118 HR 5492 IH: Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023
U.S. House of Representatives
2023-09-14
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EN
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I
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5492
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 14, 2023
Mr. Larsen of Washington (for himself, Ms. Jacobs, Ms. Norton, Mrs. Dingell, Ms. Houlahan, Ms. Omar, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Connolly, and Ms. Titus) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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 improve the reproductive assistance provided by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to certain members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their spouses or partners, and for other purposes.
1.

Short title; table of contents
(a)

Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023”.
(b)

Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I—Reproductive and fertility preservation assistance for members of the Armed Forces
Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. Provision of fertility treatment and counseling to certain members of the Armed Forces and spouses, partners, and gestational surrogates of such members.
Sec. 103. Establishment of fertility preservation procedures after an injury or illness.
Sec. 104. Cryopreservation and storage of reproductive genetic material of members of the Armed Forces on active duty.
Sec. 105. Assistance with and continuity of care regarding reproductive and fertility preservation services.
Sec. 106. Coordination between Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs on furnishing of fertility treatment and counseling.
TITLE II—Reproductive and adoption assistance for veterans
Sec. 201. Inclusion of fertility treatment and counseling under the definition of medical services in title 38.
Sec. 202. Fertility treatment and counseling for certain veterans and spouses, partners, and gestational surrogates of such veterans.
Sec. 203. Adoption assistance for certain veterans.
Sec. 204. Assistance with and continuity of care regarding reproductive and fertility preservation services.
Sec. 205. Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research.
Sec. 206. Regulations on furnishing of fertility treatment and counseling and adoption assistance by Department of Veterans Affairs.
I

Reproductive and fertility preservation assistance for members of the Armed Forces
101.

Definitions
In this title:
(1)

Active duty
The term active duty has the meaning given that term in section 101(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code.
(2)

Armed Forces
The term Armed Forces has the meaning given the term armed forces in section 101(a)(4) of such title.
102.

Provision of fertility treatment and counseling to certain members of the Armed Forces and spouses, partners, and gestational surrogates of such members
(a)

Fertility treatment and counseling
(1)

In general
The Secretary of Defense shall furnish fertility treatment and counseling, including through the use of assisted reproductive technology, to a covered member of the Armed Forces or a spouse, partner, or gestational surrogate of such a member.
(2)

Eligibility for treatment and counseling
Fertility treatment and counseling shall be furnished under paragraph (1) without regard to the sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status of the covered member of the Armed Forces.
(3)

In vitro fertilization
In the case of in vitro fertilization treatment furnished under paragraph (1), the Secretary may furnish to an individual under such paragraph—
(A)
not more than three completed oocyte retrievals; and
(B)
unlimited embryo transfers in accordance with the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
(b)

Procurement of reproductive genetic material
If a covered member of the Armed Forces is unable to provide their reproductive genetic material for purposes of fertility treatment under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, at the election of such member, allow such member to receive such treatment with donated reproductive genetic material and pay or reimburse such member the reasonable costs of procuring such material from a donor.
(c)

Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Secretary—
(1)
to find or certify a gestational surrogate for a covered member of the Armed Forces or to connect a gestational surrogate with such a member; or
(2)
to find or certify reproductive genetic material from a donor for a covered member of the Armed Forces or to connect such a member with reproductive genetic material from a donor.
(d)

Definitions
In this section:
(1)

Assisted reproductive technology
The term assisted reproductive technology includes in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled when clinically appropriate.
(2)

Covered member of the Armed Forces
The term covered member of the Armed Forces means a member of the Armed Forces who has an infertility condition, unless the Secretary can show that the member was completely infertile before service on active duty in the Armed Forces.
(3)

Fertility treatment
The term fertility treatment includes the following:
(A)
Procedures that use assisted reproductive technology.
(B)
Sperm retrieval.
(C)
Egg retrieval.
(D)
Artificial insemination.
(E)
Transfer of reproductive genetic material.
(F)
Medications as prescribed or necessary for fertility.
(G)
Such other treatments as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.
(4)

Infertility condition
The term infertility condition includes—
(A)
a diagnosis of infertility; or
(B)
the inability to reproduce or safely carry a pregnancy to term, including as a result of treatment for another condition.
(5)

Partner
The term partner, with respect to a member of the Armed Forces, means an individual selected by the member who agrees to share with the member the parental responsibilities with respect to any child born as a result of the use of any fertility treatment under this section.
103.

