Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022

This Act may be cited as the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022. This Act may be cited as the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022.

The table of contents for this Act is as follows: The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Title XIX of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 590 et seq.) is amended— Title XIX of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 590 et seq.) is amended—

(1) in section 1901 (6 U.S.C. 591)— in section 1901 (6 U.S.C. 591)—

(A) in subsection (c), by amending paragraphs (1) and (2) to read as follows: in subsection (c), by amending paragraphs (1) and (2) to read as follows:

(1) matters and strategies pertaining to— matters and strategies pertaining to—

(A) weapons of mass destruction; and weapons of mass destruction; and

(B) chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats; and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats; and

(2) coordinating the efforts of the Department to counter— coordinating the efforts of the Department to counter—

(A) weapons of mass destruction; and weapons of mass destruction; and

(B) chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats.; and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats.; and

(B) by striking subsection (e); by striking subsection (e);

(2) by amending section 1921 (6 U.S.C. 591g) to read as follows: by amending section 1921 (6 U.S.C. 591g) to read as follows:

The Office shall be responsible for— The Office shall be responsible for—

(1) coordinating the efforts of the Department to counter— coordinating the efforts of the Department to counter—

(A) weapons of mass destruction; and weapons of mass destruction; and

(B) chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats; and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats; and

(2) enhancing the ability of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners to prevent, detect, protect against, and mitigate the impacts of attacks using— enhancing the ability of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners to prevent, detect, protect against, and mitigate the impacts of attacks using—

(A) weapons of mass destruction against the United States; and weapons of mass destruction against the United States; and

(B) chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats against the United States.; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats against the United States.;

(3) in section 1922 (6 U.S.C. 591h)— in section 1922 (6 U.S.C. 591h)—

(A) by striking subsection (b); and by striking subsection (b); and

(B) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b);

(4) in section 1923 (6 U.S.C. 592)— in section 1923 (6 U.S.C. 592)—

(A) by redesignating subsections (a) and (b) as subsections (b) and (d), respectively; by redesignating subsections (a) and (b) as subsections (b) and (d), respectively;

(B) by inserting before subsection (b) the following: by inserting before subsection (b), as so redesignated, the following:

For the purposes of coordinating the efforts of the Department to counter weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, the Office shall— For the purposes of coordinating the efforts of the Department to counter weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats, the Office shall—

(A) provide expertise and guidance to Department leadership and components on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear matters, subject to the research, development, testing, and evaluation coordination requirement described in subparagraph (G); provide expertise and guidance to Department leadership and components on chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats, subject to the research, development, testing, and evaluation coordination requirement described in subparagraph (G);

(B) in coordination with the Office for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, lead development of policies and strategies to counter weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats on behalf of the Department; in coordination with the Office for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, lead development of policies and strategies to counter weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats on behalf of the Department;

(C) identify, assess, and prioritize capability gaps relating to the Department’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear strategic and mission objectives; identify, assess, and prioritize capability gaps relating to the strategic and mission objectives of the Department for weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats;

(D) in coordination with the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, support components of the Department, and Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners, provide intelligence and information analysis and reports on weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats; in coordination with the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, support components of the Department, and Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners, provide intelligence and information analysis and reports on weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats;

(E) in consultation with the Science and Technology Directorate, assess risk to the United States from weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats; in consultation with the Science and Technology Directorate, assess risk to the United States from weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats;

(F) lead development and prioritization of Department requirements to counter weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, subject to the research, development, testing, and evaluation coordination requirement described in subparagraph (G), which requirements shall be— lead development and prioritization of Department requirements to counter weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats, subject to the research, development, testing, and evaluation coordination requirement described in subparagraph (G), which requirements shall be—

(i) developed in coordination with end users; and developed in coordination with end users; and

(ii) reviewed by the Joint Requirements Council, as directed by the Secretary; reviewed by the Joint Requirements Council, as directed by the Secretary;

(G) in coordination with the Science and Technology Directorate, direct, fund, and coordinate capability development activities to counter weapons of mass destruction and all chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear research, development, test, and evaluation matters, including research, development, testing, and evaluation expertise, threat characterization, technology maturation, prototyping, and technology transition; in coordination with the Science and Technology Directorate, direct, fund, and coordinate capability development activities to counter weapons of mass destruction and all chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats research, development, test, and evaluation matters, including research, development, testing, and evaluation expertise, threat characterization, technology maturation, prototyping, and technology transition;

(H) acquire, procure, and deploy counter weapons of mass destruction capabilities, and serve as the lead advisor of the Department on component acquisition, procurement, and deployment of counter-weapons of mass destruction capabilities; acquire, procure, and deploy counter weapons of mass destruction capabilities, and serve as the lead advisor of the Department on component acquisition, procurement, and deployment of counter-weapons of mass destruction capabilities;

(I) in coordination with the Office of Health Security, support components of the Department, and Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear health matters; in coordination with the Office of Health Security, support components of the Department, and Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners on chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats health matters;

(J) provide chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear expertise to Department and Federal partners to support engagements and efforts with international partners subject to the research, development, testing, and evaluation coordination requirement under subparagraph (G); and provide expertise on weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats to Department and Federal partners to support engagements and efforts with international partners subject to the research, development, testing, and evaluation coordination requirement under subparagraph (G); and

(K) carry out any other duties assigned to the Office by the Secretary. carry out any other duties assigned to the Office by the Secretary.

