CHAPTER 55—MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §711, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1947, added item 1091a. Amendment was made pursuant to operation of section 102 of this title.

2021—Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §§701(c)(2), 713(b), 714(a)(2), 716(c), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1779, 1784, 1786, 1789, added items 1073f, 1090a, 1090b, 1104a, and 1110 and struck out former items 1090a "Commanding officer and supervisor referrals of members for mental health evaluations" and 1110 "Anthrax vaccine immunization program; procedures for exemptions and monitoring reactions".

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §712(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3692, added item 1073e.

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §702(b)(3), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1436, added items 1097a and 1099 and struck out former items 1097a "TRICARE Prime: automatic enrollments; payment options" and 1099 "Health care enrollment system".

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(13), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1984, inserted period at end of item 1077a.

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §703(a)(2), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1435, added item 1074o.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §§702(a)(2), 703(a)(2), 704(b), 711(b), 728(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2195, 2198, 2201, 2214, 2234, added items 1073c, 1073d, 1076f, and 1077a, and substituted "Recurring reports and publication of certain data" for "Recurring reports" in item 1073b.

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §§701(a)(2), (b)(2), (j)(2), (k), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2184, 2185, 2192, 2193, applicable with respect to the provision of health care under the TRICARE program beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, added items 1075 and 1075a and substituted "TRICARE Reserve Select" for "TRICARE Standard" in item 1076d, "TRICARE Retired Reserve" for "TRICARE Standard" in item 1076e, "TRICARE program" for "CHAMPUS" in item 1079a, and "and preauthorizations under TRICARE Prime" for "for specialty health care" in item 1095f.

2015—Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §711(b), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 864, added item 1095g.

2014—Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §§701(a)(2), 704(b), 711(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3408, 3413, 3414, added items 1074n, 1079c, and 1097d.

2011—Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §§702(a)(2), 704(b), 711(a)(2), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1471, 1473, 1476, added items 1074m, 1078b, and 1090a.

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VII, §702(a)(2), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4245, added item 1110b.

2009—Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §§705(b), 707(b), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2375, 2376, added items 1076e and 1110a.

2008—Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §1617(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 449, as amended by Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title X, §1061(b)(14), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4613, added item 1074l.

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §707(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2284, added item 1097c.

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §706(e), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2282, struck out item 1076b "TRICARE program: TRICARE Standard coverage for members of the Selected Reserve" and substituted "TRICARE program: TRICARE Standard coverage for members of the Selected Reserve" for "TRICARE program: coverage for members of reserve components who commit to continued service in the Selected Reserve after release from active duty in support of a contingency operation" in item 1076d, effective Oct. 1, 2007.

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §§701(f)(2), 702(a)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3340, 3342, substituted "TRICARE program: TRICARE Standard coverage for members of the Selected Reserve" for "TRICARE program: coverage for members of the Ready Reserve" in item 1076b and "TRICARE program: coverage for members of reserve components who commit to continued service in the Selected Reserve after release from active duty in support of a contingency operation" for "TRICARE program: coverage for members of reserve components who commit to continued service in the Selected Reserve after release from active duty" in item 1076d.

2004—Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §555(a)(2), title VI, §607(a)(2), title VII, §§701(a)(2), 733(a)(2), 739(a)(2), title X, §1084(d)(7), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1914, 1946, 1981, 1998, 2002, 2061, added items 1073b, 1074b, 1076d, and 1092a, reenacted item 1076b without change, and struck out item 1075 "Officers and certain enlisted members: subsistence charges".

2003—Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XVI, §1603(b)(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1690, added item 1107a.

Pub. L. 108–106, title I, §1115(b), Nov. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 1218, added item 1076b.

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §§701(a)(2), (f)(2), 731(b), 732(a)(2), 736(c)(2), title X, §1048(a)(10), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1158, 1161, 1169, 1173, 1223, struck out item 1074b "Transitional medical and dental care: members on active duty in support of contingency operations", transferred item 1074i to appear after item 1074h, and added items 1074j, 1074k, 1079b, and 1086b.

2000—Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §§706(a)(2), 728(a)(2), 751(b)(2), 758(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–175, 1654A–189, 1654A–194, 1654A–200, added items 1074h, 1074i, 1095f, and 1110.

1999—Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §§701(a)(2), 711(b), 713(a)(2), 714(b), 715(a)(2), 716(a)(2), 722(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 680, 687, 689–691, 695, added items 1073a, 1074g, 1076a, 1095c, 1095d, 1095e, and 1097b and struck out former items 1076a "Dependents' dental program" and 1076b "Selected Reserve dental insurance".

1998—Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VII, §§711(b), 712(a)(2), 721(a)(2), 734(b)(2), 741(b)(2), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2058, 2059, 2065, 2073, 2074, added items 1094a, 1095b, 1097a, 1108, and 1109.

1997—Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §§738(b), 764(b), 765(a)(2), 766(b), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1815, 1826–1828, added items 1074e, 1074f, 1106, and 1107 and struck out former item 1106 "Submittal of claims under CHAMPUS".

1996—Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §§701(a)(2)(B), 703(a)(2), 733(a)(2), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2587, 2590, 2598, substituted "Certain primary and preventive health care services" for "Primary and preventive health care services for women" in item 1074d and added items 1076c and 1079a.

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §§705(a)(2), 735(d)(2), 738(b)(2), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 373, 383, added item 1076b and substituted "Performance of abortions: restrictions" for "Restriction on use of funds for abortions" in item 1093 and "Defense Health Program Account" for "Military Health Care Account" in item 1100.

1993—Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §§701(a)(2), 712(a)(2), 714(b)(2), 716(a)(2), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1686, 1689, 1690, 1692, added item 1074d, substituted "Personal services contracts" for "Contracts for direct health care providers" in item 1091 and "Resource allocation methods: capitation or diagnosis-related groups" for "Diagnosis-related groups" in item 1101, added item 1105, and struck out former item 1105 "Issuance of nonavailability of health care statements".

1992—Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §4408(a)(2), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2712, added item 1078a.

1991—Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §640(b), title VII, §§715(b), 716(a)(2), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1385, 1403, 1404, added item 1074b, redesignated former item 1074b as 1074c, and added items 1105 and 1106.

1990—Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VII, §713(d)(2)[(3)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1584, substituted "Health care services incurred on behalf of covered beneficiaries: collection from third-party payers" for "Collection from third-party payers of reasonable inpatient hospital care costs incurred on behalf of retirees and dependents" in item 1095.

1989—Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VII, §§722(b), 731(b)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1478, 1482, added items 1086a and 1104.

1987—Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VII, §725(a)(2), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1116, added item 1103.

Pub. L. 100–26, §7(e)(2), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 281, redesignated item 1095 "Medical care: members held as captives and their dependents" as item 1095a.

1986—Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §604(a)(2), title VII, §§701(a)(2), 705(a)(2), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3875, 3897, 3904 substituted "active duty for a period of more than 30 days" for "active duty; injuries, diseases, and illnesses incident to duty" in item 1074a and added items 1096 to 1102.

Pub. L. 99–399, title VIII, §801(c)(2), Aug. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 886, added item 1095 "Medical care: members held as captives and their dependents".

Pub. L. 99–272, title II, §2001(a)(2), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 101, added item 1095 "Collection from third-party payers of reasonable inpatient hospital care costs incurred on behalf of retirees and dependents".

1985—Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, §§651(a)(2), 653(a)(2), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 656, 658, added items 1076a and 1094.

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §631(a)(2), title XIV, §1401(e)(2)(B), (5)(B), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2543, 2616, 2618, substituted in item 1074a "Medical and dental care: members on duty other than active duty; injuries, diseases, and illnesses incident to duty" for "Medical and dental care for members of the uniformed services for injuries incurred or aggravated while traveling to and from inactive duty training" and added items 1074b and 1093.

1983—Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §§932(a)(2), 933(a)(2), title X, §1012(a)(2), title XII, §1268(5)(B), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 650, 651, 665, 706, added items 1074a, 1091, and 1092, and struck out "; reports" at end of item 1081.

1982—Pub. L. 97–295, §1(15)(B), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1290, added item 1090.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(34)(D), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2923, in items 1071 and 1073 substituted "this chapter" for "sections 1071–1087 of this title", and in item 1086 substituted "benefits" for "care".

1976—Pub. L. 94–464, §1(b), Oct. 8, 1976, 90 Stat. 1986, added item 1089.

1970—Pub. L. 91–481, §2(2), Oct. 21, 1970, 84 Stat. 1082, added item 1088.

1966—Pub. L. 89–614, §2(9), Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 866, substituted "1087" for "1085" in items 1071 and 1073, "Medical care" and "authorized care in facilities of uniformed services" for "Medical and dental care" and "specific inclusions and exclusions" in item 1077, "Contracts for health care" for "Contracts for medical care for spouses and children" in item 1082, and added items 1086 and 1087.

1965—Pub. L. 89–264, §2, Oct. 19, 1965, 79 Stat. 989, substituted "executive department" for "uniformed service" in item 1085.

1958—Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(A), (C), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1445, 1450, substituted "Medical and Dental Care" for "Voting by Members of Armed Forces" in heading of chapter, and substituted items 1071 to 1085 for former items 1071 to 1086.

§1071. Purpose of this chapter

The purpose of this chapter is to create and maintain high morale in the uniformed services by providing an improved and uniform program of medical and dental care for members and certain former members of those services, and for their dependents.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1445; amended Pub. L. 89–614, §2(1), Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 862; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(34)(A), (B), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2922.)

The words "and certain former members" are inserted to reflect the fact that many of the persons entitled to retired pay are former members only. The words "and dental" are inserted to reflect the fact that members and, in certain limited situations, dependents are entitled to dental care under sections 1071–1085 of this title.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1071, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 81, which stated the purpose of former sections 1071 to 1086 of this title, and provided for their construction, was repealed by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570, as superseded by the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 which was classified to subchapter I–D (§1973cc et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 99–410, title II, §203, Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 930.

Amendments

1980—Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "Purpose of this chapter" for "Purpose of sections 1071–1087 of this title" in section catchline, and substituted reference to this chapter for reference to sections 1071–1087 of this title in text.

1966—Pub. L. 89–614 substituted "1087" for "1085" in section catchline and text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Pub. L. 89–614, §3, Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 866, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1966 Amendment note below] shall become effective January 1, 1967, except that those amendments relating to outpatient care in civilian facilities for spouses and children of members of the uniformed services who are on active duty for a period of more than 30 days shall become effective on October 1, 1966."

Short Title of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §1601, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 431, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 1074l, 1216a, and 1554a of this title, amending sections 1074, 1074f, 1074i, 1145, 1201, 1203, 1212, and 1599c of this title and section 6333 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 1074, 1074f, 1074i, 1074l, 1212, and 1554a of this title, and section 6333 of Title 5] may be cited as the 'Wounded Warrior Act'."

Short Title of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VII, §701, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1108, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 1103, 2128 to 2130 [now 16201 to 16203], and 6392 of this title, amending sections 533, 591, 1079, 1086, 1251, 2120, 2122, 2123, 2124, 2127, 2172 [now 16302], 3353, 3855, 5600, 8353, and 8855 of this title, section 302 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services, and section 3809 of Title 50, War and National Defense, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1073, 1074, 1079, 1092, 1103, 2121, 2124, 12201, and 16201 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1073 and 1101 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as notes under sections 2121 and 2124 of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Health Care Amendments of 1987'."

Short Title of 1966 Amendment

Pub. L. 89–614, §1, Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 862, provided: "That this Act [enacting sections 1086 and 1087 of this title, amending this section and sections 1072 to 1074, 1076 to 1079, 1082, and 1084 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Military Medical Benefits Amendments of 1966'."

Program To Prevent Perinatal Mental Health Conditions in Pregnant and Postpartum Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §705, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1943, provided that:

"(a) Requirement.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall carry out a program to improve clinical and nonclinical services targeting mental health conditions in pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and spouses of members during the perinatal period.

"(b) Elements.—The Secretary shall ensure that the program under subsection (a) includes the following:

"(1) Access to support resources during the perinatal period, including—

"(A) identification of symptoms of perinatal mental health conditions, brief intervention by primary care providers, referral to care, and treatment;

"(B) targeted nonmedical counseling services through the Department of Defense Military and Family Life Counseling Program of the Office of Military Family Readiness Policy under section 1781 of title 10, United States Code;

"(C) existing parenting resiliency programs of the military departments;

"(D) adherence to clinical practice guidelines in military medical treatment facilities in support of members of the uniformed services and dependents with a diagnosed mental health condition requiring clinical intervention, including through primary care services and women's health clinics, in collaboration with behavioral health services; and

"(E) prenatal and postnatal support programs at military medical treatment facilities that provide group counseling modeled after best clinical practices, such as the Centering Pregnancy program.

"(2) A process for informing pregnant and postpartum members of the Armed Forces and spouses of members of nonmedical and clinical support services during the perinatal period.

"(3) A communications strategy to increase awareness of the services available under the program.

"(c) Report.—Not later than December 31, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the program under subsection (a) that includes the following:

"(1) A description of the range of activities included in the program and data assessing the effectiveness or shortcomings of such activities.

"(2) How resources are allocated for the purpose of establishing and maintaining perinatal support programs at military medical treatment facilities.

"(3) Measurements for adherence to evidence-based protocols at military medical treatment facilities with respect to identifying potential mental health issues.

"(4) Assessment of current training and credentials required for health care providers providing perinatal services and consideration for further certifications, such as the Perinatal Mental Health Certification.

"(5) Feasibility and advisability of adding specialized perinatal mental health support services via a helpline through Military One Source.

"(6) Recommendations for administrative or legislative changes to improve the effectiveness of the program.

"(d) Perinatal Period Defined.—In this section, the term 'perinatal period' means the period beginning with pregnancy through one year following childbirth."

Establishment of Defense Intrepid Network for Traumatic Brain Injury and Brain Health as Program of Record

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §721, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1951, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than January 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall establish the Defense Intrepid Network for Traumatic Brain Injury and Brain Health (in this section referred to as the 'Network') headquartered at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence as a program of record subject to milestone reviews and compliance with the requirements under this section.

"(b) Duties.—The duties of the Network are as follows:

"(1) To provide clinical care to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, symptoms from blast overpressure or blast exposure, and other mental health conditions.

"(2) To promote standardization of care among the 10 Intrepid Spirit Centers throughout the continental United States, brain health clinics in Alaska and Germany, and other sites as designated by the Director of the Defense Health Agency as being a part of the long-term brain health strategy of the Department of Defense.

"(3) To support and conduct research and education on traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, blast overpressure or blast exposure, and other mental health conditions.

"(c) Annual Briefing.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], and annually thereafter for a period of five years, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing that shall include, for the year covered by the briefing—

"(1) the number of individuals to whom the Network has provided services;

"(2) the number of individuals who return to active duty in the Armed Forces after receiving services from the Network, and the stage in their career at which they seek treatment at the Network;

"(3) the number of individuals whose families are able to participate in programs provided by the Network; and

"(4) the number of individuals on a waitlist for treatment at the Network and the average period those individuals are on the waitlist."

Brain Health and Trauma Program

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §722, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1951, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish an intensive comprehensive brain health and trauma program to—

"(1) provide multidisciplinary specialist evaluations, treatment initiation, and aftercare for members of the Armed Forces and dependents of members; and

"(2) make evidence-based improvements in such evaluations, treatment, and aftercare.

"(b) Program Elements.—The Secretary shall ensure that the program under subsection (a) includes the following:

"(1) Initiatives of the Defense Health Agency that provide coordinated evaluations, treatment, and aftercare for traumatic brain injuries and related conditions, that incorporates specialized evaluations, innovative and evidence-based treatments, and comprehensive follow-up care.

"(2) Collaboration with private sector nonprofit health care organizations involved in innovative clinical activities in brain health and trauma care, including transitional and residential brain injury treatment programs.

"(3) One or more pilot programs for demonstrating the effectiveness of intensive outpatient multidisciplinary specialist treatment and care coordination.

"(4) Incorporation of evidence-based therapy with complementary and alternative medicine approaches.

"(5) Thorough evaluations of the effectiveness of innovative activities for diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of brain trauma and promotion of brain health.

"(c) Briefing.—Not later than December 31, 2025, the Secretary shall provide to the Armed Services Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the program under subsection (a). Such briefing shall include the following:

"(1) A description of the range of activities included in the program and data assessing the effectiveness or shortcomings of such activities.

"(2) The scope of each pilot program carried out under subsection (b)(3).

"(3) Recommendations for administrative or legislative changes to improve the effectiveness of the program."

Blast Overpressure and Traumatic Brain Injury Oversight Strategy and Action Plan

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §724, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1954, provided that:

"(a) Strategy and Plan Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a traumatic brain injury oversight strategy and action plan that includes, at a minimum, the following:

"(1) Assigned roles and responsibilities for the components of the Office of the Secretary of Defense for the mitigation, identification, and treatment of traumatic brain injury and the monitoring and documentation of blast overpressure exposure.

"(2) Standardized monitoring, treatment, and referral guidelines for traumatic brain injury programs across all covered Armed Forces.

"(3) A review and update of the current brain injury diagnostic tools used by such programs.

"(4) Standardized, 72-hour follow-up requirements for all traumatic brain injury patients, including protocols for the treatment and observation during such follow-up appointments.

"(5) Oversight and documentation standards to aid in data collection.

"(b) Implementation.—The Secretary shall implement the oversight strategy and action plan under subsection (a) not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024].

"(c) Submission to GAO.—Upon development of the oversight strategy and action plan under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Comptroller General of the United States the oversight strategy and action plan.

"(d) Covered Armed Forces Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered Armed Forces' means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force."

Establishment of Requirements Relating to Blast Overpressure Exposure

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §725, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1955, provided that: "Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Secretary of Defense shall establish—

"(1) performance parameters to minimize exposure to blast overpressure when drafting requirements for new weapon systems for the Department of Defense, taking into account the thresholds for blast exposure and overpressure safety identified pursuant to section 735(b)(1) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note), as amended by section 723;

"(2) with respect to contractual agreements entered into by any entity and the Department of Defense as part of the defense weapon acquisition process on or after the date on which such parameters are established, a requirement that the entity shall provide to the Secretary blast overpressure measurements and safety data for a weapon system procured under such agreement that produces blast overpressure that exceeds such thresholds; and

"(3) a requirement that any test plan for a new weapon system shall incorporate testing for blast overpressure measurements and safety data."

Medical Countermeasures for Overseas Personnel of the Department of Defense for Acute Radiation Syndrome and Thermal Burns

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §734, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1956, provided that:

"(a) Program Required.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to develop requirements for the procurement, pre-positioning, and maintenance of medical countermeasures approved, cleared, licensed, or authorized by the Food and Drug Administration to diagnose, prevent, and treat acute radiation syndrome and thermal burns for use by covered personnel.

"(b) Program Specifications.—In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall consider, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of the combatant commands, the following:

"(1) The number of covered personnel in areas in which the use of tactical nuclear weapons is a substantial threat.

"(2) Peer-reviewed and published scientific studies regarding safety and efficacy of the potential countermeasures described in subsection (a).

"(3) Operational requirements of the Department.

"(4) Appropriate doctrine, training, and operational plans for effective use of such countermeasures.

"(5) A feasible schedule for implementation of the program.

"(c) Covered Personnel Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered personnel' means—

"(1) members of the Armed Forces deployed outside the United States; and

"(2) civilian employees of the Department of Defense deployed outside the United States."

Accountability for Wounded Warriors Undergoing Disability Evaluation

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §711, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2656, provided that:

"(a) Policy.—Not later than April 1, 2023, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries concerned, shall establish a policy to ensure accountability for actions taken under the authorities of the Defense Health Agency and the Armed Forces, respectively, concerning wounded, ill, and injured members of the Armed Forces during the integrated disability evaluation system process. Such policy shall include the following:

"(1) A restatement of the requirement that, in accordance with section 1216(b) of title 10, United States Code, a determination of fitness for duty of a member of the Armed Forces under chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code, is the responsibility of the Secretary concerned.

"(2) A description of the role of the Director of the Defense Health Agency in supporting the Secretaries concerned in carrying out determinations of fitness for duty as specified in paragraph (1).

"(3) A description of how the medical evaluation board processes of the Armed Forces are integrated with the Defense Health Agency, including with respect to case management, appointments, and other relevant matters.

"(4) A requirement that, in determining fitness for duty of a member of the Armed Forces under chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary concerned shall consider the results of any medical evaluation of the member provided under the authority of the Defense Health Agency pursuant to section 1073c of title 10, United States Code.

"(5) A description of how the Director of the Defense Health Agency adheres to the medical evaluation processes of the Armed Forces, including an identification of each applicable regulation or policy to which the Director is required to so adhere.

"(6) An assessment of the feasibility of affording various additional due process protections to members of the Armed Forces undergoing the medical evaluation board process.

"(7) A restatement of the requirement that wounded, ill, and injured members of the Armed Forces may not be denied any due process protection afforded under applicable law or regulation of the Department of Defense or the Armed Forces.

"(8) A description of the types of due process protections specified in paragraph (7), including an identification of each specific due process protection.

"(b) Clarification of Responsibilities Regarding Medical Evaluation Boards.—[Amended section 1073c of this title.]

"(c) Briefing.—Not later than February 1, 2023, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the status of the implementation of subsections (a) and (b).

"(d) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the implementation of subsections (a) and (b), lessons learned as a result of such implementation, and the recommendations of the Secretary relating to the policy on wounded, ill, and injured members of the Armed Forces undergoing the integrated disability evaluation system process.

"(e) Secretary Concerned Defined.—In this section, the term 'Secretary concerned' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code."

Access to Certain Dependent Medical Records by Remarried Former Spouses

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §721, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2663, provided that:

"(a) Access.—The Secretary of Defense may authorize a remarried former spouse who is a custodial parent of a dependent child to retain electronic access to the privileged medical records of such dependent child, notwithstanding that the former spouse is no longer a dependent under section 1072(2) of title 10, United States Code.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'dependent' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'dependent child' means a dependent child of a remarried former spouse and a member or former member of a uniformed service.

"(3) The term 'remarried former spouse' means a remarried former spouse of a member or former member of a uniformed service."

Brain Health Initiative of Department of Defense

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §735, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2668, as amended by Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §723, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1952, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries concerned, shall establish a comprehensive initiative for brain health to be known as the 'Warfighter Brain Health Initiative' (in this section referred to as the 'Initiative') for the purpose of unifying efforts and programs across the Department of Defense to improve the cognitive performance and brain health of members of the Armed Forces.

"(b) Objectives.—The objectives of the Initiative shall be the following:

"(1) To enhance, maintain, and restore the cognitive performance of members of the Armed Forces through education, training, prevention, protection, monitoring, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, including through the following activities:

"(A) The establishment of a program to monitor cognitive brain health across the Department of Defense, with the goal of detecting any need for cognitive enhancement or restoration resulting from potential brain exposures of members of Armed Forces, to mitigate possible evolution of injury or disease progression.

"(B) In accordance with subsection (c), the identification and dissemination of thresholds for blast exposure and overpressure safety and associated emerging scientific evidence that—

"(i) cover brain injury and impulse noise;

"(ii) measure impact over 24-hour, 72-hour to 96-hour, monthly, annual, and lifetime periods;

"(iii) are designed to prevent cognitive deficits after firing;

"(iv) account for the cumulative impact of firing multiple weapon systems during the same period;

"(v) include minimum safe distances and levels of exposure for observers and instructors; and

"(vi) address shoulder-fired heavy weapons.

"(C) The modification of high-risk training and operational activities to mitigate the negative effects of repetitive blast exposure.

"(D) The identification of individuals who perform high-risk training or occupational activities, for purposes of increased monitoring of the brain health of such individuals.

"(E) The development and operational fielding of non-invasive, portable, point-of-care medical devices, to inform the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury.

"(F) The establishment of a standardized monitoring program that documents and analyzes blast exposures that may affect the brain health of members of the Armed Forces.

"(G) The consideration of the findings and recommendations of the report of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine titled 'Traumatic Brain Injury: A Roadmap for Accelerating Progress' and published in 2022 (relating to the acceleration of progress in traumatic brain injury research and care), or any successor report, in relation to the activities of the Department relating to brain health, as applicable.

"(H) The establishment of a standardized treatment program based on interventions that have shown benefit to individuals with brain health issues after a brain injury and the provision of that treatment program to individuals with brain health issues after a brain injury resulting from a potential brain exposure described in subparagraph (A) or high-risk training or occupational activities described in subparagraph (D).

"(I) The establishment of policies to encourage members of the Armed Forces to seek medical treatment for brain health when needed, prevent retaliation against such members who seek such medical treatment, and address other barriers to seeking medical treatment for brain health due to the impact of blast exposure, blast overpressure, or traumatic brain injury.

"(J) The modification of existing weapons systems to reduce blast exposure of the individual using the weapon and those within the minimum safe distance.

"(2) To harmonize and prioritize the efforts of the Department of Defense into a single approach to brain health.

"(c) Thresholds for Blast Exposure and Overpressure Safety.—

"(1) Timing.—

"(A) Initial thresholds.—Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall identify and disseminate the thresholds for blast exposure and overpressure safety under subsection (b)(1)(B).

"(B) Periodic updates.—On a quinquennial basis, the Secretary shall review and, as necessary, update the thresholds for blast exposure and overpressure safety under subsection (b)(1)(B).

"(2) Formal training requirement.—The Secretary shall ensure that training on the thresholds for blast exposure and overpressure safety is provided to members of the Armed Forces before training, deployment, or entering other high-risk environments where exposure to blast overpressure is likely.

"(3) Central repository.—Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary shall establish a central repository of blast-related characteristics, such as pressure profiles and common blast loads associated with specific systems and the environments in which the systems are used.

"(4) Waivers.—

"(A) Protocols.—The Secretary may waive the thresholds for blast exposure and overpressure safety under subsection (b)(1)(B) for operational or training requirements that the Secretary determines are essential to national security. The Secretary shall include in each such waiver a justification for exceeding such thresholds.

"(B) Tracking system.—The Secretary shall establish a Department of Defense-wide tracking system for waivers issued under subparagraph (A) that includes data contributed by the Secretary of each military department.

"(C) Report on waivers.—Not later than one year after issuing a waiver under subparagraph (A) and annually thereafter for a period of five years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on such waivers that includes—

"(i) the number of waivers issued, disaggregated by military department; and

"(ii) a description of actions taken by the Secretary concerned to track the health effects of exceeding thresholds for blast exposure and overpressure safety on members of the Armed Forces, document such effects in medical records, and provide care to such members.

"(d) Pilot Program Relating to Monitoring of Blast Coverage.—

"(1) Authority.—The Director of the Defense Health Agency may conduct, as part of the Initiative, a pilot program under which the Director shall monitor blast overpressure exposure through the use of commercially available, off-the-shelf, wearable sensors or other remote measurement technology, and document and evaluate data collected as a result of such monitoring.

"(2) Locations.—Monitoring activities under a pilot program conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be carried out in each training environment that the Director determines poses a risk for blast overpressure exposure.

"(3) Documentation and sharing of data.—If the Director conducts a pilot program pursuant to paragraph (1), the Director shall—

"(A) ensure that any data collected pursuant to such pilot program that is related to the health effects of the blast overpressure exposure of a member of the Armed Forces who participated in the pilot program is documented and maintained by the Secretary of Defense in an electronic health record for the member; and

"(B) to the extent practicable, and in accordance with applicable provisions of law relating to data privacy, make data collected pursuant to such pilot program available to other academic and medical researchers for the purpose of informing future research and treatment options.

"(4) Weapons use.—Monitoring activities under a pilot program conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be carried out for any member of the Armed Forces firing tier 1 weapons in training or combat, as identified by the Secretary of Defense.

"(e) Reports on Warfighter Brain Health Initiative.—Not later than December 31, 2025, and not less frequently than annually thereafter for a period of five years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the following:

"(1) A description of the activities taken under the Initiative and resources expended under the Initiative during the prior fiscal year.

"(2) The number of members of the Armed Forces impacted by blast overpressure and blast exposure in the prior fiscal year, including—

"(A) the number of members who reported adverse health effects from blast overpressure or blast exposure;

"(B) the number of members exposed to blast overpressure or blast exposure;

"(C) the number of members who received treatment for injuries related to blast overpressure or blast exposure, including at facilities of the Department of Defense and at facilities in the private sector; and

"(D) the type of care that members receive from facilities of the Department of Defense and the type of care that members receive from facilities in the private sector.

"(3) A summary of the progress made during the prior fiscal year with respect to the objectives of the Initiative under subsection (b).

"(4) A description of the steps the Secretary is taking to ensure that activities under the Initiative are being implemented across the Department of Defense and the military departments.

"(f) Secretary Concerned Defined.—In this section, the term 'Secretary concerned' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code."

Establishment of Partnership Program Between United States and Ukraine for Military Trauma Care and Research

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §736, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2670, as amended by Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §721, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 305, provided that: "Not later than February 24, 2023, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a partnership with the appropriate counterpart from the Government of Ukraine for the establishment of a joint program on military trauma care and research. Such program shall consist of the following:

"(1) The sharing of relevant lessons learned from the Russo-Ukraine War.

"(2) The conduct of relevant joint conferences and exchanges with military medical professionals from Ukraine and the United States.

"(3) Collaboration with the armed forces of Ukraine on matters relating to health policy, health administration, and medical supplies and equipment, including through knowledge exchanges.

"(4) The conduct of joint research and development on the health effects of new and emerging weapons.

"(5) The entrance into agreements with military medical schools of Ukraine for reciprocal education programs under which students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences receive specialized military medical instruction at the such military medical schools of Ukraine and military medical personnel of Ukraine receive specialized military medical instruction at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, pursuant to section 2114(f) of title 10, United States Code.

"(6) The provision of support to Ukraine for the purpose of facilitating the establishment in Ukraine of a program substantially similar to the Wounded Warrior Program in the United States.

"(7) The provision of training and support to Ukraine for the treatment of individuals with extremity trauma, amputations, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and any other mental health conditions associated with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries, including—

"(A) the exchange of subject matter expertise;

"(B) training and support relating to advanced clinical skills development; and

"(C) training and support relating to clinical case management support.

"(8) The provision of training to the armed forces of Ukraine in the following areas:

"(A) Health matters relating to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons.

"(B) Preventive medicine and infectious disease.

"(C) Post traumatic stress disorder.

"(D) Suicide prevention.

"(9) The maintenance of a list of medical supplies and equipment needed.

"(10) Such other elements as the Secretary of Defense may determine appropriate."

Biennial Briefing on Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record

Pub. L. 117–168, title VIII, §802, Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1801, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than one year after the date on which the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record achieves full operational capability, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall provide the appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on—

"(1) the quality of the databases of the Department of Defense that provide the information presented in such Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record; and

"(2) the usefulness of such Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record or system in supporting members of the Armed Forces and veterans in receiving health care and benefits from the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(b) Elements.—Each briefing required by subsection (a) shall include, for the period covered by the report, the following:

"(1) An identification of potential exposures to occupational or environmental hazards captured by the current systems of the Department of Defense for environmental, occupational, and health monitoring, and recommendations for how to improve those systems.

"(2) An analysis of the quality and accuracy of the location data used by the Department of Defense in determining potential exposures to occupational or environmental hazards by members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and recommendations for how to improve the quality of such data if necessary.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Appropriate committees of congress.—The term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives.

"(2) Individual longitudinal exposure record.—The term 'Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record' has the meaning given such term in section 1171 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 202."

Appeals to Physical Evaluation Board Determinations of Fitness for Duty

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title V, §524, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1687, provided that: "Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall incorporate a formal appeals process (including timelines established by the Secretary of Defense) into the policies and procedures applicable to the implementation of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System of the Department of Defense. The appeals process shall include the following:

"(1) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that a member of the Armed Forces may submit a formal appeal made with respect to determinations of fitness for duty to a Physical Evaluation Board of such Secretary.

"(2) The appeals process shall include, at the request of such member, an impartial hearing on a fitness for duty determination to be conducted by the Secretary concerned.

"(3) Such member shall have the option to be represented at a hearing by legal counsel."

Improvement of Postpartum Care for Members of the Armed Forces and Dependents

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §707, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1782, provided that:

"(a) Clinical Practice Guidelines for Postpartum Care in Military Medical Treatment Facilities.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall establish clinical practice guidelines for the provision of postpartum care in military medical treatment facilities. Such guidelines shall take into account the recommendations of established professional medical associations and address the following matters:

"(1) Postpartum mental health assessments, including the appropriate intervals for furnishing such assessments and screening questions for such assessments (including questions relating to postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression).

"(2) Pelvic health evaluation and treatment, including the appropriate timing for furnishing a medical evaluation for pelvic health, considerations for providing consultations for physical therapy for pelvic health (including pelvic floor health), and the appropriate use of telehealth services.

"(3) Pelvic health rehabilitation services.

"(4) Obstetric hemorrhage treatment, including through the use of pathogen reduced resuscitative products.

"(b) Policy on Scheduling of Appointments for Postpartum Health Care Services.—

"(1) Policy required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a policy for the scheduling of appointments for postpartum health care services in military medical treatment facilities. In developing the policy, the Secretary shall consider the extent to which it is appropriate to facilitate concurrent scheduling of appointments for postpartum care with appointments for well-baby care.

"(2) Pilot program authorized.—The Secretary may carry out a pilot program in one or more military medical treatment facilities to evaluate the effect of concurrent scheduling, to the degree clinically appropriate, of the appointments specified in paragraph (1).

"(c) Policy on Postpartum Physical Fitness Tests and Body Composition Assessments.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a policy, which shall be standardized across each Armed Force to the extent practicable, for the time periods after giving birth that a member of the Armed Forces (including the reserve components) may be excused from, or provided an alternative to, a physical fitness test or a body composition assessment.

"(d) Briefing.—Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the implementation of the requirements under this section."

Implementation of Integrated Product for Management of Population Health Across Military Health System

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §722, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1792, provided that:

"(a) Integrated Product.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement an integrated product for the management of population health across the military health system. Such integrated product shall serve as a repository for the health care, demographic, and other relevant data of all covered beneficiaries, including with respect to data on health care services furnished to such beneficiaries through the purchased care and direct care components of the TRICARE program, and shall—

"(1) be compatible with the electronic health record system maintained by the Secretary for members of the Armed Forces;

"(2) enable the collection and stratification of data from multiple sources to measure population health goals, facilitate disease management programs of the Department, improve patient education, and integrate wellness services across the military health system; and

"(3) enable predictive modeling to improve health outcomes for patients and to facilitate the identification and correction of medical errors in the treatment of patients, issues regarding the quality of health care services provided, and gaps in health care coverage.

"(b) Considerations in Development.—In developing the integrated product under subsection (a), the Secretary shall harmonize such development with any policies of the Department relating to a digital health strategy (including the digital health strategy under section 723 [135 Stat. 1792]), coordinate with improvements to the electronic health record system specified in subsection (a)(1) to ensure the compatibility required under such subsection, and consider methods to improve beneficiary interface.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meanings given such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'integrated product' means an electronic system of systems (or solutions or products) that provides for the integration and sharing of data to meet the needs of an end user in a timely and cost-effective manner."

Mandatory Training on Health Effects of Burn Pits

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §725, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1795, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall provide to each medical provider of the Department of Defense mandatory training with respect to the potential health effects of burn pits."

Access by Covered Individuals to Certain Facilities of Department of Defense for Assessment and Treatment of Anomalous Health Conditions

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §732, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1797, as amended by Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title X, §1044(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2772, provided that:

"(a) Assessment.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide to covered individuals whom the Secretary determines are experiencing symptoms of certain anomalous health conditions, as defined by the Secretary for purposes of this section, timely access for medical assessment, subject to space availability, to the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, an Intrepid Spirit Center, or an appropriate military medical treatment facility, as determined by the Secretary.

"(b) Treatment.—With respect to an individual described in subsection (a) diagnosed with an anomalous health condition or a related affliction, whether diagnosed under an assessment under subsection (a) or otherwise, the Secretary of Defense shall furnish to the individual treatment for the condition or affliction, subject to space availability, at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, an Intrepid Spirit Center, or an appropriate military medical treatment facility, as determined by the Secretary.

"(c) Development of Process.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the heads of such Federal agencies as the Secretary considers appropriate, shall develop a process to ensure that covered individuals are afforded timely access to the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, an Intrepid Spirit Center, or an appropriate military medical treatment facility pursuant to subsection (a) by not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021].

"(d) Modification of Department of Defense Trauma Registry.—The Secretary of Defense shall modify the Trauma Registry of the Department of Defense to include data on the demographics, condition-producing event, diagnosis and treatment, and outcomes of anomalous health conditions experienced by covered individuals assessed or treated under this section, subject to the consent of the covered individual and, if applicable, an agreement with the employing agency.

"(e) Covered Individuals Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered individuals' means—

"(1) current and former employees of the United States Government and their family members; and

"(2) current and former members of the Armed Forces and their family members."

Military Health System Clinical Quality Management Program

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §744, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3708, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall implement a comprehensive program to be known as the 'Military Health System Clinical Quality Management Program' (in this section referred to as the 'Program').

"(b) Elements of Program.—The Program shall include, at a minimum, the following:

"(1) The implementation of systematic procedures to eliminate, to the extent feasible, risk of harm to patients at military medical treatment facilities, including through identification, investigation, and analysis of events indicating a risk of patient harm and corrective action plans to mitigate such risks.

"(2) With respect to a potential sentinel event (including those involving members of the Armed Forces) at a military medical treatment facility—

"(A) an analysis of such event, which shall occur and be documented as soon as possible after the event;

"(B) use of such analysis for clinical quality management; and

"(C) reporting of such event to the National Practitioner Data Bank in accordance with guidelines of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11101 et seq.), giving special emphasis to the results of external peer reviews of the event.

"(3) Validation of provider credentials and granting of clinical privileges by the Director of the Defense Health Agency for all health care providers at a military medical treatment facility.

"(4) Accreditation of military medical treatment facilities by a recognized external accreditation body.

"(5) Systematic measurement of indicators of health care quality, emphasizing clinical outcome measures, comparison of such indicators with benchmarks from leading health care quality improvement organizations, and transparency with the public of appropriate clinical measurements for military medical treatment facilities.

"(6) Systematic activities emphasized by leadership at all organizational levels to use all elements of the Program to eliminate unwanted variance throughout the health care system of the Department of Defense and make constant improvements in clinical quality.

"(7) A full range of procedures for productive communication between patients and health care providers regarding actual or perceived adverse clinical events at military medical treatment facilities, including procedures—

"(A) for full disclosure of such events (respecting the confidentiality of peer review information under a medical quality assurance program under section 1102 of title 10, United States Code);

"(B) providing an opportunity for the patient to be heard in relation to quality reviews; and

"(C) to resolve patient concerns by independent, neutral health care resolution specialists.

"(c) Additional Clinical Quality Management Activities.—

"(1) In general.—In addition to the elements of the Program set forth in subsection (b), the Secretary shall establish and maintain clinical quality management activities in relation to functions of the health care system of the Department separate from delivery of health care services in military medical treatment facilities.

"(2) Health care delivery outside military medical treatment facilities.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall maintain policies and procedures to promote clinical quality in health care delivery on ships and planes, in deployed settings, and in all other circumstances not covered by subsection (b), with the objective of implementing standards and procedures comparable, to the extent practicable, to those under such subsection.

"(3) Purchased care system.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall maintain policies and procedures for health care services provided outside the Department but paid for by the Department, reflecting best practices by public and private health care reimbursement and management systems."

Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §745, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3710, provided that:

"(a) Program.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program, to be known as the 'Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program', to provide assistance dogs to covered members and covered veterans.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'assistance dog' means a dog specifically trained to perform physical tasks to mitigate the effects of a covered disability, except that the term does not include a dog specifically trained for comfort or personal defense.

"(2) The term 'covered disability' means any of the following:

"(A) Blindness or visual impairment.

"(B) Loss of use of a limb, paralysis, or other significant mobility issues.

"(C) Loss of hearing.

"(D) Traumatic brain injury.

"(E) Post-traumatic stress disorder.

"(F) Any other disability that the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

"(3) The term 'covered member' means a member of the Armed Forces who is—

"(A) receiving medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code;

"(B) in medical hold or medical holdover status; or

"(C) covered under section 1202 or 1205 of title 10, United States Code.

"(4) The term 'covered veteran' means a veteran who is enrolled in the health care system established under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code."

Inclusion of Blast Exposure History in Medical Records of Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §717, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1453, provided that:

"(a) Requirement.—If a covered incident occurs with respect to a member of the Armed Forces, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall document blast exposure history in the medical record of the member to assist in determining whether a future illness or injury of the member is service-connected and inform future blast exposure risk mitigation efforts of the Department of Defense.

"(b) Elements.—A blast exposure history under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:

"(1) The date of the exposure.

"(2) The duration of the exposure, and, if known, the measured blast pressure experienced by the individual during such exposure.

"(3) Whether the exposure occurred during combat or training.

"(c) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the types of information included in a blast exposure history under subsection (a).

"(d) Covered Incident Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered incident' means a concussive event or injury that requires a military acute concussive evaluation by a skilled health care provider."

Modification to Referrals for Mental Health Services

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §722, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1457, provided that: "If the Secretary of Defense is unable to provide mental health services in a military medical treatment facility to a member of the Armed Forces within 15 days of the date on which such services are first requested by the member, the Secretary may refer the member to a provider under the TRICARE program (as that term is defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code) to receive such services."

Medical Simulation Technology and Live Tissue Training

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §718, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1816, provided that:

"(a) In General.—

"(1) Use of simulation technology.—Except as provided by paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall use medical simulation technology, to the maximum extent practicable, before the use of live tissue training to train medical professionals and combat medics of the Department of Defense.

"(2) Determination.—The use of live tissue training within the Department of Defense may be used as determined necessary by the medical chain of command.

"(b) Briefing.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018], the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretaries of the military departments, shall provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate on the use and benefit of medical simulation technology and live tissue training within the Department of Defense to train medical professionals, combat medics, and members of the Special Operations Forces.

"(c) Elements.—The briefing under subsection (b) shall include the following:

"(1) A discussion of the benefits and needs of both medical simulation technology and live tissue training.

"(2) Ways and means to enhance and advance the use of simulation technologies in training.

"(3) An assessment of current medical simulation technology requirements, gaps, and limitations.

"(4) An overview of Department of Defense medical training programs, as of the date of the briefing, that use live tissue training and medical simulation technologies.

"(5) Any other matters the Secretary determines appropriate."

Inclusion of Gambling Disorder in Health Assessments of Members of the Armed Forces and Related Research Efforts

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §733, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1818, provided that:

"(a) Inclusion in Next Annual Periodic Health Assessments.—The Secretary of Defense shall incorporate medical screening questions specific to gambling disorder into the Annual Periodic Health Assessments of members of the Armed Forces conducted by the Department of Defense during the one-year period beginning 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018].

"(b) Inclusion in Certain Surveys.—The Secretary shall incorporate into ongoing research efforts of the Department questions on gambling disorder, as appropriate, including by restoring such questions to the following:

"(1) The first Health Related Behaviors Survey of Active Duty Military Personnel conducted after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(2) The first Health Related Behaviors Survey of Reserve Component Personnel conducted after that date.

"(c) Reports.—Not later than one year after the date of the completion of the assessment referred to in subsection (a), and of each survey referred to in subsection (b), as modified pursuant to this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the assessment or survey in connection with the prevalence of gambling disorder among members of the Armed Forces."

Joint Trauma System

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §707, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2208, provided that:

"(a) Plan.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate an implementation plan to establish a Joint Trauma System within the Defense Health Agency that promotes improved trauma care to members of the Armed Forces and other individuals who are eligible to be treated for trauma at a military medical treatment facility.

"(2) Implementation.—The Secretary shall implement the plan under paragraph (1) after a 90-day period has elapsed following the date on which the Comptroller General of the United States is required to submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate the review under subsection (c). In implementing such plan, the Secretary shall take into account any recommendation made by the Comptroller General under such review.

"(b) Elements.—The Joint Trauma System described in subsection (a)(1) shall include the following elements:

"(1) Serve as the reference body for all trauma care provided across the military health system.

"(2) Establish standards of care for trauma services provided at military medical treatment facilities.

"(3) Coordinate the translation of research from the centers of excellence of the Department of Defense into standards of clinical trauma care.

"(4) Coordinate the incorporation of lessons learned from the trauma education and training partnerships pursuant to section 708 into clinical practice.

"(c) Review.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate the implementation plan under subsection (a)(1), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to such committees a review of such plan to determine if each element under subsection (b) is included in such plan.

"(d) Review of Military Trauma System.—In establishing a Joint Trauma System, the Secretary of Defense may seek to enter into an agreement with a non-governmental entity with subject matter experts to—

"(1) conduct a system-wide review of the military trauma system, including a comprehensive review of combat casualty care and wartime trauma systems during the period beginning on January 1, 2001, and ending on the date of the review, including an assessment of lessons learned to improve combat casualty care in future conflicts; and

"(2) make publicly available a report containing such review and recommendations to establish a comprehensive trauma system for the Armed Forces."

Joint Trauma Education and Training Directorate

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §721, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1456, provided that:

"(a) Partnerships.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense, through the Joint Trauma Education and Training Directorate established under section 708 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note), may develop partnerships with civilian academic medical centers and large metropolitan teaching hospitals to improve combat casualty care for personnel of the Armed Forces.

"(2) Partnerships with level i trauma centers.—In carrying out partnerships under paragraph (1), trauma surgeons and physicians of the Department of Defense may partner with level I civilian trauma centers to provide training and readiness for the next generation of medical providers to treat critically injured burn patients.

"(b) Support of Partnerships.—The Secretary of Defense may make every effort to support partnerships under the Joint Trauma Education and Training Directorate with academic institutions that have level I civilian trauma centers, specifically those centers with a burn center, that offer burn rotations and clinical experience to provide training and readiness for the next generation of medical providers to treat critically injured burn patients.

"(c) Level I Civilian Trauma Center Defined.—In this section, the term 'level I civilian trauma center' has the meaning given that term in section 708 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note)."

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §708, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2209, as amended by Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §719, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1817; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title III, §373(b), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1667, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a Joint Trauma Education and Training Directorate (in this section referred to as the 'Directorate') to ensure that the traumatologists of the Armed Forces maintain readiness and are able to be rapidly deployed for future armed conflicts. The Secretary shall carry out this section in collaboration with the Secretaries of the military departments.

"(b) Duties.—The duties of the Directorate are as follows:

"(1) To enter into and coordinate the partnerships under subsection (c).

"(2) To establish the goals of such partnerships necessary for trauma teams led by traumatologists to maintain professional competency in trauma care.

"(3) To establish metrics for measuring the performance of such partnerships in achieving such goals.

"(4) To develop methods of data collection and analysis for carrying out paragraph (3).

"(5) To communicate and coordinate lessons learned from such partnerships with the Joint Trauma System established under section 707 [set out as a note above].

"(6) To develop standardized combat casualty care instruction for all members of the Armed Forces, including the use of standardized trauma training platforms.

"(7) To develop a comprehensive trauma care registry to compile relevant data from point of injury through rehabilitation with respect to both members of the Armed Forces and military working dogs.

"(8) To develop quality of care outcome measures for combat casualty care.

"(9) To inform and advise the conduct of research on the leading causes of morbidity and mortality of members of the Armed Forces and military working dogs in combat.

"(c) Partnerships.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary may enter into partnerships with civilian academic medical centers and trauma centers to provide integrated combat trauma teams, including forward surgical teams, with maximum exposure to a high volume of patients with critical injuries.

"(2) Trauma teams.—Under the partnerships entered into under paragraph (1), trauma teams of the Armed Forces led by traumatologists of the Armed Forces shall embed within trauma centers on an enduring basis.

"(3) Selection.—The Secretary shall select civilian academic medical centers and trauma centers to enter into partnerships under paragraph (1) based on patient volume, acuity, and other factors the Secretary determines necessary to ensure that the traumatologists of the Armed Forces and the associated clinical support teams have adequate and continuous exposure to critically injured patients.

"(4) Consideration.—In entering into partnerships under paragraph (1), the Secretary may consider the experiences and lessons learned by the military departments that have entered into memoranda of understanding with civilian medical centers for trauma care.

"(d) Personnel Management Plan.—

"(1) Plan.—The Secretary shall establish a personnel management plan for the following wartime medical specialties:

"(A) Emergency medical services and prehospital care.

"(B) Trauma surgery.

"(C) Critical care.

"(D) Anesthesiology.

"(E) Emergency medicine.

"(F) Other wartime medical specialties the Secretary determines appropriate for purposes of the plan.

"(2) Elements.—The elements of the plan established under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, the following:

"(A) An accession plan for the number of qualified medical personnel to maintain wartime medical specialties on an annual basis in order to maintain the required number of trauma teams as determined by the Secretary.

"(B) The number of positions required in each such medical specialty.

"(C) Crucial organizational and operational assignments for personnel in each such medical specialty.

"(D) Career pathways for personnel in each such medical specialty.

"(3) Implementation.—The Secretaries of the military departments shall carry out the plan established under paragraph (1).

"(e) Implementation Plan.—Not later than July 1, 2017, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate an implementation plan for establishing the Joint Trauma Education and Training Directorate under subsection (a), entering into partnerships under subsection (c), and establishing the plan under subsection (d).

"(f) Level I Civilian Trauma Center Defined.—In this section, the term 'level I civilian trauma center' means a comprehensive regional resource that is a tertiary care facility central to the trauma system and is capable of providing total care for every aspect of injury from prevention through rehabilitation."

Standardized System for Scheduling Medical Appointments at Military Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §709, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2211, provided that:

"(a) Standardized System.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Defense shall implement a system for scheduling medical appointments at military treatment facilities that is standardized throughout the military health system to enable timely access to care for covered beneficiaries.

"(2) Lack of variance.—The system implemented under paragraph (1) shall ensure that the appointment scheduling processes and procedures used within the military health system do not vary among military treatment facilities.

"(b) Sole System.—Upon implementation of the system under subsection (a), no military treatment facility may use an appointment scheduling process other than such system.

"(c) Scheduling of Appointments.—

"(1) In general.—Under the system implemented under subsection (a), each military treatment facility shall use a centralized appointment scheduling capability for covered beneficiaries that includes the ability to schedule appointments manually via telephone as described in paragraph (2) or automatically via a device that is connected to the Internet through an online scheduling system described in paragraph (3).

"(2) Telephone appointment process.—

"(A) In general.—In the case of a covered beneficiary who contacts a military treatment facility via telephone to schedule an appointment under the system implemented under subsection (a), the Secretary shall implement standard processes to ensure that the needs of the covered beneficiary are met during the first such telephone call.

"(B) Matters included.—The standard processes implemented under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:

"(i) The ability of a covered beneficiary, during the telephone call to schedule an appointment, to also schedule wellness visits or follow-up appointments during the 180-day period beginning on the date of the request for the visit or appointment.

"(ii) The ability of a covered beneficiary to indicate the process through which the covered beneficiary prefers to be reminded of future appointments, which may include reminder telephone calls, emails, or cellular text messages to the covered beneficiary at specified intervals prior to appointments.

"(3) Online system.—

"(A) In general.—The Secretary shall implement an online scheduling system that is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, for purposes of scheduling appointments under the system implemented under subsection (a).

"(B) Capabilities of online system.—The online scheduling system implemented under subparagraph (A) shall have the following capabilities:

"(i) An ability to send automated email and text message reminders, including repeat reminders, to patients regarding upcoming appointments.

"(ii) An ability to store appointment records to ensure rapid access by medical personnel to appointment data.

"(d) Standards for Productivity of Health Care Providers.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary shall implement standards for the productivity of health care providers at military treatment facilities.

"(2) Matters considered.—In developing standards under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider—

"(A) civilian benchmarks for measuring the productivity of health care providers;

"(B) the optimal number of medical appointments for each health care provider that would be required, as determined by the Secretary, to maintain access of covered beneficiaries to health care from the Department; and

"(C) the readiness requirements of the Armed Forces.

"(e) Plan.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than January 1, 2017, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a comprehensive plan to implement the system required under subsection (a).

"(2) Elements.—The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A description of the manual appointment process to be used at military treatment facilities under the system required under subsection (a).

"(B) A description of the automated appointment process to be used at military treatment facilities under such system.

"(C) A timeline for the full implementation of such system throughout the military health system.

"(f) Briefing.—Not later than February 1, 2018, the Secretary shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the implementation of the system required under subsection (a) and the standards for the productivity of health care providers required under subsection (d).

"(g) Report on Missed Appointments.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than March 1 each year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the total number of medical appointments at military treatment facilities for which a covered beneficiary failed to appear without prior notification during the one-year period preceding the submittal of the report.

"(2) Elements.—Each report under paragraph (1) shall include for each military treatment facility the following:

"(A) An identification of the top five reasons for a covered beneficiary missing an appointment.

"(B) A comparison of the number of missed appointments for specialty care versus primary care.

"(C) An estimate of the cost to the Department of Defense of missed appointments.

"(D) An assessment of strategies to reduce the number of missed appointments.

"(h) Covered Beneficiary Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered beneficiary' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

[For termination, effective Dec. 30, 2021, of reporting requirements in section 709(g) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out above, see section 1702(a), (b), of Pub. L. 116–92, set out as a Termination of Reporting Requirements note under section 111 of this title.]

Evaluation and Treatment of Veterans and Civilians at Military Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §717, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2223, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §712, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1437, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall authorize a veteran (in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) or civilian to be evaluated and treated at a military treatment facility if the Secretary of Defense determines that—

"(1) the evaluation and treatment of the individual is necessary to attain the relevant mix and volume of medical casework required to maintain medical readiness skills and competencies of health care providers at the facility;

"(2) the health care providers at the facility have the competencies, skills, and abilities required to treat the individual; and

"(3) the facility has available space, equipment, and materials to treat the individual.

