109 HR 1594 IH: Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Retirees and Dependents Act U.S. House of Representatives 2005-04-13 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 109th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1594 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 13, 2005 Mr. Bradley of New Hampshire (for himself and Mr. Meehan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To require the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits as part of the TRICARE program.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Retirees and Dependents Act.

2.

Chiropractic health care for retirees, dependents, and survivors

(a)

Plan required

Not later than July 31, 2005, the Secretary of Defense shall complete development of a plan to provide chiropractic health care services and benefits, as a permanent part of the TRICARE program, for covered beneficiaries. (b)

Contents of plan

The plan shall require that a contract entered into under section 1097 of title 10, United States Code, for the delivery of health care services shall— (1)include the delivery of chiropractic services; (2)require that chiropractic services may be provided only by a doctor of chiropractic; and (3)provide that a covered beneficiary may select and have direct access to a doctor of chiropractic without referral by another health practitioner. (c)

Implementation of plan

The plan developed under subsection (a) shall provide for implementation of the plan to begin no later than December 31, 2005. (d)

Definitions

In this section: (1)The term chiropractic services— (A)includes the diagnosis (including by diagnostic X-ray tests), correction, and management of vertebral subluxations or neuromusculoskeletal conditions, and such other chiropractic services determined appropriate by the Secretary; and (B)does not include the use of drugs or surgery. (2)The term covered beneficiary has the meaning provided by section 1072(5) of title 10, United States Code. (3)The term doctor of chiropractic includes only a doctor of chiropractic who is licensed as such by the State in which chiropractic services are furnished. (4)The term TRICARE program has the meaning provided by section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code.