For purposes of the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear detection and reporting responsibilities of the Office, the Office shall— For purposes of the detection and reporting responsibilities of the Office for weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats, the Office shall—

(A) in coordination with end users, including State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners, as appropriate— in coordination with end users, including State, local, Tribal, and territorial partners, as appropriate—

(i) carry out a program to test and evaluate technology, in consultation with the Science and Technology Directorate, to detect and report on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons or unauthorized material, in coordination with other Federal agencies, as appropriate, and establish performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of individual detectors and detection systems in detecting those weapons or material— carry out a program to test and evaluate technology, in consultation with the Science and Technology Directorate, to detect and report on weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats weapons or unauthorized material, in coordination with other Federal agencies, as appropriate, and establish performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of individual detectors and detection systems in detecting those weapons or material—

(I) under realistic operational and environmental conditions; and under realistic operational and environmental conditions; and

(II) against realistic adversary tactics and countermeasures; against realistic adversary tactics and countermeasures;

(B) in coordination with end users, conduct, support, coordinate, and encourage a transformational program of research and development to generate and improve technologies to detect, protect against, and report on the illicit entry, transport, assembly, or potential use within the United States of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons or unauthorized material, and coordinate with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology on research and development efforts relevant to the mission of the Office and the Under Secretary for Science and Technology; in coordination with end users, conduct, support, coordinate, and encourage a transformational program of research and development to generate and improve technologies to detect, protect against, and report on the illicit entry, transport, assembly, or potential use within the United States of weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats weapons or unauthorized material, and coordinate with the Under Secretary for Science and Technology on research and development efforts relevant to the mission of the Office and the Under Secretary for Science and Technology;

(C) before carrying out operational testing under subparagraph (A), develop a testing and evaluation plan that articulates the requirements for the user and describes how these capability needs will be tested in developmental test and evaluation and operational test and evaluation; before carrying out operational testing under subparagraph (A), develop a testing and evaluation plan that articulates the requirements for the user and describes how these capability needs will be tested in developmental test and evaluation and operational test and evaluation;

(D) develop, acquire, and deploy equipment to detect and report on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons or unauthorized material in support of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments; as appropriate, develop, acquire, and deploy equipment to detect and report on weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats weapons or unauthorized material in support of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments;

(E) support and enhance the effective sharing and use of appropriate information on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and related emerging issues generated by elements of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)), law enforcement agencies, other Federal agencies, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, and foreign governments, as well as provide appropriate information to those entities; support and enhance the effective sharing and use of appropriate information on weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats and related emerging issues generated by elements of the intelligence community (as defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)), law enforcement agencies, other Federal agencies, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, and foreign governments, as well as provide appropriate information to those entities;

(F) consult, as appropriate, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other departmental components, on chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and efforts to mitigate, prepare, and respond to all threats in support of the State, local, and Tribal communities; and consult, as appropriate, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other departmental components, on weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats and efforts to mitigate, prepare, and respond to all threats in support of the State, local, and Tribal communities; and

(G) perform other duties as assigned by the Secretary.; perform other duties as assigned by the Secretary.;

(C) in subsection (b), as so redesignated— in subsection (b), as so redesignated—

(i) in the subsection heading, by striking Mission and inserting Radiological and nuclear responsibilities; in the subsection heading, by striking Mission and inserting Radiological and nuclear responsibilities;

(ii) in paragraph (1)— in paragraph (1)—

(I) by inserting deploy, after acquire,; and by inserting deploy, after acquire,; and

(II) by striking deployment and inserting operations; by striking deployment and inserting operations;

(iii) by striking paragraphs (6) through (10); by striking paragraphs (6) through (10);

(iv) redesignating paragraphs (11) and (12) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively; redesignating paragraphs (11) and (12) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively;

(v) in paragraph (6)(B), as so redesignated, by striking national strategic five-year plan referred to in paragraph (10) and inserting United States national technical nuclear forensics strategic planning; in paragraph (6)(B), as so redesignated, by striking national strategic five-year plan referred to in paragraph (10) and inserting United States national technical nuclear forensics strategic planning;

(vi) in paragraph (7)(C)(v), as so redesignated— in paragraph (7)(C)(v), as so redesignated—

(I) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting except as otherwise provided, before require; and in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting except as otherwise provided, before require; and

(II) in subclause (II)— in subclause (II)—

(aa) in the matter preceding item (aa), by striking death or disability and inserting death, disability, or a finding of good cause as determined by the Assistant Secretary (including extreme hardship, extreme need, or the needs of the Office) and for which the Assistant Secretary may grant a waiver of the repayment obligation; and in the matter preceding item (aa), by striking death or disability and inserting death, disability, or a finding of good cause as determined by the Assistant Secretary (including extreme hardship, extreme need, or the needs of the Office) and for which the Assistant Secretary may grant a waiver of the repayment obligation; and

(bb) in item (bb), by adding and at the end; in item (bb), by adding and at the end;

(vii) by striking paragraph (13); and by striking paragraph (13); and

(viii) by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (8); and by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (8); and

(D) by inserting after subsection (b), as so redesignated, the following: by inserting after subsection (b), as so redesignated, the following:

The Office— The Office—

(1) shall be responsible for coordinating with other Federal efforts to enhance the ability of Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments to prevent, detect, protect against, and mitigate the impacts of chemical and biological threats against the United States; and shall be responsible for coordinating with other Federal efforts to enhance the ability of Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments to prevent, detect, protect against, and mitigate the impacts of chemical and biological threats against the United States; and

(2) shall— shall—

(A) serve as a primary entity of the Federal Government to further develop, acquire, deploy, and support the operations of a national biosurveillance system in support of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, and improve that system over time; serve as a primary entity of the Federal Government to further develop, acquire, deploy, and support the operations of a national biosurveillance system in support of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments, and improve that system over time;

(B) enhance the chemical and biological detection efforts of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments and provide guidance, tools, and training to help ensure a managed, coordinated response; and enhance the chemical and biological detection efforts of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments and provide guidance, tools, and training to help ensure a managed, coordinated response; and

(C) collaborate with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the Office of Health Security, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other relevant Federal stakeholders, and receive input from industry, academia, and the national laboratories on chemical and biological surveillance efforts.; collaborate with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the Office of Health Security, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other relevant Federal stakeholders, and receive input from industry, academia, and the national laboratories on chemical and biological surveillance efforts.;