"(b) Priority of Covered Beneficiaries.—

"(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the evaluation and treatment of covered beneficiaries at military treatment facilities shall be prioritized ahead of the evaluation and treatment of veterans and civilians at such facilities under subsection (a).

"(2) Waiver.—The Secretary may waive the requirement under paragraph (1) in order to provide timely evaluation and treatment for individuals who are—

"(A) severely wounded or injured by acts of terror that occur in the United States; or

"(B) residents of the United States who are severely wounded or injured by acts of terror outside the United States.

"(c) Reimbursement for Treatment.—

"(1) Civilians.—A military treatment facility that evaluates or treats an individual (other than an individual described in paragraph (2)) under subsection (a) shall bill the individual and accept reimbursement from the individual or a third-party payer (as that term is defined in section 1095(h) of title 10, United States Code) on behalf of such individual for the costs of any health care services provided to the individual under such subsection.

"(2) Veterans.—The Secretary of Defense shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs will pay a military treatment facility using a prospective payment methodology (including interagency transfers of funds or obligational authority and similar transactions) for the costs of any health care services provided at the facility under subsection (a) to individuals eligible for such health care services from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(3) Use of amounts.—The Secretary of Defense shall make available to a military treatment facility any amounts collected by such facility under paragraph (1) or (2) for health care services provided to an individual under subsection (a).

"(d) Covered Beneficiary Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered beneficiary' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Enhancement of Use of Telehealth Services in Military Health System

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §718, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2224, provided that:

"(a) Incorporation of Telehealth.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary of Defense shall incorporate, throughout the direct care and purchased care components of the military health system, the use of telehealth services, including mobile health applications—

"(A) to improve access to primary care, urgent care, behavioral health care, and specialty care;

"(B) to perform health assessments;

"(C) to provide diagnoses, interventions, and supervision;

"(D) to monitor individual health outcomes of covered beneficiaries with chronic diseases or conditions;

"(E) to improve communication between health care providers and patients; and

"(F) to reduce health care costs for covered beneficiaries and the Department of Defense.

"(2) Types of telehealth services.—The telehealth services required to be incorporated under paragraph (1) shall include those telehealth services that—

"(A) maximize the use of secure messaging between health care providers and covered beneficiaries to improve the access of covered beneficiaries to health care and reduce the number of visits to medical facilities for health care needs;

"(B) allow covered beneficiaries to schedule appointments; and

"(C) allow health care providers, through video conference, telephone or tablet applications, or home health monitoring devices—

"(i) to assess and evaluate disease signs and symptoms;

"(ii) to diagnose diseases;

"(iii) to supervise treatments; and

"(iv) to monitor health outcomes.

"(b) Coverage of Items or Services.—An item or service furnished to a covered beneficiary via a telecommunications system shall be covered under the TRICARE program to the same extent as the item or service would be covered if furnished in the location of the covered beneficiary.

"(c) Reimbursement Rates for Telehealth Services.—The Secretary shall develop standardized payment methods to reimburse health care providers for telehealth services provided to covered beneficiaries in the purchased care component of the TRICARE program, including by using reimbursement rates that incentivize the provision of telehealth services.

"(d) Reduction or Elimination of Copayments.—The Secretary shall reduce or eliminate, as the Secretary considers appropriate, copayments or cost shares for covered beneficiaries in connection with the receipt of telehealth services under the purchased care component of the TRICARE program.

"(e) Reports.—

"(1) Initial report.—

"(A) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report describing the full range of telehealth services to be available in the direct care and purchased care components of the military health system and the copayments and cost shares, if any, associated with those services.

"(B) Reimbursement plan.—The report required under subparagraph (A) shall include a plan to develop standardized payment methods to reimburse health care providers for telehealth services provided to covered beneficiaries in the purchased care component of the TRICARE program, as required under subsection (c).

"(2) Final report.—

"(A) In general.—Not later than three years after the date on which the Secretary begins incorporating, throughout the direct care and purchased care components of the military health system, the use of telehealth services as required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report describing the impact made by the use of telehealth services, including mobile health applications, to carry out the actions specified in subparagraphs (A) through (F) of subsection (a)(1).

"(B) Elements.—The report required under subparagraph (A) shall include an assessment of the following:

"(i) The satisfaction of covered beneficiaries with telehealth services furnished by the Department of Defense.

"(ii) The satisfaction of health care providers in providing telehealth services furnished by the Department.

"(iii) The effect of telehealth services furnished by the Department on the following:

     "(I) The ability of covered beneficiaries to access health care services in the direct care and purchased care components of the military health system.

     "(II) The frequency of use of telehealth services by covered beneficiaries.

     "(III) The productivity of health care providers providing care furnished by the Department.

     "(IV) The reduction, if any, in the use by covered beneficiaries of health care services in military treatment facilities or medical facilities in the private sector.

     "(V) The number and types of appointments for the receipt of telehealth services furnished by the Department.

     "(VI) The savings, if any, realized by the Department by furnishing telehealth services to covered beneficiaries.

"(f) Regulations.—

"(1) Interim final rule.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary shall prescribe an interim final rule to implement this section.

"(2) Final rule.—Not later than 180 days after prescribing the interim final rule under paragraph (1) and considering public comments with respect to such interim final rule, the Secretary shall prescribe a final rule to implement this section.

"(3) Objectives.—The regulations prescribed under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall accomplish the objectives set forth in subsection (a) and ensure quality of care, patient safety, and the integrity of the TRICARE program.

"(g) Definitions.—In this section, the terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meaning given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Program To Eliminate Variability in Health Outcomes and Improve Quality of Health Care Services Delivered in Military Medical Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §726, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2231, provided that:

"(a) Program.—Beginning not later than January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Defense shall implement a program—

"(1) to establish best practices for the delivery of health care services for certain diseases or conditions at military medical treatment facilities, as selected by the Secretary;

"(2) to incorporate such best practices into the daily operations of military medical treatment facilities selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program, with priority in selection given to facilities that provide specialty care; and

"(3) to eliminate variability in health outcomes and to improve the quality of health care services delivered at military medical treatment facilities selected by the Secretary for purposes of the program.

"(b) Use of Clinical Practice Guidelines.—In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop, implement, monitor, and update clinical practice guidelines reflecting the best practices established under paragraph (1) of such subsection.

"(c) Development.—In developing the clinical practice guidelines under subsection (b), the Secretary shall ensure that such development includes a baseline assessment of health care delivery and outcomes at military medical treatment facilities to evaluate and determine evidence-based best practices, within the direct care component of the military health system and the private sector, for treating the diseases or conditions selected by the Secretary under subsection (a)(1).

"(d) Implementation.—The Secretary shall implement the clinical practice guidelines under subsection (b) in military medical treatment facilities selected by the Secretary under subsection (a)(2) using means determined appropriate by the Secretary, including by communicating with the relevant health care providers of the evidence upon which the guidelines are based and by providing education and training on the most appropriate implementation of the guidelines.

"(e) Monitoring.—The Secretary shall monitor the implementation of the clinical practice guidelines under subsection (b) using appropriate means, including by monitoring the results in clinical outcomes based on specific metrics included as part of the guidelines.

"(f) Updating.—The Secretary shall periodically update the clinical practice guidelines under subsection (b) based on the results of monitoring conducted under subsection (e) and by continuously assessing evidence-based best practices within the direct care component of the military health system and the private sector.

"(g) Continuous Cycle.—The Secretary shall establish a continuous cycle of carrying out subsections (c) through (f) with respect to the clinical practice guidelines established under subsection (a)."

Adoption of Core Quality Performance Metrics

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §728(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2233, provided that:

"(a) Adoption.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary of Defense shall adopt, to the extent appropriate, the core quality performance metrics agreed upon by the Core Quality Measures Collaborative for use by the military health system and in contracts awarded to carry out the TRICARE program.

"(2) Core measures.—The core quality performance metrics described in paragraph (1) shall include the following sets:

"(A) Accountable care organizations, patient centered medical homes, and primary care.

"(B) Cardiology.

"(C) Gastroenterology.

"(D) HIV and hepatitis C.

"(E) Medical oncology.

"(F) Obstetrics and gynecology.

"(G) Orthopedics.

"(H) Such other sets of core quality performance metrics released by the Core Quality Measures Collaborative as the Secretary considers appropriate."

[For definitions of terms used in section 728(a) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out above, see section 728(c) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out below.]

Accountability for the Performance of the Military Health System of Certain Leaders Within the System

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §730, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2235, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall incorporate into the annual performance review of each military and civilian leader in the military health system, as determined by the Secretary of Defense, measures of accountability for the performance of the military health system described in subsection (b).

"(b) Measures of Accountability for Performance.—The measures of accountability for the performance of the military health system incorporated into the annual performance review of an individual pursuant to this section shall include measures to assess performance and assure accountability for the following:

"(1) Quality of care.

"(2) Access of beneficiaries to care.

"(3) Improvement in health outcomes for beneficiaries.

"(4) Patient safety.

"(5) Such other matters as the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, considers appropriate.

"(c) Report on Implementation.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the incorporation of measures of accountability for the performance of the military health system into the annual performance reviews of individuals as required by this section.

"(2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A comprehensive plan for the use of measures of accountability for performance in annual performance reviews pursuant to this section as a means of assessing and assuring accountability for the performance of the military health system.

"(B) The identification of each leadership position in the military health system determined under subsection (a) and a description of the specific measures of accountability for performance to be incorporated into the annual performance reviews of each such position pursuant to this section."

Establishment of Advisory Committees for Military Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §731, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2236, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish, under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, an advisory committee for each military treatment facility.

"(b) Status of Certain Members of Advisory Committees.—A member of an advisory committee established under subsection (a) who is not a member of the Armed Forces on active duty or an employee of the Federal Government shall, with the approval of the commanding officer or director of the military treatment facility concerned, be treated as a volunteer under section 1588 of title 10, United States Code, in carrying out the duties of the member under this section.

"(c) Duties.—Each advisory committee established under subsection (a) for a military treatment facility shall provide to the commanding officer or director of such facility advice on the administration and activities of such facility as it relates to the experience of care for beneficiaries at such facility."

Provision of Information to Members of the Armed Forces on Privacy Rights Relating to Receipt of Mental Health Services

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §523, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3361, provided that:

"(a) Provision of Information Required.—The Secretaries of the military departments shall ensure that the information described in subsection (b) is provided—

"(1) to each officer candidate during initial training;

"(2) to each recruit during basic training; and

"(3) to other members of the Armed Forces at such times as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

"(b) Required Information.—The information required to be provided under subsection (a) shall include information on the applicability of the Department of Defense Instruction on Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information in DoD Health Care Programs and other regulations regarding privacy prescribed pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–191) to records regarding a member of the Armed Forces seeking and receiving mental health services."

Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Medical Facilities of the Department of Defense

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §727, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3420, required the Secretary of Defense, no later than 180 days after Dec. 19, 2014, to carry out and report to Congress on an antimicrobial stewardship program at medical facilities of the Department of Defense.

Comprehensive Policy on Improvements to Care and Transition of Members of the Armed Forces With Urotrauma

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title VII, §703, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 791, required development and implementation of a comprehensive policy on improvements to the care, management, and transition of recovering Armed Forces members with urotrauma no later than 180 days after Dec. 26, 2013, with a report to Congress no later than one year after the implementation of the policy.

Electronic Health Records of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title VII, §713, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 794, which required the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to ensure that the electronic health records systems of their departments were interoperable and met certain standards and requirements and adhered to certain principles, was repealed by Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §715(i), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1453. See section 1635 of Pub. L. 110–181, set out in a note below.

Research and Medical Practice on Mental Health Conditions

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §725, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1806, required the Secretary of Defense to create a policy on medical practices from research on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions and to submit a report to Congress no later than 180 days after Jan. 2, 2013.

Plan for Reform of the Administration of the Military Health System

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §731, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1815, required the Secretary of Defense to develop a detailed plan to carry out reforms to the governance of the military health system and to submit a series of reports to Congress, with the final report due on Sept. 30, 2013.

Performance Metrics and Reports on Warriors in Transition Programs of the Military Departments

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §738, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1820, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1051(r)(3), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1565, provided that:

"(a) Metrics Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a policy containing uniform performance outcome measurements to be used by each Secretary of a military department in tracking and monitoring members of the Armed Forces in Warriors in Transition programs.

"(b) Elements.—The policy established under subsection (a) shall identify outcome measurements with respect to the following:

"(1) Physical health and behavioral health.

"(2) Rehabilitation.

"(3) Educational and vocational preparation.

"(4) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(c) Milestones.—In establishing the policy under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall establish metrics and milestones for members in Warriors in Transition programs. Such metrics and milestones shall cover members throughout the course of care and rehabilitation in Warriors in Transitions programs by applying to the following occasions:

"(1) When the member commences participation in the program.

"(2) At least once each year the member participates in the program.

"(3) When the member ceases participation in the program or is transferred to the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(d) Cohort Groups and Parameters.—The policy established under subsection (a)—

"(1) may differentiate among cohort groups within the population of members in Warriors in Transition programs, as appropriate; and

"(2) shall include parameters for specific outcome measurements in each element under subsection (b) and each metric and milestone under subsection (c).

"(e) Warriors in Transition Program Defined.—In this section, the term 'Warriors in Transition program' means any major support program of the Armed Forces for members of the Armed Forces with severe wounds, illnesses, or injuries that is intended to provide such members with nonmedical case management service and care coordination services, and includes the programs as follows:

"(1) Warrior Transition Units and the Wounded Warrior Program of the Army.

"(2) The Wounded Warrior Safe Harbor program of the Navy.

"(3) The Wounded Warrior Regiment of the Marine Corps.

"(4) The Recovery Care Program and the Wounded Warrior programs of the Air Force.

"(5) The Care Coalition of the United States Special Operations Command."

Suicide Prevention Policies and Programs

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title V, §591, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 832, provided that:

"(a) Development of Policy.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, may develop a policy to coordinate the efforts of the Department of Defense and non-government suicide prevention organizations regarding—

"(1) the use of such non-government organizations to reduce the number of suicides among members of the Armed Forces by comprehensively addressing the needs of members of the Armed Forces who have been identified as being at risk of suicide;

"(2) the delineation of the responsibilities within the Department of Defense regarding interaction with such organizations;

"(3) the collection of data regarding the efficacy and cost of coordinating with such organizations; and

"(4) the preparation and preservation of any reporting material the Secretary determines necessary to carry out the policy.

"(b) Suicide Prevention Efforts.—The Secretary of Defense is authorized to take any necessary measures to prevent suicides by members of the Armed Forces, including by facilitating the access of members of the Armed Forces to successful non-governmental treatment regimen."

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §567, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3385, provided that:

"(a) Policy for Standard Suicide Data Collection, Reporting, and Assessment.—

"(1) Policy required.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a policy for the development of a standard method for collecting, reporting, and assessing information regarding—

"(A) any suicide or attempted suicide involving a member of the Armed Forces, including reserve components thereof; and

"(B) any death that is reported as a suicide involving a dependent of a member of the Armed Forces.

"(2) Purpose of policy.—The purpose of the policy required by this subsection is to improve the consistency and comprehensiveness of—

"(A) the suicide prevention policy developed pursuant to section 582 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note); and

"(B) the suicide prevention and resilience program for the National Guard and Reserves established pursuant to section 10219 of title 10, United States Code.

"(3) Consultation.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop the policy required by this subsection in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

"(b) Submission and Implementation of Policy.—

"(1) Submission.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 19, 2014], the Secretary of Defense shall submit the policy developed under subsection (a) to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

"(2) Implementation.—The Secretaries of the military departments shall implement the policy developed under subsection (a) not later than 180 days after the date of the submittal of the policy under paragraph (1).

"(c) Dependent Defined.—In this section, the term 'dependent', with respect to a member of the Armed Forces, means a person described in section 1072(2) of title 10, United States Code, except that, in the case of a parent or parent-in-law of the member, the income requirements of subparagraph (E) of such section do not apply."

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §580, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1764, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, establish within the Office of the Secretary of Defense a position with responsibility for oversight of all suicide prevention and resilience programs of the Department of Defense (including those of the military departments and the Armed Forces).

"(b) Scope of Responsibilities.—The individual serving in the position established under subsection (a) shall have the responsibilities as follows:

"(1) To establish a uniform definition of resiliency for use in the suicide prevention and resilience programs and preventative behavioral health programs of the Department of Defense (including those of the military departments and the Armed Forces).

"(2) To oversee the implementation of the comprehensive policy on the prevention of suicide among members of the Armed Forces required by section 582."

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §582, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1766, provided that:

"(a) Comprehensive Policy Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 2013], the Secretary of Defense shall, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, develop within the Department of Defense a comprehensive policy on the prevention of suicide among members of the Armed Forces. In developing the policy, the Secretary shall consider recommendations from the operational elements of the Armed Forces regarding the feasibility of the implementation and execution of particular elements of the policy.

"(b) Elements.—The policy required by subsection (a) shall cover each of the following:

"(1) Increased awareness among members of the Armed Forces about mental health conditions and the stigma associated with mental health conditions and mental health care.

"(2) The means of identifying members who are at risk for suicide (including enhanced means for early identification and treatment of such members).

"(3) The continuous access by members to suicide prevention services, including suicide crisis services.

"(4) The means to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the suicide prevention and resilience programs and preventative behavioral health programs of the Department of Defense (including those of the military departments and the Armed Forces), including the development of metrics for that purpose.

"(5) The means to evaluate and assess the current diagnostic tools and treatment methods in the programs referred to in paragraph (4) to ensure clinical best practices are used in such programs.

"(6) The standard of care for suicide prevention to be used throughout the Department.

"(7) The training of mental health care providers on suicide prevention.

"(8) The training standards for behavioral health care providers to ensure that such providers receive training on clinical best practices and evidence-based treatments as information on such practices and treatments becomes available.

"(9) The integration of mental health screenings and suicide risk and prevention for members into the delivery of primary care for such members.

"(10) The standards for responding to attempted or completed suicides among members, including guidance and training to assist commanders in addressing incidents of attempted or completed suicide within their units.

"(11) The means to ensure the protection of the privacy of members seeking or receiving treatment relating to suicide.

"(12) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate in connection with the prevention of suicide among members."

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §533(a), (b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1404, provided that:

"(a) Program Enhancement.—The Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to enhance the suicide prevention program of the Department of Defense through the provision of suicide prevention information and resources to members of the Armed Forces from their initial enlistment or appointment through their final retirement or separation.

"(b) Cooperative Effort.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop suicide prevention information and resources in consultation with—

"(1) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services; and

"(2) to the extent appropriate, institutions of higher education and other public and private entities, including international entities, with expertise regarding suicide prevention."

Treatment of Wounded Warriors

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §722, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1479, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense may establish a program to enter into partnerships to enable coordinated, rapid clinical evaluation and the application of evidence-based treatment strategies for wounded service members, with an emphasis on the most common musculoskeletal injuries, that will address the priorities of the Armed Forces with respect to retention and readiness."

Comprehensive Plan on Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Disposition of Substance Abuse Offenders in the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §596, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2339, provided for a comprehensive review of programs and policies regarding substance abuse disorders in members of the Armed Forces and the development of a plan for improvement and enhancement of such programs and policies by the Secretary of Defense and for a report to Congress on modification and improvements made following an independent study of the programs that was to be completed no later than two years after Oct. 28, 2009.

Comprehensive Policy on Pain Management by the Military Health Care System

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §711, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2378, provided that:

"(a) Comprehensive Policy Required.—Not later than March 31, 2011, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a comprehensive policy on pain management by the military health care system.

"(b) Scope of Policy.—The policy required by subsection (a) shall cover each of the following:

"(1) The management of acute and chronic pain.

"(2) The standard of care for pain management to be used throughout the Department of Defense.

"(3) The consistent application of pain assessments throughout the Department of Defense.

"(4) The assurance of prompt and appropriate pain care treatment and management by the Department when medically necessary.

"(5) Programs of research related to acute and chronic pain, including pain attributable to central and peripheral nervous system damage characteristic of injuries incurred in modern warfare, brain injuries, and chronic migraine headache.

"(6) Programs of pain care education and training for health care personnel of the Department.

"(7) Programs of patient education for members suffering from acute or chronic pain and their families.

"(c) Updates.—The Secretary shall revise the policy required by subsection (a) on a periodic basis in accordance with experience and evolving best practice guidelines.

"(d) Annual Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the commencement of the implementation of the policy required by subsection (a), and on October 1 each year thereafter through 2018, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the policy.

"(2) Elements.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A description of the policy implemented under subsection (a), and any revisions to such policy under subsection (c).

"(B) A description of the performance measures used to determine the effectiveness of the policy in improving pain care for beneficiaries enrolled in the military health care system.

"(C) An assessment of the adequacy of Department pain management services based on a current survey of patients managed in Department clinics.

"(D) An assessment of the research projects of the Department relevant to the treatment of the types of acute and chronic pain suffered by members of the Armed Forces and their families.

"(E) An assessment of the training provided to Department health care personnel with respect to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain.

"(F) An assessment of the pain care education programs of the Department.

"(G) An assessment of the dissemination of information on pain management to beneficiaries enrolled in the military health care system."

Plan To Increase the Mental Health Capabilities of the Department of Defense

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §714, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2381, as amended by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(d)(8), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4373, directed each military department to increase by a specified amount the number of active duty mental health personnel no later than 180 days after Oct. 28, 2009, and required the Secretary of Defense to report on the appropriate number of mental health personnel required to meet the mental health care needs of members of the Armed Forces, retired members, and dependents; to develop and implement a plan to significantly increase the number of military and civilian mental health personnel by Sept. 30, 2013; and to report on an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of establishing one or more military mental health specialties for officers or enlisted members of the Armed Forces.

Study and Plan To Improve Military Health Care

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §721, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2385, provided that:

"(a) Study and Report Required.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the health care needs of dependents (as defined in section 1072(2) of title 10, United States Code). The report shall include, at a minimum, the following:

"(1) With respect to both the direct care system and the purchased care system, an analysis of the type of health care facility in which dependents seek care.

"(2) The 10 most common medical conditions for which dependents seek care.

"(3) The availability of and access to health care providers to treat the conditions identified under paragraph (2), both in the direct care system and the purchased care system.

"(4) Any shortfalls in the ability of dependents to obtain required health care services.

"(5) Recommendations on how to improve access to care for dependents.

"(6) With respect to dependents accompanying a member stationed at a military installation outside of the United States, the need for and availability of mental health care services.

"(b) Enhanced Military Health System and Improved TRICARE.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall undertake actions to enhance the capability of the military health system and improve the TRICARE program.

"(2) Elements.—In undertaking actions to enhance the capability of the military health system and improve the TRICARE program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the following actions:

"(A) Actions to guarantee the availability of care within established access standards for eligible beneficiaries, based on the results of the study required by subsection (a).

"(B) Actions to expand and enhance sharing of health care resources among Federal health care programs, including designated providers (as that term is defined in section 721(5) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104–201; 110 Stat. 2593; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note)).

"(C) Actions using medical technology to speed and simplify referrals for specialty care.

"(D) Actions to improve regional or national staffing capabilities in order to enhance support provided to military medical treatment facilities facing staff shortages.

"(E) Actions to improve health care access for members of the reserve components and their families, including such access with respect to mental health care and consideration of access issues for members and their families located in rural areas.

"(F) Actions to ensure consistency throughout the TRICARE program to comply with access standards, which are applicable to both commanders of military treatment facilities and managed care support contractors.

"(G) Actions to create new budgeting and resource allocation methodologies to fully support and incentivize care provided by military treatment facilities.

"(H) Actions regarding additional financing options for health care provided by civilian providers.

"(I) Actions to reduce administrative costs.

"(J) Actions to control the cost of health care and pharmaceuticals.

"(K) Actions to audit the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to improve system checks on the eligibility of TRICARE beneficiaries.

"(L) Actions, including a comprehensive plan, for the enhanced availability of prevention and wellness care.

"(M) Actions using technology to improve direct communication with beneficiaries regarding health and preventive care.

"(N) Actions to create performance metrics by which to measure improvement in the TRICARE program.

"(O) Such other actions as the Secretary, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, considers appropriate.

"(c) Quality Assurance.—In undertaking actions under this section, the Secretary of Defense and the other administering Secretaries shall continue or enhance the current level of quality health care provided by the Department of Defense and the military departments with no adverse impact to cost, access, or care.

"(d) Consultation.—In considering actions to be undertaken under this section, and in undertaking such actions, the Secretary shall consult with a broad range of national health care and military advocacy organizations.

"(e) Reports Required.—

"(1) Initial report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009], the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] an initial report on the progress made in undertaking actions under this section and future plans for improvement of the military health system.

"(2) Report required with fiscal year 2012 budget proposal.—Together with the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department of Defense budget for fiscal year 2012 (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth the following:

"(A) Updates on the progress made in undertaking actions under this section.

"(B) Future plans for improvement of the military health system.

"(C) An explanation of how the budget submission may reflect such progress and plans.

"(3) Periodic reports.—The Secretary shall, on a periodic basis, submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the progress being made in the improvement of the TRICARE program under this section.

"(4) Elements.—Each report under this subsection shall include the following:

"(A) A description and assessment of the progress made as of the date of such report in the improvement of the TRICARE program.

"(B) Such recommendations for administrative or legislative action as the Secretary considers appropriate to expedite and enhance the improvement of the TRICARE program.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'administering Secretaries' has the meaning given that term in section 1072(3) of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given that term in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code."

Program for Health Care Delivery at Military Installations With Projected Growth

Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §705, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4499, provided that:

"(a) Program.—The Secretary of Defense is authorized to develop a plan to establish a program to build cooperative health care arrangements and agreements between military installations projected to grow and local and regional non-military health care systems.

"(b) Requirements of Plan.—In developing the plan, the Secretary of Defense shall—

"(1) identify and analyze health care delivery options involving the private sector and health care services in military facilities located on military installations;

"(2) develop methods for determining the cost avoidance or savings resulting from innovative partnerships between the Department of Defense and the private sector;

"(3) develop requirements for Department of Defense health care providers to deliver health care in civilian community hospitals; and

"(4) collaborate with State and local authorities to create an arrangement to share and exchange, between the Department of Defense and nonmilitary health care systems, personal health information, and data of military personnel and their families.

"(c) Coordination With Other Entities.—The plan shall include requirements for coordination with Federal, State, and local entities, TRICARE managed care support contractors, and other contracted assets around installations selected for participation in the program.

"(d) Consultation Requirements.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop the plan in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments.

"(e) Selection of Military Installations.—Each selected military installation shall meet the following criteria:

"(1) The military installation has members of the Armed Forces on active duty and members of reserve components of the Armed Forces that use the installation as a training and operational base, with members routinely deploying in support of the global war on terrorism.

"(2) The military population of an installation will significantly increase by 2013 due to actions related to either Grow the Force initiatives or recommendations of the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission.

"(3) There is a military treatment facility on the installation that has—

"(A) no inpatient or trauma center care capabilities; and

"(B) no current or planned capacity that would satisfy the proposed increase in military personnel at the installation.

"(4) There is a civilian community hospital near the military installation, and the military treatment facility has—

"(A) no inpatient services or limited capability to expand inpatient care beds, intensive care, and specialty services; and

"(B) limited or no capability to provide trauma care.

"(f) Reports.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 14, 2008], and every year thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives an annual report on any plan developed under subsection (a)."

Center of Excellence in Prevention, Diagnosis, Mitigation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Hearing Loss and Auditory System Injuries

Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §721, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4506, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish within the Department of Defense a center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of hearing loss and auditory system injury to carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c).

"(b) Partnerships.—The Secretary shall ensure that the center collaborates to the maximum extent practicable with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, institutions of higher education, and other appropriate public and private entities (including international entities) to carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c).

"(c) Responsibilities.—

"(1) In general.—The center shall—

"(A) implement a comprehensive plan and strategy for the Department of Defense, as developed by the Secretary of Defense, for a registry of information for the tracking of the diagnosis, surgical intervention or other operative procedure, other treatment, and follow up for each case of hearing loss and auditory system injury incurred by a member of the Armed Forces while serving on active duty;

"(B) ensure the electronic exchange with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of information obtained through tracking under subparagraph (A); and

"(C) enable the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to access the registry and add information pertaining to additional treatments or surgical procedures and eventual hearing outcomes for veterans who were entered into the registry and subsequently received treatment through the Veterans Health Administration.

"(2) Designation of registry.—The registry under this subsection shall be known as the 'Hearing Loss and Auditory System Injury Registry' (hereinafter referred to as the 'Registry').

"(3) Consultation in development.—The center shall develop the Registry in consultation with audiologists, speech and language pathologists, otolaryngologists, and other specialist personnel of the Department of Defense and the audiologists, speech and language pathologists, otolaryngologists, and other specialist personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The mechanisms and procedures of the Registry shall reflect applicable expert research on military and other hearing loss.

"(4) Mechanisms.—The mechanisms of the Registry for tracking under paragraph (1)(A) shall ensure that each military medical treatment facility or other medical facility shall submit to the center for inclusion in the Registry information on the diagnosis, surgical intervention or other operative procedure, other treatment, and follow up for each case of hearing loss and auditory system injury described in that paragraph as follows (to the extent applicable):

"(A) Not later than 30 days after surgery or other operative intervention, including a surgery or other operative intervention carried out as a result of a follow-up examination.

"(B) Not later than 180 days after the hearing loss and auditory system injury is reported or recorded in the medical record.

"(5) Coordination of care and benefits.—(A) The center shall provide notice to the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR) of the Department of Veterans Affairs and to the auditory system impairment services of the Veterans Health Administration on each member of the Armed Forces described in subparagraph (B) for purposes of ensuring the coordination of the provision of ongoing auditory system rehabilitation benefits and services by the Department of Veterans Affairs after the separation or release of such member from the Armed Forces.

"(B) A member of the Armed Forces described in this subparagraph is a member of the Armed Forces with significant hearing loss or auditory system injury incurred while serving on active duty, including a member with auditory dysfunction related to traumatic brain injury.

"(d) Utilization of Registry Information.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly ensure that information in the Registry is available to appropriate audiologists, speech and language pathologists, otolaryngologists, and other specialist personnel of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of encouraging and facilitating the conduct of research, and the development of best practices and clinical education, on hearing loss or auditory system injury incurred by members of the Armed Forces.

"(e) Inclusion of Records of OIF/OEF Veterans.—The Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to include in the Registry such records of members of the Armed Forces who incurred a hearing loss or auditory system injury while serving on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, but before the establishment of the Registry, as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the Registry."

Wounded Warrior Health Care Improvements

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §717, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1815, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018], the Secretary of Defense shall review and update policies and procedures relating to the care and management of recovering service members. In conducting such review, the Secretary shall consider best practices—

"(1) in the care of recovering service members;

"(2) in the administrative management relating to such care;

"(3) to carry out applicable provisions of Federal law; and

"(4) recommended by the Comptroller General of the United States in the report titled 'Army Needs to Improve Oversight of Warrior Transition Units'.

"(b) Scope of Policy.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall update policies of the Department of Defense with respect to each of the following:

"(1) The case management coordination of members of the Armed Forces between the military departments and the military medical treatment facilities administered by the Director of the Defense Health Agency pursuant to section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, including with respect to the coordination of—

"(A) appointments;

"(B) rehabilitative services;

"(C) recuperation in an outpatient status;

"(D) contract care provided by a private health care provider outside of a military medical treatment facility;

"(E) the disability evaluation system; and

"(F) other administrative functions relating to the military department.

"(2) The transition of a member of the Armed Forces who is retired under chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code, from receiving treatment furnished by the Secretary of Defense to treatment furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(3) Facility standards related to lodging and accommodations for recovering service members and the family members and non-medical attendants of recovering service members.

"(c) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018], the Secretary of Defense and Secretaries of the military departments shall jointly submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the review conducted under subsection (a), including a description of the policies updated pursuant to subsection (b).

"(d) Definitions.—In this section, the terms 'disability evaluation system', 'outpatient status', and 'recovering service members' have the meaning given those terms in section 1602 of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of Public Law 110–181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note)."

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §§1602, 1603, 1611–1614, 1616, 1618, 1621–1623, 1631, 1635, 1644, 1648, 1651, 1662, 1671, 1672, 1676, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 431–443, 447, 450–455, 458, 460, 467, 473, 476, 479, 481, 484, as amended by Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title II, §252, title VII, §§722, 724, title X, §1061(b)(13), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4400, 4508, 4509, 4613; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VI, §632(h), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2362; Pub. L. 112–56, title II, §231, Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 719; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VI, §631(f)(4)(B), title VII, §707, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1465, 1474; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(a)(9), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1948; Pub. L. 113–175, title I, §105, Sept. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 1903; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §591, title VII, §724, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3394, 3418; Pub. L. 114–58, title II, §204, title IV, §411, Sept. 30, 2015, 129 Stat. 533, 536; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §1072(e), (f), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 995; Pub. L. 114–228, title II, §204, title IV, §414, Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 938, 941; Pub. L. 115–62, title II, §203, Sept. 29, 2017, 131 Stat. 1162; Pub. L. 115–251, title I, §126, Sept. 29, 2018, 132 Stat. 3169; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §715(a)–(g), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1446–1451, provided that:

"SEC. 1602. GENERAL DEFINITIONS.

"In this title [see Short Title of 2008 Amendment note above]:

"(1) Appropriate committees of congress.—The term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(A) the Committees on Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, and Appropriations of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committees on Armed Services, Veterans' Affairs, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

"(2) Benefits delivery at discharge program.—The term 'Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program' means a program administered jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide information and assistance on available benefits and other transition assistance to members of the Armed Forces who are separating from the Armed Forces, including assistance to obtain any disability benefits for which such members may be eligible.

"(3) Disability evaluation system.—The term 'Disability Evaluation System' means the following:

"(A) A system or process of the Department of Defense for evaluating the nature and extent of disabilities affecting members of the Armed Forces that is operated by the Secretaries of the military departments and is comprised of medical evaluation boards, physical evaluation boards, counseling of members, and mechanisms for the final disposition of disability evaluations by appropriate personnel.

"(B) A system or process of the Coast Guard for evaluating the nature and extent of disabilities affecting members of the Coast Guard that is operated by the Secretary of Homeland Security and is similar to the system or process of the Department of Defense described in subparagraph (A).

"(4) Eligible family member.—The term 'eligible family member', with respect to a recovering service member, means a family member (as defined in [former] section 481h(b)(3)(B) of title 37, United States Code) who is on invitational travel orders or serving as a non-medical attendee while caring for the recovering service member for more than 45 days during a one-year period.

"(5) Medical care.—The term 'medical care' includes mental health care.

"(6) Outpatient status.—The term 'outpatient status', with respect to a recovering service member, means the status of a recovering service member assigned to—

"(A) a military medical treatment facility as an outpatient; or

"(B) a unit established for the purpose of providing command and control of members of the Armed Forces receiving medical care as outpatients.

"(7) Recovering service member.—The term 'recovering service member' means a member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or a Reserve, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy and is in an outpatient status while recovering from a serious injury or illness related to the member's military service.

"(8) Serious injury or illness.—The term 'serious injury or illness', in the case of a member of the Armed Forces, means an injury or illness incurred by the member in line of duty on active duty in the Armed Forces that may render the member medically unfit to perform the duties of the member's office, grade, rank, or rating.

"(9) TRICARE program.—The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given that term in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code. [As amended Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title X, §1061(b)(13), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4613; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VI, §632(h), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2362; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VI, §631(f)(4)(B), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1465.]

"SEC. 1603. CONSIDERATION OF GENDER-SPECIFIC NEEDS OF RECOVERING SERVICE MEMBERS AND VETERANS.

"(a) In General.—In developing and implementing the policy required by section 1611(a), and in otherwise carrying out any other provision of this title [see Short Title of 2008 Amendment note above] or any amendment made by this title, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take into account and fully address any unique gender-specific needs of recovering service members and veterans under such policy or other provision.

"(b) Reports.—In submitting any report required by this title or an amendment made by this title, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the extent applicable, include a description of the manner in which the matters covered by such report address the unique gender-specific needs of recovering service members and veterans.

"SEC. 1611. COMPREHENSIVE POLICY ON IMPROVEMENTS TO CARE, MANAGEMENT, AND TRANSITION OF RECOVERING SERVICE MEMBERS.

"(a) Comprehensive Policy Required.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than July 1, 2008, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the extent feasible, jointly develop and implement a comprehensive policy on improvements to the care, management, and transition of recovering service members.

"(2) Scope of policy.—The policy shall cover each of the following:

"(A) The care and management of recovering service members.

"(B) The medical evaluation and disability evaluation of recovering service members.

"(C) The return of service members who have recovered to active duty when appropriate.

"(D) The transition of recovering service members from receipt of care and services through the Department of Defense to receipt of care and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(3) Consultation.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop the policy in consultation with the heads of other appropriate departments and agencies of the Federal Government and with appropriate non-governmental organizations having an expertise in matters relating to the policy.

"(4) Update.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly update the policy on a periodic basis, but not less often than annually, in order to incorporate in the policy, as appropriate, the following:

"(A) The results of the reviews required under subsections (b) and (c).

"(B) Best practices identified through pilot programs carried out under this title.

"(C) Improvements to matters under the policy otherwise identified and agreed upon by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(b) Review of Current Policies and Procedures.—

"(1) Review required.—In developing the policy required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, to the extent necessary, jointly and separately conduct a review of all policies and procedures of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs that apply to, or shall be covered by, the policy.

"(2) Purpose.—The purpose of the review shall be to identify the most effective and patient-oriented approaches to care and management of recovering service members for purposes of—

"(A) incorporating such approaches into the policy; and

"(B) extending such approaches, where applicable, to the care and management of other injured or ill members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

"(3) Elements.—In conducting the review, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—

"(A) identify among the policies and procedures described in paragraph (1) best practices in approaches to the care and management of recovering service members;

"(B) identify among such policies and procedures existing and potential shortfalls in the care and management of recovering service members (including care and management of recovering service members on the temporary disability retired list), and determine means of addressing any shortfalls so identified;

"(C) determine potential modifications of such policies and procedures in order to ensure consistency and uniformity, where appropriate, in the application of such policies and procedures—

"(i) among the military departments;

"(ii) among the Veterans Integrated Services Networks (VISNs) of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

"(iii) between the military departments and the Veterans Integrated Services Networks; and

"(D) develop recommendations for legislative and administrative action necessary to implement the results of the review.

"(4) Deadline for completion.—The review shall be completed not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008].

"(c) Consideration of Existing Findings, Recommendations, and Practices.—In developing the policy required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall take into account the following:

"(1) The findings and recommendations of applicable studies, reviews, reports, and evaluations that address matters relating to the policy, including, but not limited, to the following:

"(A) The Independent Review Group on Rehabilitative Care and Administrative Processes at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center, appointed by the Secretary of Defense.

"(B) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs Task Force on Returning Global War on Terror Heroes, appointed by the President.

"(C) The President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors.

"(D) The Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission established by title XV of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108–136; 117 Stat. 1676; 38 U.S.C. 1101 note).

"(E) The President's Task Force to Improve Health Care Delivery for Our Nation's Veterans, of March 2003.

"(F) The Report of the Congressional Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance, of 1999, chaired by Anthony J. Principi.

"(G) The President's Commission on Veterans' Pensions, of 1956, chaired by General Omar N. Bradley.

"(2) The experience and best practices of the Department of Defense and the military departments on matters relating to the policy.

"(3) The experience and best practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs on matters relating to the policy.

"(4) Such other matters as the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs consider appropriate.

"(d) Training and Skills of Health Care Professionals, Recovery Care Coordinators, Medical Care Case Managers, and Non-Medical Care Managers for Recovering Service Members.—

"(1) In general.—The policy required by subsection (a) shall provide for uniform standards among the military departments for the training and skills of health care professionals, recovery care coordinators, medical care case managers, and non-medical care managers for recovering service members under subsection (e) in order to ensure that such personnel are able to—

"(A) detect early warning signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal or homicidal thoughts or behaviors, and other behavioral health concerns among recovering service members; and

"(B) promptly notify appropriate health care professionals following detection of such signs.

"(2) Tracking of notifications.—In providing for uniform standards under paragraph (1), the policy shall include a mechanism or system to track the number of notifications made by recovery care coordinators, medical care case managers, and non-medical care managers to health care professionals under paragraph (1)(A) regarding early warning signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide in recovering service members.

"(e) Services for Recovering Service Members.—The policy required by subsection (a) shall provide for improvements as follows with respect to the care, management, and transition of recovering service members:

"(1) Comprehensive recovery plan for recovering service members.—The policy shall provide for uniform standards and procedures for the development of a comprehensive recovery plan for each recovering service member that covers the full spectrum of care, management, transition, and rehabilitation of the service member during recovery.

"(2) Recovery care coordinators for recovering service members.—

"(A) In general.—The policy shall provide for a uniform program for the assignment to recovering service members of recovery care coordinators having the duties specified in subparagraph (B).

"(B) Duties.—The duties under the program of a recovery care coordinator for a recovering service member shall include, but not be limited to, overseeing and assisting the service member in the service member's course through the entire spectrum of care, management, transition, and rehabilitation services available from the Federal Government, including services provided by the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, and the Social Security Administration.

"(C) Limitation on number of service members managed by coordinators.—The maximum number of recovering service members whose cases may be assigned to a recovery care coordinator under the program at any one time shall be such number as the policy shall specify, except that the Secretary of the military department concerned may waive such limitation with respect to a given coordinator for not more than 120 days in the event of unforeseen circumstances (as specified in the policy).

"(D) Training.—The policy shall specify standard training requirements and curricula for recovery care coordinators under the program, including a requirement for successful completion of the training program before a person may assume the duties of such a coordinator.

"(E) Resources.—The policy shall include mechanisms to ensure that recovery care coordinators under the program have the resources necessary to expeditiously carry out the duties of such coordinators under the program.

"(F) Supervision.—The policy shall specify requirements for the appropriate rank or grade, and appropriate occupation, for persons appointed to head and supervise recovery care coordinators.

"(3) Medical care case managers for recovering service members.—

"(A) In general.—The policy shall provide for a uniform program among the military departments for the assignment to recovering service members of medical care case managers having the duties specified in subparagraph (B).

"(B) Duties.—The duties under the program of a medical care case manager for a recovering service member (or the service member's immediate family or other designee if the service member is incapable of making judgments about personal medical care) shall include, at a minimum, the following:

"(i) Assisting in understanding the service member's medical status during the care, recovery, and transition of the service member.

"(ii) Assisting in the receipt by the service member of prescribed medical care during the care, recovery, and transition of the service member.

"(iii) Conducting a periodic review of the medical status of the service member, which review shall be conducted, to the extent practicable, in person with the service member, or, whenever the conduct of the review in person is not practicable, with the medical care case manager submitting to the manager's supervisor a written explanation why the review in person was not practicable (if the Secretary of the military department concerned elects to require such written explanations for purposes of the program).

"(C) Limitation on number of service members managed by managers.—The maximum number of recovering service members whose cases may be assigned to a medical care case manager under the program at any one time shall be such number as the policy shall specify, except that the Secretary of the military department concerned may waive such limitation with respect to a given manager for not more than 120 days in the event of unforeseen circumstances (as specified in the policy).

"(D) Training.—The policy shall specify standard training requirements and curricula for medical care case managers under the program, including a requirement for successful completion of the training program before a person may assume the duties of such a manager.

"(E) Resources.—The policy shall include mechanisms to ensure that medical care case managers under the program have the resources necessary to expeditiously carry out the duties of such managers under the program.

"(F) Supervision at armed forces medical facilities.—The policy shall specify requirements for the appropriate rank or grade, and appropriate occupation, for persons appointed to head and supervise the medical care case managers at each medical facility of the Armed Forces. Persons so appointed may be appointed from the Army Medical Corps, Army Medical Service Corps, Army Nurse Corps, Navy Medical Corps, Navy Medical Service Corps, Navy Nurse Corps, Air Force Medical Service, or other corps or civilian health care professional, as applicable, at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense.

"(4) Non-medical care managers for recovering service members.—

"(A) In general.—The policy shall provide for a uniform program among the military departments for the assignment to recovering service members of non-medical care managers having the duties specified in subparagraph (B).

"(B) Duties.—The duties under the program of a non-medical care manager for a recovering service member shall include, at a minimum, the following:

"(i) Communicating with the service member and with the service member's family or other individuals designated by the service member regarding non-medical matters that arise during the care, recovery, and transition of the service member.

"(ii) Assisting with oversight of the service member's welfare and quality of life.

"(iii) Assisting the service member in resolving problems involving financial, administrative, personnel, transitional, and other matters that arise during the care, recovery, and transition of the service member.

"(C) Duration of duties.—The policy shall provide that a non-medical care manager shall perform duties under the program for a recovering service member until the service member is returned to active duty or retired or separated from the Armed Forces.

"(D) Limitation on number of service members managed by managers.—The maximum number of recovering service members whose cases may be assigned to a non-medical care manager under the program at any one time shall be such number as the policy shall specify, except that the Secretary of the military department concerned may waive such limitation with respect to a given manager for not more than 120 days in the event of unforeseen circumstances (as specified in the policy).

"(E) Training.—The policy shall specify standard training requirements and curricula among the military departments for non-medical care managers under the program, including a requirement for successful completion of the training program before a person may assume the duties of such a manager.

"(F) Resources.—The policy shall include mechanisms to ensure that non-medical care managers under the program have the resources necessary to expeditiously carry out the duties of such managers under the program.

"(G) Supervision at armed forces medical facilities.—The policy shall specify requirements for the appropriate rank and occupational speciality for persons appointed to head and supervise the non-medical care managers at each medical facility of the Armed Forces.

"(5) Access of recovering service members to non-urgent health care from the department of defense or other providers under tricare.—

"(A) In general.—The policy shall provide for appropriate minimum standards for access of recovering service members to non-urgent medical care and other health care services as follows:

"(i) In medical facilities of the Department of Defense.

"(ii) Through the TRICARE program.

"(B) Maximum waiting times for certain care.—The standards for access under subparagraph (A) shall include such standards on maximum waiting times of recovering service members as the policy shall specify for care that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

"(i) Follow-up care.

"(ii) Specialty care.

"(iii) Diagnostic referrals and studies.

"(iv) Surgery based on a physician's determination of medical necessity.

"(C) Waiver by recovering service members.—The policy shall permit any recovering service member to waive a standard for access under this paragraph under such circumstances and conditions as the policy shall specify.

"(6) Assignment of recovering service members to locations of care.—

"(A) In general.—The policy shall provide for uniform guidelines among the military departments for the assignment of recovering service members to a location of care, including guidelines that provide for the assignment of recovering service members, when medically appropriate, to care and residential facilities closest to their duty station or home of record or the location of their designated care giver at the earliest possible time.

"(B) Reassignment from deficient facilities.—The policy shall provide for uniform guidelines and procedures among the military departments for the reassignment of recovering service members from a medical or medical-related support facility determined by the Secretary of Defense to violate the standards required by section 1648 to another appropriate medical or medical-related support facility until the correction of violations of such standards at the medical or medical-related support facility from which such service members are reassigned.

"(7) Transportation and subsistence for recovering service members.—The policy shall provide for uniform standards among the military departments on the availability of appropriate transportation and subsistence for recovering service members to facilitate their obtaining needed medical care and services.

"(8) Work and duty assignments for recovering service members.—The policy shall provide for uniform criteria among the military departments for the assignment of recovering service members to work and duty assignments that are compatible with their medical conditions.

"(9) Access of recovering service members to educational and vocational training and rehabilitation.—The policy shall provide for uniform standards among the military departments on the provision of educational and vocational training and rehabilitation opportunities for recovering service members at the earliest possible point in their recovery.

"(10) Tracking of recovering service members.—The policy shall provide for uniform procedures among the military departments on tracking recovering service members to facilitate—

"(A) locating each recovering service member; and

"(B) tracking medical care appointments of recovering service members to ensure timeliness and compliance of recovering service members with appointments, and other physical and evaluation timelines, and to provide any other information needed to conduct oversight of the care, management, and transition of recovering service members.

"(11) Referrals of recovering service members to other care and services providers.—The policy shall provide for uniform policies, procedures, and criteria among the military departments on the referral of recovering service members to the Department of Veterans Affairs and other private and public entities (including universities and rehabilitation hospitals, centers, and clinics) in order to secure the most appropriate care for recovering service members, which policies, procedures, and criteria shall take into account, but not be limited to, the medical needs of recovering service members and the geographic location of available necessary recovery care services.

"(f) Services for Families of Recovering Service Members.—The policy required by subsection (a) shall provide for improvements as follows with respect to services for families of recovering service members:

"(1) Support for family members of recovering service members.—The policy shall provide for uniform guidelines among the military departments on the provision by the military departments of support for family members of recovering service members who are not otherwise eligible for care under section 1672 in caring for such service members during their recovery.

"(2) Advice and training for family members of recovering service members.—The policy shall provide for uniform requirements and standards among the military departments on the provision by the military departments of advice and training, as appropriate, to family members of recovering service members with respect to care for such service members during their recovery.

"(3) Measurement of satisfaction of family members of recovering service members with quality of health care services.—The policy shall provide for uniform procedures among the military departments on the measurement of the satisfaction of family members of recovering service members with the quality of health care services provided to such service members during their recovery.

"(4) Job placement services for family members of recovering service members.—The policy shall provide for procedures for application by eligible family members during a one-year period for job placement services otherwise offered by the Department of Defense.

"(g) Outreach to Recovering Service Members and Their Families on Comprehensive Policy.—The policy required by subsection (a) shall include procedures and mechanisms to ensure that recovering service members and their families are fully informed of the policies required by this section, including policies on medical care for recovering service members, on the management and transition of recovering service members, and on the responsibilities of recovering service members and their family members throughout the continuum of care and services for recovering service members under this section.

"(h) Applicability of Comprehensive Policy to Recovering Service Members on Temporary Disability Retired List.—Appropriate elements of the policy required by this section shall apply to recovering service members whose names are placed on the temporary disability retired list in such manner, and subject to such terms and conditions, as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations for purposes of this subsection.

"SEC. 1612. MEDICAL EVALUATIONS AND PHYSICAL DISABILITY EVALUATIONS OF RECOVERING SERVICE MEMBERS.

"(a) Medical Evaluations of Recovering Service Members.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than July 1, 2008, the Secretary of Defense shall develop a policy on improvements to the processes, procedures, and standards for the conduct by the military departments of medical evaluations of recovering service members.

"(2) Elements.—The policy on improvements to processes, procedures, and standards required under this subsection shall include and address the following:

"(A) Processes for medical evaluations of recovering service members that—

"(i) apply uniformly throughout the military departments; and

"(ii) apply uniformly with respect to recovering service members who are members of the regular components of the Armed Forces and recovering service members who are members of the National Guard and Reserve.

"(B) Standard criteria and definitions for determining the achievement for recovering service members of the maximum medical benefit from treatment and rehabilitation.

"(C) Standard timelines for each of the following:

"(i) Determinations of fitness for duty of recovering service members.

"(ii) Specialty care consultations for recovering service members.

"(iii) Preparation of medical documents for recovering service members.

"(iv) Appeals by recovering service members of medical evaluation determinations, including determinations of fitness for duty.

"(D) Procedures for ensuring that—

"(i) upon request of a recovering service member being considered by a medical evaluation board, a physician or other appropriate health care professional who is independent of the medical evaluation board is assigned to the service member; and

"(ii) the physician or other health care professional assigned to a recovering service member under clause (i)—

     "(I) serves as an independent source for review of the findings and recommendations of the medical evaluation board;

     "(II) provides the service member with advice and counsel regarding the findings and recommendations of the medical evaluation board; and

     "(III) advises the service member on whether the findings of the medical evaluation board adequately reflect the complete spectrum of injuries and illness of the service member.

"(E) Standards for qualifications and training of medical evaluation board personnel, including physicians, case workers, and physical disability evaluation board liaison officers, in conducting medical evaluations of recovering service members.

"(F) Standards for the maximum number of medical evaluation cases of recovering service members that are pending before a medical evaluation board at any one time, and requirements for the establishment of additional medical evaluation boards in the event such number is exceeded.

"(G) Standards for information for recovering service members, and their families, on the medical evaluation board process and the rights and responsibilities of recovering service members under that process, including a standard handbook on such information (which handbook shall also be available electronically).

"(b) Physical Disability Evaluations of Recovering Service Members.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than July 1, 2008, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop a policy on improvements to the processes, procedures, and standards for the conduct of physical disability evaluations of recovering service members by the military departments and by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(2) Elements.—The policy on improvements to processes, procedures, and standards required under this subsection shall include and address the following:

"(A) A clearly-defined process of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for disability determinations of recovering service members.

"(B) To the extent feasible, procedures to eliminate unacceptable discrepancies and improve consistency among disability ratings assigned by the military departments and the Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly in the disability evaluation of recovering service members, which procedures shall be subject to the following requirements and limitations:

"(i) Such procedures shall apply uniformly with respect to recovering service members who are members of the regular components of the Armed Forces and recovering service members who are members of the National Guard and Reserve.

"(ii) Under such procedures, each Secretary of a military department shall, to the extent feasible, utilize the standard schedule for rating disabilities in use by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including any applicable interpretation of such schedule by the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, in making any determination of disability of a recovering service member, except as otherwise authorized by section 1216a of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 1642 of this Act).

"(C) Uniform timelines among the military departments for appeals of determinations of disability of recovering service members, including timelines for presentation, consideration, and disposition of appeals.

