This bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a comprehensive program and national strategic action plan to empower the healthcare sector in addressing the health impacts of the climate crisis. It establishes the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity within HHS, tasked with facilitating a robust Federal response to climate change's effects on American health and the healthcare system. The Office's duties include assessing health impacts, understanding the needs of disproportionately affected populations like environmental justice and medically underserved communities, and serving as a credible source of information on climate-related health consequences.

Within one year, the Secretary must publish a National Strategic Action Plan, developed in consultation with various Federal agencies, Tribal governments, and public stakeholders, including those most vulnerable to climate change. This plan will coordinate Federal efforts to ensure public health and healthcare systems are prepared for and can respond to climate change impacts. Key components of the plan include identifying and prioritizing at-risk communities, addressing mental and physical health disparities, tracking healthcare sector greenhouse gas emissions, and developing preparedness and response strategies for health threats such as extreme weather and infectious diseases.

The bill also establishes a permanent science advisory board to provide expert advice to the Secretary on climate change's public health impacts and response strategies. The national strategic action plan will be periodically assessed and revised to reflect new scientific information and evaluate its effectiveness. Appropriations are authorized for the Office, the strategic action plan, and the advisory board to support these critical initiatives.