The CARE Act would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a department-wide after-action program and a unified risk communication strategy. The after-action program would evaluate and document lessons learned after any HHS response to a public health emergency (as defined under 319(a)) and would promote collaboration across HHS agencies and with external partners (federal, state/local, Tribes, NGOs). An independent evaluation by the HHS Inspector General would assess the program’s effectiveness and report to Congress. The bill also directs comprehensive reporting on many operational areas (from emergency planning to medical countermeasures and recovery) and establishes initial funding to stand up and operate the program, with ongoing funding needed for the Inspector General’s oversight. Separately, the bill requires HHS to develop a risk communication strategy to ensure infectious disease and other health-risk communications are clear, accurate, and prioritized for populations most at risk. An initial strategy is to be implemented within one year. Overall, the bill aims to improve preparedness, transparency, and coordination across the department and its partners during public health emergencies.
Key Points
- 1After-Action Program (Section 399V-8)
- 2- Requires HHS to establish, maintain, and implement a department-wide after-action program for responses to public health emergencies (under 319(a)).
- 3- Promotes collaboration among HHS agencies and integrates existing after-action efforts where applicable.
- 4- Two-year deadline to begin implementation after enactment.
- 5- Must include input from external stakeholders (other federal agencies, state/Tribal/local partners, NGOs).
- 6Oversight and Reporting
- 7- HHS Inspector General to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and provide a Congress-report on findings when appropriate.
- 8- Reports should cover key elements of the program’s operations and improvements.
- 9Comprehensive After-Action Reporting (Elements A-M)
- 10- Detailed reporting requirements on: emergency and continuity of operations planning; information sharing and situational awareness; coordination with coalitions and partners; incident management; communications; staff/space/resident management; logistics and supply chains; resource management; infection prevention; treatment/transport/discharge; case management; medical countermeasures; and recovery (including equity considerations).
- 11Funding (Section 399V-8(e))
- 12- Authorization of $3.5 million to support the initial four after-action reports and related activities.
- 13- Additional funds as needed to support Inspector General oversight.
- 14Risk Communication Strategy (Section 399V-9)
- 15- Requires a comprehensive, department-wide risk communication strategy to ensure communications about infectious diseases and other health risks are clear, accurate, and prioritize at-risk populations.
- 16- Strategy must identify at-risk groups and ensure communications are targeted, understandable, and accessible.
- 17- Initial implementation deadline: within one year of enactment.
- 18Implementation Context
- 19- Amends the Public Health Service Act (Part P, title III) to add these provisions.
- 20- The act does not rename agencies but requires tighter, coordinated processes across the department.