NCJ Number
189537
Date Published
May 2001
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This document is a report on Federal medical stockpiles that can be used to treat civilian and military victims in the event of a chemical or biological terrorist attack.
Abstract
The United States’ ability to effectively respond to a chemical or biological terrorist attack is dependent on the plans, methods, and procedures that are in place to manage the pharmaceutical and medical supplies. Because there is a need to establish effective control over the stockpiles, a report was initiated by responsible agencies to detect potential weaknesses in the system. Recommendations were to conduct risk assessments, arrange for periodic independent inventories of the stockpiles, implement a tracking system retaining documentation for all supplies, and rotate stock properly. The agencies responsible, which include the Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), and the Marine Corps Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), have made significant progress in these four areas. However, additional steps should be taken to ensure that supplies are current, accounted for, and readily available for use. It is recommended that the CDC execute written agreements with all partners covering storage, management, and stock rotation for medical partners; and issue written guidance on security to private warehouses that store stockpiles. The OEP must improve physical security at its central location to comply with regulations; and issue a written policy on the frequency of inventory counts and acceptable discrepancy rates. The CBIRF must adjust its stock levels to conform with the authorized medical allowance list; and remove expired items from its stock and replace them with current pharmaceutical and medical supplies. 7 footnotes