, the person poses a danger to the public health, the

     8  person may be isolated or quarantined pursuant to the provisions

     9  of this article.

    10     (c)  Enforcement.--An order of the public health authority

    11  given to effectuate the purposes of this section shall be

    12  immediately enforceable by any peace officer.

    13     (d)  Penalty.--A person who fails to comply with this section

    14  commits a misdemeanor.

    15  Section 2545-D.  Collection of laboratory specimens; performance

    16                 of tests.

    17     The public health authority may, for such period as the state

    18  of public health emergency exists, collect specimens and perform

    19  tests on any person or animal, living or deceased, and may

    20  acquire any previously collected specimens or test results that

    21  are reasonable and necessary for emergency response subject to

    22  the following provisions:

    23         (1)  A specimen shall be clearly marked.

    24         (2)  Specimen collection, handling, storage and transport

    25     to a testing site shall be performed in a manner that will

    26     reasonably preclude specimen contamination or adulteration

    27     and provide for the safe collection, storage, handling and

    28     transport of the specimen.

    29         (3)  A person authorized to collect specimens or perform

    30     tests shall use chain of custody procedures to ensure proper

    20020H2261B3114                 - 29 -

     1     recordkeeping, handling, labeling and identification of

     2     specimens to be tested. This requirement applies to all

     3     specimens, including specimens collected using onsite testing

     4     kits.

     5         (4)  A business, facility or agency authorized to collect

     6     specimens or perform tests shall provide such support as is

     7     reasonable and necessary to aid in a relevant criminal

     8     investigation.

     9  Section 2546-D.  Access and disclosure of patient records.

    10     (a)  Access to patient records.--Access to protected health

    11  information of patients under the isolation, quarantine or care

    12  of the public health authority shall be limited to those persons

    13  having a legitimate need to acquire or use the information for

    14  purposes of:

    15         (1)  providing treatment or care to the individual who is

    16     the subject of the health information;

    17         (2)  conducting epidemiologic research; or

    18         (3)  investigating the causes of transmission.

    19     (b)  Disclosure of patient records.--Protected health

    20  information held by the public health authority may not be

    21  disclosed to other persons without specific informed consent of

    22  the patient except for disclosures made:

    23         (1)  directly to the patient;

    24         (2)  to the patient's immediate family members or life

    25     partners;

    26         (3)  to appropriate Federal agencies or authorities;

    27         (4)  to health care personnel where needed to protect the

    28     health or life of the patient who is the subject of the

    29     information;

    30         (5)  pursuant to a court order or executive order of the

    20020H2261B3114                 - 30 -

     1     Governor, to avert a clear danger to an individual or the

     2     public health; or

     3         (6)  to identify a deceased person or determine the

     4     manner or cause of death.

     5  Section 2547-D.  Licensing and appointment of health personnel.

     6     The public health authority may exercise, for such period as

     7  the state of public health emergency exists, the following

     8  emergency powers regarding licensing of health personnel:

     9         (1)  To appoint and prescribe the duties of such

    10     emergency health care providers from other states as may be

    11     reasonable and necessary for emergency response, subject to

    12     the following provisions:

    13             (i)  The appointment of emergency health care

    14         providers from other states pursuant to this section may

    15         be for a limited or unlimited time, but shall not exceed

    16         the termination of the state of public health emergency.

    17         The public health authority may terminate the out-of-

    18         State appointments at any time or for any reason provided

    19         that such termination may not jeopardize the health,

    20         safety and welfare of the people of this Commonwealth.

    21             (ii)  The public health authority may waive any or

    22         all licensing requirements, permits or fees required by

    23         State law and applicable orders, rules or regulations for

    24         health care providers from other jurisdictions to

    25         practice in this Commonwealth.

    26             (iii)  An emergency health care provider from another

    27         state appointed pursuant to this section may not be held

    28         liable for any civil damages as a result of medical care

    29         or treatment related to the emergency response unless

    30         such damages result from providing or failing to provide

    20020H2261B3114                 - 31 -

     1         medical care or treatment under circumstances

     2         demonstrating a reckless disregard for the consequences

     3         so as to affect the life or health of the patient.