"(D) Uniform standards among the military departments for qualifications and training of physical disability evaluation board personnel, including physical evaluation board liaison personnel, in conducting physical disability evaluations of recovering service members.

"(E) Uniform standards among the military departments for the maximum number of physical disability evaluation cases of recovering service members that are pending before a physical disability evaluation board at any one time, and requirements for the establishment of additional physical disability evaluation boards in the event such number is exceeded.

"(F) Uniform standards and procedures among the military departments for the provision of legal counsel to recovering service members while undergoing evaluation by a physical disability evaluation board.

"(G) Uniform standards among the military departments on the roles and responsibilities of non-medical care managers under section 1611(e)(4) and judge advocates assigned to recovering service members undergoing evaluation by a physical disability board, and uniform standards on the maximum number of cases involving such service members that are to be assigned to judge advocates at any one time.

"(c) Assessment of Consolidation of Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Evaluation Systems.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the feasability [sic] and advisability of consolidating the disability evaluation systems of the military departments and the disability evaluation system of the Department of Veterans Affairs into a single disability evaluation system. The report shall be submitted together with the report required by section 1611(a).

"(2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) An assessment of the feasability [sic] and advisability of consolidating the disability evaluation systems described in paragraph (1) as specified in that paragraph.

"(B) If the consolidation of the systems is considered feasible and advisable—

"(i) recommendations for various options for consolidating the systems as specified in paragraph (1); and

"(ii) recommendations for mechanisms to evaluate and assess any progress made in consolidating the systems as specified in that paragraph.

"SEC. 1613. RETURN OF RECOVERING SERVICE MEMBERS TO ACTIVE DUTY IN THE ARMED FORCES.

"The Secretary of Defense shall establish standards for determinations by the military departments on the return of recovering service members to active duty in the Armed Forces.

"SEC. 1614. TRANSITION OF RECOVERING SERVICE MEMBERS FROM CARE AND TREATMENT THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO CARE, TREATMENT, AND REHABILITATION THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

"(a) In General.—Not later than July 1, 2008, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly develop and implement processes, procedures, and standards for the transition of recovering service members from care and treatment through the Department of Defense to care, treatment, and rehabilitation through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(b) Elements.—The processes, procedures, and standards required under this section shall include the following:

"(1) Uniform, patient-focused procedures to ensure that the transition described in subsection (a) occurs without gaps in medical care and in the quality of medical care, benefits, and services.

"(2) Procedures for the identification and tracking of recovering service members during the transition, and for the coordination of care and treatment of recovering service members during the transition, including a system of cooperative case management of recovering service members by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs during the transition.

"(3) Procedures for the notification of Department of Veterans Affairs liaison personnel of the commencement by recovering service members of the medical evaluation process and the physical disability evaluation process.

"(4) Procedures and timelines for the enrollment of recovering service members in applicable enrollment or application systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to health care, disability, education, vocational rehabilitation, or other benefits.

"(5) Procedures to ensure the access of recovering service members during the transition to vocational, educational, and rehabilitation benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(6) Standards for the optimal location of Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs liaison and case management personnel at military medical treatment facilities, medical centers, and other medical facilities of the Department of Defense.

"(7) Standards and procedures for integrated medical care and management of recovering service members during the transition, including procedures for the assignment of medical personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs to Department of Defense facilities to participate in the needs assessments of recovering service members before, during, and after their separation from military service.

"(8) Standards for the preparation of detailed plans for the transition of recovering service members from care and treatment by the Department of Defense to care, treatment, and rehabilitation by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which plans shall—

"(A) be based on standardized elements with respect to care and treatment requirements and other applicable requirements; and

"(B) take into account the comprehensive recovery plan for the recovering service member concerned as developed under section 1611(e)(1).

"(9) Procedures to ensure that each recovering service member who is being retired or separated under chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code, receives a written transition plan, prior to the time of retirement or separation, that—

"(A) specifies the recommended schedule and milestones for the transition of the service member from military service;

"(B) provides for a coordinated transition of the service member from the Department of Defense disability evaluation system to the Department of Veterans Affairs disability system; and

"(C) includes information and guidance designed to assist the service member in understanding and meeting the schedule and milestones specified under subparagraph (A) for the service member's transition.

"(10) Procedures for the transmittal from the Department of Defense to the Department of Veterans Affairs of records and any other required information on each recovering service member described in paragraph (9), which procedures shall provide for the transmission from the Department of Defense to the Department of Veterans Affairs of records and information on the service member as follows:

"(A) The address and contact information of the service member.

"(B) The DD–214 discharge form of the service member, which shall be transmitted under such procedures electronically.

"(C) A copy of the military service record of the service member, including medical records and any results of a physical evaluation board.

"(D) Information on whether the service member is entitled to transitional health care, a conversion health policy, or other health benefits through the Department of Defense under section 1145 of title 10, United States Code.

"(E) A copy of any request of the service member for assistance in enrolling in, or completed applications for enrollment in, the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs for health care benefits for which the service member may be eligible under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(F) A copy of any request by the service member for assistance in applying for, or completed applications for, compensation and vocational rehabilitation benefits to which the service member may be entitled under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(11) A process to ensure that, before transmittal of medical records of a recovering service member to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Defense ensures that the service member (or an individual legally recognized to make medical decisions on behalf of the service member) authorizes the transfer of the medical records of the service member from the Department of Defense to the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–191, see Tables for classification].

"(12) Procedures to ensure that, with the consent of the recovering service member concerned, the address and contact information of the service member is transmitted to the department or agency for veterans affairs of the State in which the service member intends to reside after the retirement or separation of the service member from the Armed Forces.

"(13) Procedures to ensure that, before the transmittal of records and other information with respect to a recovering service member under this section, a meeting regarding the transmittal of such records and other information occurs among the service member, appropriate family members of the service member, representatives of the Secretary of the military department concerned, and representatives of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with at least 30 days advance notice of the meeting being given to the service member unless the service member waives the advance notice requirement in order to accelerate transmission of the service member's records and other information to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(14) Procedures to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs gives appropriate consideration to a written statement submitted to the Secretary by a recovering service member regarding the transition.

"(15) Procedures to provide access for the Department of Veterans Affairs to the military health records of recovering service members who are receiving care and treatment, or are anticipating receipt of care and treatment, in Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities, which procedures shall be consistent with the procedures and requirements in paragraphs (11) and (13).

"(16) A process for the utilization of a joint separation and evaluation physical examination that meets the requirements of both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with the medical separation or retirement of a recovering service member from military service and for use by the Department of Veterans Affairs in disability evaluations.

"(17) Procedures for surveys and other mechanisms to measure patient and family satisfaction with the provision by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs of care and services for recovering service members, and to facilitate appropriate oversight by supervisory personnel of the provision of such care and services.

"(18) Procedures to ensure the participation of recovering service members who are members of the National Guard or Reserve in the Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program, including procedures to ensure that, to the maximum extent feasible, services under the Benefits Delivery at Discharge Program are provided to recovering service members at—

"(A) appropriate military installations;

"(B) appropriate armories and military family support centers of the National Guard;

"(C) appropriate military medical care facilities at which members of the Armed Forces are separated or discharged from the Armed Forces; and

"(D) in the case of a member on the temporary disability retired list under section 1202 or 1205 of title 10, United States Code, who is being retired under another provision of such title or is being discharged, at a location reasonably convenient to the member.

"SEC. 1616. ESTABLISHMENT OF A WOUNDED WARRIOR RESOURCE CENTER.

"(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a wounded warrior resource center (in this section referred to as the 'center') to provide wounded warriors, their families, and their primary caregivers with a single point of contact for assistance with reporting deficiencies in covered military facilities, obtaining health care services, receiving benefits information, receiving legal assistance referral information (where appropriate), receiving other appropriate referral information, and any other difficulties encountered while supporting wounded warriors. The Secretary shall widely disseminate information regarding the existence and availability of the center, including contact information, to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary may use existing infrastructure and organizations but shall ensure that the center has the ability to separately keep track of calls from wounded warriors.

"(b) Access.—The center shall provide multiple methods of access, including at a minimum an Internet website and a toll-free telephone number (commonly referred to as a 'hot line') at which personnel are accessible at all times to receive reports of deficiencies or provide information about covered military facilities, health care services, or military benefits.

"(c) Confidentiality.—

"(1) Notification.—Individuals who seek to provide information through the center under subsection (a) shall be notified, immediately before they provide such information, of their option to elect, at their discretion, to have their identity remain confidential.

"(2) Prohibition on further disclosure.—In the case of information provided through use of the toll-free telephone number by an individual who elects to maintain the confidentiality of his or her identity, any individual who, by necessity, has had access to such information for purposes of investigating or responding to the call as required under subsection (d) may not disclose the identity of the individual who provided the information.

"(d) Functions.—The center shall perform the following functions:

"(1) Call tracking.—The center shall be responsible for documenting receipt of a call, referring the call to the appropriate office within a military department for answer or investigation, and tracking the formulation and notification of the response to the call.

"(2) Investigation and response.—The center shall be responsible for ensuring that, not later than 96 hours after a call—

"(A) if a report of deficiencies is received in a call—

"(i) any deficiencies referred to in the call are investigated;

"(ii) if substantiated, a plan of action for remediation of the deficiencies is developed and implemented; and

"(iii) if requested, the individual who made the report is notified of the current status of the report; or

"(B) if a request for information is received in a call—

"(i) the information requested by the caller is provided by the center;

"(ii) all requests for information from the call are referred to the appropriate office or offices of a military department for response; and

"(iii) the individual who made the report is notified, at a minimum, of the current status of the query.

"(3) Final notification.—The center shall be responsible for ensuring that, if requested, the caller is notified when the deficiency has been corrected or when the request for information has been fulfilled to the maximum extent practicable, as determined by the Secretary.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Covered military facility.—The term 'covered military facility' has the meaning provided in section 1648(b) of this Act.

"(2) Call.—The term 'call' means any query or report that is received by the center by means of the toll-free telephone number or other source.

"(f) Effective Dates.—

"(1) Toll-free telephone number.—The toll-free telephone number required to be established by subsection (a), shall be fully operational not later than April 1, 2008.

"(2) Internet website.—The Internet website required to be established by subsection (a), shall be fully operational not later than July 1, 2008. [As amended Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §724, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4509.]

"SEC. 1618. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ON PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, MITIGATION, TREATMENT, AND REHABILITATION OF, AND RESEARCH ON, TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY, POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS IN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

"(a) Comprehensive Statement of Policy.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall direct joint planning among the Department of Defense, the military departments, and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of, and research on, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions in members of the Armed Forces, including planning for the seamless transition of such members from care through the Department of Defense to care through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(b) Comprehensive Plan Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a comprehensive plan for programs and activities of the Department of Defense to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat, research, and otherwise respond to traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions in members of the Armed Forces, including—

"(1) an assessment of the current capabilities of the Department for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of, and research on, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions in members of the Armed Forces;

"(2) the identification of gaps in current capabilities of the Department for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of, and research on, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions in members of the Armed Forces; and

"(3) the identification of the resources required for the Department in fiscal years 2009 through 2013 to address the gaps in capabilities identified under paragraph (2).

"(c) Program Required.—One of the programs contained in the comprehensive plan submitted under subsection (b) shall be a Department of Defense program, developed in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, under which each member of the Armed Forces who incurs a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder during service in the Armed Forces—

"(1) is enrolled in the program; and

"(2) receives treatment and rehabilitation meeting a standard of care such that each individual who qualifies for care under the program shall—

"(A) be provided the highest quality, evidence-based care in facilities that most appropriately meet the specific needs of the individual; and

"(B) be rehabilitated to the fullest extent possible using up-to-date evidence-based medical technology, and physical and medical rehabilitation practices and expertise.

"(d) Provision of Information Required.—The comprehensive plan submitted under subsection (b) shall require the provision of information by the Secretary of Defense to members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health conditions and their families about their options with respect to the following:

"(1) The receipt of medical and mental health care from the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(2) Additional options available to such members for treatment and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions.

"(3) The options available, including obtaining a second opinion, to such members for a referral to an authorized provider under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.

"(e) Additional Elements of Plan.—The comprehensive plan submitted under subsection (b) shall include comprehensive proposals of the Department on the following:

"(1) Lead agent.—The designation by the Secretary of Defense of a lead agent or executive agent for the Department to coordinate development and implementation of the plan.

"(2) Detection and treatment.—The improvement of methods and mechanisms for the detection and treatment of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions in members of the Armed Forces in the field.

"(3) Reduction of ptsd.—The development of a plan for reducing post traumatic-stress disorder, incorporating evidence-based preventive and early-intervention measures, practices, or procedures that reduce the likelihood that personnel in combat will develop post-traumatic stress disorder or other stress-related conditions (including substance abuse conditions) into—

"(A) basic and pre-deployment training for enlisted members of the Armed Forces, noncommissioned officers, and officers;

"(B) combat theater operations; and

"(C) post-deployment service.

"(4) Research.—Requirements for research on traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions including (in particular) research on pharmacological and other approaches to treatment for traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health conditions, as applicable, and the allocation of priorities among such research.

"(5) Diagnostic criteria.—The development, adoption, and deployment of joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs evidence-based diagnostic criteria for the detection and evaluation of the range of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions in members of the Armed Forces, which criteria shall be employed uniformly across the military departments in all applicable circumstances, including provision of clinical care and assessment of future deployability of members of the Armed Forces.

"(6) Assessment.—The development and deployment of evidence-based means of assessing traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions in members of the Armed Forces, including a system of pre-deployment and post-deployment screenings of cognitive ability in members for the detection of cognitive impairment.

"(7) Managing and monitoring.—The development and deployment of effective means of managing and monitoring members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health conditions in the receipt of care for traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health conditions, as applicable, including the monitoring and assessment of treatment and outcomes.

"(8) Education and awareness.—The development and deployment of an education and awareness training initiative designed to reduce the negative stigma associated with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions, and mental health treatment.

"(9) Education and outreach.—The provision of education and outreach to families of members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health conditions on a range of matters relating to traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health conditions, as applicable, including detection, mitigation, and treatment.

"(10) Recording of blasts.—A requirement that exposure to a blast or blasts be recorded in the records of members of the Armed Forces.

"(11) Guidelines for blast injuries.—The development of clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of blast injuries in members of the Armed Forces, including, but not limited to, traumatic brain injury.

"(12) Gender- and ethnic group-specific services and treatment.—The development of requirements, as appropriate, for gender- and ethnic group-specific medical care services and treatment for members of the Armed Forces who experience mental health problems and conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, with specific regard to the availability of, access to, and research and development requirements of such needs.

"(f) Coordination in Development.—The comprehensive plan submitted under subsection (b) shall be developed in coordination with the Secretary of the Army (who was designated by the Secretary of Defense as executive agent for the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of blast injuries under section 256 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163; 119 Stat. 3181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note)).

"SEC. 1621. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN THE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, MITIGATION, TREATMENT, AND REHABILITATION OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish within the Department of Defense a center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury, including mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injury, to carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c).

"(b) Partnerships.—The Secretary shall ensure that the Center collaborates to the maximum extent practicable with the Department of Veterans Affairs, institutions of higher education, and other appropriate public and private entities (including international entities) to carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c).

"(c) Responsibilities.—The Center shall have responsibilities as follows:

"(1) To implement the comprehensive plan and strategy for the Department of Defense, required by section 1618 of this Act, for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injury, including research on gender and ethnic group-specific health needs related to traumatic brain injury.

"(2) To provide for the development, testing, and dissemination within the Department of best practices for the treatment of traumatic brain injury.

"(3) To provide guidance for the mental health system of the Department in determining the mental health and neurological health personnel required to provide quality mental health care for members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury.

"(4) To establish, implement, and oversee a comprehensive program to train mental health and neurological health professionals of the Department in the treatment of traumatic brain injury.

"(5) To facilitate advancements in the study of the short-term and long-term psychological effects of traumatic brain injury.

"(6) To disseminate within the military medical treatment facilities of the Department best practices for training mental health professionals, including neurological health professionals, with respect to traumatic brain injury.

"(7) To conduct basic science and translational research on traumatic brain injury for the purposes of understanding the etiology of traumatic brain injury and developing preventive interventions and new treatments.

"(8) To develop programs and outreach strategies for families of members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury in order to mitigate the negative impacts of traumatic brain injury on such family members and to support the recovery of such members from traumatic brain injury.

"(9) To conduct research on the mental health needs of families of members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury and develop protocols to address any needs identified through such research.

"(10) To conduct longitudinal studies (using imaging technology and other proven research methods) on members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or other manifestations of neurodegeneration, as well as epilepsy, in such members, in coordination with the studies authorized by section 721 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Public Law 109–364; 120 Stat. 2294) [10 U.S.C. 1074 note] and other studies of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs that address the connection between exposure to combat and the development of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders, as well as epilepsy.

"(11) To develop and oversee a long-term plan to increase the number of mental health and neurological health professionals within the Department in order to facilitate the meeting by the Department of the needs of members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury until their transition to care and treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(12) To develop a program on comprehensive pain management, including management of acute and chronic pain, to utilize current and develop new treatments for pain, and to identify and disseminate best practices on pain management related to traumatic brain injury.

"(13) Such other responsibilities as the Secretary shall specify.

"SEC. 1622. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, MITIGATION, TREATMENT, AND REHABILITATION OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS.

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish within the Department of Defense a center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions, including mild, moderate, and severe post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions, to carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c).

"(b) Partnerships.—The Secretary shall ensure that the center collaborates to the maximum extent practicable with the National Center on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder of the Department of Veterans Affairs, institutions of higher education, and other appropriate public and private entities (including international entities) to carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c).

"(c) Responsibilities.—The center shall have responsibilities as follows:

"(1) To implement the comprehensive plan and strategy for the Department of Defense, required by section 1618 of this Act, for the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions, including research on gender- and ethnic group-specific health needs related to post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.

"(2) To provide for the development, testing, and dissemination within the Department of best practices for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

"(3) To provide guidance for the mental health system of the Department in determining the mental health and neurological health personnel required to provide quality mental health care for members of the Armed Forces with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.

"(4) To establish, implement, and oversee a comprehensive program to train mental health and neurological health professionals of the Department in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.

"(5) To facilitate advancements in the study of the short-term and long-term psychological effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.

"(6) To disseminate within the military medical treatment facilities of the Department best practices for training mental health professionals, including neurological health professionals, with respect to post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.

"(7) To conduct basic science and translational research on post-traumatic stress disorder for the purposes of understanding the etiology of post-traumatic stress disorder and developing preventive interventions and new treatments.

"(8) To develop programs and outreach strategies for families of members of the Armed Forces with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions in order to mitigate the negative impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions on such family members and to support the recovery of such members from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.

"(9) To conduct research on the mental health needs of families of members of the Armed Forces with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions and develop protocols to address any needs identified through such research.

"(10) To develop and oversee a long-term plan to increase the number of mental health and neurological health professionals within the Department in order to facilitate the meeting by the Department of the needs of members of the Armed Forces with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions until their transition to care and treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"SEC. 1623. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, MITIGATION, TREATMENT, AND REHABILITATION OF MILITARY EYE INJURIES.

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish within the Department of Defense a center of excellence in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, and rehabilitation of military eye injuries to carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c).

"(b) Partnerships.—The Secretary shall ensure that the center collaborates to the maximum extent practicable with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, institutions of higher education, and other appropriate public and private entities (including international entities) to carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c).

"(c) Responsibilities.—

"(1) In general.—The center shall—

"(A) implement a comprehensive plan and strategy for the Department of Defense, as developed by the Secretary of Defense, for a registry of information for the tracking of the diagnosis, surgical intervention or other operative procedure, other treatment, and follow up for each case of significant eye injury incurred by a member of the Armed Forces while serving on active duty;

"(B) ensure the electronic exchange with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of information obtained through tracking under subparagraph (A); and

"(C) enable the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to access the registry and add information pertaining to additional treatments or surgical procedures and eventual visual outcomes for veterans who were entered into the registry and subsequently received treatment through the Veterans Health Administration.

"(2) Designation of registry.—The registry under this subsection shall be known as the 'Military Eye Injury Registry' (hereinafter referred to as the 'Registry').

"(3) Consultation in development.—The center shall develop the Registry in consultation with the ophthalmological specialist personnel and optometric specialist personnel of the Department of Defense and the ophthalmological specialist personnel and optometric specialist personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The mechanisms and procedures of the Registry shall reflect applicable expert research on military and other eye injuries.

"(4) Mechanisms.—The mechanisms of the Registry for tracking under paragraph (1)(A) shall ensure that each military medical treatment facility or other medical facility shall submit to the center for inclusion in the Registry information on the diagnosis, surgical intervention or other operative procedure, other treatment, and follow up for each case of eye injury described in that paragraph as follows (to the extent applicable):

"(A) Not later than 30 days after surgery or other operative intervention, including a surgery or other operative intervention carried out as a result of a follow-up examination.

"(B) Not later than 180 days after the significant eye injury is reported or recorded in the medical record.

"(5) Coordination of care and benefits.—(A) The center shall provide notice to the Blind Rehabilitation Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs and to the eye care services of the Veterans Health Administration on each member of the Armed Forces described in subparagraph (B) for purposes of ensuring the coordination of the provision of ongoing eye care and visual rehabilitation benefits and services by the Department of Veterans Affairs after the separation or release of such member from the Armed Forces.

"(B) A member of the Armed Forces described in this subparagraph is a member of the Armed Forces as follows:

"(i) A member with a significant eye injury incurred while serving on active duty, including a member with visual dysfunction related to traumatic brain injury.

"(ii) A member with an eye injury incurred while serving on active duty who has a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the injured eye.

"(iii) A member with an eye injury incurred while serving on active duty who has a loss of peripheral vision resulting in 20 degrees or less of visual field in the injured eye.

"(d) Utilization of Registry Information.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly ensure that information in the Registry is available to appropriate ophthalmological and optometric personnel of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for purposes of encouraging and facilitating the conduct of research, and the development of best practices and clinical education, on eye injuries incurred by members of the Armed Forces.

"(e) Inclusion of Records of OIF/OEF Veterans.—The Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to include in the Registry such records of members of the Armed Forces who incurred an eye injury while serving on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, but before the establishment of the Registry, as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the Registry.

"(f) Traumatic Brain Injury Post Traumatic Visual Syndrome.—In carrying out the program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, District of Columbia, on traumatic brain injury post traumatic visual syndrome, the Secretary of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs shall jointly provide for the conduct of a cooperative program for members of the Armed Forces and veterans with traumatic brain injury by military medical treatment facilities of the Department of Defense and medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs selected for purposes of this subsection for purposes of vision screening, diagnosis, rehabilitative management, and vision research, including research on prevention, on visual dysfunction related to traumatic brain injury. [As amended Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §722, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4508.]

"SEC. 1631. MEDICAL CARE AND OTHER BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH SEVERE INJURIES OR ILLNESSES.

"(a) Medical and Dental Care for Former Members.—

"(1) In general.—Effective as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008] and subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary may authorize that any former member of the Armed Forces with a serious injury or illness may receive the same medical and dental care as a member of the Armed Forces on active duty for medical and dental care not reasonably available to such former member in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(2) Sunset.—The Secretary of Defense may not provide medical or dental care to a former member of the Armed Forces under this subsection after December 31, 2012, if the Secretary has not provided medical or dental care to the former member under this subsection before that date.

"(b) Rehabilitation and Vocational Benefits.—Effective as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], a member of the Armed Forces with a severe injury or illness is entitled to such benefits (including rehabilitation and vocational benefits, but not including compensation) from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to facilitate the recovery and rehabilitation of such member as the Secretary otherwise provides to veterans of the Armed Forces receiving medical care in medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs facilities in order to facilitate the recovery and rehabilitation of such members.

"(c) Rehabilitative Equipment for Members of the Armed Forces.—

"(1) In general.—Subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary of Defense may provide an active duty member of the Armed Forces with a severe injury or illness with rehabilitative equipment, including recreational sports equipment that provide an adaption or accommodation for the member, regardless of whether such equipment is intentionally designed to be adaptive equipment.

"(2) Consultation.—In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding similar programs carried out by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. [As amended Pub. L. 112–56, title II, §231, Nov. 21, 2011, 125 Stat. 719; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §707, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1474; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(a)(9), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1948; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §724, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3418; Pub. L. 114–58, title II, §204, Sept. 30, 2015, 129 Stat. 533; Pub. L. 114–228, title II, §204, Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 938; Pub. L. 115–62, title II, §203, Sept. 29, 2017, 131 Stat. 1162; Pub. L. 115–251, title I, §126, Sept. 29, 2018, 132 Stat. 3169.]

"SEC. 1635. FULLY INTEROPERABLE ELECTRONIC PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly—

"(1) develop and implement electronic health record systems or capabilities that allow for full interoperability of personal health care information between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

"(2) accelerate the exchange of health care information between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in order to support the delivery of health care by both Departments.

"(b) Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Interagency Program Office.—

"(1) In general.—There is hereby established an interagency program office of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs (in this section referred to as the 'Office') for the purposes described in paragraph (2). The Office shall carry out decision making authority delegated to the Office by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with respect to the definition, coordination, and management of functional, technical, and programmatic activities that are jointly used, carried out, and shared by the Departments.

"(2) Purposes.—The purposes of the Office shall be as follows:

"(A) To act as a single point of accountability for the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in the rapid development and implementation of electronic health record systems or capabilities that allow for full interoperability of personal health care information between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(B) To accelerate the exchange of health care information between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in order to support the delivery of health care by both Departments.

"(C) To develop and implement a comprehensive interoperability strategy, which shall include—

"(i) the Electronic Health Record Modernization Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

"(ii) the Healthcare Management System Modernization Program of the Department of Defense.

"(D) To pursue the highest level of interoperability for the delivery of health care by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(E) To accelerate the exchange of health care information between the Departments, and advances in the health information technology marketplace, in order to support the delivery of health care by the Departments.

"(F) To collect the operational and strategic requirements of the Departments relating to the strategy under subsection (a) and communicate such requirements and activities to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology of the Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of implementing title IV of the 21st Century Cures Act (division A of Public Law 114–255) [see Tables for classification], and the amendments made by that title, and other objectives of the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology.

"(G) To plan for and effectuate the broadest possible implementation of standards, specifically with respect to the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources standard or successor standard, the evolution of such standards, and the obsolescence of such standards.

"(H) To actively engage with national and international health standards setting organizations, including by taking membership in such organizations, to ensure that standards established by such organizations meet the needs of the Departments pursuant to the strategy under subsection (a), and oversee and approve adoption of and mapping to such standards by the Departments.

"(I) To express the content and format of health data of the Departments using a common language to improve the exchange of data between the Departments and with the private sector, and to ensure that clinicians of the Departments have access to integrated, computable, comprehensive health records of patients.

"(J) To inform the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense and the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs of any activities of the Office affecting or relevant to cybersecurity.

"(K) To establish an environment that will enable and encourage the adoption by the Departments of innovative technologies for health care delivery.

"(L) To leverage data integration to advance health research and develop an evidence base for the health care programs of the Departments.

"(M) To prioritize the use of open systems architecture by the Departments.

"(N) To ensure ownership and control by patients of personal health information and data in a manner consistent with applicable law.

"(O) To prevent contractors of the Departments or other non-departmental entities from owning or having exclusive control over patient health data, for the purposes of protecting patient privacy and enhancing opportunities for innovation.

"(P) To implement a single lifetime longitudinal personal health record between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(Q) To attain interoperability capabilities—

"(i) sufficient to enable the provision of seamless health care by health care facilities and providers of the Departments, as well as private sector facilities and providers contracted by the Departments; and

"(ii) that are more adaptable and far reaching than those achievable through biodirectional information exchange between electronic health records of the exchange of read-only data alone.

"(R) To make maximum use of open-application program interfaces and the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources standard (or successor standard).

"(c) Leadership.—

"(1) Director.—The Director of the Office shall be the head of the Office.

"(2) Deputy director.—The Deputy Director of the Office shall be the deputy head of the Office and shall assist the Director in carrying out the duties of the Director.

"(3) Reporting.—The Director shall report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(4) Appointments.—

"(A) Director.—The Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for a fixed term of four years. For the subsequent term, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Defense, shall appoint the Director for a fixed term of four years, and thereafter, the appointment of the Director for a fixed term of four years shall alternate between the Secretaries.

"(B) Deputy director.—The Deputy Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Defense, for a fixed term of four years. For the subsequent term, the Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall appoint the Deputy Director for a fixed term of four years, and thereafter, the appointment of the Deputy Director for a fixed term of four years shall alternate between the Secretaries.

"(C) Minimum qualifications.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly develop qualification requirements for the Director and the Deputy Director. Such requirements shall ensure that, at a minimum, the Director and Deputy Director, individually or together, meet the following qualifications:

"(i) Significant experience at a senior management level fielding enterprise-wide technology in a health care setting, or business systems in the public or private sector.

"(ii) Credentials for enterprise-wide program management.

"(iii) Significant experience leading implementation of complex organizational change by integrating the input of experts from various disciplines, such as clinical, business, management, informatics, and technology.

"(5) Succession.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly develop a leadership succession process for the Office.

"(6) Additional guidance.—The Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee may provide guidance in the discharge of the functions of the Office under this section.

"(7) Information to congress.—Upon request by any of the appropriate committees of Congress, the Director and the Deputy Director shall testify before such committee, or provide a briefing or otherwise provide requested information to such committee, regarding the discharge of the functions of the Office under this section.

"(d) Function.—The function of the Office shall be to implement, by not later than September 30, 2009, electronic health record systems or capabilities that allow for full interoperability of personal health care information between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which health records shall comply with applicable interoperability standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria (including for the reporting of quality measures) of the Federal Government.

"(e) Implementation Milestones.—

"(1) Evaluation.—With respect to the electronic health record systems of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Office shall seek to enter into an agreement with an independent entity to conduct an evaluation by not later than October 1, 2021[,] of the following:

"(A) Whether a clinician of the Department of Defense, can access, and meaningfully interact with, a complete patient health record of a veteran, from a military medical treatment facility.

"(B) Whether a clinician of the Department of Veterans Affairs can access, and meaningfully interact with, a complete patient health record of a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty, from a medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(C) Whether clinicians of the Departments can access, and meaningfully interact with, the data elements of the health record of a patient who is a veteran or is a member of the Armed Forces which are generated when the individual receives health care from a community care provider of the Department of Veterans Affairs or a TRICARE program provider of the Department of Defense.

"(D) Whether a community care provider of the Department of the Veterans Affairs and a TRICARE program provider of the Department of Defense on a Health Information Exchange-supported electronic health record can access patient health records of veterans and active-duty members of the Armed Forces from the system of the provider.

"(E) An assessment of interoperability between the legacy electronic health record systems and the future electronic health record systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.

"(F) An assessment of the use of interoperable content between—

"(i) the legacy electronic health record systems and the future electronic health record systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense; and

"(ii) third-party applications.

"(2) System configuration management.—The Office shall—

"(A) maintain the common configuration baseline for the electronic health record systems of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

"(B) continually evaluate the state of configuration and the impacts on interoperability; and

"(C) promote the enhancement of such electronic health records systems.

"(3) Consultation.—

"(A) Annual meeting required.—Not less than once per year, the Office shall convene a meeting of clinical staff from the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Coast Guard, community providers, and other leading clinical experts, for the purpose of assessing the state of clinical use of the electronic health record systems and whether the systems are meeting clinical and patient needs.

"(B) Recommendations.—Clinical staff participating in a meeting under subparagraph (A) shall make recommendations to the Office on the need for any improvements or concerns with the electronic health record systems.

"(4) Clinical and patient satisfaction survey.—Beginning October 1, 2021, and on at least a biannual basis thereafter until 2025 at the earliest, the Office shall undertake a clinician and patient satisfaction survey regarding clinical use and patient experience with the electronic health record systems of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(f) Pilot Projects.—

"(1) Authority.—In order to assist the Office in the discharge of its function under this section, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may, acting jointly, carry out one or more pilot projects to assess the feasibility and advisability of various technological approaches to the achievement of the electronic health record systems or capabilities described in subsection (d).

"(2) Sharing of protected health information.—For purposes of each pilot project carried out under this subsection, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, for purposes of the regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–191] (42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note), ensure the effective sharing of protected health information between the health care system of the Department of Defense and the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs as needed to provide all health care services and other benefits allowed by law.

"(g) Staff and Other Resources.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assign to the Office such personnel and other resources of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs as are required for the discharge of its function under this section, including the assignment of clinical or technical personnel of the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Office.

"(2) Additional services.—Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Director may utilize the services of private individuals and entities as consultants to the Office in the discharge of its function under this section. Amounts available to the Office shall be available for payment for such services.

"(3) Cost sharing.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans shall enter into an agreement on cost sharing and providing resources for the operations and staffing of the Office.

"(4) Hiring authority.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall delegate to the Director the authority under title 5, United States Code, regarding appointments in the competitive service to hire personnel of the Office.

"(h) Reports.—

"(1) Annual reports.—Not later than September 30, 2020, and each year thereafter through 2024, the Director shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and to the appropriate committees of Congress, a report on the activities of the Office during the preceding calendar year. Each report shall include the following:

"(A) A detailed description of the activities of the Office during the year covered by such report, including a detailed description of the amounts expended and the purposes for which expended.

"(B) With respect to the objectives of the strategy under paragraph (2)(C) of subsection (b), and the purposes of the Office under such subsection—

"(i) a discussion, description, and assessment of the progress made by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs during the preceding calendar year; and

"(ii) a discussion and description of the goals of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the following calendar year, including updates to strategies and plans.

"(C) A detailed financial summary of the activities of the Office, including the funds allocated to the Office by each Department, the expenditures made, and an assessment as to whether the current funding is sufficient to carry out the activities of the Office.

"(D) A detailed description of the status of each of the implementation milestones, including the nature of the evaluation, methodology for testing, and findings with respect to each milestone under subsection (e).

"(E) A detailed description of the state of the configuration baseline, including any activities which decremented or enhanced the state of configuration under subsection (e).

"(F) With respect to the annual meeting required under subsection (e)(3)—

"(i) a detailed description of activities, assessments, and recommendations relating to such meeting; and

"(ii) the response of the Office to any such recommendations.

"(2) Availability.—Each report under this subsection shall be made publicly available.

"(i) Comptroller General Assessment of Implementation.—Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008] and every six months thereafter until the completion of the implementation of electronic health record systems or capabilities described in subsection (d), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth the assessment of the Comptroller General of the progress of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in implementing electronic health record systems or capabilities described in subsection (d).

"(j) Technology-Neutral Guidelines and Standards.—The Director, in consultation with industry and appropriate Federal agencies, shall develop, or shall adopt from industry, technology-neutral information technology infrastructure guidelines and standards for use by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to enable those departments to effectively select and utilize information technologies to meet the requirements of this section.

"(k) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(A) the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives]; and

"(B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

"(2) The term 'configuration baseline' means a fixed reference in the development cycle or an agreed-upon specification of a product at a point in time that serves as a documented basis for defining incremental change in all aspects of an information technology product.

"(3) The term 'Electronic Health Record Modernization Program' has the meaning given that term in section 503 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–407; 132 Stat. 5376) [38 U.S.C. note prec. 5701].

"(4) The term 'interoperability' means the ability of different information systems, devices, or applications to connect, regardless of the technology platform or the location where care is provided—

"(A) in a coordinated and secure manner, within and across organizational boundaries, and across the complete spectrum of care, including all applicable care settings;

"(B) with relevant stakeholders, including the person whose information is being shared, to access, exchange, integrate, and use computable data regardless of the origin or destination of the data or the applications employed;

"(C) with the capability to reliably exchange information without error;

"(D) with the ability to interpret and to make effective use of such exchanged information;

"(E) with the ability for information that can be used to advance patient care to move between health care entities; and

"(F) without additional intervention by the end user.

"(5) The term 'meaningfully interact' means the ability to view, consume, act upon, and edit information in a clinical setting to facilitate high-quality clinical decision making.

"(6) The term 'seamless health care' means health care which is optimized through access by patients and clinicians to integrated, relevant, and complete information about the clinical experiences of the patient, social and environmental determinants of health, and health trends over time, in order to enable patients and clinicians to—

"(A) move efficiently within and across organizational boundaries;

"(B) make high-quality decisions; and

"(C) effectively carry out complete plans of care.

"(7) The term 'Secretary concerned' means—

"(A) the Secretary of Defense, with respect to matters concerning the Department of Defense;

"(B) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, with respect to matters concerning the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

"(C) the Secretary of Homeland Security, with respect to matters concerning the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy.

"(8) The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code. [As amended Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title II, §252, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4400; Pub. L. 113–175, title I, §105, Sept. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 1903; Pub. L. 114–58, title IV, §411, Sept. 30, 2015, 129 Stat. 536; Pub. L. 114–228, title IV, §414, Sept. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 941; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §715(a)–(g), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1446–1451.]

"SEC. 1644. AUTHORIZATION OF PILOT PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE THE DISABILITY EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

"(a) Pilot Programs.—

"(1) Programs authorized.—For the purposes set forth in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may establish and conduct pilot programs with respect to the system of the Department of Defense for the evaluation of the disabilities of members of the Armed Forces who are being separated or retired from the Armed Forces for disability under chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code (in this section referred to as the 'disability evaluation system').

"(2) Types of pilot programs.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense may conduct one or more of the pilot programs described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b) or such other pilot programs as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

"(3) Consultation.—In establishing and conducting any pilot program under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(b) Scope of Pilot Programs.—

"(1) Disability determinations by dod utilizing va assigned disability rating.—Under one of the pilot programs authorized by subsection (a), for purposes of making a determination of disability of a member of the Armed Forces under section 1201(b) of title 10, United States Code, for the retirement, separation, or placement of the member on the temporary disability retired list under chapter 61 of such title, upon a determination by the Secretary of the military department concerned that the member is unfit to perform the duties of the member's office, grade, rank, or rating because of a physical disability as described in section 1201(a) of such title—

"(A) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may—

"(i) conduct an evaluation of the member for physical disability; and

"(ii) assign the member a rating of disability in accordance with the schedule for rating disabilities utilized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs based on all medical conditions (whether individually or collectively) that render the member unfit for duty; and

"(B) the Secretary of the military department concerned may make the determination of disability regarding the member utilizing the rating of disability assigned under subparagraph (A)(ii).

"(2) Disability determinations utilizing joint dod/va assigned disability rating.—Under one of the pilot programs authorized by subsection (a), in making a determination of disability of a member of the Armed Forces under section 1201(b) of title 10, United States Code, for the retirement, separation, or placement of the member on the temporary disability retired list under chapter 61 of such title, the Secretary of the military department concerned may, upon determining that the member is unfit to perform the duties of the member's office, grade, rank, or rating because of a physical disability as described in section 1201(a) of such title—

"(A) provide for the joint evaluation of the member for disability by the Secretary of the military department concerned and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including the assignment of a rating of disability for the member in accordance with the schedule for rating disabilities utilized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs based on all medical conditions (whether individually or collectively) that render the member unfit for duty; and

"(B) make the determination of disability regarding the member utilizing the rating of disability assigned under subparagraph (A).

"(3) Electronic clearing house.—Under one of the pilot programs authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may establish and operate a single Internet website for the disability evaluation system of the Department of Defense that enables participating members of the Armed Forces to fully utilize such system through the Internet, with such Internet website to include the following:

"(A) The availability of any forms required for the utilization of the disability evaluation system by members of the Armed Forces under the system.

"(B) Secure mechanisms for the submission of such forms by members of the Armed Forces under the system, and for the tracking of the acceptance and review of any forms so submitted.

"(C) Secure mechanisms for advising members of the Armed Forces under the system of any additional information, forms, or other items that are required for the acceptance and review of any forms so submitted.

"(D) The continuous availability of assistance to members of the Armed Forces under the system (including assistance through the caseworkers assigned to such members of the Armed Forces) in submitting and tracking such forms, including assistance in obtaining information, forms, or other items described by subparagraph (C).

"(E) Secure mechanisms to request and receive personnel files or other personnel records of members of the Armed Forces under the system that are required for submission under the disability evaluation system, including the capability to track requests for such files or records and to determine the status of such requests and of responses to such requests.

"(4) Other pilot programs.—The pilot programs authorized by subsection (a) may also provide for the development, evaluation, and identification of such practices and procedures under the disability evaluation system as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes set forth in subsection (c).

"(c) Purposes.—A pilot program established under subsection (a) may have one or more of the following purposes:

"(1) To provide for the development, evaluation, and identification of revised and improved practices and procedures under the disability evaluation system in order to—

"(A) reduce the processing time under the disability evaluation system of members of the Armed Forces who are likely to be retired or separated for disability, and who have not requested continuation on active duty, including, in particular, members who are severely wounded;

"(B) identify and implement or seek the modification of statutory or administrative policies and requirements applicable to the disability evaluation system that—

"(i) are unnecessary or contrary to applicable best practices of civilian employers and civilian healthcare systems; or

"(ii) otherwise result in hardship, arbitrary, or inconsistent outcomes for members of the Armed Forces, or unwarranted inefficiencies and delays;

"(C) eliminate material variations in policies, interpretations, and overall performance standards among the military departments under the disability evaluation system; and

"(D) determine whether it enhances the capability of the Department of Veterans Affairs to receive and determine claims from members of the Armed Forces for compensation, pension, hospitalization, or other veterans benefits.

"(2) In conjunction with the findings and recommendations of applicable Presidential and Department of Defense study groups, to provide for the eventual development of revised and improved practices and procedures for the disability evaluation system in order to achieve the objectives set forth in paragraph (1).

"(d) Utilization of Results in Updates of Comprehensive Policy on Care, Management, and Transition of Recovering Service Members.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, acting jointly, may incorporate responses to any findings and recommendations arising under the pilot programs conducted under subsection (a) in updating the comprehensive policy on the care and management of covered service members under section 1611(a)(4).

"(e) Construction With Other Authorities.—

"(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), in carrying out a pilot program under subsection (a)—

"(A) the rules and regulations of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to methods of determining fitness or unfitness for duty and disability ratings for members of the Armed Forces shall apply to the pilot program only to the extent provided in the report on the pilot program under subsection (g)(1); and

"(B) the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may waive any provision of title 10, 37, or 38, United States Code, relating to methods of determining fitness or unfitness for duty and disability ratings for members of the Armed Forces if the Secretaries determine in writing that the application of such provision would be inconsistent with the purpose of the pilot program.

"(2) Limitation.—Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to authorize the waiver of any provision of section 1216a of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 1642 of this Act.

"(f) Duration.—Each pilot program conducted under subsection (a) shall be completed not later than one year after the date of the commencement of such pilot program under that subsection.

"(g) Reports.—

"(1) Initial report.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on each pilot program that has been commenced as of that date under subsection (a). The report shall include—

"(A) a description of the scope and objectives of the pilot program;

"(B) a description of the methodology to be used under the pilot program to ensure rapid identification under such pilot program of revised or improved practices under the disability evaluation system in order to achieve the objectives set forth in subsection (c)(1); and

"(C) a statement of any provision described in subsection (e)(1)(B) that will not apply to the pilot program by reason of a waiver under that subsection.

"(2) Interim report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the submittal of the report required by paragraph (1) with respect to a pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the current status of the pilot program.

"(3) Final report.—Not later than 90 days after the completion of all of the pilot programs conducted under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report setting forth a final evaluation and assessment of the pilot programs. The report shall include such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate in light of such pilot programs.

"SEC. 1648. STANDARDS FOR MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES, SPECIALTY MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES, AND MILITARY QUARTERS HOUSING PATIENTS AND ANNUAL REPORT ON SUCH FACILITIES.

"(a) Establishment of Standards.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish for the military facilities of the Department of Defense and the military departments referred to in subsection (b) standards with respect to the matters set forth in subsection (c). To the maximum extent practicable, the standards shall—

"(1) be uniform and consistent for all such facilities; and

"(2) be uniform and consistent throughout the Department of Defense and the military departments.

"(b) Covered Military Facilities.—The military facilities covered by this section are the following:

"(1) Military medical treatment facilities.

"(2) Specialty medical care facilities.

"(3) Military quarters or leased housing for patients.

"(c) Scope of Standards.—The standards required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

"(1) Generally accepted standards for the accreditation of medical facilities, or for facilities used to quarter individuals that may require medical supervision, as applicable, in the United States.

"(2) To the extent not inconsistent with the standards described in paragraph (1), minimally acceptable conditions for the following:

"(A) Appearance and maintenance of facilities generally, including the structure and roofs of facilities.

"(B) Size, appearance, and maintenance of rooms housing or utilized by patients, including furniture and amenities in such rooms.

"(C) Operation and maintenance of primary and back-up facility utility systems and other systems required for patient care, including electrical systems, plumbing systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, communications systems, fire protection systems, energy management systems, and other systems required for patient care.

"(D) Compliance of facilities, rooms, and grounds, to the maximum extent practicable, with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

"(E) Such other matters relating to the appearance, size, operation, and maintenance of facilities and rooms as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(d) Compliance With Standards.—

"(1) Deadline.—In establishing standards under subsection (a), the Secretary shall specify a deadline for compliance with such standards by each facility referred to in subsection (b). The deadline shall be at the earliest date practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], and shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be uniform across the facilities referred to in subsection (b).

"(2) Investment.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall also establish guidelines for investment to be utilized by the Department of Defense and the military departments in determining the allocation of financial resources to facilities referred to in subsection (b) in order to meet the deadline specified under paragraph (1).

"(e) Report on Development and Implementation of Standards.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than March 1, 2008, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the actions taken to carry out subsection (a).

"(2) Elements.—The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) The standards established under subsection (a).

"(B) An assessment of the appearance, condition, and maintenance of each facility referred to in subsection (b), including—

"(i) an assessment of the compliance of the facility with the standards established under subsection (a); and

"(ii) a description of any deficiency or noncompliance in each facility with the standards.

"(C) A description of the investment to be allocated to address each deficiency or noncompliance identified under subparagraph (B)(ii). [As amended Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §1072(e), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 995.]

"SEC. 1651. HANDBOOK FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES ON COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE FOR SERIOUS INJURIES AND ILLNESSES.

"(a) Information on Available Compensation and Benefits.—Not later than October 1, 2008, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and maintain, in handbook and electronic form, a comprehensive description of the compensation and other benefits to which a member of the Armed Forces, and the family of such member, would be entitled upon the separation or retirement of the member from the Armed Forces as a result of a serious injury or illness. The handbook shall set forth the range of such compensation and benefits based on grade, length of service, degree of disability at separation or retirement, and such other factors affecting such compensation and benefits as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(b) Consultation.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and maintain the comprehensive description required by subsection (a), including the handbook and electronic form of the description, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Commissioner of Social Security.

"(c) Update.—The Secretary of Defense shall update the comprehensive description required by subsection (a), including the handbook and electronic form of the description, on a periodic basis, but not less often than annually.

"(d) Provision to Members.—The Secretary of the military department concerned shall provide the descriptive handbook under subsection (a) to each member of the Armed Forces described in that subsection as soon as practicable following the injury or illness qualifying the member for coverage under such subsection.

"(e) Provision to Representatives.—If a member is incapacitated or otherwise unable to receive the descriptive handbook to be provided under subsection (a), the handbook shall be provided to the next of kin or a legal representative of the member, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the military department concerned for purposes of this section.

"SEC. 1662. ACCESS OF RECOVERING SERVICE MEMBERS TO ADEQUATE OUTPATIENT RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES.

"All quarters of the United States and housing facilities under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces that are occupied by recovering service members shall be inspected at least once every two years by the inspectors general of the regional medical commands. [As amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title V, §591, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3394; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §1072(f), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 995.]

"SEC. 1671. PROHIBITION ON TRANSFER OF RESOURCES FROM MEDICAL CARE.

"Neither the Secretary of Defense nor the Secretaries of the military departments may transfer funds or personnel from medical care functions to administrative functions within the Department of Defense in order to comply with the new administrative requirements imposed by this title [see Short Title of 2008 Amendment note above] or the amendments made by this title.

"SEC. 1672. MEDICAL CARE FOR FAMILIES OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES RECOVERING FROM SERIOUS INJURIES OR ILLNESSES.

"(a) Medical Care at Military Medical Facilities.—

"(1) Medical care.—A family member of a recovering service member who is not otherwise eligible for medical care at a military medical treatment facility may be eligible for such care at such facilities, on a space-available basis, if the family member is—

"(A) on invitational orders while caring for the service member;

"(B) a non-medical attendee caring for the service member; or

"(C) receiving per diem payments from the Department of Defense while caring for the service member.

"(2) Specification of family members.—The Secretary of Defense may prescribe in regulations the family members of recovering service members who shall be considered to be a family member of a service member for purposes of this subsection.

"(3) Specification of care.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations the medical care that may be available to family members under this subsection at military medical treatment facilities.

"(4) Recovery of costs.—The United States may recover the costs of the provision of medical care under this subsection as follows (as applicable):

"(A) From third-party payers, in the same manner as the United States may collect costs of the charges of health care provided to covered beneficiaries from third-party payers under section 1095 of title 10, United States Code.

"(B) As if such care was provided under the authority of section 1784 of title 38, United States Code.

"(b) Medical Care at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facilities.—

"(1) Medical care.—When a recovering service member is receiving hospital care and medical services at a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may provide medical care for eligible family members under this section when that care is readily available at that Department facility and on a space-available basis.

"(2) Regulations.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe in regulations the medical care that may be available to family members under this subsection at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"SEC. 1676. MORATORIUM ON CONVERSION TO CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FUNCTIONS AT MILITARY MEDICAL FACILITIES.

"(a) Moratorium.—No study or competition may be begun or announced pursuant to section 2461 of title 10, United States Code, or otherwise pursuant to Office of Management and Budget circular A-76, relating to the possible conversion to performance by a contractor of any Department of Defense function carried out at a military medical facility until the Secretary of Defense—

"(1) submits the certification required by subsection (b) to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives together with a description of the steps taken by the Secretary in accordance with the certification; and

"(2) submits the report required by subsection (c).

"(b) Certification.—The certification referred to in paragraph (a)(1) is a certification that the Secretary has taken appropriate steps to ensure that neither the quality of military medical care nor the availability of qualified personnel to carry out Department of Defense functions related to military medical care will be adversely affected by either—

"(1) the process of considering a Department of Defense function carried out at a military medical facility for possible conversion to performance by a contractor; or

"(2) the conversion of such a function to performance by a contractor.

"(c) Report Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the public-private competitions being conducted for Department of Defense functions carried out at military medical facilities as of the date of the enactment of this Act by each military department and defense agency. Such report shall include—

"(1) for each such competition—

"(A) the cost of conducting the public-private competition;

"(B) the number of military personnel and civilian employees of the Department of Defense affected;

"(C) the estimated savings identified and the savings actually achieved;

"(D) an evaluation whether the anticipated and budgeted savings can be achieved through a public-private competition; and

"(E) the effect of converting the performance of the function to performance by a contractor on the quality of the performance of the function; and

"(2) an assessment of whether any method of business reform or reengineering other than a public-private competition could, if implemented in the future, achieve any anticipated or budgeted savings."

Disease and Chronic Care Management

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §734, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2299, required the Secretary of Defense to develop a fully integrated program on disease and chronic care management for the military health care system with uniform policies and practices throughout the system and an implementation plan for the program and to report to Congress no later than Mar. 1, 2008.

Prevention, Mitigation, and Treatment of Blast Injuries

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title II, §256, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3181, as amended by Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(c)(2)(C), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1950, provided for medical research efforts and programs of the Department of Defense relating to the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of blast injuries, including the designation of an executive agent to coordinate and manage such efforts and programs, conduct studies, and develop training protocols, and required an annual report to Congress through 2008.

Access to Health Care Services for Beneficiaries Eligible for TRICARE and Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VII, §708, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2585, provided that:

"(a) Requirement To Establish Process.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations a process for resolving issues relating to patient safety and continuity of care for covered beneficiaries who are concurrently entitled to health care under the TRICARE program and eligible for health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary shall—

"(A) ensure that the process provides for coordination of, and access to, health care from the two sources in a manner that prevents diminution of access to health care from either source; and

"(B) in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, prescribe a clear definition of an 'episode of care' for use in the resolution of patient safety and continuity of care issues under such process.

"(2) Not later than May 1, 2003, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and of the House of Representatives a report describing the process prescribed under paragraph (1).

"(3) While prescribing the process under paragraph (1) and upon completion of the report under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide to the Comptroller General information that would be relevant in carrying out the study required by subsection (b).

"(b) Comptroller General Study and Report.—(1) The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the health care issues of covered beneficiaries described in subsection (a). The study shall include the following:

"(A) An analysis of whether covered beneficiaries who seek services through the Department of Veterans Affairs are receiving needed health care services in a timely manner from the Department of Veterans Affairs, as compared to the timeliness of the care available to covered beneficiaries under TRICARE Prime (as set forth in access to care standards under TRICARE program policy that are applicable to the care being sought).

"(B) An evaluation of the quality of care for covered beneficiaries who do not receive needed services from the Department of Veterans Affairs within a time period that is comparable to the time period provided for under such access to care standards and who then must seek alternative care under the TRICARE program.

"(C) Recommendations to improve access to, and timeliness and quality of, care for covered beneficiaries described in subsection (a).

"(D) An evaluation of the feasibility and advisability of making access to care standards applicable jointly under the TRICARE program and the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system.

"(E) A review of the process prescribed by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (a) to determine whether the process ensures the adequacy and quality of the health care services provided to covered beneficiaries under the TRICARE program and through the Department of Veterans Affairs, together with timeliness of access to such services and patient safety.