(5) in section 1924 (6 U.S.C. 593), by striking section 11011 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (5 U.S.C. 3104 note). and inserting section 4092 of title 10, United States Code, except that the authority shall be limited to facilitate the recruitment of experts in the chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear specialties.; in section 1924 (6 U.S.C. 593), by striking section 11011 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (5 U.S.C. 3104 note). and inserting section 4092 of title 10, United States Code, except that the authority shall be limited to facilitate the recruitment of experts in the chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear specialties.;

(6) in section 1927(a)(1)(C) (6 U.S.C. 596a(a)(1)(C))— in section 1927(a)(1)(C) (6 U.S.C. 596a(a)(1)(C))—

(A) in clause (i), by striking required under section 1036 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010; in clause (i), by striking required under section 1036 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010;

(B) in clause (ii), by striking and at the end; in clause (ii), by striking and at the end;

(C) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting; and; and in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting; and; and

(D) by adding at the end the following: by adding at the end the following:

(iv) includes any other information regarding national technical nuclear forensics activities carried out under section 1923.; includes any other information regarding national technical nuclear forensics activities carried out under section 1923.;

(7) in section 1928 (6 U.S.C. 596b)— in section 1928 (6 U.S.C. 596b)—

(A) in subsection (c)(1), by striking from among high-risk urban areas under section 2003 and inserting based on the capability and capacity of the jurisdiction, as well as the relative threat, vulnerability, and consequences from terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials; and in subsection (c)(1), by striking from among high-risk urban areas under section 2003 and inserting based on the capability and capacity of the jurisdiction, as well as the relative threat, vulnerability, and consequences from terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials; and

(B) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an update on the STC program.; and Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an update on the STC program.; and

(8) by adding at the end the following: by adding at the end the following:

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary, in coordination with the Deputy Secretary, shall create a Departmentwide strategy and implementation plan to counter weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, which should—

(1) have clearly identified authorities, specified roles, objectives, benchmarks, accountability, and timelines;

(2) incorporate the perspectives of non-Federal and private sector partners; and

(3) articulate how the Department will contribute to relevant national-level strategies and work with other Federal agencies.

The Secretary shall appropriately consider chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and emerging threats when creating the strategy and implementation plan required under subsection (a).

The Office shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the updated Departmentwide strategy and implementation plan required under subsection (a).

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, the Office shall submit to and brief the appropriate congressional committees on a strategy and plan to continuously improve morale within the Office.

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of and brief the appropriate congressional committees on—

(1) the efforts of the Office to prioritize the programs and activities that carry out the mission of the Office, including research and development;

(2) the consistency and effectiveness of stakeholder coordination across the countering weapons of mass destruction mission, including operational and support components of the Department and State and local entities; and

(3) the efforts of the Office to manage and coordinate the lifecycle of research and development within the Office and with other components of the Department, including the Science and Technology Directorate.

The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a consensus study and report to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees on—

(A) the role of the Department in preparing, detecting, and responding to biological and health security threats to the homeland;

(B) recommendations to improve departmental biosurveillance efforts against biological threats, including any relevant biological detection methods and technologies; and

(C) the feasibility of different technological advances for biodetection compared to the cost, risk reduction, and timeliness of those advances.

Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary receives the report required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall brief the appropriate congressional committees on—

(A) the implementation of the recommendations included in the report; and

(B) the status of biological detection at the Department, and, if applicable, timelines for the transition from Biowatch to updated technology.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, the Secretary shall establish an advisory body to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of the efforts of the Department to counter weapons of mass destruction, to be known as the Advisory Council for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (in this subsection referred to as the Advisory Council).

The members of the Advisory Council shall—

(A) be appointed by the Assistant Secretary; and

(B) to the extent practicable, represent a geographic (including urban and rural) and substantive cross section of officials, from State, local, and Tribal governments, academia, the private sector, national laboratories, and nongovernmental organizations, including, as appropriate—

(i) members selected from the emergency management field and emergency response providers;

(ii) State, local, and Tribal government officials;

(iii) experts in the public and private sectors with expertise in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and weapons;

(iv) representatives from the national laboratories; and

(v) such other individuals as the Assistant Secretary determines to be appropriate.

The Advisory Council shall—

(A) advise the Assistant Secretary on all aspects of countering weapons of mass destruction;

(B) incorporate State, local, and Tribal government, national laboratories, and private sector input in the development of the strategy and implementation plan of the Department for countering weapons of mass destruction; and

(C) establish performance criteria for a national biological detection system and review the testing protocol for biological detection prototypes.

To ensure input from and coordination with State, local, and Tribal governments, the Assistant Secretary shall regularly consult and work with the Advisory Council on the administration of Federal assistance provided by the Department, including with respect to the development of requirements for countering weapons of mass destruction programs, as appropriate.

The members of the Advisory Council shall serve on the Advisory Council on a voluntary basis.

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Council.

Section 2 of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–387; 132 Stat. 5162) is amended— Section 2 of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–387; 132 Stat. 5162) is amended—

(1) in subsection (b)(2) (6 U.S.C. 591 note), by striking 1927 and inserting 1926; and in subsection (b)(2) (6 U.S.C. 591 note), by striking 1927 and inserting 1926; and

(2) in subsection (g) (6 U.S.C. 591 note)— in subsection (g) (6 U.S.C. 591 note)—

(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, and inserting June 30 of each year,; and in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, and inserting June 30 of each year,; and

(B) in paragraph (2), by striking Security, including research and development activities and inserting Security. in paragraph (2), by striking Security, including research and development activities and inserting Security.

The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is amended— The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) is amended—

(1) in section 1(b) (Public Law 109–347; 120 Stat 1884), by striking the item relating to section 502; and in section 1(b) (Public Law 109–347; 120 Stat 1884), by striking the item relating to section 502; and

(2) by striking section 502 (6 U.S.C. 592a). by striking section 502 (6 U.S.C. 592a).

