I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1832 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 11, 2011 Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania (for himself, Ms. Berkley, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Platts, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Kissell, Mr. Westmoreland, Mr. Hanna, Mr. Bucshon, and Mr. Long) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the State licensure exception for certain health-care professionals, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Servicemembers’ Telemedicine and E–Health Portability Act of 2011 or the STEP Act.

2.

Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that— (1)the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs need to renew and improve efforts to reach out to rural America, which has less access to care; (2)behavioral health services for active duty members of the Armed Forces, members of the reserve components, members of the National Guard, and veterans need to be more easily and readily accessible; and (3)medical records and records of deployment need a warm transition and better collaboration between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

3.

Expansion of State licensure exception for certain health care professionals

(a)

In general

Section 1094(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)— (A)by inserting at any location before in any State; and (B)by striking regardless and all that follows through the end and inserting regardless of where such health-care professional or the patient are located, so long as the practice is within the scope of the authorized Federal duties.; and (2)in paragraph (2), by striking member of the armed forces and inserting member of the armed forces, civilian employee of the Department of Defense, personal services contractor under section 1091 of this title, or other health-care professional credentialed and privileged at a Federal health care institution or location specially designated by the Secretary for this purpose. (b)

Report

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall submit to Congress a report on the plans to develop and expand programs to use new Internet and communication technologies for improved access to care and resources, including telemedicine, telehealth care services, and telebehavioral health programs that ensure patient privacy. (c)

Regulations

The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to carry out the amendments made by this Act.