     4         (2)  To authorize the medical examiner or coroner to

     5     appoint and prescribe the duties of such emergency assistant

     6     medical examiners or coroners as may be required for the

     7     proper performance of the duties of the office, subject to

     8     the following provisions:

     9             (i)  The appointment of emergency assistant medical

    10         examiners or coroners pursuant to this section may be for

    11         a limited or unlimited time, but shall not exceed the

    12         termination of the state of public health emergency. The

    13         medical examiner or coroner may terminate the emergency

    14         appointments at any time or for any reason, provided that

    15         the termination may not impede the performance of the

    16         duties of the office.

    17             (ii)  The medical examiner or coroner may waive any

    18         or all licensing requirements, permits or fees required

    19         by State law and applicable orders, rules or regulations

    20         for the performance of these duties.

    21             (iii)  An emergency assistant medical examiner or

    22         coroner appointed pursuant to this section and acting

    23         without malice and within the scope of the prescribed

    24         duties shall be immune from civil liability in the

    25         performance of such duties.

    26     (f)  Public Information Regarding Public Health Emergency

    27  Section 2551-D.  Dissemination of information.

    28     (a)  General rule.--The public health authority shall inform

    29  the people of this Commonwealth when a state of public health

    30  emergency has been declared or terminated, how to protect

    20020H2261B3114                 - 32 -

     1  themselves and what actions are being taken to control the

     2  emergency.

     3     (b)  Means of dissemination.--The public health authority

     4  shall provide information by all available and reasonable means

     5  calculated to bring the information promptly to the attention of

     6  the general public.

     7     (c)  Languages.--If the public health authority has reason to

     8  believe there are people of this Commonwealth who lack

     9  sufficient skills in English to understand the information, the

    10  public health authority shall make reasonable efforts to provide

    11  the information in the primary languages of those people as well

    12  as in English.

    13     (d)  Accessibility.--The provision of information shall be

    14  made in a manner accessible to individuals with disabilities.

    15  Section 2552-D.  Provision of access to mental health support

    16                 personnel.

    17     During and after a state of public health emergency, the

    18  public health authority shall provide information about and

    19  referrals to mental health support personnel to address

    20  psychological responses to the public health emergency.

    21             (g)  Planning for Public Health Emergency

    22  Section 2561-D.  Public Health Emergency Planning Commission.

    23     A Public Health Emergency Planning Commission is established

    24  and shall consist of the secretaries, or their designees, of

    25  agencies the Governor deems relevant to public health emergency

    26  preparedness and any other persons chosen by the Governor. The

    27  Governor shall designate the chair of the commission.

    28  Section 2562-D.  Public health emergency plan.

    29     (a)  Content.--The commission shall, within six months of its

    30  appointment, deliver to the Governor a plan for responding to a

    20020H2261B3114                 - 33 -

     1  public health emergency that includes provisions for the

     2  following:

     3         (1)  A means of notifying and communicating with the

     4     population during a state of public health emergency in

     5     compliance with this article.

     6         (2)  Centralized coordination of resources, manpower and

     7     services, including coordination of responses by Federal,

     8     State and local agencies.

     9         (3)  The location, procurement, storage, transportation,

    10     maintenance and distribution of essential materials,

    11     including medical supplies, drugs, vaccines, food, shelter

    12     and beds.

    13         (4)  The continued, effective operation of the judicial

    14     system, including, if deemed necessary, the identification

    15     and training of personnel to serve as emergency judges

    16     regarding matters of isolation and quarantine as described in

    17     this article.

    18         (5)  The method of evacuating populations and housing and

    19     feeding evacuated populations.

    20         (6)  The identification and training of health care

    21     providers to diagnose and treat persons with infectious

    22     diseases.

    23         (7)  Guidelines for the vaccination of persons, in

    24     compliance with this article.

    25         (8)  Guidelines for the treatment of persons who have

    26     been exposed to or who are infected with diseases or health

    27     conditions caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic

    28     disease or novel and highly fatal infectious agents or

    29     biological toxins, that pose a substantial risk of a

    30     significant number of fatalities or incidents of permanent or

    20020H2261B3114                 - 34 -

     1     long-term disability. The guidelines shall cover, but not be

     2     limited to, the following diseases: anthrax, botulism,

     3     smallpox, plague, tularemia and viral hemorrhagic fevers.