Establishment of fertility preservation procedures after an injury or illness
(a)

In general
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, shall establish procedures for the retrieval of reproductive genetic material, as soon as medically appropriate, from a member of the Armed Forces in cases in which the fertility of such member is potentially jeopardized as a result of an injury or illness incurred or aggravated while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces in order to preserve the medical options of such member.
(b)

Consent for retrieval of reproductive genetic material
Reproductive genetic material may be retrieved from a member of the Armed Forces under subsection (a) only—
(1)
with the specific consent of the member; or
(2)
if the member is unable to consent, if a medical professional determines that—
(A)
the future fertility of the member is potentially jeopardized as a result of an injury or illness described in subsection (a) or will be potentially jeopardized as a result of treating such injury or illness;
(B)
the member lacks the capacity to consent to the retrieval of reproductive genetic material and is likely to regain such capacity; and
(C)
the retrieval of reproductive genetic material under this section is in the medical interest of the member.
(c)

Consent for use of retrieved reproductive genetic material
Reproductive genetic material retrieved from a member of the Armed Forces under subsection (a) may be used only—
(1)
with the specific consent of the member; or
(2)
if the member has lost the ability to consent permanently, as determined by a medical professional, as specified in an advance directive or testamentary instrument executed by the member.
(d)

Disposal of reproductive genetic material
In accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary for purpose of this subsection, the Secretary shall dispose of reproductive genetic material retrieved from a member of the Armed Forces under subsection (a)—
(1)
with the specific consent of the member; or
(2)
if the member—
(A)
has lost the ability to consent permanently, as determined by a medical professional; and
(B)
has not specified the use of their reproductive genetic material in an advance directive or testamentary instrument executed by the member.
104.

Cryopreservation and storage of reproductive genetic material of members of the Armed Forces on active duty
(a)

In general
The Secretary of Defense shall provide members of the Armed Forces on active duty in the Armed Forces with the opportunity to cryopreserve and store their reproductive genetic material prior to—
(1)
deployment to a combat zone; or
(2)
a duty assignment that includes a hazardous assignment, including—
(A)
assignments resulting in exposure to perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances; and
(B)
such other assignments as determined by the Secretary.
(b)

Period of time
(1)

In general
The Secretary shall provide for the cryopreservation and storage of reproductive genetic material of any member of the Armed Forces under subsection (a) in a facility of the Department of Defense or of a private entity and the transportation of such material, at no cost to the member, until the date that is one year after the retirement, separation, or release of the member from the Armed Forces.
(2)

Continued cryopreservation and storage
At the end of the one-year period specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall permit an individual whose reproductive genetic material was cryopreserved and stored in a facility of the Department as described in that paragraph to select, including pursuant to an advance medical directive or military testamentary instrument completed under subsection (c), one of the following options:
(A)
To continue such cryopreservation and storage in such facility with the cost of such cryopreservation and storage borne by the individual.
(B)
To transfer the material to a private cryopreservation and storage facility selected by the individual.
(C)
To transfer the material to a facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs if cryopreservation and storage is available to the individual at such facility.
(3)

Disposal of reproductive genetic material
If an individual described in paragraph (2) does not make a selection under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of such paragraph, the Secretary may dispose of the reproductive genetic material of the individual not earlier than the date that is 90 days after the end of the one-year period specified in paragraph (1) with respect to the individual.
(c)

Advance medical directive and military testamentary instrument
A member of the Armed Forces who elects to cryopreserve and store their reproductive genetic material under this section must complete an advance medical directive, as defined in section 1044c(b) of title 10, United States Code, and a military testamentary instrument, as defined in section 1044d(b) of such title, that explicitly specifies the use of their cryopreserved and stored reproductive genetic material if such member dies or otherwise loses the capacity to consent to the use of their cryopreserved and stored reproductive genetic material.
(d)

Agreements
To carry out this section, the Secretary may enter into agreements with private entities that provide cryopreservation, transportation, and storage services for reproductive genetic material.
105.