"(2) Not later than 60 days after the congressional committees specified in subsection (a)(2) receive the report required under that subsection, the Comptroller General shall submit to those committees a report on the study conducted under this subsection.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'covered beneficiary' has the meaning provided by section 1072(5) of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning provided by section 1072(7) of such title.

"(3) The term 'TRICARE Prime' has the meaning provided by section 1097a(f) of such title."

Pilot Program Providing for Department of Veterans Affairs Support in the Performance of Separation Physical Examinations

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §734, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1170, authorized the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly carry out a pilot program, to begin not later than July 1, 2002, and terminate on Dec. 31, 2005, under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in one or more geographic areas, could perform the physical examinations required for separation of members from the uniformed services, and directed the Secretaries to jointly submit to Congress interim and final reports not later than Mar. 1, 2005.

Health Care Management Demonstration Program

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §733], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–191, as amended by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §737, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1173, directed the Secretary of Defense to carry out a demonstration program on health care management, to begin not later than 180 days after Oct. 30, 2000, and terminate on Dec. 31, 2003, to explore opportunities for improving the planning, programming, budgeting systems, and management of the Department of Defense health care system, and directed the Secretary to submit a report on such program to committees of Congress not later than Mar. 15, 2004.

Processes for Patient Safety in Military and Veterans Health Care Systems

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §742], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–192, provided that:

"(a) Error Tracking Process.—The Secretary of Defense shall implement a centralized process for reporting, compilation, and analysis of errors in the provision of health care under the defense health program that endanger patients beyond the normal risks associated with the care and treatment of such patients. To the extent practicable, that process shall emulate the system established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for reporting, compilation, and analysis of errors in the provision of health care under the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system that endanger patients beyond such risks.

"(b) Sharing of Information.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs—

"(1) shall share information regarding the designs of systems or protocols established to reduce errors in the provision of health care described in subsection (a); and

"(2) shall develop such protocols as the Secretaries consider necessary for the establishment and administration of effective processes for the reporting, compilation, and analysis of such errors."

Cooperation in Developing Pharmaceutical Identification Technology

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §743], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–192, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall cooperate in developing systems for the use of bar codes for the identification of pharmaceuticals in the health care programs of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In any case in which a common pharmaceutical is used in such programs, the bar codes for those pharmaceuticals shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be identical."

Patient Care Reporting and Management System

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §754], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–196, as amended by Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §741, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3360, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a patient care error reporting and management system.

"(b) Purposes of System.—The purposes of the system are as follows:

"(1) To study the occurrences of errors in the patient care provided under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) To identify the systemic factors that are associated with such occurrences.

"(3) To provide for action to be taken to correct the identified systemic factors.

"(c) Requirements for System.—The patient care error reporting and management system shall include the following:

"(1) A hospital-level patient safety center, within the quality assurance department of each health care organization of the Department of Defense, to collect, assess, and report on the nature and frequency of errors related to patient care.

"(2) For each health care organization of the Department of Defense and for the entire Defense health program, patient safety standards that are necessary for the development of a full understanding of patient safety issues in each such organization and the entire program, including the nature and types of errors and the systemic causes of the errors.

"(3) Establishment of a Department of Defense Patient Safety Center, which shall have the following missions:

"(A) To analyze information on patient care errors that is submitted to the Center by each military health care organization.

"(B) To develop action plans for addressing patterns of patient care errors.

"(C) To execute those action plans to mitigate and control errors in patient care with a goal of ensuring that the health care organizations of the Department of Defense provide highly reliable patient care with virtually no error.

"(D) To provide, through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services any reports that the Assistant Secretary determines appropriate.

"(E) To review and integrate processes for reducing errors associated with patient care and for enhancing patient safety.

"(F) To contract with a qualified and objective external organization to manage the national patient safety database of the Department of Defense.

"(d) Medical Team Training Program.—The Secretary shall expand the health care team coordination program to integrate that program into all Department of Defense health care operations. In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall take the following actions:

"(1) Establish not less than two Centers of Excellence for the development, validation, proliferation, and sustainment of the health care team coordination program, one of which shall support all fixed military health care organizations, the other of which shall support all combat casualty care organizations.

"(2) Deploy the program to all fixed and combat casualty care organizations of each of the Armed Forces, at the rate of not less than 10 organizations in each fiscal year.

"(3) Expand the scope of the health care team coordination program from a focus on emergency department care to a coverage that includes care in all major medical specialties, at the rate of not less than one specialty in each fiscal year.

"(4) Continue research and development investments to improve communication, coordination, and team work in the provision of health care.

"(e) Consultation.—The Secretary shall consult with the other administering Secretaries (as defined in section 1072(3) of title 10, United States Code) in carrying out this section."

Confidentiality of Communications With Professionals Providing Therapeutic or Related Services Regarding Sexual or Domestic Abuse

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §585, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 636, required the Secretary of Defense to prescribe in regulations policies and procedures to provide maximum protections for the confidentiality of communications between dependents of Armed Forces members and professionals providing therapeutic or related services regarding sexual or domestic abuse and to report to Congress no later than Jan. 21, 2000.

Health Care Quality Information and Technology Enhancement

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §723, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 695, as amended by Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §753(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–195; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §742, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3360; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1046(e), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2394; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1062(j)(1), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1585; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(47), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4310, provided that:

"(a) Purpose.—The purpose of this section is to ensure that the Department of Defense addresses issues of medical quality surveillance and implements solutions for those issues in a timely manner that is consistent with national policy and industry standards.

"(b) Department of Defense Program for Medical Informatics and Data.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a Department of Defense program, the purposes of which shall be the following:

"(1) To develop parameters for assessing the quality of health care information.

"(2) To develop the defense digital patient record.

"(3) To develop a repository for data on quality of health care.

"(4) To develop capability for conducting research on quality of health care.

"(5) To conduct research on matters of quality of health care.

"(6) To develop decision support tools for health care providers.

"(7) To refine medical performance report cards.

"(8) To conduct educational programs on medical informatics to meet identified needs.

"(c) Automation and Capture of Clinical Data.—(1) Through the program established under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall accelerate the efforts of the Department of Defense to automate, capture, and exchange controlled clinical data and present providers with clinical guidance using a personal information carrier, clinical lexicon, or digital patient record.

"(2) The program shall serve as a primary resource for the Department of Defense for matters concerning the capture, processing, and dissemination of data on health care quality.

"(d) Medical Informatics Advisory Committee.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall establish a Medical Informatics Advisory Committee (hereinafter referred to as the 'Committee'), the members of which shall be the following:

"(A) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

"(B) The Director of the TRICARE Management Activity of the Department of Defense.

"(C) The Surgeon General of the Army.

"(D) The Surgeon General of the Navy.

"(E) The Surgeon General of the Air Force.

"(F) Representatives of the Department of Veterans Affairs, designated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(G) Representatives of the Department of Health and Human Services, designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

"(H) Any additional members appointed by the Secretary of Defense to represent health care insurers and managed care organizations, academic health institutions, health care providers (including representatives of physicians and representatives of hospitals), and accreditors of health care plans and organizations.

"(2) The primary mission of the Committee shall be to advise the Secretary on the development, deployment, and maintenance of health care informatics systems that allow for the collection, exchange, and processing of health care quality information for the Department of Defense in coordination with other Federal departments and agencies and with the private sector.

"(3) Specific areas of responsibility of the Committee shall include advising the Secretary on the following:

"(A) The ability of the medical informatics systems at the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to monitor, evaluate, and improve the quality of care provided to beneficiaries.

"(B) The coordination of key components of medical informatics systems, including digital patient records, both within the Federal Government and between the Federal Government and the private sector.

"(C) The development of operational capabilities for executive information systems and clinical decision support systems within the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(D) Standardization of processes used to collect, evaluate, and disseminate health care quality information.

"(E) Refinement of methodologies by which the quality of health care provided within the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs is evaluated.

"(F) Protecting the confidentiality of personal health information.

"(4) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs shall consult with the Committee on the issues described in paragraph (3).

"(5) Members of the Committee shall not be paid by reason of their service on the Committee.

"(6) Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the Committee."

[Section 1062(j)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 112–81, which directed the redesignation of pars. (6) and (7) as (5) and (6) of section 723(d) of Pub. L. 106–65, set out above, could not be executed due to the prior identical amendment by section 1046(e) of Pub. L. 109–364.]

Joint Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Reports Relating to Interdepartmental Cooperation in Delivery of Medical Care

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VII, §745, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2075, as amended by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(3), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 774; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title X, §1031(g)(1), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1604, (1) directed the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly conduct a survey of their respective medical care beneficiary populations to identify the expectations of, requirements for, and behavior patterns of the beneficiaries with respect to medical care, and to submit a report on the results of the survey to committees of Congress not later than Jan. 1, 2000; (2) directed the same Secretaries to jointly conduct a review to identify impediments to cooperation between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the delivery of medical care and to submit a report on the results of the review to committees of Congress not later than Mar. 1, 1999; (3) directed the Secretary of Defense to review the TRICARE program to identify opportunities for increased participation by the Department of Veterans Affairs in that program; (4) directed the Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Pharmacy Executive Steering Committee to examine existing pharmaceutical benefits and programs for beneficiaries and review existing methods for contracting for and distributing medical supplies and services and to submit a report on the results of the examination to committees of Congress not later than 60 days after its completion; and (5) directed the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly submit to committees of Congress a report, not later than Mar. 1, 1999, on the status of the efforts of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to standardize physical examinations administered by the two departments for the purpose of determining or rating disabilities.

External Peer Review for Defense Health Program Extramural Medical Research Involving Human Subjects

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §742, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2600, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of External Peer Review Process.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a peer review process that will use persons who are not officers or employees of the Government to review the research protocols of medical research projects.

"(b) Peer Review Requirements.—Funds of the Department of Defense may not be obligated or expended for any medical research project unless the research protocol for the project has been approved by the external peer review process established under subsection (a).

"(c) Medical Research Project Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term 'medical research project' means a research project that—

"(1) involves the participation of human subjects;

"(2) is conducted solely by a non-Federal entity; and

"(3) is funded through the Defense Health Program account.

"(d) Effective Date.—The peer review requirements of subsection (b) shall take effect on October 1, 1996, and, except as provided in subsection (e), shall apply to all medical research projects proposed funded on or after that date, including medical research projects funded pursuant to any requirement of law enacted before, on, or after that date.

"(e) Exceptions.—Only the following medical research projects shall be exempt from the peer review requirements of subsection (b):

"(1) A medical research project that the Secretary determines has been substantially completed by October 1, 1996.

"(2) A medical research project funded pursuant to any provision of law enacted on or after that date if the provision of law specifically refers to this section and specifically states that the peer review requirements do not apply."

Annual Beneficiary Survey

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VII, §724, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2440, as amended by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §717, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2804, provided that:

"(a) Survey Required.—The administering Secretaries shall conduct annually a formal survey of persons receiving health care under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, in order to determine the following:

"(1) The availability of health care services to such persons through the health care system provided for under that chapter, the types of services received, and the facilities in which the services were provided.

"(2) The familiarity of such persons with the services available under that system and with the facilities in which such services are provided.

"(3) The health of such persons.

"(4) The level of satisfaction of such persons with that system and the quality of the health care provided through that system.

"(5) Such other matters as the administering Secretaries determine appropriate.

"(b) Exemption.—An annual survey under subsection (a) shall be treated as not a collection of information for the purposes for which such term is defined in section 3502(4) of title 44, United States Code.

"(c) Definition.—For purposes of this section, the term 'administering Secretaries' has the meaning given such term in section 1072(3) of title 10, United States Code."

Comprehensive Study of Military Medical Care System

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VII, §733, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1408, as amended by Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VII, §723, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2440, directed Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive study of the military medical care system, not later than Dec. 15, 1992, to submit to congressional defense committees a detailed accounting on progress of the study, including preliminary results of the study, and not later than Dec. 15, 1993, submit to congressional defense committees a final report on the study.

Identification and Treatment of Drug and Alcohol Dependent Persons in the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 92–129, title V, §501, Sept. 28, 1971, 85 Stat. 361, which directed Secretary of Defense to devise ways to identify, treat, and rehabilitate drug and alcohol dependent members of the armed forces, to identify, refuse admission to, and refer to civilian treatment facilities such persons seeking entrance to the armed forces, and to report to Congress on and suggest additional legislation concerning these matters, was repealed and restated as sections 978 and 1090 of this title by Pub. L. 97–295, §§1(14)(A), (15)(A), 6(b), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1289, 1290, 1314.

Definitions

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §728(c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2234, provided that: "In this section [amending section 1073b of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section]:

"(1) The term 'Core Quality Measures Collaborative' means the collaboration between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, major health insurance companies, national physician organizations, and other entities to reach consensus on core performance measures reported by health care providers.

"(2) The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13625. Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families

Ex. Ord. No. 13625, Aug. 31, 2012, 77 F.R. 54783, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order as follows:

Section 1. Policy. Since September 11, 2001, more than two million service members have deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Long deployments and intense combat conditions require optimal support for the emotional and mental health needs of our service members and their families. The need for mental health services will only increase in the coming years as the Nation deals with the effects of more than a decade of conflict. Reiterating and expanding upon the commitment outlined in my Administration's 2011 report, entitled "Strengthening Our Military Families," we have an obligation to evaluate our progress and continue to build an integrated network of support capable of providing effective mental health services for veterans, service members, and their families. Our public health approach must encompass the practices of disease prevention and the promotion of good health for all military populations throughout their lifespans, both within the health care systems of the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and in local communities. Our efforts also must focus on both outreach to veterans and their families and the provision of high quality mental health treatment to those in need. Coordination between the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense during service members' transition to civilian life is essential to achieving these goals.

Ensuring that all veterans, service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve alike), and their families receive the support they deserve is a top priority for my Administration. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve all facets of military mental health, this order directs the Secretaries of Defense, Health and Human Services, Education, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security to expand suicide prevention strategies and take steps to meet the current and future demand for mental health and substance abuse treatment services for veterans, service members, and their families.

Sec. 2. Suicide Prevention. (a) By December 31, 2012, the Department of Veterans Affairs, in continued collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services, shall expand the capacity of the Veterans Crisis Line by 50 percent to ensure that veterans have timely access, including by telephone, text, or online chat, to qualified, caring responders who can help address immediate crises and direct veterans to appropriate care. Further, the Department of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that any veteran identifying him or herself as being in crisis connects with a mental health professional or trained mental health worker within 24 hours. The Department of Veterans Affairs also shall expand the number of mental health professionals who are available to see veterans beyond traditional business hours.

(b) The Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense shall jointly develop and implement a national suicide prevention campaign focused on connecting veterans and service members to mental health services. This 12-month campaign, which shall begin on September 1, 2012, will focus on the positive benefits of seeking care and encourage veterans and service members to proactively reach out to support services.

(c) To provide the best mental health and substance abuse prevention, education, and outreach support to our military and their family members, the Department of Defense shall review all of its existing mental health and substance abuse prevention, education, and outreach programs across the military services and the Defense Health Program to identify the key program areas that produce the greatest impact on quality and outcomes, and rank programs within each of these program areas using metrics that assess their effectiveness. By the end of Fiscal Year 2014, existing program resources shall be realigned to ensure that highly ranked programs are implemented across all of the military services and less effective programs are replaced.

Sec. 3. Enhanced Partnerships Between the Department of Veterans Affairs and Community Providers. (a) Within 180 days of the date of this order, in those service areas where the Department of Veterans Affairs has faced challenges in hiring and placing mental health service providers and continues to have unfilled vacancies or long wait times, the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Health and Human Services shall establish pilot projects whereby the Department of Veterans Affairs contracts or develops formal arrangements with community-based providers, such as community mental health clinics, community health centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, and rural health clinics, to test the effectiveness of community partnerships in helping to meet the mental health needs of veterans in a timely way. Pilot sites shall ensure that consumers of community-based services continue to be integrated into the health care systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs. No fewer than 15 pilot projects shall be established.

(b) The Department of Veterans Affairs shall develop guidance for its medical centers and service networks that supports the use of community mental health services, including telehealth services and substance abuse services, where appropriate, to meet demand and facilitate access to care. This guidance shall include recommendations that medical centers and service networks use community-based providers to help meet veterans' mental health needs where objective criteria, which the Department of Veterans Affairs shall define in the form of specific metrics, demonstrate such needs. Such objective criteria should include estimates of wait-times for needed care that exceed established targets.

(c) The Departments of Health and Human Services and Veterans Affairs shall develop a plan for a rural mental health recruitment initiative to promote opportunities for the Department of Veterans Affairs and rural communities to share mental health providers when demand is insufficient for either the Department of Veterans Affairs or the communities to independently support a full-time provider.

Sec. 4. Expanded Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services Staffing. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, by December 31, 2013, hire and train 800 peer-to-peer counselors to empower veterans to support other veterans and help meet mental health care needs. In addition, the Secretary shall continue to use all appropriate tools, including collaborative arrangements with community-based providers, pay-setting authorities, loan repayment and scholarships, and partnerships with health care workforce training programs to accomplish the Department of Veterans Affairs' goal of recruiting, hiring, and placing 1,600 mental health professionals by June 30, 2013. The Department of Veterans Affairs also shall evaluate the reporting requirements associated with providing mental health services and reduce paperwork requirements where appropriate. In addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs shall update its management performance evaluation system to link performance to meeting mental health service demand.

Sec. 5. Improved Research and Development. (a) The lack of full understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), other mental health conditions, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has hampered progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In order to improve the coordination of agency research into these conditions and reduce the number of affected men and women through better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, the Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, and Education, in coordination with the Office of Science and Technology Policy, shall establish a National Research Action Plan within 8 months of the date of this order.

(b) The National Research Action Plan shall include strategies to establish surrogate and clinically actionable biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment effectiveness; develop improved diagnostic criteria for TBI; enhance our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for PTSD, related injuries, and neurological disorders following TBI; foster development of new treatments for these conditions based on a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms; improve data sharing between agencies and academic and industry researchers to accelerate progress and reduce redundant efforts without compromising privacy; and make better use of electronic health records to gain insight into the risk and mitigation of PTSD, TBI, and related injuries. In addition, the National Research Action Plan shall include strategies to support collaborative research to address suicide prevention.

(c) The Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services shall engage in a comprehensive longitudinal mental health study with an emphasis on PTSD, TBI, and related injuries to develop better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment options. Agencies shall continue ongoing collaborative research efforts, with an aim to enroll at least 100,000 service members by December 31, 2012, and include a plan for long-term follow-up with enrollees through a coordinated effort with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sec. 6. Military and Veterans Mental Health Interagency Task Force. There is established an Interagency Task Force on Military and Veterans Mental Health (Task Force), to be co-chaired by the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services, or their designated representatives.

(a) Membership. In addition to the Co-Chairs, the Task Force shall consist of representatives from:

(i) the Department of Education;

(ii) the Office of Management and Budget;

(iii) the Domestic Policy Council;

(iv) the National Security Staff;

(v) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;

(vi) the Office of National Drug Control Policy; and

(vii) such other executive departments, agencies, or offices as the Co-Chairs may designate.

A member agency of the Task Force shall designate a full-time officer or employee of the Federal Government to perform the Task Force functions.

(b) Mission. Member agencies shall review relevant statutes, policies, and agency training and guidance to identify reforms and take actions that facilitate implementation of the strategies outlined in this order. Member agencies shall work collaboratively on these strategies and also create an inventory of mental health and substance abuse programs and activities to inform this work.

(c) Functions.

(i) Not later than 180 days after the date of this order, the Task Force shall submit recommendations to the President on strategies to improve mental health and substance abuse treatment services for veterans, service members, and their families. Every year thereafter, the Task Force shall provide to the President a review of agency actions to enhance mental health and substance abuse treatment services for veterans, service members, and their families consistent with this order, as well as provide additional recommendations for action as appropriate. The Task Force shall define specific goals and metrics that will aid in measuring progress in improving mental health strategies. The Task Force will include cost analysis in the development of all recommendations, and will ensure any new requirements are supported within existing resources.

(ii) In addition to coordinating and reviewing agency efforts to enhance veteran and military mental health services pursuant to this order, the Task Force shall evaluate:

(1) agency efforts to improve care quality and ensure that the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and community-based mental health providers are trained in the most current evidence-based methodologies for treating PTSD, TBI, depression, related mental health conditions, and substance abuse;

(2) agency efforts to improve awareness and reduce stigma for those needing to seek care; and

(3) agency research efforts to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TBI, PTSD, and related injuries, and explore the need for an external research portfolio review.

(iii) In performing its functions, the Task Force shall consult with relevant nongovernmental experts and organizations as necessary.

Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Barack Obama.      

[Reference to the National Security Staff deemed to be a reference to the National Security Council Staff, see Ex. Ord. No. 13657, set out as a note under section 3021 of Title 50, War and National Defense.]

§1072. Definitions

In this chapter:

(1) The term "uniformed services" means the armed forces and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and of the Public Health Service.

(2) The term "dependent", with respect to a member or former member of a uniformed service, means—

(A) the spouse;

(B) the unremarried widow;

(C) the unremarried widower;

(D) a child who—

(i) has not attained the age of 21;

(ii) has not attained the age of 23, is enrolled in a full-time course of study at an institution of higher learning approved by the administering Secretary and is, or was at the time of the member's or former member's death, in fact dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of the child's support; or

(iii) is incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical incapacity that occurs while a dependent of a member or former member under clause (i) or (ii) and is, or was at the time of the member's or former member's death, in fact dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of the child's support;

(E) a parent or parent-in-law who is, or was at the time of the member's or former member's death, in fact dependent on him for over one-half of his support and residing in his household;

(F) the unremarried former spouse of a member or former member who (i) on the date of the final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment, had been married to the member or former member for a period of at least 20 years during which period the member or former member performed at least 20 years of service which is creditable in determining that member's or former member's eligibility for retired or retainer pay, or equivalent pay, and (ii) does not have medical coverage under an employer-sponsored health plan;

(G) a person who (i) is the unremarried former spouse of a member or former member who performed at least 20 years of service which is creditable in determining the member or former member's eligibility for retired or retainer pay, or equivalent pay, and on the date of the final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment before April 1, 1985, had been married to the member or former member for a period of at least 20 years, at least 15 of which, but less than 20 of which, were during the period the member or former member performed service creditable in determining the member or former member's eligibility for retired or retainer pay, and (ii) does not have medical coverage under an employer-sponsored health plan;

(H) a person who would qualify as a dependent under clause (G) but for the fact that the date of the final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment of the person is on or after April 1, 1985, except that the term does not include the person after the end of the one-year period beginning on the date of that final decree; and

(I) an unmarried person who—

(i) is placed in the legal custody of the member or former member as a result of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States (or possession of the United States) for a period of at least 12 consecutive months;

(ii) either—

(I) has not attained the age of 21;

(II) has not attained the age of 23 and is enrolled in a full time course of study at an institution of higher learning approved by the administering Secretary; or

(III) is incapable of self support because of a mental or physical incapacity that occurred while the person was considered a dependent of the member or former member under this subparagraph pursuant to subclause (I) or (II);

(iii) is dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of the person's support;

(iv) resides with the member or former member unless separated by the necessity of military service or to receive institutional care as a result of disability or incapacitation or under such other circumstances as the administering Secretary may by regulation prescribe; and

(v) is not a dependent of a member or a former member under any other subparagraph.

(3) The term "administering Secretaries" means the Secretaries of executive departments specified in section 1073 of this title as having responsibility for administering this chapter.

(4) The term "Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services" means the program authorized under sections 1079 and 1086 of this title and includes contracts entered into under section 1091 or 1097 of this title and demonstration projects under section 1092 of this title.

(5) The term "covered beneficiary" means a beneficiary under this chapter other than a beneficiary under section 1074(a) of this title.

(6) The term "child", with respect to a member or former member of a uniformed service, means the following:

(A) An unmarried legitimate child.

(B) An unmarried adopted child.

(C) An unmarried stepchild.

(D) An unmarried person—

(i) who is placed in the home of the member or former member by a placement agency (recognized by the Secretary of Defense), or by any other source authorized by State or local law to provide adoption placement, in anticipation of the legal adoption of the person by the member or former member; and

(ii) who otherwise meets the requirements specified in paragraph (2)(D).

(7) The term "TRICARE program" means the various programs carried out by the Secretary of Defense under this chapter and any other provision of law providing for the furnishing of medical and dental care and health benefits to members and former members of the uniformed services and their dependents, including the following health plan options:

(A) TRICARE Prime.

(B) TRICARE Select.

(C) TRICARE for Life.

(8) The term "custodial care" means treatment or services, regardless of who recommends such treatment or services or where such treatment or services are provided, that—

(A) can be rendered safely and reasonably by a person who is not medically skilled; or

(B) is or are designed mainly to help the patient with the activities of daily living.

(9) The term "domiciliary care" means care provided to a patient in an institution or homelike environment because—

(A) providing support for the activities of daily living in the home is not available or is unsuitable; or

(B) members of the patient's family are unwilling to provide the care.

(10) The term "health care" includes mental health care.

(11) The term "TRICARE Extra" means the preferred-provider option of the TRICARE program made available prior to January 1, 2018, under which TRICARE Standard beneficiaries may obtain discounts on cost sharing as a result of using TRICARE network providers.

(12) The term "TRICARE Select" means the self-managed, preferred-provider network option under the TRICARE program established by section 1075 of this title.

(13) The term "TRICARE for Life" means the Medicare wraparound coverage option of the TRICARE program made available to the beneficiary by reason of section 1086(d) of this title.

(14) The term "TRICARE Prime" means the managed care option of the TRICARE program.

(15) The term "TRICARE Standard" means the TRICARE program made available prior to January 1, 2018, covering health benefits contracted for under the authority of section 1079(a) or 1086(a) of this title and subject to the same rates and conditions as apply to persons covered under those sections.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1446; amended Pub. L. 89–614, §2(1), Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 862; Pub. L. 89–718, §8(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 96–513, title I, §115(b), title V, §511(34)(A), (35), (36), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2877, 2922, 2923; Pub. L. 97–252, title X, §1004(a), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 737; Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §645(a), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2548; Pub. L. 98–557, §19(1), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2869; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VII, §701(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3898; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VII, §731(a), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1481; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VII, §706, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2433; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §702(a), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1686; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §701(a), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2797; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §711, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1808; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §701(c), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1160; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §592(b), title X, §1057(a)(2), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3280, 3440; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §708(a), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 190; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §701(j)(1)(A), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2191; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §739(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1446.)

In clause (1), the words "the armed forces" are substituted for the words "the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard" to reflect section 101(4) of this title.

In clause (2), the words "or to a person who died while a member or retired member of a uniformed service" and "lawful" are omitted as surplusage. The word "former" is substituted for the word "retired", since a retired member or a member of the Fleet Reserve or the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve is already included as a "member" of an armed force.

Clause (2)(E) combines 37:402(a)(4)(E) and (G).

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1072, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 81, defined terms used in former sections 1071 to 1086 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570, as superseded by the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 which is classified to subchapter I–D (§1973cc et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

2017—Par. (15). Pub. L. 115–91 amended par. (15) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (15) read as follows: "The term 'TRICARE Standard' means the TRICARE program made available prior to January 1, 2018, covering—

"(A) medical care to which a dependent described in section 1076(a)(2) of this title is entitled; and

"(B) health benefits contracted for under the authority of section 1079(a) of this title and subject to the same rates and conditions as apply to persons covered under that section."

2016—Par. (7). Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(A)(i), added par. (7) and struck out former par. (7) which read as follows: "The term 'TRICARE program' means the managed health care program that is established by the Department of Defense under the authority of this chapter, principally section 1097 of this title, and includes the competitive selection of contractors to financially underwrite the delivery of health care services under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services."

Pars. (11) to (15). Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(A)(ii), added pars. (11) to (15).

2008—Par. (10). Pub. L. 110–181 added par. (10).

2006—Par. (2)(I)(i). Pub. L. 109–163, §1057(a)(2), struck out "or a Territory" before "or possession".

Par. (6)(D)(i). Pub. L. 109–163, §592(b), inserted ", or by any other source authorized by State or local law to provide adoption placement," after "(recognized by the Secretary of Defense)".

2001—Pars. (8), (9). Pub. L. 107–107 added pars. (8) and (9).

1997—Par. (7). Pub. L. 105–85 added par. (7).

1994—Par. (2)(D). Pub. L. 103–337, §701(a)(1), substituted "a child who" for "an unmarried legitimate child, including an adopted child or stepchild, who" in introductory provisions.

Par. (6). Pub. L. 103–337, §701(a)(2), added par. (6).

1993—Par. (2)(I). Pub. L. 103–160 added subpar. (I).

1992—Par. (2)(D). Pub. L. 102–484 added subpar. (D) and struck out former subpar. (D) which read as follows: "an unmarried legitimate child, including an adopted child or a stepchild, who either—

"(i) has not passed his twenty-first birthday;

"(ii) is incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical incapacity that existed before that birthday and is, or was at the time of the member's or former member's death, in fact dependent on him for over one-half of his support; or

"(iii) has not passed his twenty-third birthday, is enrolled in a full-time course of study in an institution of higher learning approved by the administering Secretary and is, or was at the time of the member's or former member's death, in fact dependent on him for over one-half of his support;".

1989—Par. (2)(H). Pub. L. 101–189 added subpar. (H).

1986—Par. (1). Pub. L. 99–661, §701(b)(1), substituted "The term 'uniformed services' means" for " 'Uniformed services' means".

Par. (2). Pub. L. 99–661, §701(b)(2), substituted "The term 'dependent', with respect to" for " 'Dependent', with respect to".

Par. (3). Pub. L. 99–661, §701(b)(3), substituted "The term 'administering Secretaries' means" for " 'Administering Secretaries' means".

Pars. (4), (5). Pub. L. 99–661, §701(b)(4), added pars. (4) and (5).

1984—Par. (2)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 98–557, §19(1)(A), substituted reference to the administering Secretary for reference to the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Par. (2)(G). Pub. L. 98–525 added subpar. (G).

Par. (3). Pub. L. 98–557, §19(1)(B), added par. (3).

1982—Par. (2)(F). Pub. L. 97–252 added cl. (F).

1980—Pub. L. 96–513, §511(34)(A), substituted in introductory material reference to this chapter for reference to sections 1071–1087 of this title.

Par. (1). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(35), substituted "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" for "Environmental Science Services Administration".

Par. (2). Pub. L. 96–513, §§115(b), 511(36), substituted "spouse" for "wife" in cl. (A), struck out cl. (C) "the husband, if he is in fact dependent on the member or former member for over one-half of his support;", redesignated cls. (D), (E), and (F) as (C), (D), and (E), respectively, in cl. (C) as so redesignated, struck out ", if, because of mental or physical incapacity he was in fact dependent on the member or former member at the time of her death for over one-half of his support" after "the unremarried widower", and in cl. (D)(iii) as so redesignated, substituted "Health and Human Services" for "Health, Education, and Welfare".

1966—Pub. L. 89–718 substituted "Environmental Science Services Administration" for "Coast and Geodetic Survey" in clause (1).

Pub. L. 89–614 substituted "1087" for "1085" in introductory phrase.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §701(k), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2193, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting sections 1075 and 1075a of this title and amending this section and sections 1076d, 1076e, 1079a, 1095f, 1099, and 1110b of this title] shall apply with respect to the provision of health care under the TRICARE program beginning on January 1, 2018."

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §702(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1686, provided that: "Section 1072(2)(I) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to determinations of dependency made on or after July 1, 1994."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VII, §731(d), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1482, provided that:

"(1) The amendments made by this section [enacting section 1086a of this title and amending this section and sections 1076 and 1086 of this title] apply to a person referred to in section 1072(2)(H) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), whose decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment becomes final on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1989].

"(2) The amendments made by this section shall also apply to a person referred to in such section whose decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment became final during the period beginning on September 29, 1988, and ending on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, as if the amendments had become effective on September 29, 1988."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §645(d), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2549, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) [amending this section and provisions set out as a note under section 1408 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] shall be effective on January 1, 1985, and shall apply with respect to health care furnished on or after that date."

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment; Transition Provisions

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–252 effective Feb. 1, 1983, and applicable in the case of any former spouse of a member or former member of the uniformed services whether final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment of marriage of former spouse and such member or former member is dated before, on, or after Feb. 1, 1983, see section 1006 of Pub. L. 97–252, set out as an Effective Date; Transition Provisions note under section 1408 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by section 115(b) of Pub. L. 96–513 effective Sept. 15, 1981, but the authority to prescribe regulations under the amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective on Dec. 12, 1980, and amendment by section 511(34)(A), (35), (36) of Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701 of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–614, see section 3 of Pub. L. 89–614, set out as a note under section 1071 of this title.

Repeals

The directory language of, but not the amendment made by, Pub. L. 89–718, §8(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117, cited as a credit to this section, was repealed by Pub. L. 97–295, §6(b), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1314.

Continuation of Individual Case Management Services for Certain Eligible Beneficiaries

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §701(d), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1160, provided that:

"(1) Notwithstanding the termination of the Individual Case Management Program by subsection (g) [amending section 1079 of this title and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 1077 of this title], the Secretary of Defense shall, in any case in which the Secretary makes the determination described in paragraph (2), continue to provide payment as if such program were in effect for home health care or custodial care services provided to an eligible beneficiary that would otherwise be excluded from coverage under regulations implementing chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The determination referred to in paragraph (1) is a determination that discontinuation of payment for services not otherwise provided under such chapter would result in the provision of services inadequate to meet the needs of the eligible beneficiary and would be unjust to such beneficiary.

"(3) For purposes of this subsection, 'eligible beneficiary' means a covered beneficiary (as that term is defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code) who, before the effective date of this section [Dec. 28, 2001], was provided custodial care services under the Individual Case Management Program for which the Secretary provided payment."

Improvements in Administration of the TRICARE Program; Flexibility of Contracting

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §708(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1164, provided that:

"(1) During the one-year period following the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 28, 2001], section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code, shall be deemed to be amended by striking 'the competitive selection of contractors to financially underwrite'.

"(2) The terms and conditions of any contract to provide health care services under the TRICARE program entered into during the period described in paragraph (1) shall not be considered to be modified or terminated as a result of the termination of such period."

Transitional Provisions for Qualification for Conversion Health Policies; Preexisting Conditions

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VII, §731(e), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1483, provided that:

"(1) In the case of a person who qualified as a dependent under section 645(c) of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 (Public Law 98–525; 98 Stat. 2549) [set out below], on September 28, 1988, the Secretary of Defense shall make a conversion health policy available for purchase by the person during the remaining period the person is considered to be a dependent under that section (or within a reasonable time after that period as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense).

"(2) Purchase of a conversion health policy under paragraph (1) by a person shall entitle the person to health care for preexisting conditions in the same manner and to the same extent as provided by section 1086a(b) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (b)), until the end of the one-year period beginning on the later of—

"(A) the date the person is no longer qualified as a dependent under section 645(c) of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985; and

"(B) the date of the purchase of the policy.

"(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term 'conversion health policy' has the meaning given that term in section 1086a(c) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (b))."

Dependent; Qualification as; Effective Date

Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §645(c), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2549, as amended by Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §646, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3887; Pub. L. 100–271, §1, Mar. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 45; Pub. L. 100–271, §1, Mar. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 45, provided that a person who would qualify as a dependent under section 1072(2)(G) of title 10 but for the fact that the person's final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment was dated on or after Apr. 1, 1985, would be considered to be a dependent under such section until the later of (1) Dec. 31, 1988, and (2) the last day of the two-year period beginning on the date of such final decree, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, §651(b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1990, effective Sept. 29, 1988, or 30 days after the Secretary of Defense first makes available a conversion health policy (as defined in section 1076(f) of title 10), whichever is later.

§1073. Administration of this chapter

(a) Responsible Officials.—(1) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Secretary of Defense shall administer this chapter for the armed forces under his jurisdiction, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall administer this chapter for the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall administer this chapter for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service. This chapter shall be administered consistent with the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. 14401 et seq.).

(2) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Secretary of Defense shall have responsibility for administering the TRICARE program and making any decision affecting such program.

(b) Stability in Program of Benefits.—The Secretary of Defense shall, to the maximum extent practicable, provide a stable program of benefits under this chapter throughout each fiscal year. To achieve the stability in the case of managed care support contracts entered into under this chapter, the contracts shall be administered so as to implement all changes in benefits and administration on a quarterly basis. However, the Secretary of Defense may implement any such change prior to the next fiscal quarter if the Secretary determines that the change would significantly improve the provision of care to eligible beneficiaries under this chapter.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1446; amended Pub. L. 89–614, §2(1), Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 862; Pub. L. 89–718, §8(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(34)(A), (C), (35), (36), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2922, 2923; Pub. L. 98–557, §19(2), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2869; Pub. L. 105–12, §9(h), Apr. 30, 1997, 111 Stat. 27; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §725, title X, §1066(a)(7), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 698, 770; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VII, §711, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4246.)

The words "armed forces under his jurisdiction" are substituted for the words "Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps and for the Coast Guard when it is operating as a service in the Navy" to reflect section 101(4) of this title.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is Pub. L. 105–12, Apr. 30, 1997, 111 Stat. 23, which is classified principally to chapter 138 (§14401 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 14401 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1073, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 82, related to right to vote in war-time presidential and congressional election, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570, as superseded by the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 which is classified to subchapter I–D (§1973cc et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–383 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

1999—Pub. L. 106–65, §725, designated existing provisions, as amended by Pub. L. 106–65, §1066(a)(7), as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).

Pub. L. 106–65, §1066(a)(7), inserted "(42 U.S.C. 14401 et seq.)" after "Act of 1997".

1997—Pub. L. 105–12 inserted at end "This chapter shall be administered consistent with the Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act of 1997."

1984—Pub. L. 98–557 inserted provisions which transferred authority to administer chapter for the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Navy from the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the Secretary of Transportation.

1980—Pub. L. 96–513 substituted in section catchline "of this chapter" for "of sections 1071–1087 of this title", and substituted in text "this chapter" for "sections 1071–1087 of this title", "those sections", and "them", "Secretary of Health and Human Services" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare", and "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" for "Environmental Science Services Administration".

1966—Pub. L. 89–718 substituted "Environmental Science Services Administration" for "Coast and Geodetic Survey".

Pub. L. 89–614 substituted "1087" for "1085" in section catchline and text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–12 effective Apr. 30, 1997, and applicable to Federal payments made pursuant to obligations incurred after Apr. 30, 1997, for items and services provided on or after such date, subject to also being applicable with respect to contracts entered into, renewed, or extended after Apr. 30, 1997, as well as contracts entered into before Apr. 30, 1997, to the extent permitted under such contracts, see section 11 of Pub. L. 105–12, set out as an Effective Date note under section 14401 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–614, see section 3 of Pub. L. 89–614, set out as a note under section 1071 of this title.

Repeals

The directory language of, but not the amendment made by, Pub. L. 89–718, §8(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117, cited as a credit to this section, was repealed by Pub. L. 97–295, §6(b), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1314.

Real-Time Data Sharing Agreement Regarding Medical Care Provided to Members of the Coast Guard

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §715, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 304, provided that: "Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023], the Secretary of Defense shall consult and enter into an agreement with the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to policies, mechanisms, and processes that the Secretaries concerned shall establish to allow ongoing use by the Coast Guard for access to data, records, and information regarding access by members of the Coast Guard and beneficiaries of such members to military medical facilities or care provided through the TRICARE program that will enhance the ability to monitor, assess, and optimize healthcare services."

Pilot Program on Assistance for Mental Health Appointment Scheduling at Military Medical Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §734, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1799, provided that:

"(a) Pilot Program.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall commence a pilot program, to be carried out for at least a one-year period, to provide direct assistance for mental health appointment scheduling under the direct care and purchased care components of the TRICARE program, through facilities and clinics selected by the Secretary for participation in the pilot program in a number determined by the Secretary.

"(b) Briefings.—

"(1) First briefing.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the nature of the pilot program under subsection (a).

"(2) Final briefing.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) terminates, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the pilot program. Such briefing shall include an assessment of—

"(A) the effectiveness of the pilot program with respect to improved access to mental health appointments; and

"(B) any barriers to scheduling mental health appointments under the pilot program observed by health care professionals or other individuals involved in scheduling such appointments.

"(c) TRICARE Program Defined.—In this section, the term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given such term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Extramedical Maternal Health Providers Demonstration Project

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §746, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3710, provided that:

"(a) Demonstration Project Required.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Secretary of Defense shall commence carrying out a demonstration project designed to evaluate the cost, quality of care, and impact on maternal and fetal outcomes of using extramedical maternal health providers under the TRICARE program to determine the appropriateness of making coverage of such providers under the TRICARE program permanent.

"(b) Elements of Demonstration Project.—The demonstration project under subsection (a) shall include, for participants in the demonstration project, the following:

"(1) Access to doulas.

"(2) Access to lactation consultants or lactation counselors who are not otherwise authorized to provide services under the TRICARE program.

"(c) Participants.—The Secretary shall establish a process under which covered beneficiaries may enroll in the demonstration project to receive the services provided under the demonstration project.

"(d) Duration.—The Secretary shall carry out the demonstration project for a period of five years beginning on the date on which notification of the commencement of the demonstration project is published in the Federal Register.

"(e) Surveys.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the duration of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall administer a survey to determine—

"(A) how many members of the Armed Forces or spouses of such members give birth while their spouse or birthing partner is unable to be present due to deployment, training, or other mission requirements;

"(B) how many single members of the Armed Forces give birth alone; and

"(C) how many members of the Armed Forces or spouses of such members use doula, lactation consultant, or lactation counselor support.

"(2) Matters covered by surveys.—The surveys administered under paragraph (1) shall include an identification of the following:

"(A) The race, ethnicity, age, sex, relationship status, Armed Force, military occupation, and rank, as applicable, of each individual surveyed.

"(B) If individuals surveyed were members of the Armed Forces or the spouses of such members, or both.

"(C) The length of advanced notice received by individuals surveyed that the member of the Armed Forces would be unable to be present during the birth, if applicable.

"(D) Any resources or support that the individuals surveyed found useful during the pregnancy and birth process, including doula, lactation consultant, or lactation counselor support.

"(f) Reports.—

"(1) Implementation plan.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a plan to implement the demonstration project.

"(2) Annual report.—

"(A) In general.—Not later than one year after the date on which the demonstration project commences, and annually thereafter for the duration of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the cost of the demonstration project and the effectiveness of the demonstration project in improving quality of care and the maternal and fetal outcomes of covered beneficiaries enrolled in the demonstration project.

"(B) Matters covered.—Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall address, at a minimum, the following:

"(i) The number of covered beneficiaries who are enrolled in the demonstration project.

"(ii) The number of enrolled covered beneficiaries who have participated in the demonstration project.

"(iii) The results of the surveys under subsection (e).

"(iv) The cost of the demonstration project.

"(v) An assessment of the quality of care provided to participants in the demonstration project.

"(vi) An assessment of the impact of the demonstration project on maternal and fetal outcomes.

"(vii) An assessment of the effectiveness of the demonstration project.

"(viii) Recommendations for adjustments to the demonstration project.

"(ix) The estimated costs avoided as a result of improved maternal and fetal health outcomes due to the demonstration project.

"(x) Recommendations for extending the demonstration project or implementing permanent coverage under the TRICARE program of extramedical maternal health providers.

"(xi) An identification of legislative or administrative action necessary to make the demonstration project permanent.

"(C) Final report.—The final report under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted not later than 90 days after the date on which the demonstration project terminates.

"(g) Expansion of Demonstration Project.—

"(1) Regulations.—If the Secretary determines that the demonstration project is successful, the Secretary may prescribe regulations to include extramedical maternal health providers as health care providers authorized to provide care under the TRICARE program.

"(2) Credentialing and other requirements.—The Secretary may establish credentialing and other requirements for doulas, lactation consultants, and lactation counselors through public notice and comment rulemaking for purposes of including doulas, lactation consultants, and lactation counselors as health care providers authorized to provide care under the TRICARE program pursuant to regulations prescribed under paragraph (1).

"(h) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meanings given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'extramedical maternal health provider' means a doula, lactation consultant, or lactation counselor."

Residency Requirements for Podiatrists

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §720, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1440, provided that:

"(a) Requirement.—In addition to any other qualification required by law or regulation, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that to serve as a podiatrist in the Armed Forces, an individual must have successfully completed a three-year podiatric medicine and surgical residency.

"(b) Application.—Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to an individual who is commissioned as an officer in the Armed Forces on or after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017]."

Authorization of Physical Therapist Assistants and Occupational Therapy Assistants To Provide Services Under the TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §721, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1440, provided that:

"(a) Addition to List of Authorized Professional Providers of Care.—The Secretary of Defense shall revise section 199.6(c) of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], to add to the list of individual professional providers of care who are authorized to provide services to beneficiaries under the TRICARE program, as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code, the following types of health care practitioners:

"(1) Licensed or certified physical therapist assistants who meet the qualifications for physical therapist assistants specified in section 484.4 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, to furnish services under the supervision of a physical therapist.

"(2) Licensed or certified occupational therapy assistants who meet the qualifications for occupational therapy assistants specified in such section 484.4, or any successor regulation, to furnish services under the supervision of an occupational therapist.

"(b) Supervision.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish in regulations requirements for the supervision of physical therapist assistants and occupational therapy assistants, respectively, by physical therapists and occupational therapists, respectively.

"(c) Manuals and Other Guidance.—The Secretary of Defense shall update the CHAMPVA Policy Manual and other relevant manuals and subregulatory guidance of the Department of Defense to carry out the revisions and requirements of this section."

Termination of TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §701(e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2187, provided that: "Beginning on January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Defense may not carry out TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra under the TRICARE program. The Secretary shall ensure that any individual who is covered under TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra as of December 31, 2017, enrolls in TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select, as the case may be, as of January 1, 2018, for the individual to continue coverage under the TRICARE program."

[For definitions of terms used in section 701(e) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out above, see section 703(i) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note below.]

Pilot Program on Incorporation of Value-Based Health Care in Purchased Care Component of TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §701(h), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2188, authorized the Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program to demonstrate and assess the feasibility of incorporating value-based health care methodology in the purchased care component of the TRICARE program. The Secretary would submit a report on value-based health care methodology to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives no later than 180 days after Dec. 23, 2016. The Comptroller General of the United States would submit a review and assessment of the preliminary results of the pilot program to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives no later than Mar. 1, 2021. The Secretary would submit a review and assessment of the pilot program to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives no later than Jan. 1, 2023. The Secretary could no longer carry out the pilot program after Dec. 31, 2022.

Improvement of Health Outcomes and Control of Costs of Health Care Under TRICARE Program Through Programs To Involve Covered Beneficiaries

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §729, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2234, as amended by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §719, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1790, provided that:

"(a) Medical Intervention Incentive Program.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to incentivize covered beneficiaries to participate in medical intervention programs established by the Secretary, such as comprehensive disease management programs, that may include lowering fees for enrollment in the TRICARE program by a certain percentage or lowering copayment and cost-share amounts for health care services during a particular year for covered beneficiaries with chronic diseases or conditions described in paragraph (2) who met participation milestones, as determined by the Secretary, in such medical intervention programs.

"(2) Chronic diseases or conditions described.—Chronic diseases or conditions described in this paragraph may include diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, congestive heart failure, hypertension, history of stroke, coronary artery disease, mood disorders, obesity, and such other diseases or conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate.

"(b) Lifestyle Intervention Incentive Program.—The Secretary shall establish a program to incentivize lifestyle interventions for covered beneficiaries, such as smoking cessation and weight reduction, that may include lowering fees for enrollment in the TRICARE program by a certain percentage or lowering copayment and cost share amounts for health care services during a particular year for covered beneficiaries who met participation milestones, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to such lifestyle interventions, such as quitting smoking or achieving a lower body mass index by a certain percentage.

"(c) Healthy Lifestyle Maintenance Incentive Program.—The Secretary shall establish a program to incentivize the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle among covered beneficiaries, such as exercise and weight maintenance, that may include lowering fees for enrollment in the TRICARE program by a certain percentage or lowering copayment and cost-share amounts for health care services during a particular year for covered beneficiaries who met participation milestones, as determined by the Secretary, with respect to the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining smoking cessation or maintaining a normal body mass index.

"(d) Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than January 1, 2020, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the programs established under subsections (a), (b), and (c).

"(2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A detailed description of the programs implemented under subsections (a), (b), and (c).

"(B) An assessment of the impact of such programs on—

"(i) improving health outcomes for covered beneficiaries; and

"(ii) lowering per capita health care costs for the Department of Defense.

"(e) Regulations.—Not later than January 1, 2018, the Secretary shall prescribe an interim final rule to carry out this section.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section, the terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meaning given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Access to Health Care Under the TRICARE Program for Beneficiaries of TRICARE Prime

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §704, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 863, as amended by Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §701, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1941, provided that:

"(a) Access to Health Care.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that beneficiaries under TRICARE Prime who are seeking an appointment for health care under TRICARE Prime shall obtain such an appointment within the health care access standards established under subsection (b), including through the use of health care providers in the preferred provider network of TRICARE Prime.

"(b) Standards for Access to Care.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 25, 2015], the Secretary shall establish health care access standards for the receipt of health care under TRICARE Prime, whether received at military medical treatment facilities or from health care providers in the preferred provider network of TRICARE Prime.

"(2) Categories of care.—The health care access standards established under paragraph (1) shall include standards with respect to the following categories of health care:

"(A) Primary care, including pediatric care, maternity care, gynecological care, and other subcategories of primary care.

"(B) Specialty care, including behavioral health care and other subcategories of specialty care.

"(3) Modifications.—The Secretary may modify the health care access standards established under paragraph (1) whenever the Secretary considers the modification of such standards appropriate.

"(4) Publication.—The Secretary shall publish the health care access standards established under paragraph (1), and any modifications to such standards, in the Federal Register and on a publicly accessible Internet website of the Department of Defense.

"(c) Access to Specialty Behavioral Health Care.—

"(1) Monitoring.—The Secretary shall continuously monitor the ability of beneficiaries under TRICARE Prime to receive an appointment for specialty behavioral health care under TRICARE Prime within the access standards established under subsection (b)(2)(B) for such health care.

"(2) Expansion of behavioral health accreditation standards.—

"(A) Determinations.—The Secretary shall expand required behavioral health accreditation standards in a State if the Secretary makes the following determinations:

"(i) Access to specialty behavioral health care in that State fails to meet the access standards established under subsection (b)(2)(B) for more than 12 consecutive months.

"(ii) The expanded accreditation standards are adequate to ensure quality of care.

"(B) State credentials.—The Secretary may include in expanded behavioral health accreditation standards under subparagraph (A) appropriate credentials issued by State-level organizations.

"(C) Briefings.—If the Secretary expands behavioral health accreditation standards under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on such expansion, including how such expansion affects access to specialty behavioral health care.

"(D) Notifications.—If the Secretary makes a determination under clause (i) of subparagraph (A), but does not make a determination under clause (ii) of such subparagraph, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a notice explaining both such determinations.

"(3) Termination.—The authority of the Secretary under this subsection shall terminate on January 1, 2028.

"(d) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) TRICARE prime.—The term 'TRICARE Prime' means the managed care option of the TRICARE program.

"(2) TRICARE program.—The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given that term in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code."

Portability of Health Plans Under the TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §714, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 865, provided that:

"(a) Health Plan Portability.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that covered beneficiaries under the TRICARE program who are covered under a health plan under such program are able to seamlessly access health care under such health plan in each TRICARE program region.

"(2) Regulations.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 25, 2015], the Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out paragraph (1).

"(b) Mechanisms To Ensure Portability.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

"(1) establish a process for electronic notification of contractors responsible for administering the TRICARE program in each TRICARE region when any covered beneficiary intends to relocate between such regions;

"(2) provide for the automatic electronic transfer between such contractors of information relating to covered beneficiaries who are relocating between such regions, including demographic, enrollment, and claims information; and

"(3) ensure each such covered beneficiary is able to obtain a new primary health care provider within ten days of—

"(A) arriving at the location to which the covered beneficiary has relocated; and

"(B) initiating a request for a new primary health care provider.

"(c) Publication.—The Secretary shall—

"(1) publish information on any modifications made pursuant to subsection (a) with respect to the ability of covered beneficiaries under the TRICARE program who are covered under a health plan under such program to access health care in each TRICARE region on the primary Internet website of the Department that is available to the public; and

"(2) ensure that such information is made available on the primary Internet website that is available to the public of each current contractor responsible for administering the TRICARE program.

"(d) Definitions.—In this section, the terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meaning given such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Licensure of Mental Health Professionals in TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §716, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 867, provided that:

"(a) Qualifications for TRICARE Certified Mental Health Counselors During Transition Period.—During the period preceding January 1, 2021, for purposes of determining whether a mental health care professional is eligible for reimbursement under the TRICARE program as a TRICARE certified mental health counselor, an individual who holds a masters degree or doctoral degree in counseling from a program that is accredited by a covered institution shall be treated as holding such degree from a mental health counseling program or clinical mental health counseling program that is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'covered institution' means any of the following:

"(A) The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC-WASC).

"(B) The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

"(C) The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

"(D) The New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).

"(E) The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Commission on Colleges.

"(F) The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WASC-SCUC).

"(G) The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

"(H) The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

"(I) The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

"(J) The Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC).

"(2) The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Designation of Certain Non-Department Mental Health Care Providers With Knowledge Relating to Treatment of Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §717, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 868, provided that:

"(a) Mental Health Provider Readiness Designation.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 25, 2015], the Secretary of Defense shall develop a system by which any non-Department mental health care provider that meets eligibility criteria established by the Secretary relating to the knowledge described in paragraph (2) receives a mental health provider readiness designation from the Department of Defense.