     4         (9)  Guidelines for the safe disposal of corpses, in

     5     compliance with this article.

     6         (10)  Guidelines for the safe disposal of infectious

     7     waste, in compliance with this article.

     8         (11)  Guidelines for the safe and effective management of

     9     persons isolated, quarantined, vaccinated or treated during a

    10     state of public health emergency.

    11         (12)  Tracking the source and outcomes of infected

    12     persons.

    13         (13)  Ensuring that each municipality identifies the

    14     following:

    15             (i)  Sites where persons may be isolated or

    16         quarantined, with such sites complying with this article

    17         regarding the least restrictive means for isolation and

    18         quarantine and the requirements for the safety, health

    19         and maintenance of personal dignity of those isolated or

    20         quarantined.

    21             (ii)  Sites where medical supplies, food and other

    22         essentials may be distributed to the population.

    23             (iii)  Sites where emergency workers may be housed

    24         and fed.

    25             (iv)  Routes and means of transportation of people

    26         and materials.

    27         (14)  Coordination with the Federal Government and other

    28     states.

    29         (15)  Taking into account cultural norms, values and

    30     traditions that may be relevant.

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     1         (16)  Distribution of the plan and guidelines to those

     2     persons who will be responsible for implementing the plan.

     3         (17)  Other measures necessary to carry out the purposes

     4     of this article.

     5     (b)  Review.--The commission shall review its plan for

     6  responding to a public health emergency every two years.

     7                   (h)  Miscellaneous Provisions

     8  Section 2571-D.  Rules and regulations.

     9     The public health authority is authorized to promulgate and

    10  implement such rules and regulations as are reasonable and

    11  necessary to implement and effectuate the provisions of this

    12  article.

    13  Section 2572-D.  Enforcement.

    14     (a)  General rule.--The public health authority shall have

    15  the power to enforce the provisions of this article through the

    16  imposition of fines and penalties, the issuance of orders and

    17  such other remedies as are provided by law.

    18     (b)  Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be

    19  construed to limit specific enforcement powers enumerated in

    20  this article.

    21  Section 2573-D.  Financing and expenses.

    22     (a)  Transfer of funds.--Subject to subsection (c), the

    23  Governor may transfer from any fund available to the Governor in

    24  the State Treasury such sums as may be necessary to meet the

    25  public health emergency.

    26     (b)  Repayment.--Moneys transferred pursuant to subsection

    27  (a) shall be repaid to the fund from which they were transferred

    28  when moneys become available for that purpose, by legislative

    29  appropriation or otherwise.

    30     (c)  Conditions.--A transfer of funds by the Governor

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     1  pursuant to this section may be made only when one or more of

     2  the following conditions exists:

     3         (1)  No appropriation or other authorization is available

     4     to meet the public health emergency.

     5         (2)  An appropriation is insufficient to meet the public

     6     health emergency.

     7         (3)  Federal moneys available for such a public health

     8     emergency require the use of State or other public moneys.

     9     (d)  Expenses.--All expenses incurred by this Commonwealth

    10  during a state of public health emergency shall be subject to

    11  the following limitations:

    12         (1)  No expense shall be incurred against the moneys

    13     authorized under this section, without the approval of the

    14     Governor.

    15         (2)  The aggregate amount of all expenses incurred under

    16     the provisions of this section shall not exceed $10,000,000

    17     for any fiscal year.

    18         (3)  Moneys authorized for a state of public health

    19     emergency in prior fiscal years may be used in subsequent

    20     fiscal years only for the public health emergency for which

    21     they were authorized. Moneys authorized for a public health

    22     emergency in prior fiscal years and expended in subsequent

    23     fiscal years for the public health emergency for which they

    24     were authorized, apply toward the $10,000,000 expense limit

    25     for the fiscal year in which they were authorized.