Assistance with and continuity of care regarding reproductive and fertility preservation services
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that employees of the Department of Defense assist members of the Armed Forces—
(1)
in navigating the services provided under this title;
(2)
in finding a provider that meets the needs of such members with respect to such services; and
(3)
in continuing the receipt of such services without interruption during a permanent change of station for such members.
106.

Coordination between Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs on furnishing of fertility treatment and counseling
(a)

In general
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall share best practices and facilitate referrals, as they consider appropriate, on the furnishing of fertility treatment and counseling to individuals eligible for the receipt of such counseling and treatment from the Secretaries.
(b)

Memorandum of understanding
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into a memorandum of understanding—
(1)
providing that the Secretary of Defense will ensure access by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reproductive genetic material of veterans stored by the Department of Defense for purposes of furnishing fertility treatment under section 1720K of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 202(a); and
(2)
authorizing the Department of Veterans Affairs to compensate the Department of Defense for the cryopreservation, transportation, and storage of reproductive genetic material of veterans under section 104.
II

Reproductive and adoption assistance for veterans
201.

Inclusion of fertility treatment and counseling under the definition of medical services in title 38
Section 1701(6) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
“(J)
Fertility treatment and counseling, including treatment using assisted reproductive technology.”.
202.

Fertility treatment and counseling for certain veterans and spouses, partners, and gestational surrogates of such veterans
(a)

In general
Subchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“1720K.

Fertility treatment and counseling for certain veterans and spouses, partners, and gestational surrogates of such veterans
(a)

Requirement
(1)

In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall furnish fertility treatment and counseling, including through the use of assisted reproductive technology, to a covered veteran and the spouse, partner, or gestational surrogate of the veteran if the veteran, and the spouse, partner, or gestational surrogate of the veteran, as applicable, each provide informed consent for such treatment and counseling, including for each cycle of treatment authorized under this section, through a process prescribed by the Secretary.
(2)

Provision of treatment and counseling
Fertility treatment and counseling shall be furnished under paragraph (1) without regard to the sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status of the covered veteran.
(3)

In vitro fertilization
In the case of in vitro fertilization treatment furnished under paragraph (1), the Secretary may furnish to an individual under such paragraph—
(A)
not more than three completed oocyte retrievals; and
(B)
unlimited embryo transfers in accordance with the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
(b)

Procurement of reproductive genetic material
If a covered veteran is unable to provide their reproductive genetic material for purposes of fertility treatment under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, at the election of such member, allow such veteran to receive such treatment with donated reproductive genetic material and pay or reimburse such veteran the reasonable costs of procuring such material from a donor.
(c)

Outreach and training
The Secretary shall carry out an outreach and training program to ensure veterans and health care providers of the Department are aware of—
(1)
the availability of and eligibility requirements for fertility treatment and counseling under this section; and
(2)
any changes to fertility treatment and counseling covered under this section.
(d)

Ownership, use, disposition, or destruction of reproductive genetic material
(1)

In general
Issues or disputes regarding ownership of reproductive genetic material, future use of such material, disposition of such material, or destruction of such material shall be the sole responsibility of the covered veteran, the spouse, partner, or gestational surrogate of the veteran, and the private facility storing such material.
(2)

Role of Department
The role of the Department under this section is limited to furnishing the treatment and counseling required under this section when requested by a covered veteran.
(3)

