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S 4351

Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024

118th Congress Introduced by Patty Murray and 2 co-sponsors

Extends federal authorization for poison control center programs, including the national toll-free line and grants, through fiscal year 2029, with funding levels still subject to a

Signed by President.
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Bill Summary · S 4351

Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 4351) — Summary

Status: Signed into law (Public Law No: 118‑86) on September 26, 2024
Introduced: May 15, 2024
Primary Sponsor: Sen. Patty Murray; Cosponsors: Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Sen. Mitt Romney
Companion bill: H.R. 7251

Purpose

To continue federal statutory authorization for key poison control center programs administered under the Public Health Service Act, ensuring ongoing support for the national poison help toll‑free line, communications capability, promotion of poison control services, and the poison control center grant program through fiscal year 2029.

Key provisions

  • Amends sections of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300d–71(c), 300d–72(c), and 300d–73(g)) to extend authorization periods:
    • Replaces the prior authorization period “fiscal years 2020 through 2024” with “fiscal years 2025 through 2029” in:
    • Section 1271(c) — National toll‑free number and other communication capabilities for poison control,
    • Section 1272(c) — Activities to promote poison control center utilization,
    • Section 1273(g) — Poison control center grant program.
  • Does not specify new funding levels or appropriate funds; it extends statutory authorization only. Actual funding remains subject to annual appropriations.

Who is affected

  • Poison control centers (state and regional centers) that operate the national poison help hotline and provide clinical advice and public education.
  • Health care providers, emergency responders, hospitals, and the general public who rely on poison center services.
  • Federal agencies (e.g., HHS) administering related programs and grant awards.

Impact and significance

  • Preserves continued federal authorization for essential communications and grant programs for poison centers through FY2029, supporting emergency response capacity, public education, and clinical triage that can reduce unnecessary emergency department visits.
  • By maintaining statutory authority, the law facilitates program continuity but does not guarantee funding amounts — those are determined in appropriations legislation.

Legislative history highlights

  • Reported favorably by Senate HELP Committee (June 18, 2024).
  • Passed Senate by unanimous consent (July 11, 2024).
  • Passed House under suspension of the rules by voice vote (Sept 18, 2024).
  • Presented to President Sept 24, 2024; signed into law Sept 26, 2024.

Note: The Act only extends the authorization timeframe; details such as program scope, funding levels, and implementation remain governed by the underlying Public Health Service Act provisions and subsequent appropriations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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