Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

The Legislature and the Department of Health Have Strengthened Public Health Preparedness

Report 07-30, May 2007

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Report Summary

  • The 2005 Legislature improved Florida's overall emergency preparedness and response capabilities by establishing a statutory domestic security organization and structure. As we previously recommended, the Department of Health has developed a comprehensive strategy for medical and healthcare preparations against terrorist acts. The strategy also addresses Florida's healthcare system for naturally occurring emergencies and uses available federal funds to build the state's capabilities. Consistent with OPPAGA's recommendations, the department's Office of Public Health Preparedness established risk-based benchmarks for its preparedness capabilities and regularly reviews state progress in meeting objectives. Finally, the department has recently added the public health threat of pandemic viruses to its preparedness planning. All state government agencies have a continuity of operations plan to ensure government operations will continue during emergencies, and nearly all are developing plans to deal with a pandemic.

Related Reports
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    Report 06-19 February 2006
  2. Florida's Public Health Preparedness Has Improved; Further Adjustments Needed
    Report 04-75 November 2004
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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