About the National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters

Committee Overview

The National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters is a federal advisory committee that provides advice and guidance to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and to the HHS Secretary. The Committee​ provides expert advice and guidance to enhance all-hazards public health and medical preparedness, response, and recovery aimed at meeting the unique needs of older adults and their families across the entire spectrum of their wellbeing. The NACSD provides advice and consultation with respect to the activities carried out pursuant to Section 2814 of the Public Health Service Act. It may also evaluate and provide input with respect to the medical and public health needs of older adults related to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all-hazards emergencies; and may provide advice and consultation with respect to State emergency preparedness and response activities relating to older adults, including related drills and exercises pursuant to the preparedness goals under section 2802(b) of the Public Health Service Act provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary with respect to older adults.

Authority

The National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disaster is required by section 2811C of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. § 300hh-10c), as amended, by the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act (PAHPAIA), Public Law No. 116-22. The NACSD is governed by the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), which sets forth standards for the formation and use of advisory committees.