Sen. Peters introduces bill requiring agencies to share COVID-19 testing inventory

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) introduce legislation directing federal agencies to share real-time information about testing supply inventory and shortages publicly.

Hospitals, health care systems, nursing homes, and first responders have struggled to obtain tests and other critical supplies throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Testing Inventory Act would instruct the federal agencies to publish key information on the nation’s testing capabilities, including the supply of diagnostic tests available nationally and distribution of tests by location.

“Months into the most severe public health crisis of our lifetimes, we have more questions than answers when it comes to America’s national testing capacity,” Peters said. “Without this information, we cannot fully understand the extent of this catastrophe – or take the necessary precautions to protect our communities. This bill will help to provide those answers, and give us the data we need to effectively track and contain this deadly virus.”

Specifically, the COVID-19 Testing Inventory Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish and maintain a public, searchable website with information on testing results from across the country. Further, it would mandate the publication of information regarding the distribution of tests and require the distribution of a weekly report identifying all authorized laboratories, including their testing capacity, authorized tests, and other relevant information. In addition, it would require a public listing of testing sites in all fifty states and detailed reporting on coronavirus testing results.