Nothing in this title or the amendments made by this title shall be construed to affect or diminish the authorities or responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. Nothing in this title or the amendments made by this title shall be construed to affect or diminish the authorities or responsibilities of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology.

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended— The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended—

(1) in section 103 (6 U.S.C. 113)— in section 103 (6 U.S.C. 113)—

(A) in subsection (a)(2)— in subsection (a)(2)—

(i) by striking the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs,; and by striking the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs,; and

(ii) by striking Affairs, or and inserting Affairs or; and by striking Affairs, or and inserting Affairs or; and

(B) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following: in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following:

(6) A Chief Medical Officer.; A Chief Medical Officer.;

(2) by adding at the end the following: by adding at the end the following:

(3) by redesignating section 1931 (6 U.S.C. 597) as section 2301 and transferring such section to appear after the heading for title XXIII, as added by paragraph (2); and by redesignating section 1931 (6 U.S.C. 597) as section 2301 and transferring such section to appear after the heading for title XXIII, as added by paragraph (2); and

(4) in section 2301, as so redesignated— in section 2301, as so redesignated—

(A) in the section heading, by striking Chief Medical Officer and inserting Office of Health Security; in the section heading, by striking Chief Medical Officer and inserting Office of Health Security;

(B) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following: by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:

There is established in the Department an Office of Health Security. There is established in the Department an Office of Health Security.

The Office of Health Security shall be headed by a chief medical officer, who shall— The Office of Health Security shall be headed by a chief medical officer, who shall—

(1) be the Assistant Secretary for Health Security and the Chief Medical Officer of the Department; be the Assistant Secretary for Health Security and the Chief Medical Officer of the Department;

(2) be a licensed physician possessing a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of medicine and public health; be a licensed physician possessing a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of medicine and public health;

(3) be appointed by the President; and be appointed by the President; and

(4) report directly to the Secretary.; report directly to the Secretary.;

(C) in subsection (c)— in subsection (c)—

(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking medical issues related to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters and inserting oversight of all medical, public health, and workforce safety matters of the Department; in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking medical issues related to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters and inserting oversight of all medical, public health, and workforce health and safety matters of the Department;

(ii) in paragraph (1), by striking, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Assistant Secretary, and other Department officials and inserting and all other Department officials; in paragraph (1), by striking, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Assistant Secretary, and other Department officials and inserting and all other Department officials;

(iii) in paragraph (4), by striking and at the end; in paragraph (4), by striking and at the end;

(iv) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (12); and by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (13); and

(v) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:

(5) overseeing all medical and public health activities of the Department, including the delivery, advisement, and oversight of direct patient care and the organization, management, and staffing of component operations that deliver direct patient care; overseeing all medical and public health activities of the Department, including the delivery, advisement, and oversight of direct patient care and the organization, management, and staffing of component operations that deliver direct patient care;

(6) advising the head of each component of the Department that delivers direct patient care regarding the recruitment and appointment of a component chief medical officer and deputy chief medical officer or the employee who functions in the capacity of chief medical officer and deputy chief medical officer; advising the head of each component of the Department that delivers direct patient care regarding the recruitment and appointment of a component chief medical officer and deputy chief medical officer or the employee who functions in the capacity of chief medical officer and deputy chief medical officer;

(7) advising the Secretary and the head of each component of the Department that delivers direct patient care regarding knowledge and skill standards for medical personnel and the assessment of that knowledge and skill; advising the Secretary and the head of each component of the Department that delivers direct patient care regarding knowledge and skill standards for medical personnel and the assessment of that knowledge and skill;

(8) advising the Secretary and the head of each component of the Department that delivers patient care regarding the collection, storage, and oversight of medical records; advising the Secretary and the head of each component of the Department that delivers patient care regarding the collection, storage, and oversight of medical records;

(9) in consultation with the Chief Information Officer of the Department— with respect to any psychological health counseling or assistance program of the Department, including such a program of a law enforcement, operational, or support component of the Department, advising the head of each such component with such a program regarding—

(A) identifying methods and technologies for managing, updating, and overseeing patient records; and ensuring such program includes safeguards against adverse action, including automatic referrals for a fitness for duty examination, by such component with respect to any employee solely because such employee self-identifies a need for psychological health counseling or assistance or receives such counseling or assistance;

(B) setting standards for technology used by the components of the Department regarding the collection, storage, and oversight of medical records; increasing the availability and number of local psychological health professionals with experience providing psychological support services to personnel;

(10) advising the Secretary and the head of each component of the Department that delivers direct patient care regarding contracts for the delivery of direct patient care, other medical services, and medical supplies; in consultation with the Chief Information Officer of the Department—

(11) coordinating with the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office and other components of the Department as directed by the Secretary to enhance the ability of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to prevent, detect, protect against, and mitigate the health effects of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear issues; and; and advising the Secretary and the head of each component of the Department that delivers direct patient care regarding contracts for the delivery of direct patient care, other medical services, and medical supplies;

(D) by adding at the end the following: by adding at the end the following:

The Secretary, acting through the Chief Medical Officer, in support of the medical and public health activities of the Department, may— The Secretary, acting through the Chief Medical Officer, in support of the medical and public health activities of the Department, may—

(1) provide technical assistance, training, and information and distribute funds through grants and cooperative agreements to State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments and nongovernmental organizations; provide technical assistance, training, and information and distribute funds through grants and cooperative agreements to State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments and nongovernmental organizations;

(2) enter into other transactions; enter into other transactions;

(3) enter into agreements with other Federal agencies; and enter into agreements with other Federal agencies; and

(4) accept services from personnel of components of the Department and other Federal agencies on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis. accept services from personnel of components of the Department and other Federal agencies on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis.

