CARE Act

This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to build two things: a department-wide “after-action” program to learn from public health emergencies and fix problems, and a clear risk communication plan so health messages are accurate and reach the people most at risk. The after-action program must find issues after each HHS emergency response, push solutions across HHS agencies, and include outside partners like other federal agencies, state, Tribal, territorial, and local health departments, and nongovernmental groups. The plan also lets the HHS Inspector General review how well this program works and report findings to Congress.

Reports from the after-action program should cover practical topics people felt during crises: updating emergency plans; sharing information quickly; coordinating across hospitals and public health groups; managing staffing and space; keeping supplies flowing; setting fair rules for using scarce resources; infection prevention; patient care and transport (including telehealth); vaccines, tests, and treatments; and recovery steps that consider cost and equity. HHS must also create a risk communication strategy so messages about infectious diseases and other health risks are clear, targeted, and accessible, with a focus on identifying and reaching at‑risk populations.

Key points

• Who is affected: HHS agencies; other federal, state, Tribal, territorial, and local health partners; nongovernmental partners; and communities most at risk during health emergencies .
• What changes: HHS must run a department-wide after-action program with detailed reports and improvements; the HHS Inspector General can evaluate it; and HHS must keep a strong, clear communication strategy for public health risks .
• When: The after-action program must start within 2 years of the law’s enactment; the initial risk communication strategy must start within 1 year .
• Funding: $3.5 million is authorized for setting up and reporting on the after-action program, plus additional funds as needed for Inspector General reviews.