ALERT Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill creates a five-year program to build real-time infectious disease tracking across all nursing homes in the U.S. Instead of relying on delayed reports, health officials would monitor outbreaks as they happen.
• The government would contract with private companies to build and run the surveillance technology. These contractors must be U.S.-based, hold a HITRUST security certification, and have experience running public health surveillance networks. Electronic medical records companies are specifically excluded.
• The system must include a central hub of disease experts who can quickly spot outbreaks and immediately alert federal, state, and local health authorities. Nursing homes can also opt into a staffed care management program for extra support.
• Patient data gets strong privacy protections. The bill treats contractors as covered entities under HIPAA, and it specifically bans using the surveillance data for regulatory enforcement or fines against nursing homes unless a separate law allows it.
• Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 at "such sums as may be necessary," meaning Congress would decide the exact dollar amounts through separate spending bills. After five years, HHS must report to Congress on whether the system improved outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.