There shall be a Privacy Officer in the Office of Health Security with primary responsibility for privacy policy and compliance within the Office, who shall— There shall be a Privacy Officer in the Office of Health Security with primary responsibility for privacy policy and compliance within the Office, who shall—

(1) report directly to the Chief Medical Officer; and report directly to the Chief Medical Officer; and

(2) ensure privacy protections are integrated into all Office of Health Security activities, subject to the review and approval of the Privacy Officer of the Department to the extent consistent with the authority of the Privacy Officer of the Department under section 222.; ensure privacy protections are integrated into all Office of Health Security activities, subject to the review and approval of the Privacy Officer of the Department to the extent consistent with the authority of the Privacy Officer of the Department under section 222.

(5) by redesignating section 710 (6 U.S.C. 350) as section 2302 and transferring such section to appear after section 2301, as so redesignated; by redesignating section 710 (6 U.S.C. 350) as section 2302 and transferring such section to appear after section 2301, as so redesignated;

(6) in section 2302, as so redesignated— in section 2302, as so redesignated—

(A) in subsection (a), by striking Under Secretary for Management each place that term appears and inserting Chief Medical Officer; and in the section heading, by striking medical support and inserting safety;

(B) in subsection (b)— in subsection (a), by striking Under Secretary for Management each place that term appears and inserting Chief Medical Officer; and

(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Under Secretary for Management, in coordination with the Chief Medical Officer, and inserting Chief Medical Officer; and

(ii) in paragraph (3), by striking as deemed appropriate by the Under Secretary,;

(7) by redesignating section 528 (6 U.S.C. 321q) as section 2303 and transferring such section to appear after section 2302, as so redesignated; and by redesignating section 528 (6 U.S.C. 321q) as section 2303 and transferring such section to appear after section 2302, as so redesignated; and

(8) in section 2303(a), as so redesignated, by striking Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office and inserting Chief Medical Officer. in section 2303(a), as so redesignated, by striking Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office and inserting Chief Medical Officer.

The individual appointed pursuant to section 1931 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 597) of the Department of Homeland Security, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, and serving as the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to serve as the Chief Medical Officer of the Department on and after the date of enactment of this Act without the need for reappointment. The individual appointed pursuant to section 1931 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 597) of the Department of Homeland Security, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, and serving as the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to serve as the Chief Medical Officer of the Department on and after the date of enactment of this Act without the need for reappointment.

The rule of construction described in section 2(hh) of the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011 (5 U.S.C. 3132 note) shall not apply to the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, including the incumbent who holds the position on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, and such officer shall be paid pursuant to section 3132(a)(2) or 5315 of title 5, United States Code. The rule of construction described in section 2(hh) of the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011 (5 U.S.C. 3132 note) shall not apply to the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, including the incumbent who holds the position on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, and such officer shall be paid pursuant to section 3132(a)(2) or 5315 of title 5, United States Code.

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall transfer to the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security— The Secretary of Homeland Security shall transfer to the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security—

(A) all functions, personnel, budget authority, and assets of the Under Secretary for Management relating to workforce health and medical support, as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; all functions, personnel, budget authority, and assets of the Under Secretary for Management relating to workforce health and safety, as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act;

(B) all functions, personnel, budget authority, and assets of the Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office relating to the Chief Medical Officer, including the Medical Operations Directorate of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; and all functions, personnel, budget authority, and assets of the Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office relating to the Chief Medical Officer, including the Medical Operations Directorate of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; and

(C) all functions, personnel, budget authority, and assets of the Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office associated with the efforts pertaining to the program coordination activities relating to defending the food, agriculture, and veterinary defenses of the Office, as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act. all functions, personnel, budget authority, and assets of the Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office associated with the efforts pertaining to the program coordination activities relating to defending the food, agriculture, and veterinary defenses of the Office, as in existence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended by redesignating section 1932 (6 U.S.C. 597a) as section 2304 and transferring such section to appear after section 2303, as so redesignated by section 201 of this Act. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended by redesignating section 1932 (6 U.S.C. 597a) as section 2304 and transferring such section to appear after section 2303, as so redesignated by section 201 of this Act.

Title XXIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as added by this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following: Title XXIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as added by this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:

In this section: In this section:

The term health care provider means an individual who— The term health care provider means an individual who—

(A) is— is—

(i) an employee of the Department; an employee of the Department;

(ii) a detailee to the Department from another Federal agency; a detailee to the Department from another Federal agency;

(iii) a personal services contractor of the Department; or a personal services contractor of the Department; or

(iv) hired under a contract for services; hired under a contract for services;

(B) performs health care services as part of duties of the individual in that capacity; and performs health care services as part of duties of the individual in that capacity; and

(C) has a current, valid, and unrestricted license or certification— has a current, valid, and unrestricted license or certification—

(i) that is issued by a State, the District of Columbia, or a commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States; and that is issued by a State, the District of Columbia, or a commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States; and

(ii) that is for the practice of medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, nursing, emergency medical services, or another health profession. that is for the practice of medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, nursing, emergency medical services, or another health profession.

The term medical quality assurance program means any activity carried out by the Department to assess the quality of medical care, including activities conducted by individuals, committees, or other review bodies responsible for quality assurance, credentials, infection control, incident reporting, the delivery, advisement, and oversight of direct patient care and assessment (including treatment procedures, blood, drugs, and therapeutics), medical records, health resources management review, and identification and prevention of medical, mental health, or dental incidents and risks. The term medical quality assurance program means any activity carried out by the Department to assess the quality of medical care, including activities conducted by individuals, committees, or other review bodies responsible for quality assurance, credentials, infection control, incident reporting, the delivery, advisement, and oversight of direct patient care and assessment (including treatment procedures, blood, drugs, and therapeutics), medical records, health resources management review, and identification and prevention of medical, mental health, or dental incidents and risks.

The term medical quality assurance record of the Department means all information, including the proceedings, records (including patient records that the Department creates and maintains as part of a system of records), minutes, and reports that— The term medical quality assurance record of the Department means all information, including the proceedings, records (including patient records that the Department creates and maintains as part of a system of records), minutes, and reports that—

(A) emanate from quality assurance program activities described in paragraph (2); and emanate from quality assurance program activities described in paragraph (2); and

(B) are produced or compiled by the Department as part of a medical quality assurance program. are produced or compiled by the Department as part of a medical quality assurance program.