Ownership and custody of reproductive genetic material
The Department will not have ownership or custody of any reproductive genetic material obtained pursuant to treatment under this section and will not be involved in the ultimate disposition of such material or disputes between or among any parties with respect to such material.
(e)

Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Secretary—
(1)
to find or certify a gestational surrogate for a covered veteran or to connect a gestational surrogate with a covered veteran; or
(2)
to furnish maternity care to a covered veteran or spouse, partner, or gestational surrogate of a covered veteran in addition to what is otherwise required by law.
(f)

Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term assisted reproductive technology includes in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments in which both eggs and sperm are handled when clinically appropriate.
(2)
The term covered veteran means a veteran who—
(A)
has an infertility condition, unless the Secretary can show that the veteran was completely infertile before service in the active military, naval, or air service; and
(B)
is enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment established under section 1705(a) of this title.
(3)
The term fertility treatment includes the following:
(A)
Procedures that use assisted reproductive technology.
(B)
Sperm retrieval.
(C)
Egg retrieval.
(D)
Artificial insemination.
(E)
Transfer of reproductive genetic material.
(F)
Medications as prescribed or necessary for fertility.
(G)
Such other treatments as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(4)
The term gestational surrogate means an individual who carries a fetus through pregnancy and gives birth to a baby for another individual or couple.
(5)
The term infertility condition includes—
(A)
a diagnosis of infertility; or
(B)
the inability to reproduce or safely carry a pregnancy to term, including as a result of treatment for another condition.
(6)
The term partner, with respect to a covered veteran, means an individual—
(A)
selected by the veteran who agrees to share with the veteran the parental responsibilities with respect to any child born as a result of the use of any fertility treatment under this section; and
(B)
whom the veteran certifies to the Department is the partner of the veteran and therefore, based on that certification, is eligible for treatment and counseling under this section.”.
(b)

Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of subchapter II of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1720J the following new item:
“1720K. Fertility treatment and counseling for certain veterans and spouses, partners, and gestational surrogates of such veterans.”.
203.

Adoption assistance for certain veterans
(a)

In general
Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“1790.

Adoption assistance
(a)

In general
The Secretary may pay an amount, not to exceed the limitation amount, to assist a covered veteran in the adoption of one or more children, without regard to the sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status of the covered veteran.
(b)

Limitation amount
For purposes of this section, the limitation amount is the amount equal to the cost the Department would incur by paying the expenses of three adoptions by covered veterans, as determined by the Secretary.
(c)

Covered veteran defined
In this section, the term covered veteran has the meaning given that term in section 1720K(f) of this title.”.
(b)

Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of subchapter VIII of chapter 17 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1789 the following new item:
“1790. Adoption assistance.”.
204.

Assistance with and continuity of care regarding reproductive and fertility preservation services
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs assist veterans—
(1)
in navigating the services provided under this title and the amendments made by this title;
(2)
in finding a provider that meets the needs of such veterans with respect to such services; and
(3)
in continuing the receipt of such services without interruption if such veterans move to a different geographic location.
205.

Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research
(a)

In general
Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
“7330E.

Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research
(a)

Facilitation of research required
The Secretary shall facilitate research conducted collaboratively by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to improve the ability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to meet the long-term reproductive health care needs of veterans who have a genitourinary service-connected disability or a condition that was incurred or aggravated in line of duty in the active military, naval, or air service, such as a spinal cord injury, military sexual trauma, or a mental health condition, that affects the ability of the veteran to reproduce.
(b)

Dissemination of information
The Secretary shall ensure that information produced by the research facilitated under this section that may be useful for other activities of the Veterans Health Administration is disseminated throughout the Veterans Health Administration.”.
(b)

Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of subchapter II of chapter 73 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7330D the following new item:
“7330E. Facilitation of reproduction and infertility research.”.
206.

Regulations on furnishing of fertility treatment and counseling and adoption assistance by Department of Veterans Affairs
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations—
(1)
to carry out section 1720K of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 202(a); and
(2)
to carry out section 1790 of such title, as added by section 203(a).