Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced Wednesday a bill ensuring National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified respirators have the same liability protections as other medical products, vaccines, and drugs.
The bill enables respirators which are overseen by NIOSH, an office within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to receive limited liability protection provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to manufacturers and distributors of certain countermeasures against diseases when the government requests equipment be used in the event of an outbreak or epidemic.
“As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rises in the U.S., making sure South Dakota communities have access to reliable equipment is vitally important,” Rounds said. “These respirators will help keep South Dakotans and all Americans healthy and safe should we need them.”
Aberdeen, S.D., is home to one of two facilities owned by 3M, the world’s leading manufacturer of respirators.
Respirators are masks worn over the mouth and nose to prevent the inhalation of noxious substances, including viruses and diseases that can spread through the air.
Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) introduced compatible legislation in the House of Representatives.