A medical quality assurance record of the Department that is created as part of a medical quality assurance program— A medical quality assurance record of the Department that is created as part of a medical quality assurance program—

(1) is confidential and privileged; and is confidential and privileged; and

(2) except as provided in subsection (d), may not be disclosed to any person or entity. except as provided in subsection (d), may not be disclosed to any person or entity.

Except as otherwise provided in this section— Except as otherwise provided in this section—

(1) no part of any medical quality assurance record of the Department may be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding; and no part of any medical quality assurance record of the Department may be subject to discovery or admitted into evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding; and

(2) an individual who reviews or creates a medical quality assurance record of the Department or who participates in any proceeding that reviews or creates a medical quality assurance record of the Department may not be permitted or required to testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to the record or with respect to any finding, recommendation, evaluation, opinion, or action taken by that individual in connection with the record. an individual who reviews or creates a medical quality assurance record of the Department or who participates in any proceeding that reviews or creates a medical quality assurance record of the Department may not be permitted or required to testify in any judicial or administrative proceeding with respect to the record or with respect to any finding, recommendation, evaluation, opinion, or action taken by that individual in connection with the record.

Subject to paragraph (2), a medical quality assurance record of the Department may be disclosed, and a person described in subsection (c)(2) may give testimony in connection with the record, only as follows: Subject to paragraph (2), a medical quality assurance record of the Department may be disclosed, and a person described in subsection (c)(2) may give testimony in connection with the record, only as follows:

(A) To a Federal agency or private organization, if the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony is needed by the Federal agency or private organization to— To a Federal agency or private organization, if the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony is needed by the Federal agency or private organization to—

(i) perform licensing or accreditation functions related to Department health care facilities, a facility affiliated with the Department, or any other location authorized by the Secretary for the performance of health care services; or perform licensing or accreditation functions related to Department health care facilities, a facility affiliated with the Department, or any other location authorized by the Secretary for the performance of health care services; or

(ii) perform monitoring, required by law, of Department health care facilities, a facility affiliated with the Department, or any other location authorized by the Secretary for the performance of health care services. perform monitoring, required by law, of Department health care facilities, a facility affiliated with the Department, or any other location authorized by the Secretary for the performance of health care services.

(B) To an administrative or judicial proceeding concerning an adverse action related to the credentialing of or health care provided by a present or former health care provider by the Department. To an administrative or judicial proceeding concerning an adverse action related to the credentialing of or health care provided by a present or former health care provider by the Department.

(C) To a governmental board or agency or to a professional health care society or organization, if the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony is needed by the board, agency, society, or organization to perform licensing, credentialing, or the monitoring of professional standards with respect to any health care provider who is or was a health care provider for the Department. To a governmental board or agency or to a professional health care society or organization, if the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony is needed by the board, agency, society, or organization to perform licensing, credentialing, or the monitoring of professional standards with respect to any health care provider who is or was a health care provider for the Department.

(D) To a hospital, medical center, or other institution that provides health care services, if the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony is needed by the institution to assess the professional qualifications of any health care provider who is or was a health care provider for the Department and who has applied for or been granted authority or employment to provide health care services in or on behalf of the institution. To a hospital, medical center, or other institution that provides health care services, if the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony is needed by the institution to assess the professional qualifications of any health care provider who is or was a health care provider for the Department and who has applied for or been granted authority or employment to provide health care services in or on behalf of the institution.

(E) To an employee, a detailee, or a contractor of the Department who has a need for the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony to perform official duties or duties within the scope of their contract. To an employee, a detailee, or a contractor of the Department who has a need for the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony to perform official duties or duties within the scope of their contract.

(F) To a criminal or civil law enforcement agency or instrumentality charged under applicable law with the protection of the public health or safety, if a qualified representative of the agency or instrumentality makes a written request that the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony be provided for a purpose authorized by law. To a criminal or civil law enforcement agency or instrumentality charged under applicable law with the protection of the public health or safety, if a qualified representative of the agency or instrumentality makes a written request that the medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony be provided for a purpose authorized by law.

(G) In an administrative or judicial proceeding commenced by a criminal or civil law enforcement agency or instrumentality described in subparagraph (F), but only with respect to the subject of the proceeding. In an administrative or judicial proceeding commenced by a criminal or civil law enforcement agency or instrumentality described in subparagraph (F), but only with respect to the subject of the proceeding.

With the exception of the subject of a quality assurance action, personally identifiable information of any person receiving health care services from the Department or of any other person associated with the Department for purposes of a medical quality assurance program that is disclosed in a medical quality assurance record of the Department shall be deleted from that record before any disclosure of the record is made outside the Department. With the exception of the subject of a quality assurance action, personally identifiable information of any person receiving health care services from the Department or of any other person associated with the Department for purposes of a medical quality assurance program that is disclosed in a medical quality assurance record of the Department shall be deleted from that record before any disclosure of the record is made outside the Department.

The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the release of information that is permissible under section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Privacy Act of 1974). The requirement under subparagraph (A) shall not apply to the release of information that is permissible under section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Privacy Act of 1974).

Nothing in this section shall be construed— Nothing in this section shall be construed—

(1) to authorize or require the withholding from any person or entity aggregate statistical information regarding the results of medical quality assurance programs; or to authorize or require the withholding from any person or entity aggregate statistical information regarding the results of medical quality assurance programs; or

(2) to authorize the withholding of any medical quality assurance record of the Department from a committee of either House of Congress, any joint committee of Congress, or the Comptroller General of the United States if the record pertains to any matter within their respective jurisdictions. to authorize the withholding of any medical quality assurance record of the Department from a committee of either House of Congress, any joint committee of Congress, or the Comptroller General of the United States if the record pertains to any matter within their respective jurisdictions.