    26  Section 2574-D.  Liability.

    27     (a)  State immunity.--Neither the Commonwealth, its political

    28  subdivisions, nor, except in cases of gross negligence or

    29  willful misconduct, the Governor, the public health authority or

    30  any other State official referenced in this article shall be

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     1  liable for the death of or any injury to persons or damage to

     2  property as a result of complying with or attempting to comply

     3  with this article or any rule or regulations promulgated

     4  pursuant to this article.

     5     (b)  Private liability.--

     6         (1)  During a state of public health emergency, no person

     7     owning or controlling real estate or other premises who

     8     voluntarily and without compensation grants a license or

     9     privilege or otherwise permits the designation or use of the

    10     whole or any part or parts of such real estate or premises

    11     for the purpose of sheltering persons, together with that

    12     person's successors in interest, if any, shall be civilly

    13     liable for negligently causing the death of or injury to any

    14     person on or about such real estate or premises under such

    15     license, privilege or other permission or for negligently

    16     causing loss of or damage to the property of such person.

    17         (2)  During a state of public health emergency, no

    18     private person, firm or corporation and employees and agents

    19     of such person, firm or corporation in the performance of a

    20     contract with and under the direction of the Commonwealth or

    21     its political subdivisions under the provisions of this

    22     article shall be civilly liable for causing the death of or

    23     injury to any person or damage to any property except in the

    24     event of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

    25         (3)  During a state of public health emergency, no

    26     private person, firm or corporation and employees and agents

    27     of such person, firm or corporation who renders assistance or

    28     advice at the request of the Commonwealth or its political

    29     subdivisions under the provisions of this article shall be

    30     civilly liable for causing the death of or injury to any

    20020H2261B3114                 - 38 -

     1     person or damage to any property except in the event of gross

     2     negligence or willful misconduct.

     3     (c)  Applicability.--The immunities provided in this section

     4  shall not apply to any private person, firm or corporation or

     5  employees and agents of such person, firm or corporation whose

     6  act or omission caused in whole or in part the public health

     7  emergency and who would otherwise be liable therefor.

     8  Section 2575-D.  Compensation.

     9     (a)  Taking.--Compensation for property shall be made only if

    10  private property is lawfully taken or appropriated by a public

    11  health authority for its temporary or permanent use during a

    12  state of public health emergency declared by the Governor

    13  pursuant to this article.

    14     (b)  Actions.--Any action against the Commonwealth with

    15  regard to the payment of compensation shall be brought in the

    16  courts of this Commonwealth in accordance with existing court

    17  laws and rules or any such rules that may be developed by the

    18  courts for use during a state of public health emergency.

    19     (c)  Amount.--The amount of compensation shall be calculated

    20  in the same manner as compensation due for taking of property

    21  pursuant to eminent domain procedures, as provided in the act of

    22  June 22, 1964 (Sp.Sess., P.L.84, No.6), known as the Eminent

    23  Domain Code, except that the amount of compensation calculated

    24  for items obtained under section 2536-D shall be limited to the

    25  costs incurred to produce the item.

    26     Section 2.  The provisions of this act are severable. If any

    27  provision of this act or its application to any person or

    28  circumstances is held invalid in a Federal or State court having

    29  jurisdiction, the invalidity will not affect other provisions or

    30  applications of this act that can be given effect without the

    20020H2261B3114                 - 39 -

     1  invalid provision or application.

     2     Section 3.  This act does not explicitly preempt other laws

     3  or regulations that preserve to a greater degree the powers of

     4  the Governor or public health authority, provided such laws or

     5  regulations are consistent and do not otherwise restrict or

     6  interfere with the operation or enforcement of the provisions of

     7  this act.

     8     Section 4.  This act shall not be construed to restrict any

     9  person from complying with Federal law or regulations.

    10     Section 5.  No later than 90 days after the effective date of

    11  this act, and every 12 months thereafter, the Governor shall

    12  transmit to the General Assembly a report that shall include:

    13         (1)  A description of the detection and tracking efforts

    14     made under this act.

    15         (2)  A description of any state of public health

    16     emergency declared under this act.

    17         (3)  A description of the emergency powers utilized under

    18     this act.

    19         (4)  A description of the moneys transferred and

    20     liabilities and expenses incurred under this act.

    21     Section 6.  This act shall take effect immediately.

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