"(2) Knowledge described.—The knowledge described in this paragraph is the following:

"(A) Knowledge and understanding with respect to the culture of members of the Armed Forces and family members and caregivers of members of the Armed Forces.

"(B) Knowledge with respect to evidence-based treatments that have been approved by the Department for the treatment of mental health issues among members of the Armed Forces.

"(b) Availability of Information on Designation.—

"(1) Registry.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish and update as necessary a publically available registry of all non-Department mental health care providers that are currently designated under subsection (a)(1).

"(2) Provider list.—The Secretary shall update all lists maintained by the Secretary of non-Department mental health care providers that provide mental health care under the laws administered by the Secretary by indicating the providers that are currently designated under subsection (a)(1).

"(c) Non-Department Mental Health Care Provider Defined.—In this section, the term 'non-Department mental health care provider'—

"(1) means a health care provider who—

"(A) specializes in mental health;

"(B) is not a health care provider of the Department of Defense at a facility of the Department; and

"(C) provides health care to members of the Armed Forces; and

"(2) includes psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and other mental health care providers designated by the Secretary of Defense."

Pilot Program on Urgent Care Under TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §725, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 870, provided for a three-year pilot program to allow TRICARE beneficiaries access to urgent care visits without the need for preauthorization and to a nurse advice line and required submission of a final report to Congress no later than 180 days after the program was completed.

Cooperative Health Care Agreements Between Military Installations and Non-Military Health Care Systems

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §713, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2380, provided that:

"(a) Authority.—The Secretary of Defense may establish cooperative health care agreements between military installations and local or regional health care systems.

"(b) Requirements.—In establishing an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—

"(1) consult with—

"(A) the Secretary of the military department concerned;

"(B) representatives from the military installation selected for the agreement, including the TRICARE managed care support contractor with responsibility for such installation; and

"(C) Federal, State, and local government officials;

"(2) identify and analyze health care services available in the area in which the military installation is located, including such services available at a military medical treatment facility or in the private sector (or a combination thereof);

"(3) determine the cost avoidance or savings resulting from innovative partnerships between the Department of Defense and the private sector; and

"(4) determine the opportunities for and barriers to coordinating and leveraging the use of existing health care resources, including such resources of Federal, State, local, and private entities.

"(c) Annual Reports.—Not later than December 31 of each year an agreement entered into under this section is in effect, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on each such agreement. Each report shall include, at a minimum, the following:

"(1) A description of the agreement.

"(2) Any cost avoidance, savings, or increases as a result of the agreement.

"(3) A recommendation for continuing or ending the agreement.

"(d) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing the provision of health care services at military medical treatment facilities or other facilities of the Department of Defense to individuals who are not otherwise entitled or eligible for such services under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code."

Inpatient Mental Health Service

Pub. L. 110–329, div. C, title VIII, §8095, Sept. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 3642, provided that: "None of the funds appropriated by this Act [div. C of Pub. L. 110–329, see Tables for classification], and hereafter, available for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) or TRICARE shall be available for the reimbursement of any health care provider for inpatient mental health service for care received when a patient is referred to a provider of inpatient mental health care or residential treatment care by a medical or health care professional having an economic interest in the facility to which the patient is referred: Provided, That this limitation does not apply in the case of inpatient mental health services provided under the program for persons with disabilities under subsection (d) of section 1079 of title 10, United States Code, provided as partial hospital care, or provided pursuant to a waiver authorized by the Secretary of Defense because of medical or psychological circumstances of the patient that are confirmed by a health professional who is not a Federal employee after a review, pursuant to rules prescribed by the Secretary, which takes into account the appropriate level of care for the patient, the intensity of services required by the patient, and the availability of that care."

Surveys on Continued Viability of TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §711, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 190, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §721, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1478; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §712, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3414, provided that:

"(a) Requirement for Surveys.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct surveys of health care providers and beneficiaries who use TRICARE in the United States to determine, utilizing a reconciliation of the responses of providers and beneficiaries to such surveys, each of the following:

"(A) How many health care providers in TRICARE Prime service areas selected under paragraph (3)(A) are accepting new patients under each of TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra.

"(B) How many health care providers in geographic areas in which TRICARE Prime is not offered are accepting patients under each of TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra.

"(C) The availability of mental health care providers in TRICARE Prime service areas selected under paragraph (3)(C) and in geographic areas in which TRICARE Prime is not offered.

"(2) Benchmarks.—The Secretary shall establish for purposes of the surveys required by paragraph (1) benchmarks for primary care and specialty care providers, including mental health care providers, to be utilized to determine the adequacy of the availability of health care providers to beneficiaries eligible for TRICARE.

"(3) Scope of surveys.—The Secretary shall carry out the surveys required by paragraph (1) as follows:

"(A) In the case of the surveys required by subparagraph (A) of that paragraph, in at least 20 TRICARE Prime service areas in the United States in each of fiscal years 2008 through 2015.

"(B) In the case of the surveys required by subparagraph (B) of that paragraph, in 20 geographic areas in which TRICARE Prime is not offered and in which significant numbers of beneficiaries who are members of the Selected Reserve reside.

"(C) In the case of the surveys required by subparagraph (C) of that paragraph, in at least 40 geographic areas.

"(4) Priority for surveys.—In prioritizing the areas which are to be surveyed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

"(A) consult with representatives of TRICARE beneficiaries and health care and mental health care providers to identify locations where TRICARE Standard beneficiaries are experiencing significant levels of access-to-care problems under TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra;

"(B) give a high priority to surveying health care and mental health care providers in such areas; and

"(C) give a high priority to surveying beneficiaries and providers located in geographic areas with high concentrations of members of the Selected Reserve.

"(5) Information from providers.—The surveys required by paragraph (1) shall include questions seeking to determine from health care and mental health care providers the following:

"(A) Whether the provider is aware of the TRICARE program.

"(B) What percentage of the provider's current patient population uses any form of TRICARE.

"(C) Whether the provider accepts patients for whom payment is made under the medicare program for health care and mental health care services.

"(D) If the provider accepts patients referred to in subparagraph (C), whether the provider would accept additional such patients who are not in the provider's current patient population.

"(6) Information from beneficiaries.—The surveys required by paragraph (1) shall include questions seeking information to determine from TRICARE beneficiaries whether they have difficulties in finding health care and mental health care providers willing to provide services under TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra.

"(b) GAO Review.—

"(1) Ongoing review.—The Comptroller General shall, on an ongoing basis, review—

"(A) the processes, procedures, and analysis used by the Department of Defense to determine the adequacy of the number of health care and mental health care providers—

"(i) that currently accept TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra beneficiaries as patients under TRICARE Standard in each TRICARE area as of the date of completion of the review; and

"(ii) that would accept TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra beneficiaries as new patients under TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra, as applicable, within a reasonable time after the date of completion of the review; and

"(B) the actions taken by the Department of Defense to ensure ready access of TRICARE Standard beneficiaries to health care and mental health care under TRICARE Standard in each TRICARE area, including any pending or resolved requests for waiver of payment limits in order to improve access to health care or mental health care in a specific geographic area.

"(2) Reports.—The Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the results of the review under paragraph (1) during 2017 and 2020. Each report shall include the following:

"(A) An analysis of the adequacy of the surveys under subsection (a).

"(B) An identification of any impediments to achieving adequacy of availability of health care and mental health care under TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Extra.

"(C) An assessment of the adequacy of Department of Defense education programs to inform health care and mental health care providers about TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra.

"(D) An assessment of the adequacy of Department of Defense initiatives to encourage health care and mental health care providers to accept patients under TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra.

"(E) An assessment of the adequacy of information available to TRICARE Standard beneficiaries to facilitate access by such beneficiaries to health care and mental health care under TRICARE Standard and TRICARE Extra.

"(F) An assessment of any need for adjustment of health care and mental health care provider payment rates to attract participation in TRICARE Standard by appropriate numbers of health care and mental health care providers.

"(G) An assessment of the adequacy of Department of Defense programs to inform members of the Selected Reserve about the TRICARE Reserve Select program.

"(H) An assessment of the ability of TRICARE Reserve Select beneficiaries to receive care in their geographic area.

"(c) Effective Date.—This section shall take effect on October 1, 2007.

"(d) Repeal of Superseded Requirements and Authority.—Section 723 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (10 U.S.C. 1073 note) is repealed, effective as of October 1, 2007.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'TRICARE Extra' means the option of the TRICARE program under which TRICARE Standard beneficiaries may obtain discounts on cost-sharing as a result of using TRICARE network providers.

"(2) The term 'TRICARE Prime' means the managed care option of the TRICARE program.

"(3) The term 'TRICARE Prime service area' means a geographic area designated by the Department of Defense in which managed care support contractors develop a managed care network under TRICARE Prime.

"(4) The term 'TRICARE Standard' means the option of the TRICARE program that is also known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services, as defined in section 1072(4) of title 10, United States Code.

"(5) The term 'TRICARE Reserve Select' means the option of the TRICARE program that allows members of the Selected Reserve to enroll in TRICARE Standard, pursuant to section 1076d of title 10, United States Code.

"(6) The term 'member of the Selected Reserve' means a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of a reserve component of the Armed Forces.

"(7) The term 'United States' means the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code), its possessions (as defined in such section), and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico."

Regulations To Establish Criteria for Licensed or Certified Mental Health Counselors Under TRICARE

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VII, §724, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4252, provided that: "Not later than June 20, 2011, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe the regulations required by section 717 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note)."

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §717(a), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 196, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to establish criteria that licensed or certified mental health counselors shall meet in order to be able to independently provide care to TRICARE beneficiaries and receive payment under the TRICARE program for such services. The criteria shall include requirements for education level, licensure, certification, and clinical experience as considered appropriate by the Secretary."

Inspection of Military Medical Treatment Facilities, Military Quarters Housing Medical Hold Personnel, and Military Quarters Housing Medical Holdover Personnel

Pub. L. 110–28, title III, §3307, May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 137, as amended by Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §1072(g), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 995, provided that:

"(a) Inspection of Military Medical Treatment Facilities, Military Quarters Housing Medical Hold Personnel, and Military Quarters Housing Medical Holdover Personnel.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 25, 2007], and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall inspect each facility of the Department of Defense as follows:

"(A) Each military medical treatment facility.

"(B) Each military quarters housing medical hold personnel.

"(C) Each military quarters housing medical holdover personnel.

"(2) Purpose.—The purpose of an inspection under this subsection is to ensure that the facility or quarters concerned meets acceptable standards for the maintenance and operation of medical facilities, quarters housing medical hold personnel, or quarters housing medical holdover personnel, as applicable.

"(b) Acceptable Standards.—For purposes of this section, acceptable standards for the operation and maintenance of military medical treatment facilities, military quarters housing medical hold personnel, or military quarters housing medical holdover personnel are each of the following:

"(1) Generally accepted standards for the accreditation of medical facilities, or for facilities used to quarter individuals with medical conditions that may require medical supervision, as applicable, in the United States.

"(2) Where appropriate, standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

"(c) Additional Inspections on Identified Deficiencies.—

"(1) In general.—In the event a deficiency is identified pursuant to subsection (a) at a facility or quarters described in paragraph (1) of that subsection—

"(A) the commander of such facility or quarters, as applicable, shall submit to the Secretary a detailed plan to correct the deficiency; and

"(B) the Secretary shall reinspect such facility or quarters, as applicable, not less often than once every 180 days until the deficiency is corrected.

"(2) Construction with other inspections.—An inspection of a facility or quarters under this subsection is in addition to any inspection of such facility or quarters under subsection (a).

"(d) Report on Standards.—In the event no standards for the maintenance and operation of military medical treatment facilities, military quarters housing medical hold personnel, or military quarters housing medical holdover personnel exist as of the date of the enactment of this Act, or such standards as do exist do not meet acceptable standards for the maintenance and operation of such facilities or quarters, as the case may be, the Secretary shall, not later than 30 days after that date, submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth the plan of the Secretary to ensure—

"(1) the adoption by the Department of standards for the maintenance and operation of military medical facilities, military quarters housing medical hold personnel, or military quarters housing medical holdover personnel, as applicable, that meet—

"(A) acceptable standards for the maintenance and operation of such facilities or quarters, as the case may be; and

"(B) where appropriate, standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.]; and

"(2) the comprehensive implementation of the standards adopted under paragraph (1) at the earliest date practicable."

Requirements for Support of Military Treatment Facilities by Civilian Contractors Under TRICARE

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §732, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2296, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1062(d)(3), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1585, provided that:

"(a) Annual Integrated Regional Requirements on Support.—The Regional Director of each region under the TRICARE program shall develop each year integrated, comprehensive requirements for the support of military treatment facilities in such region that is provided by contract civilian health care and administrative personnel under the TRICARE program.

"(b) Purposes.—The purposes of the requirements established under subsection (a) shall be as follows:

"(1) To ensure consistent standards of quality in the support of military treatment facilities by contract civilian health care personnel under the TRICARE program.

"(2) To identify targeted, actionable opportunities throughout each region of the TRICARE program for the most efficient and cost effective delivery of health care and support of military treatment facilities.

"(3) To ensure the most effective use of various available contracting methods in securing support of military treatment facilities by civilian health care personnel under the TRICARE program, including resource-sharing and clinical support agreements, direct contracting, and venture capital investments.

"(c) Facilitation and Enhancement of Contractor Support.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to facilitate and enhance the support of military treatment facilities under the TRICARE program in order to assure maximum quality and productivity.

"(2) Actions.—In taking actions under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

"(A) require consistent standards of quality for contract civilian health care personnel providing support of military treatment facilities under the TRICARE program, including—

"(i) consistent credentialing requirements among military treatment facilities;

"(ii) consistent performance standards for private sector companies providing health care staffing services to military treatment facilities and clinics, including, at a minimum, those standards established for accreditation of health care staffing firms by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations Health Care Staffing Standards; and

"(iii) additional standards covering—

     "(I) financial stability;

     "(II) medical management;

     "(III) continuity of operations;

     "(IV) training;

     "(V) employee retention;

     "(VI) access to contractor data; and

     "(VII) fraud prevention;

"(B) ensure the availability of adequate and sustainable funding support for projects which produce a return on investment to the military treatment facilities;

"(C) ensure that a portion of any return on investment is returned to the military treatment facility to which such savings are attributable;

"(D) remove financial disincentives for military treatment facilities and civilian contractors to initiate and sustain agreements for the support of military treatment facilities by such contractors under the TRICARE program;

"(E) provide for a consistent methodology across all regions of the TRICARE program for developing cost benefit analyses of agreements for the support of military treatment facilities by civilian contractors under the TRICARE program based on actual cost and utilization data within each region of the TRICARE program; and

"(F) provide for a system for monitoring the performance of significant projects for support of military treatment facilities by a civilian contractor under the TRICARE program.

"[(d) Repealed. Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1062(d)(3), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1585.]

"(e) Effective Date.—This section shall take effect on October 1, 2006."

TRICARE Standard in TRICARE Regional Offices

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §716, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3345, as amended by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1062(e), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1585, provided that:

"(a) Responsibilities of TRICARE Regional Office.—The responsibilities of each TRICARE Regional Office shall include the monitoring, oversight, and improvement of the TRICARE Standard option in the TRICARE region concerned, including—

"(1) identifying health care providers who will participate in the TRICARE program and provide the TRICARE Standard option under that program;

"(2) communicating with beneficiaries who receive the TRICARE Standard option;

"(3) outreach to community health care providers to encourage their participation in the TRICARE program; and

"(4) publication of information that identifies health care providers in the TRICARE region concerned who provide the TRICARE Standard option.

"(b) Definition.—In this section, the term 'TRICARE Standard' or 'TRICARE standard option' means the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services option under the TRICARE program."

Qualifications for Individuals Serving as TRICARE Regional Directors

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §717, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3345, provided that:

"(a) Qualifications.—Effective as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006], no individual may be selected to serve in the position of Regional Director under the TRICARE program unless the individual—

"(1) is—

"(A) an officer of the Armed Forces in a general or flag officer grade;

"(B) a civilian employee of the Department of Defense in the Senior Executive Service; or

"(C) a civilian employee of the Federal Government in a department or agency other than the Department of Defense, or a civilian working in the private sector, who has experience in a position comparable to an officer described in subparagraph (A) or a civilian employee described in subparagraph (B); and

"(2) has at least 10 years of experience, or equivalent expertise or training, in the military health care system, managed care, and health care policy and administration.

"(b) Tricare Program Defined.—In this section, the term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given such term in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code."

Pilot Projects on Pediatric Early Literacy Among Children of Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §740, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3359, as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(e)(8), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402, provided for pilot projects related to encouraging pediatric early literacy among children of members of the Armed Forces conducted at military medical treatment facilites and required a report to Congress on the projects no later than Mar. 1, 2007.

Surveys on Continued Viability of TRICARE Standard

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §723, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1532, as amended by Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §711, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3343, required the Secretary of Defense to conduct surveys in the TRICARE market areas in the United States to determine how many health care providers were accepting new patients under TRICARE Standard in each such market area, and required the Comptroller General to review the processes, procedures, and analysis used by the Department of Defense to determine the adequacy of the number of health care providers and the actions taken by the Department of Defense to ensure ready access of TRICARE Standard beneficiaries to health care under TRICARE Standard in each TRICARE market area, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §711(d), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 193, eff. Oct. 1, 2007.

Modernization of TRICARE Business Practices and Increase of Use of Military Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §723], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–186, provided that:

"(a) Requirement To Implement Internet-Based System.—Not later than October 1, 2001, the Secretary of Defense shall implement a system to simplify and make accessible through the use of the Internet, through commercially available systems and products, critical administrative processes within the military health care system and the TRICARE program. The purposes of the system shall be to enhance efficiency, improve service, and achieve commercially recognized standards of performance.

"(b) Elements of System.—The system required by subsection (a)—

"(1) shall comply with patient confidentiality and security requirements, and incorporate data requirements, that are currently widely used by insurers under medicare and commercial insurers;

"(2) shall be designed to achieve improvements with respect to—

"(A) the availability and scheduling of appointments;

"(B) the filing, processing, and payment of claims;

"(C) marketing and information initiatives;

"(D) the continuation of enrollments without expiration;

"(E) the portability of enrollments nationwide;

"(F) education of beneficiaries regarding the military health care system and the TRICARE program; and

"(G) education of health care providers regarding such system and program; and

"(3) may be implemented through a contractor under TRICARE Prime.

"(c) Areas of Implementation.—The Secretary shall implement the system required by subsection (a) in at least one region under the TRICARE program.

"(d) Plan for Improved Portability of Benefits.—Not later than March 15, 2001, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a plan to provide portability and reciprocity of benefits for all enrollees under the TRICARE program throughout all TRICARE regions.

"(e) Increase of Use of Military Medical Treatment Facilities.—The Secretary shall initiate a program to maximize the use of military medical treatment facilities by improving the efficiency of health care operations in such facilities.

"(f) Definition.—In this section the term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given such term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Improvement of Access to Health Care Under the TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §735(e), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1172, directed the Secretary of Defense to submit to committees of Congress, not later than Mar. 1, 2002, a report on the Secretary's plans for implementing Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §721], as amended, set out below.

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §721], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–184, as amended by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §735(a)–(d), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1171, 1172; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §703(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3411, provided that:

"(a) Waiver of Nonavailability Statement or Preauthorization.—In the case of a covered beneficiary under TRICARE Standard pursuant to chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense may not require with regard to authorized health care services under such chapter that the beneficiary—

"(1) obtain a nonavailability statement or preauthorization from a military medical treatment facility in order to receive the services from a civilian provider; or

"(2) obtain a nonavailability statement for care in specialized treatment facilities outside the 200-mile radius of a military medical treatment facility.

"(b) Waiver Authority.—The Secretary may waive the prohibition in subsection (a) if—

"(1) the Secretary—

"(A) demonstrates that significant costs would be avoided by performing specific procedures at the affected military medical treatment facility or facilities;

"(B) determines that a specific procedure must be provided at the affected military medical treatment facility or facilities to ensure the proficiency levels of the practitioners at the facility or facilities; or

"(C) determines that the lack of nonavailability statement data would significantly interfere with TRICARE contract administration;

"(2) the Secretary provides notification of the Secretary's intent to grant a waiver under this subsection to covered beneficiaries who receive care at the military medical treatment facility or facilities that will be affected by the decision to grant a waiver under this subsection;

"(3) the Secretary notifies the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Secretary's intent to grant a waiver under this subsection, the reason for the waiver, and the date that a nonavailability statement will be required; and

"(4) 60 days have elapsed since the date of the notification described in paragraph (3).

"(c) Waiver Exception for Maternity Care.—Subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to maternity care.

"(d) Effective Date.—This section shall take effect on the earlier of the following:

"(1) The date that a new contract entered into by the Secretary to provide health care services under TRICARE Standard takes effect.

"(2) The date that is two years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 [Dec. 28, 2001].".

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §712(a), (b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 687, required the Secretary of Defense to minimize the authorization and certification requirements to access benefits under the TRICARE program and to submit a report to Congress on actions taken no later than Mar. 31, 2000.

TRICARE Managed Care Support Contracts

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §724], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–187, provided for the four-year extension of certain TRICARE managed care support contracts in effect, or in the final stages of acquisition, on Sept. 30, 1999.

Pub. L. 106–259, title VIII, §8090, Aug. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 694, provided for the 2-year extension of certain TRICARE managed care support contracts in effect, or in final stages of acquisition as of Sept. 30, 2000, and authorized future replacement contracts to include a base contract period for transition and up to seven 1-year option periods.

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 106–79, title VIII, §8095, Oct. 25, 1999, 113 Stat. 1254.

Pub. L. 105–262, title VIII, §8107, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2321.

Redesign of Military Pharmacy System

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VII, §703, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2057, provided that:

"(a) Plan Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a plan that would provide for a system-wide redesign of the military and contractor retail and mail-order pharmacy system of the Department of Defense by incorporating 'best business practices' of the private sector. The Secretary shall work with contractors of TRICARE retail pharmacy and national mail-order pharmacy programs to develop a plan for the redesign of the pharmacy system that—

"(1) may include a plan for an incentive-based formulary for military medical treatment facilities and contractors of TRICARE retail pharmacies and the national mail-order pharmacy; and

"(2) shall include a plan for each of the following:

"(A) A uniform formulary for such facilities and contractors.

"(B) A centralized database that integrates the patient databases of pharmacies of military medical treatment facilities and contractor retail and mail-order programs to implement automated prospective drug utilization review systems.

"(C) A system-wide drug benefit for covered beneficiaries under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, who are entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.).

"(b) Submission of Plan.—The Secretary shall submit the plan required under subsection (a) not later than March 1, 1999.

"(c) Suspension of Implementation of Program.—The Secretary shall suspend any plan to establish a national retail pharmacy program for the Department of Defense until—

"(1) the plan required under subsection (a) is submitted; and

"(2) the Secretary implements cost-saving reforms with respect to the military and contractor retail and mail order pharmacy system."

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VII, §723, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2068, as amended by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1067(3), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 774; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §711(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–175, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than April 1, 2001, the Secretary of Defense shall implement, with respect to eligible individuals described in subsection (e), the redesign of the pharmacy system under TRICARE (including the mail-order and retail pharmacy benefit under TRICARE) to incorporate 'best business practices' of the private sector in providing pharmaceuticals, as developed under the plan described in section 703 [set out as a note above].

"(b) Program Requirements.—The same coverage for pharmacy services and the same requirements for cost sharing and reimbursement as are applicable under section 1086 of title 10, United States Code, shall apply with respect to the program required by subsection (a).

"(c) Evaluation.—The Secretary shall provide for an evaluation of the implementation of the redesign of the pharmacy system under TRICARE under this section by an appropriate person or entity that is independent of the Department of Defense. The evaluation shall include the following:

"(1) An analysis of the costs of the implementation of the redesign of the pharmacy system under TRICARE and to the eligible individuals who participate in the system.

"(2) An assessment of the extent to which the implementation of such system satisfies the requirements of the eligible individuals for the health care services available under TRICARE.

"(3) An assessment of the effect, if any, of the implementation of the system on military medical readiness.

"(4) A description of the rate of the participation in the system of the individuals who were eligible to participate.

"(5) An evaluation of any other matters that the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(d) Reports.—The Secretary shall submit two reports on the results of the evaluation under subsection (c), together with the evaluation, to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. The first report shall be submitted not later than December 31, 2001, and the second report shall be submitted not later than December 31, 2003.

"(e) Eligible Individuals.—(1) An individual is eligible to participate under this section if the individual is a member or former member of the uniformed services described in section 1074(b) of title 10, United States Code, a dependent of the member described in section 1076(a)(2)(B) or 1076(b) of that title, or a dependent of a member of the uniformed services who died while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, who—

"(A) is 65 years of age or older;

"(B) is entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.); and

"(C) except as provided in paragraph (2), is enrolled in the supplemental medical insurance program under part B of such title XVIII (42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.).

"(2) Paragraph (1)(C) shall not apply in the case of an individual who, before April 1, 2001, has attained the age of 65 and did not enroll in the program described in such paragraph."

System for Tracking Data and Measuring Performance in Meeting TRICARE Access Standards

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VII, §713, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2060, directed the Secretary of Defense to establish a system, no later than Apr. 1, 1999, for tracking data and measuring performance in meeting primary care access standards under the TRICARE program.

TRICARE as Supplement to Medicare Demonstration

Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VII, §722, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2065, as amended by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §§1066(b)(6), 1067(3), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 773, 774, required the Secretary of Defense to carry out a demonstration project (known as the TRICARE Senior Supplement) in order to assess the feasibility and advisability of providing medical care coverage under the TRICARE program to certain members and former members of the uniformed services and their dependents and further required the Secretary to evaluate and terminate the project and submit a report on the evaluation to Congress not later than Dec. 31, 2002.

Study Concerning Provision of Comparative Information

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §703, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1807, directed the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study on the provision to TRICARE beneficiaries of comparative information on the medical assistance provided by a managed care entity and to submit a report to Congress.

Disclosure of Cautionary Information on Prescription Medications

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §744, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1820, directed prescription of regulations, no later than 180 days after Nov. 18, 1997, requiring pharmacies and other pharmaceutical dispensers to provide written cautionary information about usage with the medication.

Competitive Procurement of Ophthalmic Services

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §745, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1820, provided that:

"(a) Competitive Procurement Required.—Beginning not later than October 1, 1998, the Secretary of Defense shall competitively procure from private-sector sources, or other sources outside of the Department of Defense, all ophthalmic services related to the provision of single vision and multivision eyeware [sic] for members of the Armed Forces, retired members, and certain covered beneficiaries under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, who would otherwise receive such ophthalmic services through the Department of Defense.

"(b) Exception.—Subsection (a) shall not apply to the extent that the Secretary of Defense determines that the use of sources within the Department of Defense to provide such ophthalmic services—

"(1) is necessary to meet the readiness requirements of the Armed Forces; or

"(2) is more cost effective.

"(c) Completion of Existing Orders.—Subsection (a) shall not apply to orders for ophthalmic services received on or before September 30, 1998."

Inclusion of Certain Designated Providers in Uniformed Services Health Care Delivery System

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, subtitle C, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2592, as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(b) [title VIII, §8131(a)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–71, 3009–117; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §§721–723, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1809, 1810; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §707, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 684; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(e)(2), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2315; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §714, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1531; Pub. L. 108–199, div. H, §109, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 438; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §708, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1474; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(b)(11), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3507, provided that:

"SEC. 721. DEFINITIONS.

"In this subtitle:

"(1) The term 'administering Secretaries' means the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

"(2) The term 'agreement' means the agreement required under section 722(b) between the Secretary of Defense and a designated provider.

"(3) The term 'capitation payment' means an actuarially sound payment for a defined set of health care services that is established on a per enrollee per month basis.

"(4) The term 'covered beneficiary' means a beneficiary under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, other than a beneficiary under section 1074(a) of such title.

"(5) The term 'designated provider' means a public or nonprofit private entity that was a transferee of a Public Health Service hospital or other station under section 987 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Public Law 97–35; 42 U.S.C. 248b) and that, before the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1996], was deemed to be a facility of the uniformed services for the purposes of chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code. The term includes any legal successor in interest of the transferee.

"(6) The term 'enrollee' means a covered beneficiary who enrolls with a designated provider.

"(7) The term 'health care services' means the health care services provided under the health plan known as the 'TRICARE PRIME' option under the TRICARE program.

"(8) The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Defense.

"(9) The term 'TRICARE program' means the managed health care program that is established by the Secretary of Defense under the authority of chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, principally section 1097 of such title, and includes the competitive selection of contractors to financially underwrite the delivery of health care services under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services.

"SEC. 722. INCLUSION OF DESIGNATED PROVIDERS IN UNIFORMED SERVICES HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM.

"(a) Inclusion in System.—The health care delivery system of the uniformed services shall include the designated providers.

"(b) Agreements to Provide Managed Health Care Services.—(1) After consultation with the other administering Secretaries, the Secretary of Defense shall negotiate and enter into an agreement with each designated provider under which the designated provider will provide health care services in or through managed care plans to covered beneficiaries who enroll with the designated provider.

"(2) The agreement shall be entered into on a sole source basis. The Federal Acquisition Regulation, except for those requirements regarding competition, issued pursuant to section 1303(a) of title 41, United States Code[,] shall apply to the agreements as acquisitions of commercial items.

"(3) The implementation of an agreement is subject to availability of funds for such purpose.

"(c) Effective Date of Agreements.—(1) Unless an earlier effective date is agreed upon by the Secretary and the designated provider, the agreement shall take effect upon the later of the following:

"(A) The date on which a managed care support contract under the TRICARE program is implemented in the service area of the designated provider.

"(B) October 1, 1997.

"(2) The Secretary may modify the effective date established under paragraph (1) for an agreement to permit a transition period of not more than six months between the date on which the agreement is executed by the parties and the date on which the designated provider commences the delivery of health care services under the agreement.

"(d) Temporary Continuation of Existing Participation Agreements.—The Secretary shall extend the participation agreement of a designated provider in effect immediately before the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1996] under section 718(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (Public Law 101–510; [former] 42 U.S.C. 248c [note]) until the agreement required by this section takes effect under subsection (c), including any transitional period provided by the Secretary under paragraph (2) of such subsection.

"(e) Service Area.—The Secretary may not reduce the size of the service area of a designated provider below the size of the service area in effect as of September 30, 1996.

"(f) Compliance With Administrative Requirements.—(1) Unless otherwise agreed upon by the Secretary and a designated provider, the designated provider shall comply with necessary and appropriate administrative requirements established by the Secretary for other providers of health care services and requirements established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for risk-sharing contractors under section 1876 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395mm). The Secretary and the designated provider shall determine and apply only such administrative requirements as are minimally necessary and appropriate. A designated provider shall not be required to comply with a law or regulation of a State government requiring licensure as a health insurer or health maintenance organization.

"(2) A designated provider may not contract out more than five percent of its primary care enrollment without the approval of the Secretary, except in the case of primary care contracts between a designated provider and a primary care contractor in force on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1996].

"(g) Continued Acquisition of Reduced-Cost Drugs.—A designated provider shall be treated as part of the Department of Defense for purposes of section 8126 of title 38, United States Code, in connection with the provision by the designated provider of health care services to covered beneficiaries pursuant to the participation agreement of the designated provider under section 718(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (Public Law 101–510; [former] 42 U.S.C. 248c note) or pursuant to the agreement entered into under subsection (b).

"SEC. 723. PROVISION OF UNIFORM BENEFIT BY DESIGNATED PROVIDERS.

"(a) Uniform Benefit Required.—A designated provider shall offer to enrollees the health benefit option prescribed and implemented by the Secretary under section 731 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public Law 103–160; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note), including accompanying cost-sharing requirements.

"(b) Time for Implementation of Benefit.—A designated provider shall offer the health benefit option described in subsection (a) to enrollees upon the later of the following:

"(1) The date on which health care services within the health care delivery system of the uniformed services are rendered through the TRICARE program in the region in which the designated provider operates.

"(2) October 1, 1997.

"(c) Adjustments.—The Secretary may establish a later date under subsection (b)(2) or prescribe reduced cost-sharing requirements for enrollees.

"SEC. 724. ENROLLMENT OF COVERED BENEFICIARIES.

"(a) Fiscal Year 1997 Limitation.—(1) During fiscal year 1997, the number of covered beneficiaries who are enrolled in managed care plans offered by designated providers may not exceed the number of such enrollees as of October 1, 1995.

"(2) The Secretary may waive the limitation under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that additional enrollment authority for a designated provider is required to accommodate covered beneficiaries who are dependents of members of the uniformed services entitled to health care under section 1074(a) of title 10, United States Code.

"(b) Permanent Limitation.—For each fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1997, the number of enrollees in managed care plans offered by designated providers may not exceed 110 percent of the number of such enrollees as of the first day of the immediately preceding fiscal year. The Secretary may waive this limitation as provided in subsection (a)(2).

"(c) Retention of Current Enrollees.—An enrollee in the managed care plan of a designated provider as of September 30, 1997, or such earlier date as the designated provider and the Secretary may agree upon, shall continue receiving services from the designated provider pursuant to the agreement entered into under section 722 unless the enrollee disenrolls from the designated provider. Except as provided in subsection (e), the administering Secretaries may not disenroll such an enrollee unless the disenrollment is agreed to by the Secretary and the designated provider.

"(d) Additional Enrollment Authority.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), other covered beneficiaries may also receive health care services from a designated provider.

"(2)(A) The designated provider may market such services to, and enroll, covered beneficiaries who—

"(i) do not have other primary health insurance coverage (other than Medicare coverage) covering basic primary care and inpatient and outpatient services;

"(ii) subject to the limitation in subparagraph (B), have other primary health insurance coverage (other than Medicare coverage) covering basic primary care and inpatient and outpatient services; or

"(iii) are enrolled in the direct care system under the TRICARE program, regardless of whether the covered beneficiaries were users of the health care delivery system of the uniformed services in prior years.

"(B) For each fiscal year beginning after September 30, 2003, the number of covered beneficiaries newly enrolled by designated providers pursuant to clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) during such fiscal year may not exceed 10 percent of the total number of the covered beneficiaries who are newly enrolled under such subparagraph during such fiscal year.

"(3) For purposes of this subsection, a covered beneficiary who has other primary health insurance coverage includes any covered beneficiary who has primary health insurance coverage—

"(A) on the date of enrollment with a designated provider pursuant to paragraph (2)(A)(i); or

"(B) on such date of enrollment and during the period after such date while the beneficiary is enrolled with the designated provider.

"(e) Special Rule for Medicare-Eligible Beneficiaries.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), if a covered beneficiary who desires to enroll in the managed care program of a designated provider is also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.), the covered beneficiary shall elect whether to receive health care services as an enrollee or under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The Secretary may disenroll an enrollee who subsequently violates the election made under this subsection and receives benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act.

"(2) After September 30, 2012, a covered beneficiary (other than a beneficiary under section 1079 of title 10, United States Code) who is also entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.] due to age may not enroll in the managed care program of a designated provider unless the beneficiary was enrolled in that program on September 30, 2012.

"(f) Information Regarding Eligible Covered Beneficiaries.—The Secretary shall provide, in a timely manner, a designated provider with an accurate list of covered beneficiaries within the marketing area of the designated provider to whom the designated provider may offer enrollment.

"(g) Open Enrollment Demonstration Program.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a demonstration program under which covered beneficiaries shall be permitted to enroll at any time in a managed care plan offered by a designated provider consistent with the enrollment requirements for the TRICARE Prime option under the TRICARE program, but without regard to the limitation in subsection (b). The demonstration program under this subsection shall cover designated providers, selected by the Secretary of Defense, and the service areas of the designated providers.

"(2) The demonstration program carried out under this section shall commence on October 1, 1999, and end on September 30, 2001.

"(3) Not later than March 15, 2001, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the demonstration program carried out under this subsection. The report shall include, at a minimum, an evaluation of the benefits of the open enrollment opportunity to covered beneficiaries and a recommendation on whether to authorize open enrollments in the managed care plans of designated providers permanently.

"SEC. 725. APPLICATION OF CHAMPUS PAYMENT RULES.

"(a) Application of Payment Rules.—Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary shall require a private facility or health care provider that is a health care provider under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services to apply the payment rules described in section 1074(c) of title 10, United States Code, in imposing charges for health care that the private facility or provider provides to enrollees of a designated provider.

"(b) Authorized Adjustments.—The payment rules imposed under subsection (a) shall be subject to such modifications as the Secretary considers appropriate. The Secretary may authorize a lower rate than the maximum rate that would otherwise apply under subsection (a) if the lower rate is agreed to by the designated provider and the private facility or health care provider.

"(c) Regulations.—The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to implement this section after consultation with the other administering Secretaries.

"(d) Conforming Amendment.—[Amended section 1074 of this title.]

"SEC. 726. PAYMENTS FOR SERVICES.

"(a) Form of Payment.—Unless otherwise agreed to by the Secretary and a designated provider, the form of payment for health care services provided by a designated provider shall be on a full risk capitation payment basis. The capitation payments shall be negotiated and agreed upon by the Secretary and the designated provider. In addition to such other factors as the parties may agree to apply, the capitation payments shall be based on the utilization experience of enrollees and competitive market rates for equivalent health care services for a comparable population to such enrollees in the area in which the designated provider is located.

"(b) Limitation on Total Payments.—Total capitation payments for health care services to a designated provider shall not exceed an amount equal to the cost that would have been incurred by the Government if the enrollees had received such health care services through a military treatment facility, the TRICARE program, or the Medicare program, as the case may be. In establishing the ceiling rate for enrollees with the designated providers who are also eligible for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services, the Secretary of Defense shall take into account the health status of the enrollees.

"(c) Establishment of Payment Rates on Annual Basis.—The Secretary and a designated provider shall establish capitation payments on an annual basis, subject to periodic review for actuarial soundness and to adjustment for any adverse or favorable selection reasonably anticipated to result from the design of the program under this subtitle.

"(d) Alternative Basis for Calculating Payments.—After September 30, 1999, the Secretary and a designated provider may mutually agree upon a new basis for calculating capitation payments.

"SEC. 727. REPEAL OF SUPERSEDED AUTHORITIES.

"(a) Repeals.—[Repealed sections 248c and 248d of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and section 718(c) of Pub. L. 101–510 and section 726 of Pub. L. 104–106, set out as notes under section 248c of Title 42.]

"(b) Effective Date.—The amendments made by paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a) shall take effect on October 1, 1997."

[Pub. L. 108–199, div. H, §109, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 438, provided that the amendment made by section 109, amending section 724 of Pub. L. 104–201, set out above, is effective immediately after the enactment of Pub. L. 108–136.

[Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(b) [title VIII, §8131(b)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–71, 3009–117, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending section 722 of Pub. L. 104–201, set out above] shall take effect as of the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 [Sept. 23, 1996] as if section 722 of such Act had been enacted as so amended."]

Definition of TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §711, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 374, provided that: "For purposes of this subtitle [subtitle B (§§711–718) of title VII of div. A of Pub. L. 104–106, amending section 1097 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes below, and amending provisions set out as a note below], the term 'TRICARE program' means the managed health care program that is established by the Secretary of Defense under the authority of chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, principally section 1097 of such title, and includes the competitive selection of contractors to financially underwrite the delivery of health care services under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services."

Training in Health Care Management and Administration for TRICARE Lead Agents

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §715, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 375, as amended by Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §760(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–200, provided that:

"(a) Provision of Training.—The Secretary of Defense shall implement a professional educational program to provide appropriate training in health care management and administration—

"(1) to each commander, deputy commander, and managed care coordinator of a military medical treatment facility of the Department of Defense, and any other person, who is selected to serve as a lead agent to coordinate the delivery of health care by military and civilian providers under the TRICARE program; and

"(2) to appropriate members of the support staff of the treatment facility who will be responsible for daily operation of the TRICARE program.

"(b) Limitation on Assignment Until Completion of Training.—No person may be assigned as the commander, deputy commander, or managed care coordinator of a military medical treatment facility or as a TRICARE lead agent or senior member of the staff of a TRICARE lead agent office until the Secretary of the military department concerned submits a certification to the Secretary of Defense that such person has completed the training described in subsection (a)."

[Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §760(c)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–200, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) to section 715 of such Act [section 715 of Pub. L. 104–106, set out above]—

["(1) shall apply to a deputy commander, a managed care coordinator of a military medical treatment facility, or a lead agent for coordinating the delivery of health care by military and civilian providers under the TRICARE program, who is assigned to such position on or after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000]; and

["(2) may apply, in the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, to a deputy commander, a managed care coordinator of such a facility, or a lead agent for coordinating the delivery of such health care, who is assigned to such position before the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act."]

Pilot Program of Individualized Residential Mental Health Services

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §716, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 375, directed the Secretary of Defense to implement a pilot program to provide residential and wraparound services to certain children who are in need of mental health services and to report to Congress no later than Mar. 1, 1998.

Evaluation and Report on TRICARE Program Effectiveness

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §717, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 376, as amended by Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §714, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1803; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §713, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 865, provided that:

"(a) Evaluation Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall arrange for an on-going evaluation of the effectiveness of the TRICARE program in meeting the goals of increasing the access of covered beneficiaries under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, to health care and improving the quality of health care provided to covered beneficiaries, without increasing the costs incurred by the Government or covered beneficiaries. The evaluation shall specifically—

"(1) address the impact of the TRICARE program on members of the Armed Forces (whether in the regular or reserve components) and their dependents, military retirees and their dependents, and dependents of members on active duty with severe disabilities and chronic health care needs with regard to access, costs, and quality of health care services;

"(2) identify noncatchment areas in which the health maintenance organization option of the TRICARE program is available or is proposed to become available; and

"(3) address patient safety, quality of care, and access to care at military medical treatment facilities, including—

"(A) an identification of the number of practitioners providing health care in military medical treatment facilities that were reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank during the year preceding the evaluation; and

"(B) with respect to each military medical treatment facility, an assessment of—

"(i) the current accreditation status of such facility, including any recommendations for corrective action made by the relevant accrediting body;

"(ii) any policies or procedures implemented during such year by the Secretary of the military department concerned that were designed to improve patient safety, quality of care, and access to care at such facility;

"(iii) data on surgical and maternity care outcomes during such year;

"(iv) data on appointment wait times during such year; and

"(v) data on patient safety, quality of care, and access to care as compared to standards established by the Department of Defense with respect to patient safety, quality of care, and access to care.

"(b) Entity To Conduct Evaluation.—The Secretary may use a federally funded research and development center to conduct the evaluation required by subsection (a).

"(c) Annual Report.—Not later than March 1, 1997, and each March 1 thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the results of the evaluation under subsection (a) during the preceding year."

[For termination, effective Dec. 31, 2021, of annual reporting provisions in section 717(c) of Pub. L. 104–106, set out above, see section 1061 of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 111 of this title.]

Use of Health Maintenance Organization Model as Option for Military Health Care

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §731, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1696, as amended by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §715, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2803; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §714, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 374, provided that:

"(a) Use of Model.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe and implement a health benefit option (and accompanying cost-sharing requirements) for covered beneficiaries eligible for health care under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, that is modelled on health maintenance organization plans offered in the private sector and other similar Government health insurance programs. The Secretary shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, the health benefit option required under this subsection as one of the options available to covered beneficiaries in all managed health care initiatives undertaken by the Secretary after December 31, 1994.

"(b) Elements of Option.—The Secretary shall offer covered beneficiaries who enroll in the health benefit option required under subsection (a) reduced out-of-pocket costs and a benefit structure that is as uniform as possible throughout the United States. The Secretary shall allow enrollees to seek health care outside of the option, except that the Secretary may prescribe higher out-of-pocket costs than are provided under section 1079 or 1086 of title 10, United States Code, for enrollees who obtain health care outside of the option.

"(c) Government Costs.—The health benefit option required under subsection (a) shall be administered so that the costs incurred by the Secretary under the TRICARE program are no greater than the costs that would otherwise be incurred to provide health care to the members of the uniformed services and covered beneficiaries who participate in the TRICARE program.

"(d) Definitions.—For purposes of this section:

"(1) The term 'covered beneficiary' means a beneficiary under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, other than a beneficiary under section 1074(a) of such title.

"(2) The term 'TRICARE program' means the managed health care program that is established by the Secretary of Defense under the authority of chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, principally section 1097 of such title, and includes the competitive selection of contractors to financially underwrite the delivery of health care services under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services.

"(e) Regulations.—Not later than December 31, 1994, the Secretary shall prescribe final regulations to implement the health benefit option required by subsection (a).

"(f) Modification of Existing Contracts.—In the case of managed health care contracts in effect or in final stages of acquisition as of December 31, 1994, the Secretary may modify such contracts to incorporate the health benefit option required under subsection (a)."

Managed Health Care Program and Contracts for Military Health Services System

Pub. L. 104–61, title VI, Dec. 1, 1995, 109 Stat. 649, provided in part that the date for implementation of the nation-wide managed care military health services system would be extended to Sept. 30, 1997.

Pub. L. 103–139, title VIII, §8025, Nov. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 1443, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, to establish region-wide, at-risk, fixed price managed care contracts possessing features similar to those of the CHAMPUS Reform Initiative, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Congress a plan to implement a nation-wide managed health care program for the military health services system not later than December 31, 1993: Provided, That the program shall include, but not be limited to: (1) a uniform, stabilized benefit structure characterized by a triple option health benefit feature; (2) a regionally-based health care management system; (3) cost minimization incentives including 'gatekeeping' and annual enrollment procedures, capitation budgeting, and at-risk managed care support contracts; and (4) full and open competition for all managed care support contracts: Provided further, That the implementation of the nation-wide managed care military health services system shall be completed by September 30, 1996: Provided further, That the Department shall competitively award contracts in fiscal year 1994 for at least four new region-wide, at-risk, fixed price managed care support contracts consistent with the nation-wide plan, that one such contract shall include the State of Florida (which may include Department of Veterans Affairs' medical facilities with the concurrence of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs), one such contract shall include the States of Washington and Oregon, and one such contract shall include the State of Texas: Provided further, That any law or regulation of a State or local government relating to health insurance, prepaid health plans, or other health care delivery, administration, and financing methods shall be preempted and shall not apply to any region-wide, at-risk, fixed price managed care contract entered into pursuant to chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code: Provided further, That the Department shall competitively award within 13 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 11, 1993] two contracts for stand-alone, at-risk managed mental health services in high utilization, high-cost areas, consistent with the management and service delivery features in operation in Department of Defense managed mental health care contracts: Provided further, That the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs shall, during the current fiscal year, initiate through competitive procedures a managed health care program for eligible beneficiaries in the area of Homestead Air Force Base with benefits and services substantially identical to those established to serve beneficiary populations in areas where military medical facilities have been terminated, to include retail pharmacy networks available to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, and shall present a plan to implement this program to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not later than January 15, 1994."

Alternative Health Care Delivery Methodologies

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VII, §713, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2435, as amended by Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §719, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1694, directed the Secretary of Defense to continue to conduct during fiscal years 1993 through 1996 a broad array of reform initiatives for furnishing health care to persons who were eligible to receive health care under chapter 55 of this title and to submit to Congress a report regarding such initiatives not later than Sept. 30, 1994, and further directed the Secretary to take certain steps to ensure the continuation of the CHAMPUS reform initiative in the States of California and Hawaii.

Military Health Care for Persons Reliant on Health Care Facilities at Bases Being Closed or Realigned

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VII, §722, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2439, as amended by Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §726, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1535; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(i), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 324; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(48), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4310, directed the Secretary of Defense to establish a working group on the provision of military health care to persons who rely on health care facilities at military installations selected for closure or realignment and provided that the working group would terminate on Dec. 31, 2006.

Requirements Prior to Termination of Medical Services at Military Medical Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VII, §716, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1585, prohibited the Secretary of a military department, during the period beginning on Nov. 5, 1990, and ending on Sept. 30, 1995, from taking any action to close a military medical facility or reduce the level of care provided at such a facility until 90 days after the Secretary had submitted to Congress a report describing the reason for the action, projected savings, impact on costs, and alternative methods of providing care.

Requirement for Availability of Additional Insurance Coverage; Funding Limitations; Definition

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VII, §732(e)–(g), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1120, 1121, required the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement that would provide individuals losing health care coverage under CHAMPUS an option to purchase an insurance plan that provided similar benefits to CHAMPUS.

CHAMPUS Reform Initiative

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VII, §712, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2435, as amended by Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §720, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1695; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §714(c), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2803, provided that the Secretary of Defense could not expand the CHAMPUS reform initiative beyond California and Hawaii until not less than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary certified that expansion to another location was the most efficient method of providing health care to beneficiaries, with an exception for locations adversely affected by military installation closures or realignments.

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VII, §722, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1406, authorized the Secretary of Defense to enter into a replacement or successor contract upon the termination of the Department of Defense contract in effect on Dec. 5, 1991, under the CHAMPUS reform initiative.

Pub. L. 102–172, title VIII, §8032, Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1178, extended the CHAMPUS reform initiative contract for California and Hawaii until Feb. 1, 1994, and required contracts to be competitively awarded for the geographic expansion of the reform initiative in certain other states and regions.

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VII, §715, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1584, required the Secretary of Defense to make certain cost-effectiveness certifications to Congress before the CHAMPUS reform initiative underway in California and Hawaii could expand.

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VII, §702, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3899, as amended by Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VII, §732(a), (c), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1119, directed the Secretary of Defense to conduct a project, beginning no later than Sept. 30, 1988, to test new approaches for delivering health care to beneficiaries of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS) through the competitive selection of contractors to financially underwrite the delivery of health care services.

Definitions

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §701(i), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2190, provided that: "In this section [enacting sections 1075 and 1075a of this title, amending sections 1072, 1076d, 1076e, 1079a, 1095f, 1099, and 1110b of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1072 and 1099 of this title]:

"(1) The terms 'uniformed services', 'covered beneficiary', 'TRICARE Extra', 'TRICARE for Life', 'TRICARE Prime', and 'TRICARE Standard', have the meaning given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (j).

"(2) The term 'TRICARE Select' means the self-managed, preferred-provider network option under the TRICARE program established by section 1075 of such title, as added by subsection (a).

"(3) The term 'chronic conditions' includes diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, congestive heart failure, hypertension, history of stroke, coronary artery disease, mood disorders, and such other diseases or conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(4) The term 'high-value medications and services' means prescription medications and clinical services for the management of chronic conditions that the Secretary determines would improve health outcomes and create health value for covered beneficiaries (such as preventive care, primary and specialty care, diagnostic tests, procedures, and durable medical equipment).

"(5) The term 'high-value provider' means an individual or institutional health care provider that provides health care under the purchased care component of the TRICARE program and that consistently improves the experience of care, meets established quality of care and effectiveness metrics, and reduces the per capita costs of health care.

"(6) The term 'value-based health care methodology' means a methodology for identifying specific prescription medications and clinical services provided under the TRICARE program for which reduction of copayments, cost shares, or both, would improve the management of specific chronic conditions because of the high value and clinical effectiveness of such medications and services for such chronic conditions."

§1073a. Contracts for health care: best value contracting

(a) Authority.—Under regulations prescribed by the administering Secretaries, health care contracts shall be awarded in the administration of this chapter to the offeror or offerors that will provide the best value to the United States to the maximum extent consistent with furnishing high-quality health care in a manner that protects the fiscal and other interests of the United States.

(b) Factors Considered.—In the determination of best value under subsection (a)—

(1) consideration shall be given to the factors specified in the regulations; and

(2) greater weight shall be accorded to technical and performance-related factors than to cost and price-related factors.

(c) Applicability.—The authority under the regulations prescribed under subsection (a) shall apply to any contract in excess of $5,000,000.

(Added Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §722(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 695.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Comptroller General Review of Defense Health Agency Oversight of Transition Between Managed Care Support Contractors for the TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §737, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1821, provided that:

"(a) Briefing and Report on Current Transition.—

"(1) In general.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing and a report on a review by the Comptroller General of the oversight conducted by the Defense Health Agency with respect to the current transition between managed care support contractors for the TRICARE program. The briefing shall be provided by not later than July 1, 2019.

"(2) Elements.—The briefing and report under paragraph (1) shall each include the following:

"(A) A description and assessment of the extent to which the Defense Health Agency provided guidance and oversight to the outgoing and incoming managed care support contractors for the TRICARE program during the transition described in paragraph (1) and before the start of health care delivery by the incoming contractor.

"(B) A description and assessment of any issues with health care delivery under the TRICARE program as a result of or in connection with the transition, and, with respect to such issues—

"(i) the effect, if any, of the guidance and oversight provided by the Defense Health Agency during the transition on such issues; and

"(ii) the solutions developed by the Defense Health Agency for remediating any deficiencies in managed care support for the TRICARE program in connection with such issues.

"(C) A description and assessment of the extent to which the Defense Health Agency has reviewed any lessons learned from past transitions between managed care support contractors for the TRICARE program, and incorporated such lessons into the transition.

"(D) A review of the Department of Defense briefing provided in accordance with the provisions of the Report of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives to Accompany H.R. 5515 (115th Congress; House Report 115–676) on TRICARE Managed Care Support Contractor Reporting.

"(b) Report on Future Transitions.—Not later than 270 days after the completion of any future transition between managed care support contractors for the TRICARE program, the Comptroller General shall submit to the committees of Congress referred to in subsection (a)(1) a report on a review by the Comptroller General of the oversight conducted by the Defense Health Agency with respect to such transition. The report shall include each description and assessment specified in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of subsection (a)(2) with respect to such transition.