A person or entity having possession of or access to a medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony described in this section may not disclose the contents of the record or testimony in any manner or for any purpose except as provided in this section. A person or entity having possession of or access to a medical quality assurance record of the Department or testimony described in this section may not disclose the contents of the record or testimony in any manner or for any purpose except as provided in this section.

A medical quality assurance record of the Department shall be exempt from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act). A medical quality assurance record of the Department shall be exempt from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act).

A person who participates in the review or creation of, or provides information to a person or body that reviews or creates, a medical quality assurance record of the Department shall not be civilly liable for that participation or for providing that information if the participation or provision of information was provided in good faith based on prevailing professional standards at the time the medical quality assurance program activity took place. A person who participates in the review or creation of, or provides information to a person or body that reviews or creates, a medical quality assurance record of the Department shall not be civilly liable for that participation or for providing that information if the participation or provision of information was provided in good faith based on prevailing professional standards at the time the medical quality assurance program activity took place.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting access to the information in a record created and maintained outside a medical quality assurance program, including the medical record of a patient, on the grounds that the information was presented during meetings of a review body that are part of a medical quality assurance program. Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting access to the information in a record created and maintained outside a medical quality assurance program, including the medical record of a patient, on the grounds that the information was presented during meetings of a review body that are part of a medical quality assurance program.

Any person who willfully discloses a medical quality assurance record of the Department other than as provided in this section, knowing that the record is a medical quality assurance record of the Department shall be fined not more than $3,000 in the case of a first offense and not more than $20,000 in the case of a subsequent offense. Any person who willfully discloses a medical quality assurance record of the Department other than as provided in this section, knowing that the record is a medical quality assurance record of the Department shall be fined not more than $3,000 in the case of a first offense and not more than $20,000 in the case of a subsequent offense.

The requirements of this section shall not apply to any medical quality assurance record of the Department that is created by or for the Coast Guard as part of a medical quality assurance program. The requirements of this section shall not apply to any medical quality assurance record of the Department that is created by or for the Coast Guard as part of a medical quality assurance program.

Section 16005 of the CARES Act (6 U.S.C. 320 note) is redesignated as section 2306 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and transferred so as to appear after section 2305, as added by section 203 of this Act. Section 16005 of the CARES Act (6 U.S.C. 320 note) is redesignated as section 2306 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and transferred so as to appear after section 2305, as added by section 203 of this Act.

Section 2306 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as so redesignated by subsection (a), is amended by striking subsection (c). Section 2306 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as so redesignated by subsection (a), is amended by striking subsection (c).

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended— The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) is amended—

(1) in the table of contents in section 1(b) (Public Law 107–296; 116 Stat. 2135)— in the table of contents in section 1(b) (Public Law 107–296; 116 Stat. 2135)—

(A) by striking the items relating to sections 528 and 529 and inserting the following: by striking the items relating to sections 528 and 529 and inserting the following:

(B) by striking the items relating to sections 710, 711, 712, and 713 and inserting the following: by striking the items relating to sections 710, 711, 712, and 713 and inserting the following:

(C) by inserting after the item relating to section 1928 the following: by inserting after the item relating to section 1928 the following:

(D) by striking the items relating to subtitle C of title XIX and sections 1931 and 1932; and by striking the items relating to subtitle C of title XIX and sections 1931 and 1932; and

(E) by adding at the end the following: by adding at the end the following:

(2) by redesignating section 529 (6 U.S.C. 321r) as section 528; by redesignating section 529 (6 U.S.C. 321r) as section 528;

(3) in section 704(e)(4) (6 U.S.C. 344(e)(4)), by striking section 711(a) and inserting section 710(a)); in section 704(e)(4) (6 U.S.C. 344(e)(4)), by striking section 711(a) and inserting section 710(a));

(4) by redesignating sections 711, 712, and 713 as sections 710, 711, and 712, respectively; by redesignating sections 711, 712, and 713 as sections 710, 711, and 712, respectively;

(5) in section 1923(b)(3) (6 U.S.C. 592(b)(3))— in section 1923(b)(3) (6 U.S.C. 592(b)(3))—

(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking Hawaiian native-serving and inserting Native Hawaiian-serving; and in the paragraph heading, by striking Hawaiian native-serving and inserting Native Hawaiian-serving; and

(B) by striking Hawaiian native-serving and inserting ‘Native Hawaiian-serving; by striking Hawaiian native-serving and inserting ‘Native Hawaiian-serving;

(6) by striking the subtitle heading for subtitle C of title XIX; by striking the subtitle heading for subtitle C of title XIX;

(7) by striking section 1932 (6 U.S.C. 597a); and by striking section 1932 (6 U.S.C. 597a); and

(8) in section 2306, as so redesignated by section 204 of this Act— in section 2306, as so redesignated by section 204 of this Act—

(A) by inserting Portability of licensure. after 2306.; and by inserting Portability of licensure. after 2306.; and

(B) in subsection (a), by striking (a) Notwithstanding and inserting the following: in subsection (a), by striking (a) Notwithstanding and inserting the following:

Notwithstanding. Notwithstanding.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall create a Departmentwide strategy and implementation plan to counter weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats, which should—

(A) have clearly identified authorities, specified roles, objectives, benchmarks, accountability, and timelines;

(B) incorporate the perspectives of non-Federal and private sector partners; and

(C) articulate how the Department will contribute to relevant national-level strategies and work with other Federal agencies.

The Secretary shall appropriately consider weapons of mass destruction and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and other related emerging threats when creating the strategy and implementation plan required under paragraph (1).

The Office shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the updated Departmentwide strategy and implementation plan required under paragraph (1).

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, the Secretary, in consultation with appropriate stakeholders representing Federal, State, Tribal, territorial, academic, private sector, and nongovernmental entities, shall conduct a Departmentwide review of biodefense activities and strategies.

