Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7911
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-01T14:22:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Dream's Caregiver Health and Wellness Act (H.R. 7911) directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living (ACL—a HHS division focused on supporting older adults and people with disabilities), to create a grant program. This program funds nonprofit organizations to run activities that improve the health and well-being of caregivers.
Key Provisions
- Grant Awards: Nonprofits receive grants to promote caregiver wellness by:
- Reducing burnout and improving job retention.
- Enhancing mental health.
- Building support networks.
- Strengthening community ties among caregivers.
- Providing flexible, ongoing supports that adapt to needs.
- Application Process: Nonprofits apply as specified by the Secretary.
- Allowed Uses of Funds: Grant money can cover:
- Meals.
- Transportation to/from work.
- Mental health services (including for post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD).
- Holistic wellness programs (e.g., overall physical, emotional, and social health).
- Other services approved by the Secretary.
- Reporting Requirements: Starting 90 days after the first year of grants, HHS submits annual reports to Congress detailing fund usage, populations served, and measurable outcomes like improved wellness and retention.
- Caregiver Definition: An individual (paid or unpaid) who provides care to seniors, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or those with chronic illnesses needing supportive services.
- Funding: Authorizes $250 million annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill establishes a new grant program under HHS/ACL. It does not amend prior laws but introduces fresh federal funding and reporting mandates specifically for caregiver wellness supports.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: HHS/ACL must administer grants, process applications, and report to Congress, increasing administrative workload but with dedicated funding.
- Citizens: Caregivers gain access to practical supports like meals and mental health services, potentially reducing burnout, improving retention, and enhancing care quality for vulnerable populations (seniors, disabled individuals, chronically ill).
- International Relations: None apparent.
- Broader Effects: Could help address caregiver shortages in aging and disability care sectors by making caregiving more sustainable.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Nonprofit organizations: Eligible to apply for and receive grants.
- Caregivers: Primary beneficiaries, especially those supporting seniors, people with disabilities, or chronic conditions.
- HHS and ACL: Responsible for program implementation and oversight.
- Congress: Receives annual reports to monitor effectiveness.
- Vulnerable populations: Indirectly benefit from healthier, more retained caregivers.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Creates enforceable grant conditions and reporting duties; funding is authorized but requires annual appropriations (not automatic spending).
- Constitutional: No apparent challenges; falls under Congress's spending power for public welfare.
- Political: Targets a growing need amid an aging U.S. population and caregiver strain; introduced by Rep. Lawler (R-NY) and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, signaling focus on workforce wellness in care fields.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (4 pages)