National Pharmacy Response Teams (NPRT)

The National Response Framework (NRF) utilizes the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), as part of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Preparedness and Response, under Emergency Support Function #8 (ESF #8), Health and Medical Services. The National Pharmacy Response Teams (NPRTs) are located in three geographical areas of the United States, East, Central and West areas. They are used to assist in chemoprophylaxis or the immunization of hundreds of thousands, or even millions of Americans, or perhaps in another scenario requiring hundreds of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and students of pharmacy.

Team employees receive the following:

• Paid a government salary when activated
• Reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses
• Liability coverage outside their state of licensure

NPRT personnel are asked to complete web-based training programs, stay current in treatment recommendations for diseases compatible with weapons of mass destruction, participate in training, and be available to deploy if needed. Although a bioterrorism scenario involving huge numbers of Americans has not occurred to date, it is our hope that you and the profession of pharmacy will be ready to answer the call.

NDMS/NPRT personnel are required to maintain appropriate certifications and licensure within their discipline. When personnel are activated as Federal employees, licensure and certification is recognized by all States. Additionally, NPRT personnel are paid while serving as part-time federal employees and have the protection of the Federal Tort Act.

If interested in becoming involved in NDMS, please review our NDMS Recruitment link above.