The review required under paragraph (1) shall—

(A) identify with specificity the biodefense lines of effort of the Department, including relating to biodefense roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of components and offices of the Department;

(B) assess how such components and offices coordinate internally and with public and private partners in the biodefense enterprise;

(C) identify any policy, resource, capability, or other gaps in the Department’s ability to assess, prevent, protect against, and respond to biological threats; and

(D) identify any organizational changes or reforms necessary for the Department to effectively execute its biodefense mission and role, including with respect to public and private partners in the biodefense enterprise.

Not later than 1 year after completion of the review required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall issue a biodefense strategy for the Department that—

(A) is informed by such review and is aligned with section 1086 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (6 U.S.C. 104; relating to the development of a national biodefense strategy and associated implementation plan, including a review and assessment of biodefense policies, practices, programs, and initiatives) or any successor strategy; and

(B) shall—

(i) describe the biodefense mission and role of the Department, as well as how such mission and role relates to the biodefense lines of effort of the Department;

(ii) clarify, as necessary, biodefense roles, responsibilities, and capabilities of the components and offices of the Department involved in the biodefense lines of effort of the Department;

(iii) establish how biodefense lines of effort of the Department are to be coordinated within the Department;

(iv) establish how the Department engages with public and private partners in the biodefense enterprise, including other Federal agencies, national laboratories and sites, and State, local, Tribal, and territorial entities, with specificity regarding the frequency and nature of such engagement by Department components and offices with State, local, Tribal and territorial entities; and

(v) include information relating to—

(I) milestones and performance metrics that are specific to the biodefense mission and role of the Department described in clause (i); and

(II) implementation of any operational changes necessary to carry out clauses (iii) and (iv).

Beginning not later than 5 years after the issuance of the biodefense strategy and implementation plans required under paragraph (3), and not less often than once every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall review and update, as necessary, such strategy and plans.

Not later than 30 days after the issuance of the biodefense strategy and implementation plans required under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall brief the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives regarding such strategy and plans.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, the Office shall submit to and brief the appropriate congressional committees on a strategy and plan to continuously improve morale within the Office.

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of and brief the appropriate congressional committees on—

(1) the efforts of the Office to prioritize the programs and activities that carry out the mission of the Office, including research and development;

(2) the consistency and effectiveness of stakeholder coordination across the mission of the Department, including operational and support components of the Department and State and local entities; and

(3) the efforts of the Office to manage and coordinate the lifecycle of research and development within the Office and with other components of the Department, including the Science and Technology Directorate.

The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a consensus study and report to the Secretary and the appropriate congressional committees on—

(A) the role of the Department in preparing, detecting, and responding to biological and health security threats to the homeland;

(B) recommendations to improve departmental biosurveillance efforts against biological threats, including any relevant biological detection methods and technologies; and

(C) the feasibility of different technological advances for biodetection compared to the cost, risk reduction, and timeliness of those advances.

Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Secretary receives the report required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall brief the appropriate congressional committees on—

(A) the implementation of the recommendations included in the report; and

(B) the status of biological detection at the Department, and, if applicable, timelines for the transition from Biowatch to updated technology.

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022, the Secretary shall establish an advisory body to advise on the ongoing coordination of the efforts of the Department to counter weapons of mass destruction, to be known as the Advisory Council for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (in this subsection referred to as the Advisory Council).

The members of the Advisory Council shall—

(A) be appointed by the Assistant Secretary; and

(B) to the extent practicable, represent a geographic (including urban and rural) and substantive cross section of officials, from State, local, and Tribal governments, academia, the private sector, national laboratories, and nongovernmental organizations, including, as appropriate—

(i) members selected from the emergency management field and emergency response providers;

(ii) State, local, and Tribal government officials;

(iii) experts in the public and private sectors with expertise in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and weapons;

(iv) representatives from the national laboratories; and

(v) such other individuals as the Assistant Secretary determines to be appropriate.

The Advisory Council shall—

(A) advise the Assistant Secretary on all aspects of countering weapons of mass destruction;

(B) incorporate State, local, and Tribal government, national laboratories, and private sector input in the development of the strategy and implementation plan of the Department for countering weapons of mass destruction; and

(C) establish performance criteria for a national biological detection system and review the testing protocol for biological detection prototypes.

To ensure input from and coordination with State, local, and Tribal governments, the Assistant Secretary shall regularly consult and work with the Advisory Council on the administration of Federal assistance provided by the Department, including with respect to the development of requirements for countering weapons of mass destruction programs, as appropriate.

The members of the Advisory Council shall serve on the Advisory Council on a voluntary basis.

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Council.

(C) establishing a behavioral health curriculum for employees at the beginning of their careers to provide resources early regarding the importance of psychological health;

(D) establishing periodic management training on crisis intervention and such component’s psychological health counseling or assistance program;

(E) improving any associated existing employee peer support programs, including by making additional training and resources available for peer support personnel in the workplace across such component;

(F) developing and implementing a voluntary alcohol treatment program that includes a safe harbor for employees who seek treatment;

(G) including, when appropriate, collaborating and partnering with key employee stakeholders and, for those components with employees with an exclusive representative, the exclusive representative with respect to such a program;

(A) identifying methods and technologies for managing, updating, and overseeing patient records; and

(B) setting standards for technology used by the components of the Department regarding the collection, storage, and oversight of medical records;

(12) coordinating with the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office and other components of the Department as directed by the Secretary to enhance the ability of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to prevent, detect, protect against, and mitigate the health effects of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear issues; and; and

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall create a Departmentwide strategy and implementation plan to address health threats.

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall brief the appropriate congressional committees on the organizational transformations of the Office of Health Security, including how best practices were used in the creation of the Office of Health Security.;

(C) in subsection (b)—

(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Under Secretary for Management, in coordination with the Chief Medical Officer, and inserting Chief Medical Officer; and

(ii) in paragraph (3), by striking as deemed appropriate by the Under Secretary,;