"(c) TRICARE Program Defined.—In this section, the term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Value-Based Purchasing and Acquisition of Managed Care Support Contracts for TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §707, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 301, provided that:

"(a) Authority.—To the extent practicable, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to expand the TRICARE Competitive Plans Demonstration Project to not fewer than five locations not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023].

"(b) TRICARE Competitive Plans Demonstration Project Defined.—In this section, the term 'TRICARE Competitive Plans Demonstration Project' means the project designed to test the contract acquisition strategy of providing an opportunity for local, regional, and national health plans to participate in the competition for managed care support functions under the TRICARE program, in accordance with section 705(c)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 1073a note)."

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §705, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2201, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §715, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1438; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §716, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1453, provided that:

"(a) Value-based Health Care.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement value-based incentive programs as part of any contract awarded under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, for the provision of health care services to covered beneficiaries to encourage health care providers under the TRICARE program (including physicians, hospitals, and other persons and facilities involved in providing such health care services) to improve the following:

"(A) The quality of health care provided to covered beneficiaries under the TRICARE program.

"(B) The experience of covered beneficiaries in receiving health care under the TRICARE program.

"(C) The health of covered beneficiaries.

"(2) Value-based incentive programs.—

"(A) Development.—In developing value-based incentive programs under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

"(i) link payments to health care providers under the TRICARE program to improved performance with respect to quality, cost, and reducing the provision of inappropriate care;

"(ii) consider the characteristics of the population of covered beneficiaries affected by the value-based incentive program;

"(iii) consider how the value-based incentive program would affect the receipt of health care under the TRICARE program by such covered beneficiaries;

"(iv) establish or maintain an assurance that such covered beneficiaries will have timely access to health care during the operation of the value-based incentive program;

"(v) ensure that such covered beneficiaries do not incur any additional costs by reason of the value-based incentive program; and

"(vi) consider such other factors as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(B) Scope and metrics.—With respect to a value-based incentive program developed and implemented under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that—

"(i) the size, scope, and duration of the value-based incentive program is reasonable in relation to the purpose of the value-based incentive program; and

"(ii) the value-based incentive program relies on the core quality performance metrics adopted pursuant to section 728 [amending section 1073b of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 1071 of this title].

"(3) Use of existing models.—In developing a value-based incentive program under paragraph (1), the Secretary may adapt a value-based incentive program conducted by a TRICARE managed care support contractor, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any other Federal Government, State government, or commercial health care program.

"(b) Execution of Contracting Responsibility.—With respect to any acquisition of managed care support services under the TRICARE program initiated after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 [Dec. 12, 2017], the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall be responsible for—

"(1) decisions relating to such acquisition;

"(2) approving the acquisition strategy; and

"(3) conducting pre-solicitation, pre-award, and post-award acquisition reviews.

"(c) Acquisition of Contracts.—

"(1) Strategy.—Not later than January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a strategy to ensure that managed care support contracts under the TRICARE program entered into with private sector entities—

"(A) improve access to health care for covered beneficiaries;

"(B) improve health outcomes for covered beneficiaries;

"(C) improve the quality of health care received by covered beneficiaries;

"(D) enhance the experience of covered beneficiaries in receiving health care; and

"(E) lower per capita costs to the Department of Defense of health care provided to covered beneficiaries.

"(2) Applicability of strategy.—

"(A) In general.—The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall apply to all managed care support contracts under the TRICARE program entered into with private sector entities.

"(B) Modification of contracts.—Contracts entered into prior to the implementation of the strategy required by paragraph (1) shall be modified to ensure consistency with such strategy.

"(3) Local, regional, and national health plans.—In developing and implementing the strategy required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that local, regional, and national health plans have an opportunity to participate in the competition for managed care support contracts under the TRICARE program.

"(4) Continuous innovation.—The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include incentives for the incorporation of innovative ideas and solutions into managed care support contracts under the TRICARE program through the use of teaming agreements, subcontracts, and other contracting mechanisms that can be used to develop and continuously refresh high-performing networks of health care providers at the national, regional, and local level.

"(5) Elements of strategy.—The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall provide for the following with respect to managed care support contracts under the TRICARE program:

"(A) The maximization of flexibility in the design and configuration of networks of individual and institutional health care providers, including a focus on the development of high-performing networks of health care providers.

"(B) The establishment of an integrated medical management system between military medical treatment facilities and health care providers in the private sector that, when appropriate, effectively coordinates and integrates health care across the continuum of care.

"(C) With respect to telehealth services—

"(i) the maximization of the use of such services to provide real-time interactive communications between patients and health care providers and remote patient monitoring; and

"(ii) the use of standardized payment methods to reimburse health care providers for the provision of such services.

"(D) The use of value-based reimbursement methodologies, including through the use of value-based incentive programs under subsection (a), that transfer financial risk to health care providers and managed care support contractors.

"(E) The use of financial incentives for contractors and health care providers to receive an equitable share in the cost savings to the Department resulting from improvement in health outcomes for covered beneficiaries and the experience of covered beneficiaries in receiving health care.

"(F) The use of incentives that emphasize prevention and wellness for covered beneficiaries receiving health care services from private sector entities to seek such services from high-value health care providers.

"(G) The adoption of a streamlined process for enrollment of covered beneficiaries to receive health care and timely assignment of primary care managers to covered beneficiaries.

"(H) The elimination of the requirement for a referral to be authorized prior receiving specialty care services at a facility of the Department of Defense or through the TRICARE program.

"(I) The use of incentives to encourage covered beneficiaries to participate in medical and lifestyle intervention programs.

"(6) Rural, remote, and isolated areas.—In developing and implementing the strategy required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

"(A) assess the unique characteristics of providing health care services in Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories and possessions of the United States, and in rural, remote, or isolated locations in the contiguous 48 States;

"(B) consider the various challenges inherent in developing robust networks of health care providers in those locations;

"(C) develop a provider reimbursement rate structure in those locations that ensures—

"(i) timely access of covered beneficiaries to health care services;

"(ii) the delivery of high-quality primary and specialty care;

"(iii) improvement in health outcomes for covered beneficiaries; and

"(iv) an enhanced experience of care for covered beneficiaries; and

"(D) ensure that managed care support contracts under the TRICARE program in those locations will—

"(i) establish individual and institutional provider networks that will provide timely access to care for covered beneficiaries, including pursuant to such networks relating to an Indian tribe or tribal organization that is party to the Alaska Native Health Compact with the Indian Health Service or has entered into a contract with the Indian Health Service to provide health care in rural Alaska or other locations in the United States; and

"(ii) deliver high-quality care, better health outcomes, and a better experience of care for covered beneficiaries.

"(d) Report Prior to Certain Contract Modifications.—Not later than 60 days before the date on which the Secretary of Defense first modifies a contract awarded under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, to implement a value-based incentive program under subsection (a), or the managed care support contract acquisition strategy under subsection (c), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on any implementation plan of the Secretary with respect to such value-based incentive program or managed care support contract acquisition strategy.

"(e) Comptroller General Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary submits the report under subsection (d), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that assesses the compliance of the Secretary of Defense with the requirements of subsection (a) and subsection (c).

"(2) Elements.—The report required by paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of the following:

"(A) Whether the approach of the Department of Defense for acquiring managed care support contracts under the TRICARE program—

"(i) improves access to care;

"(ii) improves health outcomes;

"(iii) improves the experience of care for covered beneficiaries; and

"(iv) lowers per capita health care costs.

"(B) Whether the Department has, in its requirements for managed care support contracts under the TRICARE program, allowed for—

"(i) maximum flexibility in network design and development;

"(ii) integrated medical management between military medical treatment facilities and network providers;

"(iii) the maximum use of the full range of telehealth services;

"(iv) the use of value-based reimbursement methods that transfer financial risk to health care providers and managed care support contractors;

"(v) the use of prevention and wellness incentives to encourage covered beneficiaries to seek health care services from high-value providers;

"(vi) a streamlined enrollment process and timely assignment of primary care managers;

"(vii) the elimination of the requirement to seek authorization for referrals for specialty care services;

"(viii) the use of incentives to encourage covered beneficiaries to engage in medical and lifestyle intervention programs; and

"(ix) the use of financial incentives for contractors and health care providers to receive an equitable share in cost savings resulting from improvements in health outcomes and the experience of care for covered beneficiaries.

"(C) Whether the Department has considered, in developing requirements for managed care support contracts under the TRICARE program, the following:

"(i) The unique characteristics of providing health care services in Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories and possessions of the United States, and in rural, remote, or isolated locations in the contiguous 48 States;

"(ii) The various challenges inherent in developing robust networks of health care providers in those locations.

"(iii) A provider reimbursement rate structure in those locations that ensures—

     "(I) timely access of covered beneficiaries to health care services;

     "(II) the delivery of high-quality primary and specialty care;

     "(III) improvement in health outcomes for covered beneficiaries; and

     "(IV) an enhanced experience of care for covered beneficiaries.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meaning given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'high-performing networks of health care providers' means networks of health care providers that, in addition to such other requirements as the Secretary of Defense may specify for purposes of this section, do the following:

"(A) Deliver high quality health care as measured by leading health quality measurement organizations such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

"(B) Achieve greater efficiency in the delivery of health care by identifying and implementing within such network improvement opportunities that guide patients through the entire continuum of care, thereby reducing variations in the delivery of health care and preventing medical errors and duplication of medical services.

"(C) Improve population-based health outcomes by using a team approach to deliver case management, prevention, and wellness services to high-need and high-cost patients.

"(D) Focus on preventive care that emphasizes—

"(i) early detection and timely treatment of disease;

"(ii) periodic health screenings; and

"(iii) education regarding healthy lifestyle behaviors.

"(E) Coordinate and integrate health care across the continuum of care, connecting all aspects of the health care received by the patient, including the patient's health care team.

"(F) Facilitate access to health care providers, including—

"(i) after-hours care;

"(ii) urgent care; and

"(iii) through telehealth appointments, when appropriate.

"(G) Encourage patients to participate in making health care decisions.

"(H) Use evidence-based treatment protocols that improve the consistency of health care and eliminate ineffective, wasteful health care practices."

§1073b. Recurring reports and publication of certain data

(a) Annual Report on Recording of Health Assessment Data in Military Health Records.—The Secretary of Defense shall issue each year a report on the compliance by the military departments with applicable law and policies on the recording of health assessment data in military health records, including compliance with section 1074f(c) of this title. The report shall cover the calendar year preceding the year in which the report is submitted and include a discussion of the extent to which immunization status and predeployment and postdeployment health care data are being recorded in such records.

(b) Publication of Data on Patient Safety, Quality of Care, Satisfaction, and Health Outcome Measures.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall publish on a publically available Internet website of the Department of Defense data on all measures that the Secretary considers appropriate that are used by the Department to assess patient safety, quality of care, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes for health care provided under the TRICARE program at each military medical treatment facility. Such data shall include the core quality performance metrics adopted by the Secretary under section 728 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

(2) The Secretary shall publish an update to the data published under paragraph (1) not less frequently than once each quarter during each fiscal year.

(3) The Secretary may not include data relating to risk management activities of the Department in any publication under paragraph (1) or update under paragraph (2).

(4) The Secretary shall ensure that the data published under paragraph (1) and updated under paragraph (2) is accessible to the public through the primary Internet website of the Department and the primary Internet website of the military medical treatment facility with respect to which such data applies.

(Added Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §739(a)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2001; amended Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §712, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 864; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §728(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2234; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §§1051(a)(5), 1081(d)(3), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1560, 1600.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 728 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is section 728 of Pub. L. 114–328, which amended this section and enacted provisions set out as notes under section 1071 of this title.

Amendments

2017—Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(d)(3), amended directory language of Pub. L. 114–328, §728(b)(1). See 2016 Amendment notes below.

Subsecs. (a) to (c). Pub. L. 115–91, §1051(a)(5), redesignated subsecs. (b) and (c) as (a) and (b), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (a) which related to annual report on the Force Health Protection Quality Assurance Program.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §728(b)(1)(B), as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(d)(3), inserted "and publication of certain data" after "reports" in section catchline. Amendment was executed as the probable intent of Congress, notwithstanding directory language amending the section heading of section "1073b(c)".

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §728(b)(1)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(d)(3), substituted "The Secretary" for "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, the Secretary" and inserted at end "Such data shall include the core quality performance metrics adopted by the Secretary under section 728 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017."

2015—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 114–92 added subsec. (c).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599, provided that the amendment made by section 1081(d)(3) is effective as of Dec. 23, 2016, and as if included in Pub. L. 114–328 as enacted.

Inclusion of Dental Care

For purposes of amendment by Pub. L. 108–375 adding this section, references to medical readiness, health status, and health care to be considered to include dental readiness, dental status, and dental care, see section 740 of Pub. L. 108–375, set out as a note under section 1074 of this title.

Initial Reports

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §739(a)(3), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2002, directed that the first reports under this section be completed not later than 180 days after Oct. 28, 2004.

§1073c. Administration of Defense Health Agency and military medical treatment facilities

(a) Administration of Military Medical Treatment Facilities.—(1) In accordance with paragraph (5), by not later than September 30, 2021, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall be responsible for the administration of each military medical treatment facility, including with respect to—

(A) provision and delivery of health care within each such facility;

(B) management of privileging, scope of practice, and quality of health care provided within each such facility;

(C) budgetary matters;

(D) information technology;

(E) health care administration and management;

(F) supply and equipment;

(G) administrative policy and procedure;

(H) military medical construction; and

(I) any other matters the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate.

(2) In addition to the responsibilities set forth in paragraph (1), the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall, commencing when the Director begins to exercise responsibilities under that paragraph, have the authority—

(A) to direct, control, and serve as the primary rater of the performance of commanders or directors of military medical treatment facilities;

(B) to direct and control any intermediary organizations between the Defense Health Agency and military medical treatment facilities;

(C) to determine the scope of medical care provided at each military medical treatment facility to meet the military personnel readiness requirements of the senior military operational commander of the military installation;

(D) to identify the capacity of each military medical treatment facility to support clinical readiness standards of health care providers established by the Secretary of a military department or the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs;

(E) to determine total workforce requirements at each military medical treatment facility;

(F) to determine, in coordination with each Secretary of a military department, manning, including joint manning, assigned to military medical treatment facilities and intermediary organizations;

(G) to select, after considering nominations from the Secretaries of the military departments, commanders or directors of military medical treatment facilities;

(H) to address personnel staffing shortages at military medical treatment facilities; and

(I) to select among service nominations for commanders or directors of military medical treatment facilities.

(3) The military commander or director of each military medical treatment facility shall be responsible for—

(A) on behalf of the military departments, ensuring the readiness of the members of the armed forces at such facility; and

(B) on behalf of the Defense Health Agency, furnishing the health care and medical treatment provided at such facility.

(4) If the Secretary of Defense determines it appropriate, a military director (or any other senior military officer or officers) of a military medical treatment facility may be a commanding officer for purposes of chapter 47 of this title (the Uniform Code of Military Justice) with respect to military personnel assigned to the military medical treatment facility.

(5) The Secretary of Defense shall establish a timeline to ensure that each Secretary of a military department transitions the administration of military medical treatment facilities from such Secretary to the Director of the Defense Health Agency pursuant to paragraph (1) by the date specified in such paragraph.

(6) The Secretary of Defense shall establish within the Defense Health Agency a professional staff to provide policy, oversight, and direction to carry out paragraphs (1) and (2). The Secretary shall carry out this paragraph by appointing the positions specified in subsections (b) and (c).

(b) DHA Assistant Director.—(1) There is in the Defense Health Agency an Assistant Director for Health Care Administration. The Assistant Director shall—

(A) be a career appointee within the Department; and

(B) report directly to the Director of the Defense Health Agency.

(2) The Assistant Director shall be appointed from among individuals who have the education and experience to perform the responsibilities of the position.

(3) The Assistant Director shall be responsible for the following:

(A) Establishing priorities for health care administration and management.

(B) Establishing policies, procedures, and direction for the provision of direct care at military medical treatment facilities.

(C) Establishing priorities for budgeting matters with respect to the provision of direct care at military medical treatment facilities.

(D) Establishing policies, procedures, and direction for clinic management and operations at military medical treatment facilities.

(E) Establishing priorities for information technology at and between the military medical treatment facilities.

(c) DHA Deputy Assistant Directors.—(1)(A) There is in the Defense Health Agency a Deputy Assistant Director for Information Operations.

(B) The Deputy Assistant Director for Information Operations shall be responsible for policies, management, and execution of information technology operations at and between the military medical treatment facilities.

(2)(A) There is in the Defense Health Agency a Deputy Assistant Director for Financial Operations.

(B) The Deputy Assistant Director for Financial Operations shall be responsible for the policy, procedures, and direction of budgeting matters and financial management with respect to the provision of direct care at military medical treatment facilities.

(3)(A) There is in the Defense Health Agency a Deputy Assistant Director for Health Care Operations.

(B) The Deputy Assistant Director for Health Care Operations shall be responsible for the policy, procedures, and direction of health care administration in the military medical treatment facilities.

(4)(A) There is in the Defense Health Agency a Deputy Assistant Director for Medical Affairs.

(B) The Deputy Assistant Director for Medical Affairs shall be responsible for policy, procedures, and direction of clinical quality and process improvement, patient safety, infection control, graduate medical education, clinical integration, utilization review, risk management, patient experience, and civilian physician recruiting at military medical treatment facilities.

(5) Each Deputy Assistant Director appointed under paragraph (3) or (4) shall report directly to the Assistant Director for Health Care Administration.

(d) Certain Responsibilities of DHA Director.—(1) In addition to the other duties of the Director of the Defense Health Agency, the Director shall coordinate with the Joint Staff Surgeon to ensure that the Director most effectively carries out the responsibilities of the Defense Health Agency as a combat support agency under section 193 of this title.

(2) The responsibilities of the Director shall include the following:

(A) Ensuring that the Defense Health Agency meets the operational needs of the commanders of the combatant commands.

(B) Coordinating with the military departments to ensure that the staffing at the military medical treatment facilities supports readiness requirements for members of the armed forces and health care personnel.

(C) Ensuring that the Defense Health Agency meets the military medical readiness requirements of the senior military operational commanders of the military installations.

(e) Additional DHA Organizations.—Not later than September 30, 2024, and subject to subsection (f), the Secretary of Defense shall, acting though the Director of the Defense Health Agency, establish within the Defense Health Agency the following:

(1) A subordinate organization, to be called the Defense Health Agency Research and Development—

(A) led, at the election of the Director, by a director or commander (to be called the Director or Commander of Defense Health Agency Research and Development);

(B) comprised of the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and such other medical research organizations and activities of the armed forces as the Secretary considers appropriate; and

(C) responsible for coordinating funding for Defense Health Program Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and related Department of Defense medical research.

(2) A subordinate organization, to be called the Defense Health Agency Public Health—

(A) led, at the election of the Director, by a director or commander (to be called the Director or Commander of Defense Health Agency Public Health); and

(B) comprised of the Army Public Health Center, the Navy–Marine Corps Public Health Center, Air Force public health programs, and any other related defense health activities that the Secretary considers appropriate, including overseas laboratories focused on preventive medicine, environmental health, and similar matters.

(f) Exception to Establishment of Additional DHA Organizations.—At the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, a military department may retain a function that would otherwise be transferred to the Defense Health Agency under subsection (e) if the Secretary of Defense determines the function—

(1) addresses a need that is unique to the military department; and

(2) is in direct support of operating forces and necessary to execute strategies relating to national security and defense.

(g) Consultations on Medical Research of Military Departments.—In establishing the Defense Health Agency Research and Development pursuant to subsection (e)(1), and on a basis that is not less frequent than semiannually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out recurring consultations with each military department regarding the plans and requirements for military medical research organizations and activities of the military department.

(h) Treatment of Department of Defense for Purposes of Personnel Assignment.—In implementing this section—

(1) the Department of Defense shall be considered a single agency for purposes of civilian personnel assignment under title 5; and

(2) the Secretary of Defense may reassign any employee of a component of the Department of Defense or a military department in a position in the civil service (as defined in section 2101 of title 5) to any other component of the Department of Defense or military department.

(i) Rule of Construction Regarding Secretaries Concerned and Medical Evaluation Boards.—Nothing in this section shall be construed as transferring to the Director of the Defense Health Agency, or otherwise revoking, any authority or responsibility of the Secretary concerned under chapter 61 of this title with respect to a member of the armed forces (including with respect to the administration of morale and welfare and the determination of fitness for duty for the member) while the member is being considered by a medical evaluation board.

(j) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "career appointee" has the meaning given that term in section 3132(a)(4) of title 5.

(2) The term "Defense Health Agency" means the Defense Agency established pursuant to Department of Defense Directive 5136.13, or such successor Defense Agency.

(3) The term "military medical treatment facility" means—

(A) any fixed facility of the Department of Defense that is outside of a deployed environment and used primarily for health care; and

(B) any other location used for purposes of providing health care services as designated by the Secretary of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §702(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2193; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §713, title X, §1081(a)(23), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1437, 1595; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §711(a)(1), (2), (b)(1), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1806, 1807; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §711, title XVII, §1731(a)(22), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1441, 1813; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(24), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3872; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §§711, 712(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1783; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §§711(b), 720(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2656, 2663; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §711(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 301; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(18), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2204.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2024—Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 118–159 redesignated subsec. (h) relating to rule of construction regarding Secretaries concerned and medical evaluation boards as (i) and former subsec. (i) as (j).

2023—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 118–31, §711(a)(1), substituted "Not later than September 30, 2024, and subject to subsection (f)," for "Not later than September 30, 2022," in introductory provisions.

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 118–31, §711(a)(2), (3), added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g) and former subsec. (g) as (h) relating to treatment of Department of Defense for purposes of personnel assignment.

2022—Subsec. (e)(2)(B). Pub. L. 117–263, §720(c), substituted "Army Public Health Center, the Navy–Marine Corps Public Health Center" for "Army Public Health Command, the Navy–Marine Corps Public Health Command".

Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 117–263, §711(b), added subsec. (h) and redesignated former subsec. (h) as (i).

2021—Subsec. (a)(4), (6). Pub. L. 116–283 redesignated par. (6) relating to authorization of military director or other senior military officer to serve as a commanding officer as (4) and moved it to appear before par. (5).

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 117–81, §711, substituted "paragraph (3) or (4)" for "paragraphs (1) through (4)".

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 117–81, §712(a), added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsecs. (f) and (g) as (g) and (h), respectively.

2019—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(f)(1), substituted "paragraph (5)" for "paragraph (4)" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 116–92, §711(a)(1), added subpars. (A), (B), and (F) and redesignated former subpars. (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), and (F) as (C), (D), (E), (G), (H), and (I), respectively.

Subsec. (a)(2)(D) to (I). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(a)(2), added subpars. (D), (F), and (G), redesignated former subpars. (D), (E), (F), and (G) as (E), (F), (H), and (I), respectively, and struck out subpar. (F) as so redesignated. Prior to repeal, the redesignated subpar. (F) read as follows: "to direct joint manning at military medical treatment facilities and intermediary organizations;".

Subsec. (a)(3)(A). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(a)(3)(A), inserted "on behalf of the military departments," before "ensuring" and struck out "and civilian employees" after "armed forces".

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(a)(3)(B), inserted "on behalf of the Defense Health Agency," before "furnishing".

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(f)(4), which directed moving the second par. (4) so as to appear before par. (5), could not be executed because of the intervening amendment by Pub. L. 116–92, §1731(a)(22). See below.

Pub. L. 116–92, §711(f)(3), redesignated par. (4) relating to timeline for transition of administration of military medical treatment facilities as (5).

Pub. L. 116–92, §1731(a)(22), redesignated par. (4) relating to authorization of military director or other senior military officer to serve as a commanding officer as (6). Amendment executed before amendment by section 711(f)(4) of Pub. L. 116–92, see above, pursuant to section 1731(f) of Pub. L. 116–92, set out as a Coordination of Certain Sections of an Act With Other Provisions of That Act note under section 101 of this title.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(f)(3), redesignated par. (4) relating to timeline for transition of administration of military medical treatment facilities as (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (6) relating to establishment of professional staff.

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(f)(2), redesignated par. (5) as (6) relating to establishment of professional staff.

Pub. L. 116–92, §1731(a)(22), redesignated par. (4) relating to authorization of military director or other senior military officer to serve as a commanding officer as (6).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(b), substituted "the education and experience to perform the responsibilities of the position." for "equivalent education and experience as a chief executive officer leading a large, civilian health care system."

Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(c)(1), substituted "at military medical treatment facilities" for "across the military health system".

Subsec. (c)(4)(B). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(c)(2), inserted "at military medical treatment facilities" before period at end.

Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(d), added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsec. (f) as (g).

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 116–92, §711(e), added par. (3).

2018—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–232, §711(a)(1)(A), substituted "In accordance with paragraph (4), by not later than September 30, 2021," for "Beginning October 1, 2018," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2), (3). Pub. L. 115–232, §711(a)(1)(B), (C), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 115–232, §711(a)(1)(D), added par. (4) relating to timeline for transition of administration of military medical treatment facilities.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 115–232, §711(a)(1)(B), (E), redesignated par. (3) as (5) and substituted "paragraphs (1) and (2)" for "subsection (a)".

Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 115–232, §711(a)(2), added subpar. (C).

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 115–232, §711(b)(1), added subsec. (e) and redesginated former subsec. (e) as (f).

2017—Subsec. (a)(1)(E). Pub. L. 115–91, §§713(1), 1081(a)(23), amended subpar. (E) identically, substituting "military" for "miliary".

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 115–91, §713(2), substituted "military commander or director" for "commander" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 115–91, §713(3), added par. (4) relating to authorization of military director or other senior military officer to serve as a commanding officer.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Expansion of Recognition by the Defense Health Agency of Certifying Bodies for Physicians

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §715, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1948, provided that:

"(a) Expansion.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall revise the policy of the Defense Health Agency regarding the credentialing and privileging under the military health system to expand the recognition of certifying bodies for physicians under such policy to a wide range of additional board certifications in medical specialties and subspecialties. Subject to subsection (b), the following certifying bodies shall be so recognized:

"(1) The member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties.

"(2) The Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association.

"(3) The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.

"(4) The American Board of Podiatric Medicine.

"(5) The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

"(b) Standards for Recognition of Other Certifying Bodies.—To be recognized under subsection (a), a certifying body shall—

"(1) be an organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 501(c)] and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code;

"(2) maintain a process to define, periodically review, enforce, and update specific standards regarding knowledge and skills of the specialty or subspecialty;

"(3) administer a psychometrically valid assessment to determine whether a physician meets standards for initial certification, recertification, or continuing certification;

"(4) establish and enforce a code of professional conduct;

"(5) require that, in order to be considered a board certified specialty physician, a physician must satisfy—

"(A) the certifying body's applicable requirements for initial certification; and

"(B) any applicable recertification or continuing certification requirements of the certifying body that granted the initial certification; and

"(6) meets such other requirements as the Secretary of Defense may establish for purposes of compliance with appropriate requirements of applicable State laws and the promotion of consistency in credentialing and privileging health care providers throughout military medical treatment facilities of the Defense Health Agency."

Waiver With Respect to Experienced Nurses at Military Medical Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §716, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1949, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The hiring manager of a military medical treatment facility or other health care facility of the Department of Defense may waive any General Schedule qualification standard related to work experience established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management in the case of any applicant for a nursing or practical nurse position in a military medical treatment facility or other health care facility of the Department of Defense who—

"(1)(A) is a nurse or practical nurse in the Department of Defense; or

"(B) was a nurse or practical nurse in the Department of Defense for at least one year; and

"(2) after commencing work as a nurse or practical nurse in the Department of Defense, obtained a bachelor's degree or graduate degree from an accredited professional nursing educational program.

"(b) Certification.—If, in the case of any applicant described in subsection (a), a hiring manager waives a qualification standard in accordance with such subsection, such hiring manager shall submit to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management a certification that such applicant meets all remaining General Schedule qualification standards established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management for the applicable position."

Modification of Requirement To Transfer Research and Development and Public Health Functions to Defense Health Agency

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §720, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2662, provided that:

"(a) Temporary Retention.—Notwithstanding section 1073c(e) of title 10, United States Code, at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, a military department may retain, until not later than February 1, 2024, a covered function if the Secretary of Defense determines the covered function—

"(1) addresses a need that is unique to the military department; and

"(2) is in direct support of operating forces and necessary to execute strategies relating to national security and defense.

"(b) Briefing.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than March 1, 2023, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on any covered function that the Secretary has determined should be retained by a military department pursuant to subsection (a).

"(2) Elements.—The briefing required by paragraph (1) shall address the following:

"(A) A description of each covered function that the Secretary has determined should be retained by a military department pursuant to subsection (a).

"(B) The rationale for each such determination.

"(C) Recommendations for amendments to section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, to authorize the ongoing retention of covered functions by military departments.

"(c) Modification to Names of Public Health Commands.—[Amended this section.]

"(d) Covered Function Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered function' means—

"(1) a function relating to research and development that would otherwise be transferred to the Defense Health Agency Research and Development pursuant to section 1073c(e)(1) of title 10, United States Code; or

"(2) a function relating to public health that would otherwise be transferred to the Defense Health Agency Public Health pursuant to section 1073c(e)(2) of such title."

Requirements for Consultations Relating to Military Medical Research and Defense Health Agency Research and Development

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §712(b), (c), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1783, 1784, provided that:

"(b) Requirements for Consultations.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that consultations are carried out under section 1073c(f) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), to include the plans of each military department to ensure a comprehensive transition of any military medical research organizations of the military department with respect to the establishment of the Defense Health Agency Research and Development.

"(c) Deadline for Initial Consultations.—Initial consultations shall be carried out under section 1073c(f) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), with each military department by not later than March 1, 2022."

Limitation on Closures and Downsizings in Connection With Transition of Administration

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §711(a)(3), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1807, provided that: "In carrying out the transition of responsibility for the administration of military medical treatment facilities pursuant to subsection (a) of section 1073c of title 10, United States Code (as amended by paragraph (1)), and in addition to any other applicable requirements under section 1073d of that title, the Secretary of Defense may not close any military medical treatment facility, or downsize any medical center, hospital, or ambulatory care center (as specified in section 1073d of that title), that addresses the medical needs of beneficiaries and the community in the vicinity of such facility, center, hospital, or care center until the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report setting forth the following:

"(A) A description of the methodology and criteria to be used by the Secretary to make decisions to close any military medical treatment facility, or to downsize any medical center, hospital, or ambulatory care center, in connection with the transition, including input from the military department concerned.

"(B) A requirement that no closure of a military medical treatment facility, or downsizing of a medical center, hospital, or ambulatory care center, in connection with the transition will occur until 90 days after the date on which Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the closure or downsizing."

Support by Military Healthcare System of Medical Requirements of Combatant Commands

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §731(b)(1), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1796, provided that: "The Secretaries of the military departments shall ensure that the Surgeons General of the Armed Forces carry out fully the requirements of section 712(b)(3) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 1073c note) [set out below] by not later than September 30, 2022."

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §712, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1809, as amended by Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §712(a), (b)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1443–1445; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §714(c), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 303, provided that:

"(a) Organizational Framework Required.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall, acting through the Secretaries of the military departments, the Defense Health Agency, and the Joint Staff, implement an organizational framework of the military health system that effectively and efficiently implements chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, to maximize the readiness of the medical force, promote interoperability, and integrate medical capabilities of the Armed Forces in order to enhance joint military medical operations in support of requirements of the combatant commands.

"(2) Compliance with certain requirements.—The organizational framework, as implemented, shall comply with all requirements of section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, except for the implementation date specified in subsection (a) of such section.

"(b) Additional Duties of Surgeons General of the Armed Forces.—The Surgeons General of the Armed Forces shall have the following duties:

"(1) To ensure the readiness for operational deployment of medical and dental personnel and deployable medical or dental teams or units of the Armed Force or Armed Forces concerned.

"(2) To meet medical readiness standards, subject to standards and metrics established by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

"(3) With respect to uniformed medical and dental personnel of the military department concerned—

"(A) to assign such personnel—

"(i) primarily to military medical treatment facilities, under the operational control of the commander or director of the facility; or

"(ii) secondarily to partnerships with civilian or other medical facilities for training activities specific to such military department; and

"(B) to maintain readiness of such personnel for operational deployment.

"(4) To provide logistical support for operational deployment of medical and dental personnel and deployable medical or dental teams or units of the Armed Force or Armed Forces concerned.

"(5) To oversee mobilization and demobilization in connection with the operational deployment of medical and dental personnel of the Armed Force or Armed Forces concerned.

"(6) To develop operational medical capabilities required to support the warfighter, and to develop policy relating to such capabilities.

"(7) To provide health professionals to serve in leadership positions across the military healthcare system.

"(8) To deliver operational clinical services under the operational control of the combatant commands—

"(A) on ships and planes; and

"(B) on installations outside of military medical treatment facilities.

"(9) To manage privileging, scope of practice, and quality of health care in the settings described in paragraph (8).

"(c) Defense Health Agency Regions in CONUS.—The organizational framework required by subsection (a) shall meet the requirements as follows:

"(1) Defense Health Agency regions.—There shall be not more than two Defense Health Agency regions in the continental United States.

"(2) Leaders.—Each region under paragraph (1) shall be led by a commander or director who is a member of the Armed Forces serving in a grade not higher than major general or rear admiral, and who—

"(A) shall be selected by the Director of the Defense Health Agency from among members of the Armed Forces recommended by the Secretaries of the departments for service in such position; and

"(B) shall be under the authority, direction, and control of the Director while serving in such position.

"(d) Defense Health Agency Regions OCONUS.—The organizational framework required by subsection (a) shall provide for the establishment of not more than two Defense Health Agency regions outside the continental United States in order—

"(1) to enhance joint military medical operations in support of the requirements of the combatant commands in such region or regions, with a specific focus on current and future contingency and operational plans;

"(2) to ensure the provision of high-quality healthcare services to beneficiaries; and

"(3) to improve the interoperability of healthcare delivery systems in the Defense Health Agency regions (whether under this subsection, subsection (c), or both).

"(e) Planning and Coordination.—

"(1) Sustainment of clinical competencies and staffing.—The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall—

"(A) provide in each Defense Health Agency region under this section healthcare delivery venues for uniformed medical and dental personnel to obtain operational clinical competencies; and

"(B) coordinate with the military departments to ensure that staffing at military medical treatment facilities in each region supports readiness requirements for members of the Armed Forces and military medical personnel.

"(2) Oversight and allocation of resources.—

"(A) In general.—The Secretaries of the military departments shall coordinate with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to direct resources allocated to the military departments to support requirements related to readiness and operational medicine support that are established by the combatant commands and validated by the Joint Staff.

"(B) Supply and demand for medical services.—The Director of the Defense Health Agency, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, shall—

"(i) validate supply and demand requirements for medical and dental services at each military medical treatment facility;

"(ii) in coordination with the Surgeons General of the Armed Forces, provide currency workload for uniformed medical and dental personnel at each such facility to maintain skills proficiency; and

"(iii) if workload is insufficient to meet requirements, identify alternative training and clinical practice sites for uniformed medical and dental personnel, and establish military-civilian training partnerships, to provide such workload.

"(3) Medical force requirements of the combatant commands.—The Surgeon General of each Armed Force shall, on behalf of the Secretary concerned, ensure that the uniformed medical and dental personnel serving in such Armed Force receive training and clinical practice opportunities necessary to ensure that such personnel are capable of meeting the operational medical force requirements of the combatant commands applicable to such personnel. Such training and practice opportunities shall be provided primarily through programs and activities of the Defense Health Agency, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, and by such other mechanisms as the Secretary of Defense shall designate for purposes of this paragraph.

"(4) Construction of duties.—The duties of a Surgeon General of the Armed Forces under this subsection are in addition to the duties of such Surgeon General under section 3036, 5137, or 8036 of title 10, United States Code, as applicable.

"(5) Manpower.—

"(A) Administrative control of military personnel.—Each Secretary of a military department shall exercise administrative control of members of the Armed Forces assigned to military medical treatment facilities, including personnel assignment and issuance of military orders.

"(B) Oversight of certain personnel by the director of the defense health agency.—In situations in which members of the Armed Forces provide health care services at a military medical treatment facility, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall maintain operational control over such members and oversight for the provision of care delivered by such members through policies, procedures, and privileging responsibilities of the military medical treatment facility.

"(f) Report.—Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that sets forth the following:

"(1) A description of the organizational structure of the office of each Surgeon General of the Armed Forces, and of any subordinate organizations of the Armed Forces that will support the functions and responsibilities of a Surgeon General of the Armed Forces.

"(2) The manning documents for staffing in support of the organizational structures described pursuant to paragraph (1), including manning levels before and after such organizational structures are implemented.

"(3) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary considers appropriate in connection with the implementation of such organizational structures and, in particular, to avoid duplication of functions and tasks between the organizations in such organizational structures and the Defense Health Agency."

Selection of Military Commanders and Directors of Military Medical Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §722, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1441, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than January 1, 2019, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall establish the common qualifications and core competencies required for an individual to serve as a military commander or director of a military medical treatment facility.

"(b) Objective.—The objective of the Secretary under this section shall be to ensure that each individual selected to serve as a military commander or director of a military medical treatment facility is highly qualified to serve as health system executive.

"(c) Standards.—In establishing common qualifications and core competencies under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include standards with respect to the following:

"(1) Professional competence.

"(2) Moral and ethical integrity and character.

"(3) Formal education in health care executive leadership and in health care management.

"(4) Such other matters the Secretary determines to be appropriate."

Appointments

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §702(c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2196, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall make appointments of the positions under section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)—

"(1) by not later than October 1, 2018; and

"(2) by not increasing the number of full-time equivalent employees of the Defense Health Agency."

§1073d. Military medical treatment facilities

(a) In General.—To support the medical readiness of the armed forces and the readiness of medical personnel, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall maintain the military medical treatment facilities described in subsections (b), (c), and (d).

(b) Medical Centers.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall maintain medical centers in areas with a large population of members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries.

(2) Medical centers shall serve as referral facilities for members and covered beneficiaries who require comprehensive health care services that support medical readiness.

(3) Medical centers shall consist of the following:

(A) Inpatient and outpatient tertiary care facilities that incorporate specialty and subspecialty care.

(B) Graduate medical education programs.

(C) Residency training programs.

(D) Level one, level two, or level three trauma care capabilities.

(4)(A) The Secretary shall designate certain major medical centers as regional centers of excellence for the provision of specialty care services in the areas of specialty care described in subparagraph (D). A major medical center may be designated as a center of excellence under this subparagraph for more than one such area of specialty care.

(B) The Secretary may designate certain medical centers as satellite centers of excellence for the provision of specialty care services for specific conditions, such as the following:

(i) Post-traumatic stress.

(ii) Traumatic brain injury.

(iii) Such other conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(C) Centers of excellence designated under this paragraph shall serve the purposes of—

(i) ensuring the military medical force readiness of the Department of Defense and the medical readiness of the armed forces;

(ii) improving the quality of health care furnished by the Secretary to eligible beneficiaries; and

(iii) improving health outcomes for eligible beneficiaries.

(D) The areas of specialty care described in this subparagraph are as follows:

(i) Oncology.

(ii) Burn injuries and wound care.

(iii) Rehabilitation medicine.

(iv) Psychological health and traumatic brain injury.

(v) Amputations and prosthetics.

(vi) Neurosurgery.

(vii) Orthopedic care.

(viii) Substance abuse.

(ix) Infectious diseases and preventive medicine.

(x) Cardiothoracic surgery.

(xi) Such other areas of specialty care as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(E)(i) Centers of excellence designated under this paragraph shall be the primary source within the military health system for the receipt by eligible beneficiaries of specialty care.

(ii) Eligible beneficiaries seeking a specialty care service through the military health system shall be referred to a center of excellence designated under subparagraph (A) for that area of specialty care or, if the specialty care service sought is unavailable at such center, to an appropriate specialty care provider in the private sector.

(F) Not later than 90 days prior to the designation of a center of excellence under this paragraph, the Secretary shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate of such designation.

(G) In this paragraph, the term "eligible beneficiary" means any beneficiary under this chapter.

(5)(A) The Secretary of Defense shall designate and maintain certain military medical treatment facilities as core casualty receiving facilities, to ensure the medical capability and capacity required to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate large volumes of combat casualties and, as may be directed by the President or the Secretary, provide a medical response to events the President determines or declares as natural disasters, mass casualty events, or other national emergencies.

(B) The Secretary shall ensure that the military medical treatment facilities selected for designation pursuant to subparagraph (A) are geographically located to facilitate the aeromedical evacuation of casualties from theaters of operations.

(C) The Secretary—

(i) shall ensure that the Secretaries of the military departments assign military personnel to core casualty receiving facilities designated under subparagraph (A) at not less than 90 percent of the staffing level required to maintain the operating bed capacity necessary to support operation planning requirements;

(ii) may augment the staffing of military personnel at core casualty receiving facilities under subparagraph (A) with civilian employees of the Department of Defense to fulfill the staffing requirement under clause (i); and

(iii) shall ensure that each core casualty receiving facility under subparagraph (A) is staffed with a civilian Chief Financial Officer and a civilian Chief Operating Officer with experience in the management of civilian hospital systems, for the purpose of ensuring continuity in the management of the facility.

(D) In this paragraph:

(i) The term "core casualty receiving facility" means a Role 4 medical treatment facility that serves as a medical hub for the receipt and treatment of casualties, including civilian casualties, that may result from combat or from an event the President determines or declares as a natural disaster, mass casualty event, or other national emergency.

(ii) The term "Role 4 medical treatment facility" means a medical treatment facility that provides the full range of preventative, curative, acute, convalescent, restorative, and rehabilitative care.

(c) Hospitals.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall maintain hospitals in areas where civilian health care facilities are unable to support the health care needs of members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries.

(2) Hospitals shall provide—

(A) inpatient and outpatient health services to maintain medical readiness; and

(B) such other programs and functions as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(3) Hospitals shall consist of inpatient and outpatient care facilities with limited specialty care that the Secretary determines—

(A) is cost effective; or

(B) is not available at civilian health care facilities in the area of the hospital.

(d) Ambulatory Care Centers.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall maintain ambulatory care centers in areas where civilian health care facilities are able to support the health care needs of members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries.

(2) Ambulatory care centers shall provide the outpatient health services required to maintain medical readiness, including with respect to partnerships established pursuant to section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.

(3) Ambulatory care centers shall consist of outpatient care facilities with limited specialty care that the Secretary determines—

(A) is cost effective; or

(B) is not available at civilian health care facilities in the area of the ambulatory care center.

(e) Maintenance of Inpatient Capabilities at Military Medical Treatment Facilities Located Outside the United States.—(1) In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each covered facility maintains, at a minimum, inpatient capabilities that the Secretary determines are similar to the inpatient capabilities of such facility on September 30, 2016.

(2) The Secretary may not eliminate the inpatient capabilities of a covered facility until the day that is 180 days after the Secretary provides a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives regarding the proposed elimination. During any such briefing, the Secretary shall certify the following:

(A) The Secretary has entered into agreements with hospitals or medical centers in the host nation of such covered facility that—

(i) replace the inpatient capabilities the Secretary proposes to eliminate; and

(ii) ensure members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries who receive health care from such covered facility, have, within a distance the Secretary determines is reasonable, access to quality health care, including case management and translation services.

(B) The Secretary has consulted with the commander of the geographic combatant command in which such covered facility is located to ensure that the proposed elimination would have no impact on the operational plan for such geographic combatant command.

(C) Before the Secretary eliminates the inpatient capabilities of such covered facility, the Secretary shall provide each member of the armed forces or covered beneficiary who receives health care from the covered facility with—

(i) a transition plan for continuity of health care for such member or covered beneficiary; and

(ii) a public forum to discuss the concerns of the member or covered beneficiary regarding the proposed reduction.

(3) In this subsection, the term "covered facility" means a military medical treatment facility located outside the United States.

(f) Notification Required to Modify Scope of Services Provided at Military Medical Treatment Facilities.—(1) The Secretary of Defense may not modify the scope of medical care provided at a military medical treatment facility, or the beneficiary population served at the facility, unless—

(A) the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a notification of the proposed modification in scope;

(B) a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary submits such notification; and

(C) if the proposed modification in scope involves the termination or reduction of inpatient capabilities at a military medical treatment facility located outside the United States, the Secretary has provided to each member of the armed forces or covered beneficiary receiving services at such facility a transition plan for the continuity of health care for such member or covered beneficiary.

(2) Each notification under paragraph (1) shall contain information demonstrating, with respect to the military medical treatment facility for which the modification in scope has been proposed, the extent to which the commander of the military installation at which the facility is located has been consulted regarding such modification, to ensure that the proposed modification in scope would have no impact on the operational plan for such installation.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §703(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2197; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §711, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1436; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §§712, 713(a), 714(a), 715, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2657, 2659, 2660; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(19), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2204.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 706 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is section 706 of Pub. L. 114–328, which is set out as a note under section 1096 of this title.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(5)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "fulfill" for "fulfil".

2022—Subsec. (b)(3)(D). Pub. L. 117–263, §712, substituted ", level two, or level three" for "or level two".

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 117–263, §713(a), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "The Secretary may designate a medical center as a regional center of excellence for unique and highly specialized health care services, including with respect to polytrauma, organ transplantation, and burn care."

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 117–263, §714(a), added par. (5).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–263, §715, added subsec. (f).

2017—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–91 added subsec. (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Deadline

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §713(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2658, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall designate certain major medical centers as regional centers of excellence in accordance with section 1073d(b)(4)(A) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), by not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022]."

Timeline for Establishment

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §714(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2660, provided that:

"(1) Designation.—Not later than October 1, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall designate four military medical treatment facilities as core casualty receiving facilities under section 1073d(b)(5) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)).

"(2) Operational.—Not later than October 1, 2025, the Secretary shall ensure that each such designated military medical treatment facility is fully staffed and operational as a core casualty receiving facility, in accordance with the requirements of such section 1073d(b)(5)."

Establishment of Centers of Excellence for Enhanced Treatment of Ocular Injuries

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §721, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1791, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than October 1, 2023, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall establish within the Defense Health Agency not fewer than four regional centers of excellence for the enhanced treatment of—

"(1) ocular wounds or injuries; and

"(2) vision dysfunction related to traumatic brain injury.

"(b) Location of Centers.—Each center of excellence established under subsection (a) shall be located at a military medical center that provides graduate medical education in ophthalmology and related subspecialties and shall be the primary center for providing specialized medical services for vision for members of the Armed Forces in the region in which the center of excellence is located.

"(c) Policies for Referral of Beneficiaries.—Not later than October 1, 2023, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall publish on a publicly available internet website of the Department of Defense policies for the referral of eligible beneficiaries of the Department to centers of excellence established under subsection (a) for evaluation and treatment.

"(d) Identification of Medical Personnel Billets and Staffing.—The Secretary of each military department, in conjunction with the Joint Staff Surgeon and the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall identify specific medical personnel billets essential for the evaluation and treatment of ocular sensory injuries and ensure that centers of excellence established under subsection (a) are staffed with such personnel at the level required for the enduring medical support of each such center.

"(e) Briefing.—Not later than December 31, 2023, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing that—

"(1) describes the establishment of each center of excellence established under subsection (a), to include the location, capability, and capacity of each such center;

"(2) describes the referral policy published by the Defense Health Agency under subsection (c);

"(3) identifies the medical personnel billets identified under subsection (d); and

"(4) provides a plan for the staffing of personnel at such centers to ensure the enduring medical support of each such center.

"(f) Military Medical Center Defined.—In this section, the term 'military medical center' means a medical center described in section 1073d(b) of title 10, United States Code."

Satellite Centers

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §703(a)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2198, provided that: "In addition to the centers of excellence designated under section 1073d(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense may establish satellite centers of excellence to provide specialty care for certain conditions, including with respect to—

"(A) post-traumatic stress;

"(B) traumatic brain injury; and

"(C) such other conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate."

Limitation on Restructure and Realignment of Military Medical Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §703(b), (e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2198, 2200, provided that:

"(b) Exception.—In carrying out section 1073d of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Defense may not restructure or realign the infrastructure of, or modify the health care services provided by, a military medical treatment facility unless the Secretary determines that, if such a restructure, realignment, or modification will eliminate the ability of a covered beneficiary to access health care services at a military medical treatment facility, the covered beneficiary will be able to access such health care services through the purchased care component of the TRICARE program."

"(e) Definitions.—In this section [enacting this section and provisions set out as notes under this section], the terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meaning given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

§1073e. Protection of armed forces from infectious diseases

(a) Protection.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a plan to ensure that the armed forces have the diagnostic equipment, testing capabilities, and personal protective equipment necessary to protect members of the armed forces from the threat of infectious diseases and to treat members who contract infectious diseases.

(b) Requirements.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure the following:

(1) Each military medical treatment facility has the testing capabilities described in such subsection, as appropriate for the mission of the facility.

(2) Each deployed naval vessel has access to the testing capabilities described in such subsection.

(3) Members of the armed forces deployed in support of a contingency operation outside of the United States have access to the testing capabilities described in such subsection, including at field hospitals, combat support hospitals, field medical stations, and expeditionary medical facilities.

(4) The Department of Defense maintains—

(A) a 30-day supply of personal protective equipment in a quantity sufficient for each member of the armed forces, including the reserve components thereof; and

(B) the capability to rapidly resupply such equipment.

(c) Research and Development.—(1) The Secretary shall include with the defense budget materials (as defined by section 231(f) ¹ of this title) for a fiscal year a plan to research and develop vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics for infectious diseases.

(2) The Secretary shall ensure that the medical laboratories of the Department of Defense are equipped with the technology needed to facilitate rapid research and development of vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics in the case of a pandemic.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §712(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3691.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 231(f) of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), was redesignated as section 231(g) of this title by Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title III, §352(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2533, and subsequently was redesignated as section 231(h) of this title by Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title X, §1021(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2052.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§1073f. Health care fraud and abuse prevention program

(a) Program Authorized.—(1) The Secretary of Defense may carry out a program under this section to prevent and remedy fraud and abuse in the health care programs of the Department of Defense.

(2) At the discretion of the Secretary, such program may be administered jointly by the Inspector General of the Department of Defense and the Director of the Defense Health Agency.

(3) In carrying out such program, the authorities granted to the Secretary of Defense and the Inspector General of the Department of Defense under section 1128A(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7a(m)) shall be available to the Secretary and the Inspector General.

(b) Civil Monetary Penalties.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of section 1128A of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7a) shall apply with respect to any civil monetary penalty imposed in carrying out the program authorized under subsection (a).

(2) Consistent with section 1079a of this title, amounts recovered in connection with any such civil monetary penalty imposed—

(A) shall be credited to appropriations available as of the time of the collection for expenses of the health care program of the Department of Defense affected by the fraud and abuse for which such penalty was imposed; and

(B) may be used to support the administration of the program authorized under subsection (a), including to support any interagency agreements entered into under subsection (d).

(c) Interagency Agreements.—The Secretary of Defense may enter into agreements with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Attorney General, or the heads of other Federal agencies, for the effective and efficient implementation of the program authorized under subsection (a).

(d) Rule of Construction.—Joint administration of the program authorized under subsection (a) may not be construed as limiting the authority of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense under any other provision of law.

(e) Fraud and Abuse Defined.—In this section, the term "fraud and abuse" means any conduct specified in subsection (a) or (b) of section 1128A of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7a).

(Added Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §713(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1784.)

§1074. Medical and dental care for members and certain former members

(a)(1) Under joint regulations to be prescribed by the administering Secretaries, a member of a uniformed service described in paragraph (2) is entitled to medical and dental care in any facility of any uniformed service.

(2) Members of the uniformed services referred to in paragraph (1) are as follows:

(A) A member of a uniformed service on active duty.

(B) A member of a reserve component of a uniformed service who has been commissioned as an officer if—

(i) the member has requested orders to active duty for the member's initial period of active duty following the commissioning of the member as an officer;

(ii) the request for orders has been approved;

(iii) the orders are to be issued but have not been issued or the orders have been issued but the member has not entered active duty; and

(iv) the member does not have health care insurance and is not covered by any other health benefits plan.

(b)(1) Under joint regulations to be prescribed by the administering Secretaries, a member or former member of a uniformed service who is entitled to retired or retainer pay, or equivalent pay may, upon request, be given medical and dental care in any facility of any uniformed service, subject to the availability of space and facilities and the capabilities of the medical and dental staff. The administering Secretaries may, with the agreement of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, provide care to persons covered by this subsection in facilities operated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and determined by him to be available for this purpose on a reimbursable basis at rates approved by the President.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a member or former member entitled to retired pay for non-regular service under chapter 1223 of this title who is under 60 years of age.

(c)(1) Funds appropriated to a military department, the Department of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy), or the Department of Health and Human Services (with respect to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service) may be used to provide medical and dental care to persons entitled to such care by law or regulations, including the provision of such care (other than elective private treatment) in private facilities for members of the uniformed services. If a private facility or health care provider providing care under this subsection is a health care provider under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services, the Secretary of Defense, after consultation with the other administering Secretaries, may by regulation require the private facility or health care provider to provide such care in accordance with the same payment rules (subject to any modifications considered appropriate by the Secretary) as apply under that program.

(2)(A) Subject to such exceptions as the Secretary of Defense considers necessary, coverage for medical care for members of the uniformed services under this subsection, and standards with respect to timely access to such care, shall be comparable to coverage for medical care and standards for timely access to such care under the managed care option of the TRICARE program known as TRICARE Prime.

(B) The Secretary of Defense shall enter into arrangements with contractors under the TRICARE program or with other appropriate contractors for the timely and efficient processing of claims under this subsection.

