Simulation exercises
Article 45
1. The competent authority shall ensure that simulation exercises concerning the contingency plans provided for in Article 43(1) are carried out regularly or at appropriate intervals: (a) to ensure a high level of disease awareness and preparedness and the ability to launch a rapid response in the Member State concerned; (b) to verify the functionality of those contingency plans. 2. Where feasible and appropriate, simulation exercises shall be carried out in close collaboration with the competent authorities of neighbouring Member States and neighbouring third countries and territories. 3. Member States shall make available to the Commission and to the other Member States, on request, a report on the main results of the simulation exercises carried out. 4. When appropriate and necessary, the Commission shall, by means of implementing acts, lay down rules concerning the practical implementation of simulation exercises in the Member States, relating to: (a) the frequencies of simulation exercises; (b) simulation exercises covering more than one listed disease referred to in point (a) of Article 9(1). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 266(2).