(C) The Secretary of Defense shall consult with the other administering Secretaries in the administration of this paragraph.

(3)(A) A member of the uniformed services described in subparagraph (B) may not be required to receive routine primary medical care at a military medical treatment facility.

(B) A member referred to in subparagraph (A) is a member of the uniformed services on active duty who is entitled to medical care under this subsection and who—

(i) receives a duty assignment described in subparagraph (C); and

(ii) pursuant to the assignment of such duty, resides at a location that is more than 50 miles, or approximately one hour of driving time, from the nearest military medical treatment facility adequate to provide the needed care.

(C) A duty assignment referred to in subparagraph (B) means any of the following:

(i) Permanent duty as a recruiter.

(ii) Permanent duty at an educational institution to instruct, administer a program of instruction, or provide administrative services in support of a program of instruction for the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

(iii) Permanent duty as a full-time adviser to a unit of a reserve component.

(iv) Any other permanent duty designated by the Secretary concerned for purposes of this paragraph.

(4)(A) Subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, coverage comparable to that provided by the Secretary under subsections (d) and (e) of section 1079 of this title shall be provided under this subsection to members of the uniformed services who incur a serious injury or illness on active duty as defined by regulations prescribed by the Secretary.

(B) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations—

(i) the individuals who shall be treated as the primary caregivers of a member of the uniformed services for purposes of this paragraph; and

(ii) the definition of serious injury or illness for the purposes of this paragraph.

(d)(1) For the purposes of this chapter, a member of a reserve component of the armed forces who is issued a delayed-effective-date active-duty order, or is covered by such an order, shall be treated as being on active duty for a period of more than 30 days beginning on the later of the date that is—

(A) the date of the issuance of such order; or

(B) 180 days before the date on which the period of active duty is to commence under such order for that member.

(2) In this subsection, the term "delayed-effective-date active-duty order" means an order to active duty for a period of more than 30 days under section 12304b of this title or a provision of law referred to in section 101(a)(13)(B) of this title that provides for active-duty service to begin under such order on a date after the date of the issuance of the order.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1446; amended Pub. L. 89–614, §2(2), Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 862; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(36), (37), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2923; Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(e)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2616; Pub. L. 98–557, §19(3), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2869; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VII, §729, title XVI, §1621(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1481, 1603; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(j)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1718; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §723, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 377; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §725(d), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2596; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §731(a)(1), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1810; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(a)(1)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–185; Pub. L. 107–296, title XVII, §1704(b)(1), Nov. 25, 2002, 116 Stat. 2314; Pub. L. 108–106, title I, §1116, Nov. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 1218; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §§703, 708, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1527, 1530; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §703, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1982; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §743(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3360; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VI, §647(b), title XVI, §1633(a), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 161, 459; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §702, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2373; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §511(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1376.)

In subsection (a), words of entitlement are substituted for the correlative words of obligation.

In subsection (b), the words "active duty (other than for training)" are substituted for the words "active duty as defined in section 901(b) of Title 50" to reflect section 101(22) of this title. The words "and dental" are inserted before the word "staff" for clarity. The words "retirement" and "retirement pay" are omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in subsec. (c) of this section were contained in Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §735, Dec. 8, 1983, 97 Stat. 1444, which was formerly set out as a note under section 138 [now 114] of this title, and which was amended by Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §§1403(a)(2), 1404, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2621, eff. Oct. 1, 1985, to strike out these provisions.

A prior section 1074, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 82, related to enactment of legislation relating to voting in other elections, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570, as superseded by the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 which is classified to subchapter I–D (§1973cc et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "under section 12304b of this title or" for "in support of a contingency operation under".

2009—Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 111–84 substituted "180 days" for "90 days".

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–181, §647(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 110–181, §1633(a), added par. (4).

2006—Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 109–163 inserted "or the orders have been issued but the member has not entered active duty" before semicolon at end.

2004—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 108–375 struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "This subsection shall cease to be effective on December 31, 2004."

2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–136, §708, inserted "(1)" after "(a)", substituted "described in paragraph (2)" for "who is on active duty", and added par. (2).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–136, §703, amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows:

"(1) For the purposes of this chapter, a member of a reserve component of the armed forces who is issued a delayed-effective-date active-duty order, or is covered by such an order, shall be treated as being on active duty for a period of more than 30 days beginning on the later of the date that is—

"(A) the date of the issuance of such order; or

"(B) 90 days before date on which the period of active duty is to commence under such order for that member.

"(2) In this subsection, the term 'delayed-effective-date active-duty order' means an order to active duty for a period of more than 30 days in support of a contingency operation under a provision of law referred to in section 101(a)(13)(B) of this title that provides for active-duty service to begin under such order on a date after the date of the issuance of the order.

"(3) This section shall cease to be effective on September 30, 2004."

Pub. L. 108–106 added subsec. (d).

2002—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 107–296 substituted "of Homeland Security" for "of Transportation".

2000—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(a)(1)(A)], substituted "uniformed services" for "armed forces" in pars. (1), (2)(A), and (3)(B).

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(a)(1)(B)], inserted ", the Department of Transportation (with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy), or the Department of Health and Human Services (with respect to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Public Health Service)" after "military department".

Subsec. (c)(2)(C). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(a)(1)(C)], added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(a)(1)(D)], substituted "A member of the uniformed services described in subparagraph (B) may not be required" for "The Secretary of Defense may not require a member of the armed forces described in subparagraph (B)".

1997—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–85 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) and (3).

1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–201 struck out subsec. (d) which read as follows:

"(d)(1) The Secretary of Defense may require, by regulation, a private CHAMPUS provider to apply the CHAMPUS payment rules (subject to any modifications considered appropriate by the Secretary) in imposing charges for health care that the private CHAMPUS provider provides to a member of the uniformed services who is enrolled in a health care plan of a facility deemed to be a facility of the uniformed services under section 911(a) of the Military Construction Authorization Act, 1982 (42 U.S.C. 248c(a)) when the health care is provided outside the catchment area of the facility.

"(2) In this subsection:

"(A) The term 'private CHAMPUS provider' means a private facility or health care provider that is a health care provider under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services.

"(B) The term 'CHAMPUS payment rules' means the payment rules referred to in subsection (c).

"(3) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations under this subsection after consultation with the other administering Secretaries."

Pub. L. 104–106 added subsec. (d).

1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–510 substituted "Secretary of Veterans Affairs" for "Administrator" after "operated by the".

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–189, §1621(a)(2), substituted "Secretary of Veterans Affairs" for "Administrator of Veterans' Affairs".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–189, §729, inserted at end "If a private facility or health care provider providing care under this subsection is a health care provider under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services, the Secretary of Defense, after consultation with the other administering Secretaries, may by regulation require the private facility or health care provider to provide such care in accordance with the same payment rules (subject to any modifications considered appropriate by the Secretary) as apply under that program."

1984—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 98–557 substituted reference to administering Secretaries for reference to Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Health and Human Services wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–525 added subsec. (c).

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(36), substituted "Secretary of Health and Human Services" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(36), (37), substituted "Secretary of Health and Human Services" and "President" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" and "Bureau of the Budget", respectively.

1966—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–614 struck out provision which excepted from medical and dental care a member or former member who is entitled to retired pay under chapter 67 of this title and has served less than eight years on active duty (other than for training) and authorized care to be provided to persons covered by subsec. (b) in facilities operated by the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs and available on a reimbursable basis at rates approved by the Bureau of the Budget.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §1633(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 459, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2008."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §743(b), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3360, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as of November 24, 2003, and as if included in the enactment of paragraph (2) of section 1074(a) of title 10, United States Code, by section 708 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Public Law 108–136; 117 Stat. 1530)."

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 107–296 effective on the date of transfer of the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security, see section 1704(g) of Pub. L. 107–296, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(c)(1)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–186, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a)(1) and (b)(1) [amending this section and section 1079 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 2001."

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §731(a)(2), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1811, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to coverage of medical care for, and the provision of such care to, a member of the Armed Forces under section 1074(c) of title 10, United States Code, on and after the later of the following:

"(A) April 1, 1998.

"(B) The date on which the TRICARE program is in place in the service area of the member."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–525 effective Oct. 1, 1985, see section 1404 of Pub. L. 98–525, set out as an Effective Date note under section 520b of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–614, see section 3 of Pub. L. 89–614, set out as a note under section 1071 of this title.

Establishment of Indo-Pacific Medical Readiness Program

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §735, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1957, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than January 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a medical readiness program (referred to in this section as the 'Program') to partner with countries in the Indo-Pacific region to gain access to foreign medical facilities during peacetime and wartime operations and maintain military-wide strategies for medical readiness in the region.

"(2) Objective.—The objective of the Program shall be to promote the medical readiness of the Armed Forces and the military forces of partner countries for missions during peacetime and wartime operations by—

"(A) reducing the movement and distance associated with patient care;

"(B) increasing the medical capacity of the Department of Defense by expanding patient access to medical facilities across the Indo-Pacific region, where and when appropriate;

"(C) enhancing medical evacuation capabilities needed in carrying out subparagraphs (A) and (B);

"(D) accrediting foreign medical facilities, which will standardize medical procedures, patient care, and policies related to treating members of the Armed Forces and their dependents;

"(E) enhancing interoperability and interchangeability through shared patient record management, medical equipment commonality, and coordination of medical care; and

"(F) identifying any medical support and capability gaps relating to medical personnel and equipment.

"(3) Activities.—In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall—

"(A) assess and integrate current medical capabilities and capacities of the Department of Defense in the Indo-Pacific region into the Program;

"(B) select an appropriate standard of accreditation to evaluate and accredit foreign medical facilities;

"(C) coordinate with partner countries to identify and evaluate medical facilities for the Program;

"(D) establish agreements with foreign medical facilities for potential use of the Program;

"(E) establish policies and procedures—

"(i) to reduce patient movement times in various countries in the Indo-Pacific region during peacetime and wartime operations;

"(ii) to standardize medical procedures, patient care, and policies;

"(iii) to securely share patient data with foreign countries, when appropriate, such as during a contingency;

"(iv) with respect to medical equipment commonality and interchangeability; and

"(v) with respect to the coordination of medical care; and

"(F) integrate the Program into operational plans of the combatant commands.

"(b) Strategy.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than September 30, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a strategy for the implementation of the Program.

"(2) Elements.—The strategy under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A governance structure for the Program, including—

"(i) the officials tasked to oversee the Program;

"(ii) the functions and duties of such officials with respect to establishing and maintaining the Program; and

"(iii) mechanisms for coordinating with partner countries selected to participate in the Program.

"(B) With respect to the selection of partner countries initially selected to participate in the Program—

"(i) an identification of each such country;

"(ii) the rationale for selecting each such country; and

"(iii) any other information the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(C) A campaign of objectives for the first three fiscal years after the date of the establishment of the Program, including—

"(i) a description of, and a rational [sic] for selecting, such objectives;

"(ii) an identification of milestones toward achieving such objectives; and

"(iii) metrics for evaluating success in achieving such objectives.

"(D) A description of opportunities and potential timelines for future Program expansion, as appropriate.

"(E) A list of additional authorities, appropriations, or other congressional support necessary to ensure the success of the Program.

"(F) Any other information the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(3) Form.—The strategy under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

"(c) Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than October 1, 2026, and annually thereafter until October 1, 2035, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the Program.

"(2) Elements.—Each report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) A narrative summary of activities conducted as part of the Program during the preceding fiscal year.

"(B) A campaign of objectives for the three fiscal years after the date of submission of the report, including—

"(i) a description of, and a rational for selecting, such objectives;

"(ii) an identification of milestones toward achieving such objectives; and

"(iii) metrics for evaluating success in achieving such objectives.

"(C) Except in the case of the initial report, an assessment of progress toward the objectives specified in subparagraph (C) that were included in the report for the preceding fiscal year, as evaluated using the metrics described in clause (iii) of such subparagraph.

"(D) A description of opportunities and potential timelines for future Program expansion, as appropriate.

"(E) Any other information the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(3) Form.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex."

Program of the Department of Defense To Study Treatment of Certain Conditions Using Certain Psychedelic Substances

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §723, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 306, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023], the Secretary of Defense shall establish a process to fund eligible entities to conduct research on the treatment of eligible members of the Armed Forces with a covered condition using covered psychedelic substances. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall designate a lead administrator to carry out the program under this section.

"(b) Eligible Entities.—The Secretary may enter into a partnership and award funding under this section to any of the following:

"(1) A department or agency of the Federal Government or a State government.

"(2) An academic institution.

"(c) Participation in Clinical Trials.—The Secretary may authorize any member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who is diagnosed with a covered condition to participate in a clinical trial that is conducted using funding awarded under this section and is authorized pursuant to section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355), without regard to—

"(1) whether the clinical trial involves a substance included in the schedule under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812); or

"(2) section 912a of title 10, United States Code (article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

"(d) Report Required.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three years, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on funding awarded under this section, including the following:

"(1) Identification of clinics designated to host activities under the program.

"(2) A description of entities to whom the Secretary has awarded such funding.

"(3) The number of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who participated in a clinical trial described in subsection (c), the covered conditions of such members treated, and whether such members returned to full duty.

"(4) Information on the findings of such clinical trials.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'covered condition' means any of the following:

"(A) Post-traumatic stress.

"(B) Traumatic brain injury.

"(2) The term 'covered psychedelic substances' means any of the following:

"(A) 3,4-Methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (commonly known as 'MDMA').

"(B) Psilocybin.

"(C) Ibogaine.

"(D) 5-Methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (commonly known as '5-MeO-DMT').

"(E) Qualified plant-based alternative therapies.

"(3) The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of Defense.

"(4) The term 'State' has the meaning given such term in section 901 of title 32, United States Code."

Guidance for Addressing Healthy Relationships and Intimate Partner Violence Through TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §748, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2689, provided that:

"(a) Guidance.—The Secretary of Defense shall disseminate guidance on the implementation through the TRICARE program of—

"(1) education on healthy relationships and intimate partner violence; and

"(2) protocols for—

"(A) the routine assessment of intimate partner violence and sexual assault; and

"(B) the promotion of, and strategies for, trauma-informed care plans.

"(b) Briefing.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the implementation of this section."

Registry of Certain TRICARE Beneficiaries Diagnosed With COVID–19

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §734, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3702, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than June 1, 2021, and subject to subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain a registry of covered TRICARE beneficiaries who have been diagnosed with COVID–19.

"(b) Right of Beneficiary to Opt Out.—A covered TRICARE beneficiary may elect to opt out of inclusion in the registry under subsection (a).

"(c) Contents.—The registry under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to each covered TRICARE beneficiary included in the registry, the following:

"(1) The demographic information of the beneficiary.

"(2) Information on the industrial or occupational history of the beneficiary, to the extent such information is available in the records regarding the COVID–19 diagnosis of the beneficiary.

"(3) Administrative information regarding the COVID–19 diagnosis of the beneficiary, including the date of the diagnosis and the location and source of the test used to make the diagnosis.

"(4) Any symptoms of COVID–19 manifested in the beneficiary.

"(5) Any treatments for COVID–19 taken by the beneficiary, or other medications taken by the beneficiary, when the beneficiary was diagnosed with COVID–19.

"(6) Any pathological data characterizing the incidence of COVID–19 and the type of treatment for COVID–19 provided to the beneficiary.

"(7) Information on any respiratory illness of the beneficiary recorded prior to the COVID–19 diagnosis of the beneficiary.

"(8) Any information regarding the beneficiary contained in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry established under section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note).

"(9) Any other information determined appropriate by the Secretary.

"(d) Report.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on establishing the registry under subsection (a), including—

"(1) a plan to implement the registry;

"(2) the cost of implementing the registry;

"(3) the location of the registry; and

"(4) any recommended legislative changes with respect to establishing the registry.

"(e) Covered TRICARE Beneficiary Defined.—In this section, the term 'covered TRICARE beneficiary' means an individual who is enrolled in the direct care system under the TRICARE program and is treated for or diagnosed with COVID–19 at a military medical treatment facility."

Coverage of Testing for COVID–19: Application With Respect to TRICARE

Pub. L. 116–127, div. F, §6006(a), Mar. 18, 2020, 134 Stat. 207, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense may not require any copayment or other cost sharing under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, for in vitro diagnostic products described in paragraph (1) of section 6001(a) [of Pub. L. 116–127, 42 U.S.C. 1320b–5 note] (or the administration of such products) or visits described in paragraph (2) of such section furnished during any portion of the emergency period defined in paragraph (1)(B) of section 1135(g) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b–5(g)) beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 18, 2020]."

Provision of Blood Testing for Firefighters of Department of Defense to Determine Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §707, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1441, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Beginning on October 1, 2020, the Secretary of Defense shall provide blood testing to determine and document potential exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as 'PFAS') for each firefighter of the Department of Defense during the annual physical exam conducted by the Department for each such firefighter.

"(b) Firefighter Defined.—In this section, the term 'firefighter' means someone whose primary job or military occupational specialty is being a firefighter."

Comprehensive Policy for Provision of Mental Health Care to Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §718, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1453, provided that:

"(a) Policy Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall develop and implement a comprehensive policy for the provision of mental health care to members of the Armed Forces.

"(b) Elements.—The policy under subsection (a) shall address each of the following:

"(1) The compliance of health professionals in the military health system engaged in the provision of health care services to members with clinical practice guidelines for—

"(A) suicide prevention;

"(B) medication-assisted therapy for alcohol use disorders; and

"(C) medication-assisted therapy for opioid use disorders.

"(2) The access and availability of mental health care services to members who are victims of sexual assault or domestic violence.

"(3) The availability of naloxone reversal capability on military installations.

"(4) The promotion of referrals of members by civilian health care providers to military medical treatment facilities when such members are—

"(A) at high risk for suicide and diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder; or

"(B) receiving treatment for opioid use disorders.

"(5) The provision of comprehensive behavioral health treatment to members of the reserve components that takes into account the unique challenges associated with the deployment pattern of such members and the difficulty such members encounter post-deployment with respect to accessing such treatment in civilian communities.

"(c) Consideration.—In developing the policy under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall solicit and consider recommendations from the Secretaries of the military departments and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff regarding the feasibility of implementation and execution of particular elements of the policy.

"(d) Report.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of the policy under subsection (a)."

Declassification by Department of Defense of Certain Incidents of Exposure of Members of the Armed Forces to Toxic Substances

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §737, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1445, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a declassification review of documents related to any known incident in which not fewer than 100 members of the Armed Forces were intentionally exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of a disability that a member of the medical profession has determined to be associated with that toxic substance.

"(b) Limitation.—The declassification required by subsection (a) shall be limited to information necessary for an individual who was potentially exposed to a toxic substance to determine the following:

"(1) Whether that individual was exposed to that toxic substance.

"(2) The potential severity of the exposure of that individual to that toxic substance.

"(3) Any potential health conditions that may have resulted from exposure to that toxic substance.

"(c) Exception.—The Secretary of Defense is not required to declassify documents under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that declassification of those documents would materially and immediately threaten the security of the United States.

"(d) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Armed forces.—The term 'Armed Forces' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) Exposed.—The term 'exposed' means, with respect to a toxic substance, that an individual came into contact with that toxic substance in a manner that could be hazardous to the health of that individual, that may include if that toxic substance was inhaled, ingested, or touched the skin or eyes.

"(3) Exposure.—The term 'exposure' means, with respect to a toxic substance, an event during which an individual was exposed to that toxic substance.

"(4) Toxic substance.—The term 'toxic substance' means any substance determined by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to be harmful to the environment or hazardous to the health of an individual if inhaled or ingested by or absorbed through the skin of that individual."

Adjustment of Medical Services, Personnel Authorized Strengths, and Infrastructure in Military Health System To Maintain Readiness and Core Competencies of Health Care Providers

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §725, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2230, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided by subsection (c), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary of Defense shall implement measures to maintain the critical wartime medical readiness skills and core competencies of health care providers within the Armed Forces.

"(b) Measures.—The measures under subsection (a) shall include measures under which the Secretary ensures the following:

"(1) Medical services provided through the military health system at military medical treatment facilities—

"(A) maintain the critical wartime medical readiness skills and core competencies of health care providers within the Armed Forces; and

"(B) ensure the medical readiness of the Armed Forces.

"(2) The authorized strengths for military and civilian personnel throughout the military health system—

"(A) maintain the critical wartime medical readiness skills and core competencies of health care providers within the Armed Forces; and

"(B) ensure the medical readiness of the Armed Forces.

"(3) The infrastructure in the military health system, including infrastructure of military medical treatment facilities—

"(A) maintains the critical wartime medical readiness skills and core competencies of health care providers within the Armed Forces; and

"(B) ensures the medical readiness of the Armed Forces.

"(4) Any covered beneficiary who may be affected by the measures implemented under subsection (a) will be able to receive through the purchased care component of the TRICARE program any medical services that will not be available to such covered beneficiary at a military medical treatment facility by reason of such measures.

"(c) Exception.—The Secretary is not required to implement measures under subsection (a)(1) with respect to military medical treatment facilities located in a foreign country if the Secretary determines that providing medical services in addition to the medical services described in such subsection is necessary to ensure that covered beneficiaries located in that foreign country have access to a similar level of care available to covered beneficiaries located in the United States.

"(d) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'clinical and logistical capabilities' means those capabilities relating to the provision of health care that are necessary to accomplish operational requirements, including—

"(A) combat casualty care;

"(B) medical response to and treatment of injuries sustained from chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive incidents;

"(C) diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases;

"(D) aerospace medicine;

"(E) undersea medicine;

"(F) diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of specialized medical conditions;

"(G) diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries that are not related to battle; and

"(H) humanitarian assistance.

"(2) The terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meanings given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.

"(3) The term 'critical wartime medical readiness skills and core competencies' means those essential medical capabilities, including clinical and logistical capabilities, that are—

"(A) necessary to be maintained by health care providers within the Armed Forces for national security purposes; and

"(B) vital to the provision of effective and timely health care during contingency operations."

Requirement To Review and Monitor Prescribing Practices at Military Treatment Facilities of Pharmaceutical Agents for Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §745, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2240, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Secretary of Defense shall—

"(1) conduct a comprehensive review of the prescribing practices at military treatment facilities of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of post-traumatic stress;

"(2) implement a process or processes to monitor the prescribing practices at military treatment facilities of pharmaceutical agents that are discouraged from use under the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Post-Traumatic Stress; and

"(3) implement a plan to address any deviations from such guideline in prescribing practices of pharmaceutical agents for management of post-traumatic stress at such facilities.

"(b) Pharmaceutical Agent Defined.—In this section, the term 'pharmaceutical agent' has the meaning given that term in section 1074g(g) [now 1074g(i)] of title 10, United States Code."

Pilot Program on Investigational Treatment of Members of the Armed Forces for Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title VII, §704, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 792, provided that:

"(a) Pilot Program Authorized.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall establish a process for randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials of investigational treatments (including diagnostic testing) of traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder received by members of the Armed Forces in health care facilities other than military treatment facilities.

"(b) Conditions for Approval.—The approval by the Secretary for a treatment pursuant to subsection (a) shall be subject to the following conditions:

"(1) Any drug or device used in the treatment must be approved, cleared, or made subject to an investigational use exemption by the Food and Drug Administration, and the use of the drug or device must comply with rules of the Food and Drug Administration applicable to investigational new drugs or investigational devices.

"(2) The treatment must be approved by the Secretary following approval by an institutional review board operating in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in addition to regulations issued by the Secretary of Defense regarding institutional review boards.

"(3) The patient receiving the treatment may not be a retired member of the Armed Forces who is entitled to benefits under part A, or eligible to enroll under part B, of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).

"(c) Additional Restrictions Authorized.—The Secretary may establish additional restrictions or conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure the protection of human research subjects, appropriate fiscal management, and the validity of the research results.

"(d) Data Collection and Availability.—The Secretary shall develop and maintain a database containing data from each patient case involving the use of a treatment under this section. The Secretary shall ensure that the database preserves confidentiality and that any use of the database or disclosures of such data are limited to such use and disclosures permitted by law and applicable regulations.

"(e) Reports to Congress.—Not later than 30 days after the last day of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of this section and any available results on investigational treatment clinical trials authorized under this section during such fiscal year.

"(f) Termination.—The authority of the Secretary to carry out the pilot program authorized by subsection (a) shall terminate on December 31, 2018."

Department of Defense Guidance on Environmental Exposures at Military Installations

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title III, §313(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1692, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 2013], the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to the military departments and appropriate defense agencies regarding environmental exposures on military installations.

"(2) Elements.—The guidance issued pursuant to paragraph (1) shall address, at a minimum, the following:

"(A) The criteria for when and under what circumstances public health assessments by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry must be requested in connection with environmental contamination at military installations, including past incidents of environmental contamination.

"(B) The procedures to be used to track and document the status and nature of responses to the findings and recommendations of the public health assessments of the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry that involve contamination at military installations.

"(C) The appropriate actions to be undertaken to assess significant long-term health risks from past environmental exposures to military personnel and civilian individuals from living or working on military installations.

"(3) Submission.—Not later than 30 days after the issuance of the guidance required by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall transmit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a copy of the guidance."

Smoking Cessation Program Under TRICARE

Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §713, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4503, as amended by Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §705, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 863, provided that:

"(a) TRICARE Smoking Cessation Program.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 14, 2008], the Secretary of Defense shall establish a smoking cessation program under the TRICARE program, to be made available to all beneficiaries under the TRICARE program, subject to subsection (b). The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to implement the program.

"(b) Exclusion for Medicare-Eligible Beneficiaries.—The smoking cessation program shall not be made available to medicare-eligible beneficiaries.

"(c) Elements.—The program shall include, at a minimum, the following elements:

"(1) The availability, at no cost to the beneficiary, of pharmaceuticals used for smoking cessation, with a limitation on the availability of such pharmaceuticals to the national mail-order pharmacy program under the TRICARE program if appropriate.

"(2) Counseling.

"(3) Access to a toll-free quit line that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"(4) Access to printed and Internet web-based tobacco cessation material.

"(d) Chain of Command Involvement.—In establishing the program, the Secretary of Defense shall provide for involvement by officers in the chain of command of participants in the program who are on active duty.

"(e) Plan.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 14, 2008], the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a plan to implement the program.

"(f) Refund of Copayments.—

"(1) Authority.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary may pay a refund to a medicare-eligible beneficiary otherwise excluded by this section, subject to the availability of appropriations specifically for such refunds, consisting of an amount up to the difference between—

"(A) the amount the beneficiary pays for copayments for smoking cessation services described in subsection (c); and

"(B) the amount the beneficiary would have paid if the beneficiary had not been excluded under subsection (b) from the smoking cessation program under subsection (a).

"(2) Copayments covered.—The refunds under paragraph (1) are available only for copayments paid by medicare-eligible beneficiaries after September 30, 2008.

"(g) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 14, 2008], the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report covering the following:

"(1) The status of the program.

"(2) The number of participants in the program.

"(3) The cost of the program.

"(4) The costs avoided that are attributed to the program.

"(5) The success rates of the program compared to other nationally recognized smoking cessation programs.

"(6) Findings regarding the success rate of participants in the program.

"(7) Recommendations to modify the policies and procedures of the program.

"(8) Recommendations concerning the future utility of the program.

"(h) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) TRICARE program.—The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning provided by section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) Medicare-eligible.—The term 'medicare-eligible' has the meaning provided by section 1111(b) of title 10, United States Code."

Longitudinal Study on Traumatic Brain Injury Incurred by Members of the Armed Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §721, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2294, provided that:

"(a) Study Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a longitudinal study on the effects of traumatic brain injury incurred by members of the Armed Forces serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom on the members who incur such an injury and their families.

"(b) Duration.—The study required by subsection (a) shall be conducted for a period of 15 years.

"(c) Elements.—The study required by subsection (a) shall specifically address the following:

"(1) The long-term physical and mental health effects of traumatic brain injuries incurred by members of the Armed Forces during service in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.

"(2) The health care, mental health care, and rehabilitation needs of such members for such injuries after the completion of inpatient treatment through the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or both.

"(3) The type and availability of long-term care rehabilitation programs and services within and outside the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs for such members for such injuries, including community-based programs and services and in-home programs and services.

"(4) The effect on family members of a member incurring such an injury.

"(d) Consultation.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct the study required by subsection (a) and prepare the reports required by subsection (e) in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(e) Periodic and Final Reports.—After the third, seventh, eleventh, and fifteenth years of the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a comprehensive report on the results of the study during the preceding years. Each report shall include the following:

"(1) Current information on the cumulative outcomes of the study.

"(2) Such recommendations as the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs jointly consider appropriate based on the outcomes of the study, including recommendations for legislative, programmatic, or administrative action to improve long-term care and rehabilitation programs and services for members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injuries."

Standards and Tracking of Access to Health Care Services for Wounded, Injured, or Ill Servicemembers Returning to the United States From a Combat Zone

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §733, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2298, provided that:

"(a) Report on Uniform Standards for Access.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on uniform standards for the access of wounded, injured, or ill members of the Armed Forces to health care services in the United States following return from a combat zone.

"(b) Matters Covered.—The report required by subsection (a) shall describe in detail policies with respect to the following:

"(1) The access of wounded, injured, or ill members of the Armed Forces to emergency care.

"(2) The access of such members to surgical services.

"(3) Waiting times for referrals and consultations of such members by medical personnel, dental personnel, mental health specialists, and rehabilitative service specialists, including personnel and specialists with expertise in prosthetics and in the treatment of head, vision, and spinal cord injuries.

"(4) Waiting times of such members for acute care and for routine follow-up care.

"(c) Referral to Providers Outside Military Health Care System.—The Secretary shall require that health care services and rehabilitation needs of members described in subsection (a) be met through whatever means or mechanisms possible, including through the referral of members described in that subsection to health care providers outside the military health care system.

"(d) Uniform System for Tracking of Performance.—The Secretary shall establish a uniform system for tracking the performance of the military health care system in meeting the requirements for access of wounded, injured, or ill members of the Armed Forces to health care services described in subsection (a).

"(e) Reports.—

"(1) Tracking system.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006], the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the system established under subsection (d).

"(2) Access.—Not later than October 1, 2006, and each quarter thereafter during fiscal year 2007, the Secretary shall submit to such committees a report on the performance of the health care system in meeting the access standards described in the report required by subsection (a)."

Training Curricula for Family Caregivers on Care and Assistance for Members and Former Members of the Armed Forces With Traumatic Brain Injury

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §744, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2308, provided that:

"(a) Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel.—

"(1) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a panel within the Department of Defense, to be known as the 'Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel', to develop coordinated, uniform, and consistent training curricula to be used in training family members in the provision of care and assistance to members and former members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injuries.

"(2) Members.—The Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel shall consist of 15 members appointed by the Secretary of Defense from among the following:

"(A) Physicians, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, and other individuals with an expertise in caring for and assisting individuals with traumatic brain injury, including persons who specialize in caring for and assisting individuals with traumatic brain injury incurred in combat.

"(B) Representatives of family caregivers or family caregiver associations.

"(C) Health and medical personnel of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs with expertise in traumatic brain injury and personnel and readiness representatives of the Department of Defense with expertise in traumatic brain injury.

"(D) Psychologists or other individuals with expertise in the mental health treatment and care of individuals with traumatic brain injury.

"(E) Experts in the development of training curricula.

"(F) Family members of members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury.

"(G) Such other individuals the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(3) Consultation.—In establishing the Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel and appointing the members of the Panel, the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(b) Development of Curricula.—

"(1) Development.—The Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel shall develop training curricula to be used by family members of members and former members of the Armed Forces on techniques, strategies, and skills for care and assistance for such members and former members with traumatic brain injury.

"(2) Scope of curricula.—The curricula shall—

"(A) be based on empirical research and validated techniques; and

"(B) shall provide for training that permits recipients to tailor caregiving to the unique circumstances of the member or former member of the Armed Forces receiving care.

"(3) Particular requirements.—In developing the curricula, the Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel shall—

"(A) specify appropriate training commensurate with the severity of traumatic brain injury; and

"(B) identify appropriate care and assistance to be provided for the degree of severity of traumatic brain injury for caregivers of various levels of skill and capability.

"(4) Use of existing materials.—In developing the curricula, the Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel shall use and enhance any existing training curricula, materials, and resources applicable to such curricula as the Panel considers appropriate.

"(5) Deadline for development.—The Traumatic Brain Injury Family Caregiver Panel shall develop the curricula not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006].

"(c) Dissemination of Curricula.—

"(1) Dissemination mechanisms.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop mechanisms for the dissemination of the curricula developed under subsection (b)—

"(A) to health care professionals who treat or otherwise work with members and former members of the Armed Forces with traumatic brain injury;

"(B) to family members affected by the traumatic brain injury of such members and former members; and

"(C) to other care or support personnel who may provide service to members or former members affected by traumatic brain injury.

"(2) Use of existing mechanisms.—In developing such mechanisms, the Secretary may use and enhance existing mechanisms, including the Military Severely Injured Center (authorized under section 564 of this Act [10 U.S.C. 113 note]) and the programs for service to severely injured members established by the military departments.

"(d) Report.—Not later than one year after the development of the curricula required by subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services and Veterans Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the following:

"(1) The actions undertaken under this section.

"(2) Recommendations for the improvement or updating of training curriculum developed and provided under this section."

Pilot Projects on Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Other Mental Health Conditions

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §741, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2304, required the Secretary of Defense to carry out not less than three pilot projects, to end by Sept. 30, 2008, to evaluate various approaches to improving the early diagnosis and treatment of post traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions and to report to Congress no later than Dec. 31, 2008.

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §722, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3347, authorized the Secretary of Defense to carry out pilot projects on improving the early diagnosis and treatment of post traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions and required a progress report to be submitted to Congress no later than Sept. 1, 2006.

Cooperative Outreach to Members and Former Members of the Naval Service Exposed to Environmental Factors Related to Sarcoidosis

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §746, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3362, directed the Secretary of the Navy, within six months after Jan. 6, 2006, to begin an outreach program to contact as many members and former members of the naval service as possible who may have been exposed to aerosolized particles resulting from the removal of nonskid coating used on Navy ships and to report to Congress on the program results within one year after the beginning of the program.

Medical Readiness Plan and Joint Medical Readiness Oversight Committee

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §731, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1993, as amended by Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §515(h), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3237; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(g)(8), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title X, §1062(f)(1), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1585, provided that:

"(a) Requirement for Plan.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop a comprehensive plan to improve medical readiness, and Department of Defense tracking of the health status, of members of the Armed Forces throughout their service in the Armed Forces, and to strengthen medical readiness and tracking before, during, and after deployment of members of the Armed Forces overseas. The matters covered by the comprehensive plan shall include all elements that are described in this subtitle [subtitle D [§§731 to 740] of title VII of Pub. L. 108–375, enacting sections 1073b and 1092a of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1073b, 1074f, and 1092a of this title] and the amendments made by this subtitle and shall comply with requirements in law.

"(b) Joint Medical Readiness Oversight Committee.—

"(1) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a Joint Medical Readiness Oversight Committee.

"(2) Composition.—The members of the Committee are as follows:

"(A) The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, who shall chair the Committee.

"(B) The Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corp [sic].

"(C) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

"(D) The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs [now Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs].

"(E) The Surgeon General of each of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.

"(F) The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

"(G) The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.

"(H) The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations, and Environment.

"(I) The Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

"(J) The Chief of Army Reserve.

"(K) The Chief of Navy Reserve.

"(L) The Chief of Air Force Reserve.

"(M) The Commander, Marine Corps Reserve.

"(N) The Director of the Defense Manpower Data Center.

"(O) A representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs designated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(3) Duties.—The duties of the Committee are as follows:

"(A) To advise the Secretary of Defense on the medical readiness and health status of the members of the active and reserve components of the Armed Forces.

"(B) To advise the Secretary of Defense on the compliance of the Armed Forces with the medical readiness tracking and health surveillance policies of the Department of Defense.

"(C) To oversee the development and implementation of the comprehensive plan required by subsection (a) and the actions required by this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle, including with respect to matters relating to—

"(i) the health status of the members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces;

"(ii) accountability for medical readiness;

"(iii) medical tracking and health surveillance;

"(iv) declassification of information on environmental hazards;

"(v) postdeployment health care for members of the Armed Forces; and

"(vi) compliance with Department of Defense and other applicable policies on blood serum repositories.

"(D) To ensure unity and integration of efforts across functional and organizational lines within the Department of Defense with regard to medical readiness tracking and health surveillance of members of the Armed Forces.

"(E) To establish and monitor compliance with the medical readiness standards that are applicable to members and those that are applicable to units.

"(F) To improve continuity of care in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, for members of the Armed Forces separating from active service with service-connected medical conditions.

"(4) First meeting.—The first meeting of the Committee shall be held not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2004]."

Accountability for Medical Readiness of Individuals and Units of the Reserve Components

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §732(b), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1997, provided that:

"(1) Policy.—The Secretary of Defense shall take measures, in addition to those required by section 1074f of title 10, United States Code, to ensure that individual members and commanders of reserve component units fulfill their responsibilities and meet the requirements for medical and dental readiness of members of the units. Such measures may include—

"(A) requiring more frequent health assessments of members than is required by section 1074f(b) of title 10, United States Code, with an objective of having every member of the Selected Reserve receive a health assessment as specified in section 1074f of such title not less frequently than once every two years; and

"(B) providing additional support and information to commanders to assist them in improving the health status of members of their units.

"(2) Review and followup care.—The measures under this subsection shall provide for review of the health assessments under paragraph (1) by a medical professional and for any followup care and treatment that is otherwise authorized for medical or dental readiness.

"(3) Modification of predeployment health assessment survey.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—

"(A) to the extent practicable, modify the predeployment health assessment survey to bring such survey into conformity with the detailed postdeployment health assessment survey in use as of October 1, 2004; and

"(B) ensure the use of the predeployment health assessment survey, as so modified, for predeployment health assessments after that date."

Uniform Policy on Deferral of Medical Treatment Pending Deployment to Theaters of Operations

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §732(c), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1997, provided that:

"(1) Requirement for policy.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe, for uniform applicability throughout the Armed Forces, a policy on deferral of medical treatment of members pending deployment.

"(2) Content.—The policy prescribed under paragraph (1) may specify the following matters:

"(A) The circumstances under which treatment for medical conditions may be deferred to be provided within a theater of operations in order to prevent delay or other disruption of a deployment to that theater.

"(B) The circumstances under which medical conditions are to be treated before deployment to that theater."

Medical Care and Tracking and Health Surveillance in the Theater of Operations

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §734, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1998, provided that:

"(a) Recordkeeping Policy.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a policy that requires the records of all medical care provided to a member of the Armed Forces in a theater of operations to be maintained as part of a complete health record for the member.

"(b) In-Theater Medical Tracking and Health Surveillance.—

"(1) Requirement for evaluation.—The Secretary of Defense shall evaluate the system for the medical tracking and health surveillance of members of the Armed Forces in theaters of operations and take such actions as may be necessary to improve the medical tracking and health surveillance.

"(2) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2004], the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report on the actions taken under paragraph (1) to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The report shall include the following matters:

"(A) An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the medical tracking system administered under section 1074f of title 10, United States Code.

"(B) An analysis of the efficacy of health surveillance systems as a means of detecting—

"(i) any health problems (including mental health conditions) of members of the Armed Forces contemporaneous with the performance of the assessment under the system; and

"(ii) exposures of the assessed members to environmental hazards that potentially lead to future health problems.

"(C) An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of such medical tracking and surveillance systems as a means for supporting future research on health issues.

"(D) Recommended changes to such medical tracking and health surveillance systems.

"(E) A summary of scientific literature on blood sampling procedures used for detecting and identifying exposures to environmental hazards.

"(F) An assessment of whether there is a need for changes to regulations and standards for drawing blood samples for effective tracking and health surveillance of the medical conditions of personnel before deployment, upon the end of a deployment, and for a followup period of appropriate length.

"(c) Plan To Obtain Health Care Records From Allies.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop a plan for obtaining all records of medical treatment provided to members of the Armed Forces by allies of the United States in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The plan shall specify the actions that are to be taken to obtain all such records.

"(d) Policy on In-Theater Personnel Locator Data.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2004], the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a Department of Defense policy on the collection and dissemination of in-theater individual personnel location data."

Declassification of Information on Exposures to Environmental Hazards

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §735, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1999, provided that:

"(a) Requirement for Review.—The Secretary of Defense shall review and, as determined appropriate, revise the classification policies of the Department of Defense with a view to facilitating the declassification of data that is potentially useful for the monitoring and assessment of the health of members of the Armed Forces who have been exposed to environmental hazards during deployments overseas, including the following data:

"(1) In-theater injury rates.

"(2) Data derived from environmental surveillance.

"(3) Health tracking and surveillance data.

"(b) Consultation With Commanders of Theater Combatant Commands.—The Secretary shall, to the extent that the Secretary considers appropriate, consult with the senior commanders of the in-theater forces of the combatant commands in carrying out the review and revising policies under subsection (a)."

Uniform Policy for Meeting Mobilization-Related Medical Care Needs at Military Installations

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §737, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2000, provided that:

"(a) Health Care at Mobilization Installations.—The Secretary of Defense shall take such steps as necessary, including through the uniform policy established under subsection (c), to ensure that anticipated health care needs of members of the Armed Forces at mobilization installations can be met at those installations. Such steps may, within authority otherwise available to the Secretary, include the following with respect to any such installation:

"(1) Arrangements for health care to be provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(2) Procurement of services from local health care providers.

"(3) Temporary employment of health care personnel to provide services at such installation.

"(b) Mobilization Installations.—For purposes of this section, the term 'mobilization installation' means a military installation at which members of the Armed Forces, in connection with a contingency operation or during a national emergency—

"(1) are mobilized;

"(2) are deployed; or

"(3) are redeployed from a deployment location.

"(c) Requirement for Regulations.—

"(1) Policy on implementation.—The Secretary of Defense shall by regulation establish a policy for the implementation of subsection (a) throughout the Department of Defense.

"(2) Identification and analysis of needs.—As part of the policy prescribed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall require the Secretary of each military department, with respect to each mobilization installation under the jurisdiction of that Secretary, to identify and analyze the anticipated health care needs at that installation with respect to members of the Armed Forces who may be expected to mobilize or deploy or redeploy at that installation as described in subsection (b)(1). Such identification and analysis shall be carried out so as to be completed before the arrival of such members at the installation.

"(3) Response to needs.—The policy established by the Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) shall require that, based on the results of the identification and analysis under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the military department concerned shall determine how to expeditiously and effectively respond to those anticipated health care needs that cannot be met within the resources otherwise available at that installation, in accordance with subsection (a).

"(4) Implementation of authority.—In implementing the policy established under paragraph (1) at any installation, the Secretary of the military department concerned shall ensure that the commander of the installation, and the officers and other personnel superior to that commander in that commander's chain of command, have appropriate authority and responsibility for such implementation.

"(d) Policy.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure—

"(1) that the policy prescribed under subsection (c) is carried out with respect to any mobilization installation with the involvement of all agencies of the Department of Defense that have responsibility for management of the installation and all organizations of the Department that have command authority over any activity at the installation; and

"(2) that such policy is implemented on a uniform basis throughout the Department of Defense."

Full Implementation of Medical Readiness Tracking and Health Surveillance Program and Force Health Protection and Readiness Program

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §738, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2001, provided that:

"(a) Implementation at All Levels.—The Secretary of Defense, in conjunction with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure that the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps fully implement at all levels—

"(1) the Medical Readiness Tracking and Health Surveillance Program under this title [see Tables for classification] and the amendments made by this title; and

"(2) the Force Health Protection and Readiness Program of the Department of Defense (relating to the prevention of injury and illness and the reduction of disease and noncombat injury threats).

"(b) Action Official.—The Secretary of Defense may act through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness in carrying out subsection (a)."

Internet Accessibility of Health Assessment Information for Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §739(b), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2002, provided that: "Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2004], the Chief Information Officer of each military department shall ensure that the online portal website of that military department includes the following information relating to health assessments:

"(1) Information on the policies of the Department of Defense and the military department concerned regarding predeployment and postdeployment health assessments, including policies on the following matters:

"(A) Health surveys.

"(B) Physical examinations.

"(C) Collection of blood samples and other tissue samples.

"(2) Procedural information on compliance with such policies, including the following information:

"(A) Information for determining whether a member is in compliance.

"(B) Information on how to comply.

"(3) Health assessment surveys that are either—

"(A) web-based; or

"(B) accessible (with instructions) in printer-ready form by download."

Inclusion of Dental Care

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §740, as added by Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §745(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3362, provided that: "For purposes of the plan, this subtitle [subtitle D (§§731–740) of title VII of div. A of Pub. L. 108–375, enacting sections 1073b and 1092a of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1073b, 1074f, and 1092a of this title], and the amendments made by this subtitle, references to medical readiness, health status, and health care shall be considered to include dental readiness, dental status, and dental care."

Limitation on Fiscal Year 2004 Outlays for Temporary Reserve Health Care Programs

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §706, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1529, as amended by Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title X, §1063(g)(1), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 323, limited fiscal year 2004 expenditures for the administration of the temporary Reserve health care programs to $400,000,000.

Disclosure of Information on Project 112 to Department of Veterans Affairs

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VII, §709, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2586, directed the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a plan for the review, declassification, and submittal to the Department of Veterans Affairs of all records and information on Project 112, a chemical and biological weapons vulnerability-testing program, relevant to the provision of benefits to members of the Armed Forces who participated in that project; provided that the plan was to be completed no later than one year after Dec. 2, 2002; and required implementation reports to Congress and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Health Care at Former Uniformed Services Treatment Facilities for Active Duty Members Stationed at Certain Remote Locations

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §706, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 684, as amended by Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(a)(3)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–185, provided that:

"(a) Authority.—Health care may be furnished by a designated provider pursuant to any contract entered into by the designated provider under section 722(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104–201; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note) to eligible members who reside within the service area of the designated provider.

"(b) Eligibility.—A member of the uniformed services (as defined in section 1072(1) of title 10, United States Code) is eligible for health care under subsection (a) if the member is a member described in section 731(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Public Law 105–85; 111 Stat. 1811; 10 U.S.C. 1074 note).

"(c) Applicable Policies.—In furnishing health care to an eligible member under subsection (a), a designated provider shall adhere to the Department of Defense policies applicable to the furnishing of care under the TRICARE Prime Remote program, including coordinating with uniformed services medical authorities for hospitalizations and all referrals for specialty care.

"(d) Reimbursement Rates.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the designated providers, shall prescribe reimbursement rates for care furnished to eligible members under subsection (a). The rates prescribed for health care may not exceed the amounts allowable under the TRICARE Standard plan for the same care."

Temporary Authority for Managed Care Expansion to Members on Active Duty at Certain Remote Locations; "TRICARE Program" and "TRICARE Prime Plan" Defined

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §731(b)–(f), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1811, 1812, as amended by Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(a)(2), (b)(2)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–185, 1654A–186, provided that:

"(b) Temporary Authority for Managed Care Expansion to Members on Active Duty at Certain Remote Locations.—(1) A member of the uniformed services described in subsection (c) is entitled to receive care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services. In connection with such care, the Secretary of Defense shall waive the obligation of the member to pay a deductible, copayment, or annual fee that would otherwise be applicable under that program for care provided to the members under the program. A dependent of the member, as described in subparagraph (A), (D), or (I) of section 1072(2) of title 10, United States Code, who is residing with the member shall have the same entitlement to care and to waiver of charges as the member.

"(2) A member or dependent of the member, as the case may be, who is entitled under paragraph (1) to receive health care services under CHAMPUS shall receive such care from a network provider under the TRICARE program if such a provider is available in the service area of the member.

"(3) Paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1997] and shall expire with respect to a member upon the later of the following:

"(A) The date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(B) The date on which the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] apply with respect to the coverage of medical care for, and provision of such care to, the member.

"(4) The Secretary of Defense shall consult with the other administering Secretaries in the administration of this subsection.

"(c) Eligible Members.—A member referred to in subsection (b) is a member of the uniformed services on active duty who—

"(1) receives a duty assignment described in subsection (d); and

"(2) pursuant to the assignment of such duty, resides at a location that is more than 50 miles, or approximately one hour of driving time, from—

"(A) the nearest health care facility of the uniformed services adequate to provide the needed care under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code; and

"(B) the nearest source of the needed care that is available to the member under the TRICARE Prime plan.

"(d) Duty Assignments Covered.—A duty assignment referred to in subsection (c)(1) means any of the following:

"(1) Permanent duty as a recruiter.

"(2) Permanent duty at an educational institution to instruct, administer a program of instruction, or provide administrative services in support of a program of instruction for the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

"(3) Permanent duty as a full-time adviser to a unit of a reserve component of the uniformed services.

"(4) Any other permanent duty designated by the Secretary concerned for purposes of this subsection.

"(e) Payment of Costs.—Deductibles, copayments, and annual fees not payable by a member by reason of a waiver granted under the regulations prescribed pursuant to subsection (b) shall be paid out of funds available to the Department of Defense for the Defense Health Program.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note above]:

"(1) The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given that term in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'TRICARE Prime plan' means a plan under the TRICARE program that provides for the voluntary enrollment of persons for the receipt of health care services to be furnished in a manner similar to the manner in which health care services are furnished by health maintenance organizations.

"(3) The terms 'uniformed services' and 'administering Secretaries' have the meanings given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

[Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(c)(2), (3)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–186, provided that:

["(2) The amendments made by subsection (a)(2) [amending section 731(b)–(f) of Pub. L. 105–85, set out above], with respect to members of the uniformed services, and the amendments made by subsection (b)(2) [amending section 731(b)–(f) of Pub. L. 105–85, set out above], with respect to dependents of members, shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000] and shall expire with respect to a member or the dependents of a member, respectively, on the later of the following:

["(A) The date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

["(B) The date on which the policies required by the amendments made by subsection (a)(1) or (b)(1) [amending this section and section 1079 of this title] are implemented with respect to the coverage of medical care for and provision of such care to the member or dependents, respectively.

["(3) Section 731(b)(3) of Public Law 105–85 [set out above] does not apply to a member of the Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, or to a dependent of a member of a uniformed service."]

Independent Research Regarding Gulf War Syndrome

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §743, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2601, directed the Secretary of Defense to provide for scientific research by independent entities on possible causal relationships between Gulf War syndrome and possible exposures of military personnel to chemical warfare agents or other hazardous materials during Gulf War service and use of inoculations and investigational new drugs.

Persian Gulf Illness

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §§761, 762, 770, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1824, 1829, provided that:

"SEC. 761. DEFINITIONS.

"For purposes of this subtitle [subtitle F (§§761–771) of title VII of Pub. L. 105–85, enacting sections 1074e, 1074f, and 1107 of this title and this note]:

"(1) The term 'Gulf War illness' means any one of the complex of illnesses and symptoms that might have been contracted by members of the Armed Forces as a result of service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.

"(2) The term 'Persian Gulf War' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

"(3) The term 'Persian Gulf veteran' means an individual who served on active duty in the Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.

"(4) The term 'contingency operation' has the meaning given that term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code, and includes a humanitarian operation, peacekeeping operation, or similar operation.

"SEC. 762. PLAN FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR PERSIAN GULF VETERANS.

"(a) Plan Required.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, acting jointly, shall prepare a plan to provide appropriate health care to Persian Gulf veterans (and dependents eligible by law) who suffer from a Gulf War illness.

"(b) Contents of Plan.—In preparing the plan, the Secretaries shall—

"(1) use the presumptions of service connection and illness specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 721(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 (Public Law 103–337; 10 U.S.C. 1074 note) to determine the Persian Gulf veterans (and dependents eligible by law) who should be covered by the plan;

"(2) consider the need and methods available to provide health care services to Persian Gulf veterans who are no longer on active duty in the Armed Forces, such as Persian Gulf veterans who are members of the reserve components and Persian Gulf veterans who have been separated from the Armed Forces; and

"(3) estimate the costs to the Government of providing full or partial health care services under the plan to covered Persian Gulf veterans (and covered dependents eligible by law).

"(c) Follow-up Treatment.—The plan required by subsection (a) shall specifically address the measures to be used to monitor the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of, and patient satisfaction with, health care services provided to Persian Gulf veterans after their initial medical examination as part of registration in the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry or the Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program.

"(d) Submission of Plan.—Not later than March 1, 1998, the Secretaries shall submit to Congress the plan required by subsection (a).

"SEC. 770. PERSIAN GULF ILLNESS CLINICAL TRIALS PROGRAM.

"(a) Findings.—Congress finds the following:

"(1) There are many ongoing studies that investigate risk factors which may be associated with the health problems experienced by Persian Gulf veterans; however, there have been no studies that examine health outcomes and the effectiveness of the treatment received by such veterans.

"(2) The medical literature and testimony presented in hearings on Gulf War illnesses indicate that there are therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, that have been effective in treating patients with symptoms similar to those seen in many Persian Gulf veterans.

"(b) Establishment of Program.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, acting jointly, shall establish a program of cooperative clinical trials at multiple sites to assess the effectiveness of protocols for treating Persian Gulf veterans who suffer from ill-defined or undiagnosed conditions. Such protocols shall include a multidisciplinary treatment model, of which cognitive behavioral therapy is a component.

"(c) Funding.—Of the funds authorized to be appropriated in section 201(1) [111 Stat. 1655] for research, development, test, and evaluation for the Army, the sum of $4,500,000 shall be available for program element 62787A (medical technology) in the budget of the Department of Defense for fiscal year 1998 to carry out the clinical trials program established pursuant to subsection (b)."

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §§721, 722, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2804, 2807, as amended by Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1504(a)(4), (5), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 513; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title X, §1031(e), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1604, provided that:

"SEC. 721. PROGRAMS RELATED TO DESERT STORM MYSTERY ILLNESS.

"(a) Outreach Program to Persian Gulf Veterans and Families.—The Secretary of Defense shall institute a comprehensive outreach program to inform members of the Armed Forces who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf Conflict, and the families of such members, of illnesses that may result from such service. The program shall be carried out through both medical and command channels, as well as any other means the Secretary considers appropriate. Under the program, the Secretary shall—

"(1) inform such individuals regarding—

"(A) common disease symptoms reported by Persian Gulf veterans that may be due to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations;

"(B) blood donation policy;

"(C) available counseling and medical care for such members; and

"(D) possible health risks to children of Persian Gulf veterans;

"(2) inform such individuals of the procedures for registering in either the Persian Gulf Veterans Health Surveillance System of the Department of Defense or the Persian Gulf War Health Registry of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

"(3) encourage such members to report any symptoms they may have and to register in the appropriate health surveillance registry.

"(b) Incentives to Persian Gulf Veterans To Register.—In order to encourage Persian Gulf veterans to register any symptoms they may have in one of the existing health registries, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the following:

"(1) For any Persian Gulf veteran who is on active duty and who registers with the Department of Defense's Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Surveillance System, a full medical evaluation and any required medical care.

"(2) For any Persian Gulf War veteran who is, as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994], a member of a reserve component, opportunity to register at a military medical facility in the Persian Gulf Veterans Health Care Surveillance System and, in the case of a Reserve who registers in that registry, a full medical evaluation by the Department of Defense. Depending on the results of the evaluation and on eligibility status, reserve personnel may be provided medical care by the Department of Defense.

"(3) For a Persian Gulf veteran who is not, as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994], on active duty or a member of a reserve component, assistance and information at a military medical facility on registering with the Persian Gulf War Registry of the Department of Veterans Affairs and information related to support services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(c) Compatibility of Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Registries.—The Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate actions to ensure—

"(1) that the data collected by and the testing protocols of the Persian Gulf War Health Surveillance System maintained by the Department of Defense are compatible with the data collected by and the testing protocols of the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

"(2) that all information on individuals who register with the Department of Defense for purposes of the Persian Gulf War Health Surveillance System is provided to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for incorporation into the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry.

"(d) Presumptions on Behalf of Service Member.—(1) A member of the Armed Forces who is a Persian Gulf veteran, who has symptoms of illness, and who the Secretary concerned finds may have become ill as a result of serving on active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War shall be considered for Department of Defense purposes to have become ill as a result of serving in that theater of operations.

"(2) A member of the Armed Forces who is a Persian Gulf veteran and who reports being ill as a result of serving on active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War shall be considered for Department of Defense purposes to have become ill as a result of serving in that theater of operations until such time as the weight of medical evidence establishes other cause or causes of the member's illness.

"(3) The Secretary concerned shall ensure that, for the purposes of health care treatment by the Department of Defense, health care and personnel administration, and disability evaluation by the Department of Defense, the symptoms of any member of the Armed Forces covered by paragraph (1) or (2) are examined in light of the member's service in the Persian Gulf War and in light of the reported symptoms of other Persian Gulf veterans. The Secretary shall ensure that, in providing health care diagnosis and treatment of the member, a broad range of potential causes of the member's symptoms are considered and that the member's symptoms are considered collectively, as well as by type of symptom or medical specialty, and that treatment across medical specialties is coordinated appropriately.

"(4) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the presumptions of service connection and illness specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) are incorporated in appropriate service medical and personnel regulations and are widely disseminated throughout the Department of Defense.

"(e) Revision of the Physical Evaluation Board Criteria.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall ensure that case definitions of Persian Gulf related illnesses, as well as the Physical Evaluation Board criteria used to set disability ratings for members no longer medically qualified for continuation on active duty, are established as soon as possible to permit accurate disability ratings related to a diagnosis of Persian Gulf illnesses.

"(2) Until revised disability criteria can be implemented and members of the Armed Forces can be rated against those criteria, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure—

"(A) that any member of the Armed Forces on active duty who may be suffering from a Persian Gulf-related illness is afforded continued military medical care; and

"(B) that any member of the Armed Forces on active duty who is found by a Physical Evaluation Board to be unfit for continuation on active duty as a result of a Persian Gulf-related illness for which the board has no rating criteria (or inadequate rating criteria) for the illness or condition from which the member suffers is placed on the temporary disability retired list.

"(f) Review of Records and Rerating of Previously Discharged Gulf War Veterans.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall ensure that a review is made of the health and personnel records of each Persian Gulf veteran who before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994] was discharged from active duty, or was medically retired, as a result of a Physical Evaluation Board process.

"(2) The review under paragraph (1) shall be carried out to ensure that former Persian Gulf veterans who may have been suffering from a Persian Gulf-related illness at the time of discharge or retirement from active duty as a result of the Physical Evaluation Board process are reevaluated in accordance with the criteria established under subsection (e)(1) and, if appropriate, are rerated.

"(g) Persian Gulf Illness Medical Referral Centers.—The Secretary of Defense shall evaluate the feasibility of establishing one or more medical referral centers to provide uniform, coordinated medical care for Persian Gulf veterans on active duty who are or may be suffering from a Persian Gulf-related illness. The Secretary shall submit a report on such feasibility to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994].

"[(h) Repealed. Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title X, §1031(e), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1604.]

"(i) Persian Gulf Veteran.—For purposes of this section, a Persian Gulf veteran is an individual who served on active duty in the Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf Conflict.

"SEC. 722. STUDIES OF HEALTH CONSEQUENCES OF MILITARY SERVICE OR EMPLOYMENT IN SOUTHWEST ASIA DURING THE PERSIAN GULF WAR.

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall conduct studies and administer grants for studies to determine—

"(1) the nature and causes of illnesses suffered by individuals as a consequence of service or employment by the United States in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War; and

"(2) the appropriate treatment for those illnesses.

"(b) Nature of the Studies.—(1) Studies under subsection (a)—

"(A) shall include consideration of the range of potential exposure of individuals to environmental, battlefield, and other conditions incident to service in the theater;

"(B) shall be conducted so as to provide assessments of both short-term and long-term effects to the health of individuals as a result of those exposures; and

"(C) shall include, at a minimum, the following types of studies:

"(i) An epidemiological study or studies on the incidence, prevalence, and nature of the illness and symptoms and the risk factors associated with symptoms or illnesses.

"(ii) Studies to determine the health consequences of the use of pyridostigmine bromide as a pretreatment antidote enhancer during the Persian Gulf War, alone or in combination with exposure to pesticides, environmental toxins, and other hazardous substances.

"(iii) Clinical research and other studies on the causes, possible transmission, and treatment of Persian Gulf-related illnesses.

"(2)(A) The first project carried out under paragraph (1)(C)(ii) shall be a retrospective study of members of the Armed Forces who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.

"(B) The second project carried out under paragraph (1)(C)(ii) shall consist of animal research and nonanimal research, including in vitro systems, as required, designed to determine whether the use of pyridostigmine bromide in combination with exposure to pesticides or other organophosphates, carbamates, or relevant chemicals will result in increased toxicity in animals and is likely to have a similar effect on humans.

"(c) Individuals Covered by the Studies.—Studies conducted pursuant to subsections [sic] (a) shall apply to the following individuals:

"(1) Individuals who served as members of the Armed Forces in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.

"(2) Individuals who were civilian employees of the Department of Defense in that theater during that period.

"(3) To the extent appropriate, individuals who were employees of contractors of the Department of Defense in that theater during that period.

"(4) To the extent appropriate, the spouses and children of individuals described in paragraph (1).

"(d) Plan for the Studies.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prepare a coordinated plan for the studies to be conducted pursuant to subsection (a). The plan shall include plans and requirements for research grants in support of the studies. The Secretary shall submit the plan to the National Academy of Sciences for review and comment.

"(2) The plan for studies pursuant to subsection (a) shall be updated annually. The Secretary of Defense shall request an annual review by the National Academy of Sciences of the updated plan and study progress and results achieved during the preceding year.

"(3) The plan, and annual updates to the plan, shall be prepared in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

"(e) Funding.—(1) From the amount authorized to be appropriated pursuant to section 201 [108 Stat. 2690] for Defense-wide activities, the Secretary of Defense shall make available such funds as the Secretary considers necessary to support the studies conducted pursuant to subsection (a).

"(2) For each year in which activities continue in support of the studies conducted pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall include in the budget request for the Department of Defense a request for such funds as the Secretary determines necessary to continue the activities during that fiscal year.

"(f) Reports.—(1) Not later than March 31, 1995, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress the coordinated plan for the studies to be conducted pursuant to subsection (a) and the results of the review of that plan by the National Academy of Sciences.

"(2) Not later than October 1 of each year through 1998, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the studies conducted pursuant to subsection (a), plans for continuation of the studies, and the results of the annual review of the studies by the National Academy of Sciences.

"(3) Each report under this section shall be prepared in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

"(g) Definition.—In this section, the term 'Persian Gulf War' has the meaning given such term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code."

[For provisions establishing the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry, provisions requiring a study by the Office of Technology Assessment of the Persian Gulf Registry and the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry, provisions relating to an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for review of health consequences of service during the Persian Gulf War, and coordination of government activities on health-related research on the Persian Gulf War, see title VII of Pub. L. 102–585, set out as a note under section 527 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.]

Funding of Fisher Houses Associated With Army Medical Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 103–335, title VIII, §8017, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2620, which provided that during fiscal year 1995 and thereafter, proceeds from investment of Fisher House Investment Trust Fund were to be used to support operation and maintenance of Fisher Houses associated with Army medical treatment facilities, was repealed and restated in section 2221(c)(1) of this title by Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title IX, §914(a)(1), (d)(4), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 412, 413.

Mental Health Evaluations of Members of Armed Forces

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §546(a)–(h), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2416–2419, which directed Secretary of Defense, not later than 180 days after Oct. 23, 1992, to revise applicable regulations to incorporate certain requirements with respect to mental health evaluations of members of Armed Forces and to submit a report describing process of preparing regulations, was repealed by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §711(b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1476.

Study on Risk-Sharing Contracts for Health Care

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VII, §725, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2440, directed Secretary of Defense, in consultation with Secretary of Health and Human Services, not later than 18 months after Oct. 23, 1992, to carry out a study of the feasibility and advisability of entering into risk-sharing contracts with eligible organizations described in 42 U.S.C. 1395mm(b) to furnish health care services to persons entitled to health care in a facility of a uniformed service under section 1074(b) or 1076(b) of this title, to develop a plan for the entry into contracts in accordance with the Secretary's determinations under the study, and to submit to Congress a report describing the results of the study and containing any plan developed.

Registry of Members of Armed Forces Serving in Operation Desert Storm

Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VII, §734, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1411, as amended by Pub. L. 102–585, title VII, §704, Nov. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 4977; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title X, §1031(c)(1), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1604, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Registry.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain a special record (in this section referred to as the 'Registry') relating to the following members of the Armed Forces:

"(1) Members who, as determined by the Secretary, were exposed to the fumes of burning oil in the Operation Desert Storm theater of operations during the Persian Gulf conflict.

"(2) Any other members who served in the Operation Desert Storm theater of operations during the Persian Gulf conflict.

"(b) Contents of Registry.—(1) The Registry shall include—

"(A) with respect to each class of members referred to in each of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a)—

"(i) a list containing each such member's name and other relevant identifying information with respect to the member; and

"(ii) to the extent that data are available and inclusion of the data is feasible, a description of the circumstances of the member's service during the Persian Gulf conflict, including the locations in the Operation Desert Storm theater of operations in which such service occurred and the atmospheric and other environmental circumstances in such locations at the time of such service; and

"(B) with respect to the members referred to in subsection (a)(1), a description of the circumstances of each exposure of each such member to the fumes of burning oil as described in such subsection (a)(1), including the length of time of the exposure.

"(2) The Secretary shall establish the Registry with the advice of an independent scientific organization.

"[(c) Repealed. Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title X, §1031(c)(1), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1604.]

"(d) Medical Examination.—Upon the request of any member listed in the Registry pursuant to subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of the military department concerned shall, if medically appropriate, furnish a pulmonary function examination and chest x-ray to such person.

"(e) Effective Date.—The Secretary shall establish the Registry not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 5, 1991].

"(f) Definitions.—For purposes of this section:

"(1) The term 'Operation Desert Storm' has the meaning given such term in section 3(1) of the Persian Gulf Conflict Supplemental Authorization and Personnel Benefits Act of 1991 (Public Law 102–25; 105 Stat. 77; 10 U.S.C. 101 note).

"(2) The term 'Persian Gulf conflict' has the meaning given such term in section 3(3) of such Act."

[For provisions relating to the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry, see title VII of Pub. L. 102–585, set out as a note under section 527 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.]

Advisory Committee on Mental Health Evaluation Protections

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title V, §554, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1567, as amended by Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title V, §546(j)[(i)], Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2419, directed Secretary of Defense, not later than 60 days after Nov. 5, 1990, to establish an advisory committee to develop and recommend to the Secretary, not later than 6 months after Nov. 5, 1990, regulations on procedural protections that should be afforded to any member of the Armed Forces who is referred by a commanding officer for a mental health evaluation by a mental health professional and directed Secretary, not later than 30 days after receipt of the report, to submit to Congress the report of the advisory committee, along with such additional comments and recommendations by the Secretary as the Secretary considers appropriate.

Prohibition on Fee for Outpatient Care at Military Medical Treatment Facilities

Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VII, §721, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1477, provided that during fiscal years 1990 and 1991, the Secretary of Defense could not impose a charge for the receipt of outpatient medical or dental care at a military medical treatment facility. Similar provisions were contained in the following prior authorization act:

Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VII, §722, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1116.

Restriction on Use of Information Obtained During Certain Epidemiologic-Assessment Interviews

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VII, §705(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3904, provided that:

"(1) Information obtained by the Department of Defense during or as a result of an epidemiologic-assessment interview with a serum-positive member of the Armed Forces may not be used to support any adverse personnel action against the member.

"(2) For purposes of paragraph (1):

"(A) The term 'epidemiologic-assessment interview' means questioning of a serum-positive member of the Armed Forces for purposes of medical treatment or counseling or for epidemiologic or statistical purposes.

"(B) The term 'serum-positive member of the Armed Forces' means a member of the Armed Forces who has been identified as having been exposed to a virus associated with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

"(C) The term 'adverse personnel action' includes—

"(i) a court-martial;

"(ii) non-judicial punishment;

"(iii) involuntary separation (other than for medical reasons);

"(iv) administrative or punitive reduction in grade;

"(v) denial of promotion;

"(vi) an unfavorable entry in a personnel record;

"(vii) a bar to reenlistment; and

"(viii) any other action considered by the Secretary concerned to be an adverse personnel action."

Study of Medical Needs of Armed Forces; Report to President and Congress

Pub. L. 92–129, title I, §101(c), Sept. 28, 1971, 85 Stat. 354, authorized Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to conduct a joint study of means of meeting medical needs of Armed Forces through means requiring less dependence on Armed Forces medical personnel, giving consideration to providing medical care for military personnel and their dependents under contracts with clinics, hospitals, and individual members of the medical profession at or near military installations within and outside the United States. The study and recommendations were to be submitted to President and Congress no later than 6 months after Sept. 28, 1971.

Executive Documents

Delegation of Functions

Authority of President under subsec. (b) to approve uniform rates of reimbursement for care provided in facilities operated by Secretary of Veterans Affairs delegated to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, see section 7(a) of Ex. Ord. No. 11609, July 22, 1971, 36 F.R. 13747, set out as a note under section 301 of Title 3, The President.

Executive Order No. 13075

Ex. Ord. No. 13075, Feb. 19, 1997, 63 F.R. 9085, which established the Special Oversight Board for Department of Defense Investigations of Gulf War Chemical and Biological Incidents, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13225, §3(e), Sept. 28, 2001, 66 F.R. 50292.

§1074a. Medical and dental care: members on duty other than active duty for a period of more than 30 days

(a) Under joint regulations prescribed by the administering Secretaries, the following persons are entitled to the benefits described in subsection (b):

(1) Each member of a uniformed service who incurs or aggravates an injury, illness, or disease in the line of duty while performing—

(A) active duty for a period of 30 days or less;

(B) inactive-duty training; or

(C) service on funeral honors duty under section 12503 of this title or section 115 of title 32.

(2) Each member of a uniformed service who incurs or aggravates an injury, illness, or disease while traveling directly to or from the place at which that member is to perform or has performed—

(A) active duty for a period of 30 days or less;

(B) inactive-duty training; or

(C) service on funeral honors duty under section 12503 of this title or section 115 of title 32.

(3) Each member of the armed forces who incurs or aggravates an injury, illness, or disease in the line of duty while remaining overnight immediately before the commencement of inactive-duty training, or while remaining overnight, between successive periods of inactive-duty training, at or in the vicinity of the site of the inactive-duty training.

(4) Each member of the armed forces who incurs or aggravates an injury, illness, or disease in the line of duty while remaining overnight immediately before serving on funeral honors duty under section 12503 of this title or section 115 of title 32 at or in the vicinity of the place at which the member was to so serve, if the place is outside reasonable commuting distance from the member's residence.

(b) A person described in subsection (a) is entitled to—

(1) the medical and dental care appropriate for the treatment of the injury, illness, or disease of that person until the resulting disability cannot be materially improved by further hospitalization or treatment; and

(2) subsistence during hospitalization.

(c) A member is not entitled to benefits under subsection (b) if the injury, illness, or disease, or aggravation of an injury, illness, or disease described in subsection (a)(2), is the result of the gross negligence or misconduct of the member.

(d)(1) The Secretary concerned shall provide to members of the Selected Reserve who are assigned to units scheduled for deployment within 75 days after mobilization the following medical and dental services:

(A) An annual medical screening.

(B) For members who are over 40 years of age, a full physical examination not less often than once every two years.

(C) An annual dental screening.

(D) The dental care identified in an annual dental screening as required to ensure that a member meets the dental standards required for deployment in the event of mobilization.

(2) The services provided under this subsection shall be provided at no cost to the member.

(e)(1) A member of a uniformed service on active duty for health care or recuperation reasons, as described in paragraph (2), is entitled to medical and dental care on the same basis and to the same extent as members covered by section 1074(a) of this title while the member remains on active duty.

(2) Paragraph (1) applies to a member described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) who, while being treated for (or recovering from) an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, is continued on active duty pursuant to a modification or extension of orders, or is ordered to active duty, so as to result in active duty for a period of more than 30 days.

(f)(1) At any time after the Secretary concerned notifies members of the Ready Reserve that the members are to be called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days, the administering Secretaries may provide to each such member any medical and dental screening and care that is necessary to ensure that the member meets the applicable medical and dental standards for deployment.

(2) The notification to members of the Ready Reserve described in paragraph (1) shall include notice that the members are eligible for screening and care under this section.

(3) A member provided medical or dental screening or care under paragraph (1) may not be charged for the screening or care.

(g)(1) The Secretary concerned may provide to any member of the Selected Reserve not described in subsection (d)(1) or (f), and to any member of the Individual Ready Reserve described in section 10144(b) of this title the medical and dental services specified in subsection (d)(1) if the Secretary determines that the receipt of such services by such member is necessary to ensure that the member meets applicable standards of medical and dental readiness.

(2) Services may not be provided to a member under this subsection for a condition that is the result of the member's own misconduct.

(3) The services provided under this subsection shall be provided at no cost to the member.

(h)(1) The Secretary of Defense may provide to any member of the reserve components performing inactive-duty training during scheduled unit training assemblies access to mental health assessments with a licensed mental health professional who shall be available for referrals during duty hours on the premises of the principal duty location of the member's unit.

(2) Mental health services provided to a member under this subsection shall be at no cost to the member.

(i) Amounts available for operation and maintenance of a reserve component of the armed forces may be available for purposes of this section to ensure the medical, dental, and behavioral health readiness of members of such reserve component.

(Added Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1012(a)(1), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 664; amended Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §631(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2542; Pub. L. 98–557, §19(4), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2869; Pub. L. 99–145, title XIII, §1303(a)(7), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 739; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §604(a)(1), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3874; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §§702(a), 704(a), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 371, 372; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §513(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1730; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §578(i)(1), title VII, §705(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 629, 683; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §513(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1093; Pub. L. 108–106, title I, §1114, Nov. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 1216; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §701, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1525; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §735(a), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4513; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §703(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1471.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 112–81, §703(a)(2), added subsec. (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (i).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 112–81, §703(a)(1), (3), redesignated subsec. (h) as (i) and substituted "medical, dental, and behavioral health readiness" for "medical and dental readiness".

2008—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 110–417, §735(a)(1), substituted "The Secretary concerned shall provide to members of the Selected Reserve" for "The Secretary of the Army shall provide to members of the Selected Reserve of the Army".

Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 110–417, §735(a)(2), (3), added subsecs. (g) and (h).

2003—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–136 amended subsec. (f) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (f) read as follows:

"(1) At any time after the Secretary concerned notifies members of the Ready Reserve that the members are to be called or ordered to active duty, the administering Secretaries may provide to each such member any medical and dental screening and care that is necessary to ensure that the member meets the applicable medical and dental standards for deployment.

"(2) The Secretary concerned shall promptly transmit to each member of the Ready Reserve eligible for screening and care under this subsection a notification of eligibility for such screening and care.

"(3) A member provided medical or dental screening or care under paragraph (1) may not be charged for the screening or care.

"(4) Screening and care may not be provided under this section after September 30, 2004."

Pub. L. 108–106 added subsec. (f).

2001—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–107 struck out ", if the site is outside reasonable commuting distance from the member's residence" before period at end.

1999—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 106–65, §578(i)(1)(A), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 106–65, §578(i)(1)(A), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 106–65, §578(i)(1)(B), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–65, §705(b), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) read as follows: "A member of a uniformed service described in paragraph (1)(A) or (2)(A) of subsection (a) whose orders are modified or extended, while the member is being treated for (or recovering from) the injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, so as to result in active duty for a period of more than 30 days shall be entitled, while the member remains on active duty, to medical and dental care on the same basis and to the same extent as members covered by section 1074(a) of this title."

1997—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 105–85, §513(a)(1), inserted "while remaining overnight immediately before the commencement of inactive-duty training, or" after "in the line of duty".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–85, §513(a)(2), added subsec. (e).

1996—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 104–106, §702(a), added par. (3).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 104–106, §704(a)(1), substituted "subsection (b)" for "this section".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–106, §704(a)(2), added subsec. (d).

1986—Pub. L. 99–661 amended section generally substituting "active duty for a period of more than 30 days" for "active duty; injuries, diseases and illnesses incident to duty" in section catchline and new text for prior text which read as follows:

"(a) Under joint regulations prescribed by the administering Secretaries, the following persons are entitled to the benefits described in subsection (b):

"(1) Each member of a uniformed service who contracts a disease or becomes ill in line of duty while on active duty for a period of 30 days or less, or while traveling to or from that duty.

"(2) Each member of the National Guard who contracts a disease or becomes ill in line of duty while on full-time National Guard duty, or while traveling to or from that duty.

"(3) Each member of a uniformed service who contracts a disease or becomes ill in line of duty while on inactive duty training under circumstances in which it is determined that the disease or illness was contracted or aggravated as an incident of that inactive duty training.

"(4) Each member of a uniformed service who incurs or aggravates an injury while traveling directly to or from the place at which he is to perform, or has performed, inactive duty training, unless the injury is incurred or aggravated as a result of the member's own gross negligence or misconduct.

"(b) A person described in subsection (a) is entitled to—

"(1) the medical and dental care appropriate for the treatment of his injury, disease, or illness until the resulting disability cannot be materially improved by further hospitalization or treatment; and

"(2) subsistence during hospitalization."

1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted reference to the administering Secretaries, for references to Secretaries of Defense, Transportation, and Health and Human Services.

1984—Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "Medical and dental care: members on duty other than active duty; injuries, diseases and illnesses incident to duty" for "Medical and dental care for members of the uniformed services for injuries incurred or aggravated while traveling to and from inactive duty training" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–557, which directed the amendment of subsec. (a) by substituting "administering Secretaries" for "Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health and Human Services", could not be executed in view of the prior amendment by Pub. L. 98–525.

Pub. L. 98–525 amended subsec. (a) generally, thereby authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to participate in issuance of joint regulations, adding pars. (1) to (3), and incorporating existing provisions in par. (4).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–525 amended subsec. (b) generally, thereby including treatment of diseases or illnesses.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §604(g), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3878, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section, sections 1076, 1086, 1204–1206, 1475, 1476, 1481, 3723, and 8723 of this title, and sections 204 and 206 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services and repealing sections 3687, 3721, 3722, 6148, 8687, 8721, and 8722 of this title and sections 318–321 of Title 32, National Guard] shall apply with respect to persons who, after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986], incur or aggravate an injury, illness, or disease or die."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §631(c), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2543, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 6148 of this title] shall apply only with respect to injuries incurred or aggravated and diseases or illnesses contracted or aggravated after September 30, 1984."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 98–94, title X, §1012(c), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 665, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [enacting this section and amending section 204 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services] shall apply only in cases of injuries incurred or aggravated on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 24, 1983]."

§1074b. Medical and dental care: Academy cadets and midshipmen; members of, and designated applicants for membership in, Senior ROTC

(a) Eligibility.—Under joint regulations prescribed by the administering Secretaries, the following persons are, except as provided in subsection (c), entitled to the benefits described in subsection (b):

(1) A cadet at the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy, and a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, who incurs or aggravates an injury, illness, or disease in the line of duty.

(2) A member of, and a designated applicant for membership in, the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps who incurs or aggravates an injury, illness, or disease—

(A) in the line of duty while performing duties under section 2109 of this title;

(B) while traveling directly to or from the place at which that member or applicant is to perform or has performed duties pursuant to section 2109 of this title; or

(C) in the line of duty while remaining overnight immediately before the commencement of duties performed pursuant to section 2109 of this title or, while remaining overnight, between successive periods of performing duties pursuant to section 2109 of this title, at or in the vicinity of the site of the duties performed pursuant to section 2109 of this title, if the site is outside reasonable commuting distance from the residence of the member or designated applicant.

(b) Benefits.—A person eligible for benefits under subsection (a) for an injury, illness, or disease is entitled to—

(1) the medical and dental care under this chapter that is appropriate for the treatment of the injury, illness, or disease until the injury, illness, disease, or any resulting disability cannot be materially improved by further hospitalization or treatment; and

(2) meals during hospitalization.

(c) Exception for Gross Negligence or Misconduct.—A person is not entitled to benefits under subsection (b) for an injury, illness, or disease, or the aggravation of an injury, illness, or disease that is a result of the gross negligence or the misconduct of that person.

(Added Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §555(a)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1913.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1074b, added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §640(a)(2), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1385; amended Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(c)(10), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 499, which related to transitional medical and dental care for members on active duty in support of contingency operations, was repealed by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §736(c)(1), (d), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1173, with provision that the section, as in effect before Dec. 28, 2001, was to continue to apply to a member of the Armed Forces who was released from active duty in support of a contingency operation before that date.

Another prior section 1074b was renumbered section 1074c of this title.

§1074c. Medical care: authority to provide a wig

A person entitled to medical care under this chapter who has alopecia resulting from the treatment of a malignant disease may be furnished a wig if the person has not previously been furnished one at the expense of the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 98–525, title XIV, §1401(e)(2)(A), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2616, §1074b; renumbered §1074c, Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §640(a)(1), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1385.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in the following appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(h) [title VIII, §8033], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1904, 1929.

Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §739, Dec. 8, 1983, 97 Stat. 1445.

Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(c) [title VII, §742], Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1833, 1858.

Pub. L. 97–114, title VII, §743, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1586.

Pub. L. 96–527, title VII, §744, Dec. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 3089.

Amendments

1991—Pub. L. 102–190 renumbered section 1074b of this title as this section.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1985, see section 1404 of Pub. L. 98–525, set out as a note under section 520b of this title.

§1074d. Certain primary and preventive health care services

(a) Services Available.—(1) Female members and former members of the uniformed services entitled to medical care under section 1074 or 1074a of this title shall also be entitled to primary and preventive health care services for women as part of such medical care. The services described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) shall be provided under such procedures and at such intervals as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe.

(2) Male members and former members of the uniformed services entitled to medical care under section 1074 or 1074a of this title shall also be entitled to preventive health care screening for colon or prostate cancer at such intervals and using such screening methods as the administering Secretaries consider appropriate.

(b) Definition.—In this section, the term "primary and preventive health care services for women" means health care services, including related counseling services, provided to women with respect to the following:

(1) Cervical cancer screening.

(2) Breast cancer screening, including through the use of digital breast tomosynthesis.

(3) Comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care, including care related to pregnancy and the prevention of pregnancy.

(4) Infertility and sexually transmitted diseases, including prevention.

(5) Menopause, including hormone replacement therapy and counseling regarding the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy.

(6) Physical or psychological conditions arising out of acts of sexual violence.

(7) Gynecological cancers.

(8) Colon cancer screening, at the intervals and using the screening methods prescribed under subsection (a)(2).

(Added Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1685; amended Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(1), (2)(A), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2587; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §703(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2279; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §701, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3686.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted ", including through the use of digital breast tomosynthesis" before period at end.

2006—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §703(a)(1), inserted at end "The services described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) shall be provided under such procedures and at such intervals as the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe."

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §703(a)(2)(A), substituted "Cervical cancer screening" for "Papanicolaou tests (pap smear)".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 109–364, §703(a)(2)(B), substituted "Breast cancer screening" for "Breast examinations and mammography".

1996—Pub. L. 104–201, §701(a)(2)(A), amended catchline generally, substituting "Certain primary and preventive health care services" for "Primary and preventive health care services for women".

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–201, §701(a)(1)(A), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 104–201, §701(a)(1)(B), added par. (8).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Demonstration Program on Cryopreservation and Storage of Gametes of Certain Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §709, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1945, provided that:

"(a) Demonstration Program.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a demonstration program to reimburse covered members for expenses incurred in the retrieval, testing, cryopreservation, shipping, and storage of gametes of such covered members in a private storage facility determined appropriate by the Secretary.

"(b) Elements.—

"(1) Amount of reimbursement.—A covered member participating in the demonstration program shall receive not more than the following amounts per year:

"(A) $500 in the case of a member who preserves sperm.

"(B) $10,000 in the case of a member who preserves eggs.

"(2) Information.—

"(A) Providers.—The Secretary shall provide to a covered member participating in the demonstration program information regarding providers of services described in subsection (a) located near the covered member.

"(B) Promotion.—The Secretary shall promote the demonstration program to covered members in the course of annual health examinations and pre-deployment screenings.

"(3) Use of military medical treatment facilities.—The Secretary shall encourage the use of military medical treatment facilities that offer services described in subsection (a) to provide services under the demonstration program.

"(c) Duration.—The Secretary shall—

"(1) publish in the Federal Register the date on which the Secretary will commence carrying out the demonstration program; and

"(2) carry out the demonstration program for a three-year period beginning on such date.

"(d) No Liability or Contractual Obligation.—The United States shall not be—

"(1) considered a party to any agreement between a covered member who participates in the demonstration program and a private gamete storage facility; or

"(2) responsible for the management of gametes cryopreserved or stored for which a covered member receives reimbursement under such demonstration program.

"(e) Advanced Medical Directive.—A covered member who participates in the demonstration program shall complete an advanced medical directive that specifies how gametes preserved under the demonstration program shall be handled upon the death of such covered member.

"(f) Reports; Briefings.—

"(1) Initial report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report containing a plan to implement the demonstration program.

"(2) Report.—Not later than one year after the Secretary commences carrying out the demonstration program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the demonstration program. Such report shall include the following:

"(A) Usage by covered members.

"(B) Demographics of participating covered members.

"(C) Costs of services to participating covered members.

"(D) The feasibility of expanding the demonstration program.

"(E) The feasibility of making the demonstration program permanent.

"(F) Other information determined appropriate by the Secretary.

"(3) Briefings.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for the duration of the demonstration program, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a briefing on—

"(A) the design, use, and costs of the demonstration project; and

"(B) any other observations of the Secretary with respect to the demonstration project, such as the effects of the demonstration project on recruitment and retention.

"(g) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'covered member' means a member of a covered Armed Force serving on active duty—

"(A) who has received orders (including deployment orders) for duty for which the member may receive hazardous duty pay under section 351 of title 37, United States Code;

"(B) whom [sic] the Secretary determines is likely to receive such orders in the next 120 days;

"(C) who will, under orders, be geographically separated from a spouse, domestic partner, or dating partner for a period of not less than 180 days, including sea duty; or

"(D) whose application to participate in the demonstration program is approved by the Secretary.

"(2) The term 'covered Armed Force' means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.

"(3) The term 'deployment' has the meaning given such term in section 991(b) of title 10, United States Code."

Expedited Evaluation and Treatment for Prenatal Surgery Under the TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §708, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1436, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall implement processes and procedures to ensure that a covered beneficiary under the TRICARE program whose pregnancy is complicated with (or suspected of complication with) a fetal condition may elect to receive expedited evaluation, nondirective counseling, and medical treatment from a perinatal or pediatric specialist capable of providing surgical management and intervention in utero.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section, the terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meanings given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Comprehensive Standards and Access to Contraception Counseling for Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §718, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 868, provided that:

"(a) Clinical Practice Guidelines.—

"(1) Establishment.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 25, 2015], the Secretary of Defense shall establish clinical practice guidelines for health care providers employed by the Department of Defense on standards of care with respect to methods of contraception and counseling on methods of contraception for members of the Armed Forces.

"(2) Updates.—The Secretary shall from time to time update the clinical practice guidelines established under paragraph (1) to incorporate into such guidelines new or updated standards of care with respect to methods of contraception and counseling on methods of contraception.

"(b) Dissemination.—

"(1) Initial dissemination.—As soon as practicable, but commencing not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide for rapid dissemination of the clinical practice guidelines to health care providers described in subsection (a)(1).

"(2) Dissemination of updates.—As soon as practicable after each update to the clinical practice guidelines made by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (2) of subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide for the rapid dissemination of such updated clinical practice guidelines to health care providers described in paragraph (1) of such subsection.

"(3) Protocols.—The Secretary shall disseminate the clinical practice guidelines under paragraph (1) and any updates to such guidelines under paragraph (2) in accordance with administrative protocols developed by the Secretary for such purpose.

"(c) Access to Contraception Counseling.—As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall ensure that women members of the Armed Forces have access to comprehensive counseling on the full range of methods of contraception provided by health care providers described in subsection (a)(1) during health care visits, including visits as follows:

"(1) During predeployment health care visits, including counseling that provides specific information women need regarding the interaction between anticipated deployment conditions and various methods of contraception.

"(2) During health care visits during deployment.

"(3) During annual physical examinations."

Defense Women's Health Research Program

Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title II, §241, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2701, provided for the continuance of the Defense Women's Health Research Program established pursuant to the authority in section 251 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public Law 103–160; 107 Stat. 1606, formerly set out below) and appropriated funds to the program for fiscal year 1995.

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title II, §251, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1606, authorized the Secretary of Defense to establish a Defense Women's Health Research Center to serve as the coordinating agent for multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research within the Department of Defense on women's health issues related to service in the Armed Forces and required the Secretary to report to Congress on the decision to establish the Center no later than May 1, 1994.

Report on Provision of Primary and Preventative Health Care Services for Women

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §735, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1698, directed the Secretary of Defense to prepare a report evaluating the provision of primary and preventive health care services through military medical treatment facilities and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services to female members of the uniformed services and female covered beneficiaries eligible for health care under this chapter, and directed the Secretary, as part of such report, to conduct a study to determine the health care needs of female members and female covered beneficiaries, and to submit such report to Congress not later than Oct. 1, 1994, and a revised report not later than Oct. 1, 1999.

§1074e. Medical care: certain Reserves who served in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf Conflict

(a) Entitlement to Medical Care.—A member of the armed forces described in subsection (b) is entitled to medical care for a qualifying Persian Gulf symptom or illness to the same extent and under the same conditions (other than the requirement that the member be on active duty) as a member of a uniformed service who is entitled to such care under section 1074(a) of this title.

(b) Covered Members.—Subsection (a) applies to a member of a reserve component who—

(1) is a Persian Gulf veteran;

(2) has a qualifying Persian Gulf symptom or illness; and

(3) is not otherwise entitled to medical care for such symptom or illness under this chapter and is not otherwise eligible for hospital care and medical services for such symptom or illness under section 1710 of title 38.

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "Persian Gulf veteran" means a member of the armed forces who served on active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf Conflict.

(2) The term "qualifying Persian Gulf symptom or illness" means, with respect to a member described in subsection (b), a symptom or illness—

(A) that the member registered before September 1, 1997, in the Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program of the Department of Defense and that is presumed under section 721(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 (10 U.S.C. 1074 note) to be a result of service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf Conflict; or

(B) that the member registered before September 1, 1997, in the Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Registry maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 702 of the Persian Gulf War Veterans' Health Status Act (38 U.S.C. 527 note).

(Added Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §764(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1825.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 721(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), is section 721(d) of Pub. L. 103–337, which is set out as a note under section 1074 of this title.

Section 702 of the Persian Gulf War Veterans' Health Status Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(B), is section 702 of Pub. L. 102–585, which is set out as a note under section 527 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.

§1074f. Medical tracking system for members deployed overseas

(a) System Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a system to assess the medical condition of members of the armed forces (including members of the reserve components) who are deployed outside the United States or its territories or possessions as part of a contingency operation (including a humanitarian operation, peacekeeping operation, or similar operation) or combat operation.

(b) Elements of System.—(1)(A) The system described in subsection (a) shall include the use of predeployment medical examinations and postdeployment medical examinations (including the assessment of mental health and the drawing of blood samples) and postdeployment health reassessments to—

(i) accurately record the health status of members before their deployment;

(ii) accurately record any changes in their health status during the course of their deployment;

(iii) identify health concerns, including mental health concerns, that may become manifest several months following their deployment; and

(iv) accurately record any exposure to occupational and environmental health risks during the course of their deployment.

(B) The postdeployment medical examination shall be conducted when the member is redeployed or otherwise leaves an area in which the system is in operation (or as soon as possible thereafter).

(C) The postdeployment health reassessment shall be conducted at an appropriate time during the period beginning 90 days after the member is redeployed and ending 180 days after the member is redeployed.

(2) The predeployment medical examination, postdeployment medical examination, and postdeployment health reassessment of a member of the armed forces required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) An assessment of the current treatment of the member and any use of psychotropic medications by the member for a mental health condition or disorder.

(B) An assessment of traumatic brain injury.

(C) An assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

(D) An assessment of whether the member was—

(i) based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit, as defined in subsection (c) of section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note), was used; or

(ii) exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or other airborne contaminants, including any information recorded as part of the registry established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under such section 201.

(3)(A) The Secretary shall establish for purposes of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (2) a protocol for the predeployment assessment and documentation of the cognitive (including memory) functioning of a member who is deployed outside the United States in order to facilitate the assessment of the postdeployment cognitive (including memory) functioning of the member.

(B) The protocol under subparagraph (A) shall include appropriate mechanisms to permit the differential diagnosis of traumatic brain injury in members returning from deployment in a combat zone.

(c) Recordkeeping.—The results of all medical examinations and reassessments conducted under the system, records of all health care services (including immunizations and the prescription and administration of psychotropic medications) received by members described in subsection (a) in anticipation of their deployment or during the course of their deployment, and records of events occurring in the deployment area (including the results of any assessment performed by the Secretary of occupational and environmental health risks for such area) that may affect the health of such members shall be retained and maintained in a centralized location to improve future access to the records.

(d) Quality Assurance.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall establish a quality assurance program to evaluate the success of the system in ensuring that members described in subsection (a) receive predeployment medical examinations, postdeployment medical examinations, and postdeployment health reassessments and that the recordkeeping requirements with respect to the system are met.

(2) The quality assurance program established under paragraph (1) shall also include the following elements:

(A) The types of healthcare providers conducting postdeployment health assessments and reassessments.

(B) The training received by such providers applicable to the conduct of such assessments and reassessments, including training on assessments and referrals relating to mental health.

(C) The guidance available to such providers on how to apply the clinical practice guidelines developed under subsection (e)(1) in determining whether to make a referral for further evaluation of a member of the armed forces relating to mental health.

(D) The effectiveness of the tracking mechanisms required under this section in ensuring that members who receive referrals for further evaluations relating to mental health receive such evaluations and obtain such care and services as are warranted.

(E) Programs established for monitoring the mental health of each member who, after deployment to a combat operation or contingency operations, is known—

(i) to have a mental health condition or disorder; or

(ii) to be receiving treatment, including psychotropic medications, for a mental health condition or disorder.

(F) The diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

(e) Criteria for Referral for Further Evaluations.—The system described in subsection (a) shall include—

(1) development of clinical practice guidelines to be utilized by healthcare providers in determining whether to refer a member of the armed forces for further evaluation relating to mental health (including traumatic brain injury);

(2) mechanisms to ensure that healthcare providers are trained in the application of such clinical practice guidelines; and

(3) mechanisms for oversight to ensure that healthcare providers apply such guidelines consistently.

(f) Minimum Standards for Deployment.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations minimum standards for mental health for the eligibility of a member of the armed forces for deployment to a combat operation or contingency operation.

(2) The standards required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A) A specification of the mental health conditions, treatment for such conditions, and receipt of psychotropic medications for such conditions that preclude deployment of a member of the armed forces to a combat operation or contingency operation, or to a specified type of such operation.

(B) Guidelines for the deployability and treatment of members of the armed forces diagnosed with a severe mental illness, traumatic brain injury, or post traumatic stress disorder.

(3) The Secretary shall take appropriate actions to ensure the utilization of the standards prescribed under paragraph (1) in the making of determinations regarding the deployability of members of the armed forces to a combat operation or contingency operation.

(g) Additional Requirements for Postdeployment Medical Examinations and Health Reassessments.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall standardize and make available to a provider that conducts a postdeployment medical examination or reassessment under the system described in subsection (a) questions relating to occupational and environmental health exposure.

(2) The Secretary, to the extent practicable, shall ensure that the medical record of a member includes information on the external cause relating to a diagnosis of the member, including by associating an external cause code (as issued under the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (or any successor revision)).

(Added Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §765(a)(1), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1826; amended Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §738(a)–(d), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2303; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §1673(a)(1), (b), (c), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 482, 483; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(9), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2472; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VII, §712, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4247; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §§704(c), 705(a), (b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1438–1440.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (b)(1)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 116–92, §705(a)(1), added cl. (iv).

Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 116–92, §704(c), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–92, §705(a)(2), inserted "(including the results of any assessment performed by the Secretary of occupational and environmental health risks for such area)" after "deployment area".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 116–92, §705(b), added subsec. (g).

2011—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–383, §712(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "The system described in subsection (a) shall include the use of predeployment medical examinations and postdeployment medical examinations (including an assessment of mental health and the drawing of blood samples) to accurately record the medical condition of members before their deployment and any changes in their medical condition during the course of their deployment. The postdeployment examination shall be conducted when the member is redeployed or otherwise leaves an area in which the system is in operation (or as soon as possible thereafter)."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–383, §712(b), substituted "medical examination, postdeployment medical examination, and postdeployment health reassessment" for "and postdeployment medical examination" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–383, §712(c), inserted "and reassessments" after "medical examinations" and "and the prescription and administration of psychotropic medications" after "including immunizations".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 111–383, §712(d)(1), substituted ", postdeployment medical examinations, and postdeployment health reassessments" for "and postdeployment medical examinations".

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–383, §712(d)(2)(A), inserted "and reassessments" after "postdeployment health assessments".

Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–383, §712(d)(2)(B), inserted "and reassessments" after "such assessments".

2009—Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 111–84 substituted "contingency" for "continency".

2008—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 110–181, §1673(a)(1)(A), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–181, §1673(a)(1)(B), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d)(2)(F). Pub. L. 110–181, §1673(b), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 110–181, §1673(c)(1), struck out "Mental Health" after "Minimum" in heading.

Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 110–181, §1673(c)(2), substituted ", traumatic brain injury, or" for "or".

2006—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–364, §738(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–364, §738(d), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–364, §738(b), added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 109–364, §738(c), added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Inclusion of Information on Exposure to Open Burn Pits in Postdeployment Health Reassessments

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §721, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3698, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall include in postdeployment health reassessments conducted under section 1074f of title 10, United States Code, pursuant to a Department of Defense Form 2796, or successor form, an explicit question regarding exposure of members of the Armed Forces to open burn pits.

"(b) Inclusion in Assessments by Military Departments.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Secretary of each military department includes a question regarding exposure of members of the Armed Forces to open burn pits in any electronic postdeployment health assessment conducted by that military department.

"(c) Open Burn Pit Defined.—In this section, the term 'open burn pit' has the meaning given that term in section 201(c) of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note)."

Exposure to Open Burn Pits and Toxic Airborne Chemicals or Other Airborne Contaminants as Part of Periodic Health Assessments and Other Physical Examinations

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §704, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1438, provided that:

"(a) Periodic Health Assessment.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any periodic health assessment provided to members of the Armed Forces includes an evaluation of whether the member has been—

"(1) based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used; or

"(2) exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or other airborne contaminants, including any information recorded as part of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.

"(b) Separation History and Physical Examinations.—[Amended section 1145 of this title.]

"(c) Deployment Assessments.—[Amended this section.]

"(d) Sharing of Information.—

"(1) DOD–VA.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly enter into a memorandum of understanding providing for the sharing by the Department of Defense with the Department of Veterans Affairs of the results of covered evaluations regarding the exposure by a member of the Armed Forces to toxic airborne chemicals or other airborne contaminants.

"(2) Registry.—If a covered evaluation of a member of the Armed Forces establishes that the member was based or stationed at a location where an open burn pit was used or that the member was exposed to toxic airborne chemicals or other airborne contaminants, the member shall be enrolled in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry unless the member elects to not so enroll.

"(e) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed to preclude eligibility for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs by reason of the open burn pit exposure history of a veteran not being recorded in a covered evaluation.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry' means the registry established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note).

"(2) The term 'covered evaluation' means—

"(A) a periodic health assessment conducted in accordance with subsection (a);

"(B) a separation history and physical examination conducted under section 1145(a)(5) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this section; and

"(C) a deployment assessment conducted under section 1074f(b)(2) of such title, as amended by this section.

"(3) The term 'open burn pit' has the meaning given that term in section 201(c) of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note)."

Sharing Between Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs of Records and Information Retained Under the Medical Tracking System for Members of the Armed Forces Deployed Overseas

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §723, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1805, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly enter into a memorandum of understanding providing for the sharing by the Department of Defense with the Department of Veterans Affairs of the results of examinations and other records on members of the Armed Forces that are retained and maintained with respect to the medical tracking system for members deployed overseas under section 1074f(c) of title 10, United States Code.

"(b) Cessation Upon Implementation of Electronic Health Record.—The sharing required pursuant to subsection (a) shall cease on the date on which the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs jointly certify to Congress that the Secretaries have fully implemented an integrated electronic health record for members of the Armed Forces that is fully interoperable between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs."

Comprehensive Policy on Consistent Neurological Cognitive Assessments of Members of the Armed Forces Before and After Deployment

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VII, §722, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4251, provided that:

"(a) Comprehensive Policy Required.—Not later than January 31, 2011, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a comprehensive policy on consistent neurological cognitive assessments of members of the Armed Forces before and after deployment.

"(b) Updates.—The Secretary shall revise the policy required by subsection (a) on a periodic basis in accordance with experience and evolving best practice guidelines."

Mental Health Assessments for Members of the Armed Forces Deployed in Connection With a Contingency Operation

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §708, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2376, which required the Secretary of Defense to issue guidance for the provision of mental health assessments for members of the Armed Forces deployed in connection with a contingency operation, was repealed by Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §702(b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1471.

Administration and Prescription of Psychotropic Medications for Members of the Armed Forces Before and During Deployment

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §712, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2379, provided that:

"(a) Report Required.—Not later than October 1, 2010, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the implementation of policy guidance dated November 7, 2006, regarding deployment-limiting psychiatric conditions and medications.

"(b) Policy Required.—Not later than October 1, 2010, the Secretary shall establish and implement a policy for the use of psychotropic medications for deployed members of the Armed Forces. The policy shall, at a minimum, address the following:

"(1) The circumstances or diagnosed conditions for which such medications may be administered or prescribed.

"(2) The medical personnel who may administer or prescribe such medications.

"(3) The method in which the administration or prescription of such medications will be documented in the medical records of members of the Armed Forces.

"(4) The exam, treatment, or other care that is required following the administration or prescription of such medications."

Pilot Projects

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §1673(a)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 482, directed the Secretary of Defense to conduct three pilot projects to evaluate mechanisms for use in developing the traumatic brain injury assessment protocol required by section 1074f(b)(3) of this title and, upon the completion of the projects, required a report to Congress within 60 days and implementation of the selected mechanism within 180 days.

Implementation

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §738(f), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2304, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall implement the requirements of the amendments made by this section [amending this section] not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006]."

Interim Standards for Blood Sampling

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §733(b), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1998, as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(g)(9), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402, provided that:

"(1) Time requirements.—Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall require that—

"(A) the blood samples necessary for the predeployment medical examination of a member of the Armed Forces required under section 1074f(b) of title 10, United States Code, be drawn not earlier than 120 days before the date of the deployment; and

"(B) the blood samples necessary for the postdeployment medical examination of a member of the Armed Forces required under such section 1074f(b) of such title be drawn not later than 30 days after the date on which the deployment ends.

"(2) Contingent applicability.—The standards under paragraph (1) shall apply unless the Joint Medical Readiness Oversight Committee established by section 731(b) [10 U.S.C. 1074 note] recommends, and the Secretary approves, different standards for blood sampling."

§1074g. Pharmacy benefits program

(a) Pharmacy Benefits.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, after consulting with the other administering Secretaries, shall establish an effective, efficient, integrated pharmacy benefits program under this chapter (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "pharmacy benefits program").

(2)(A) The pharmacy benefits program shall include a uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents, which shall assure the availability of pharmaceutical agents in the complete range of therapeutic classes. The selection for inclusion on the uniform formulary of particular pharmaceutical agents in each therapeutic class shall be based on the relative clinical and cost effectiveness of the agents in such class. With respect to members of the uniformed services, such uniform formulary shall include pharmaceutical agents on the joint uniform formulary established under section 715 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016.

(B) In considering the relative clinical effectiveness of agents under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall presume inclusion in a therapeutic class of a pharmaceutical agent, unless the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee established under subsection (b) finds that a pharmaceutical agent does not have a significant, clinically meaningful therapeutic advantage in terms of safety, effectiveness, or clinical outcome over the other drugs included on the uniform formulary.

(C) In considering the relative cost effectiveness of agents under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall rely on the evaluation by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of the costs of agents in a therapeutic class in relation to the safety, effectiveness, and clinical outcomes of such agents.

(D) The Secretary shall establish procedures for the selection of particular pharmaceutical agents for the uniform formulary. Such procedures shall be established so as best to accomplish, in the judgment of the Secretary, the objectives set forth in paragraph (1). Except as provided in subparagraph (F), no pharmaceutical agent may be excluded from the uniform formulary except upon the recommendation of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

(E) Pharmaceutical agents included on the uniform formulary shall be available to eligible covered beneficiaries through—

(i) facilities of the uniformed services, consistent with the scope of health care services offered in such facilities and additional determinations by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of the relative clinical and cost effectiveness of the agents;

(ii) retail pharmacies designated or eligible under the TRICARE program or the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services to provide pharmaceutical agents to covered beneficiaries; or

(iii) the national mail-order pharmacy program.

(F)(i) The Secretary may implement procedures to place selected over-the-counter drugs on the uniform formulary and to make such drugs available to eligible covered beneficiaries. An over-the-counter drug may be included on the uniform formulary only if the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee established under subsection (b) finds that the over-the-counter drug is cost effective and clinically effective. If the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee recommends an over-the-counter drug for inclusion on the uniform formulary, the drug shall be considered to be in the same therapeutic class of pharmaceutical agents, as determined by the Committee, as similar prescription drugs.

(ii) Regulations prescribed by the Secretary to carry out clause (i) shall include the following with respect to over-the-counter drugs included on the uniform formulary:

(I) A determination of the means and conditions under paragraphs (5) and (6) through which over-the-counter drugs will be available to eligible covered beneficiaries and the amount of cost sharing that such beneficiaries will be required to pay for over-the-counter drugs, if any, except that no such cost sharing may be required for a member of a uniformed service on active duty.

(II) Any terms and conditions for the dispensing of over-the-counter drugs to eligible covered beneficiaries.

(3) The pharmacy benefits program shall assure the availability of clinically appropriate pharmaceutical agents to members of the armed forces, including, where appropriate, agents not included on the uniform formulary described in paragraph (2).

(4) The pharmacy benefits program may provide that prior authorization be required for certain pharmaceutical agents to assure that the use of such agents is clinically appropriate.

(5) The pharmacy benefits program shall assure the availability to eligible covered beneficiaries of pharmaceutical agents not included on the uniform formulary. Such pharmaceutical agents shall be available through the national mail-order pharmacy program under terms and conditions that shall include cost-sharing by the eligible covered beneficiary as specified in paragraph (6).

(6)(A) In the case of any of the years 2018 through 2027, the cost-sharing amounts under this subsection for eligible covered beneficiaries shall be determined in accordance with the following table:

(B) For any year after 2027, the cost-sharing amounts under this subsection for eligible covered beneficiaries shall be equal to the cost-sharing amounts for the previous year adjusted by an amount, if any, determined by the Secretary to reflect changes in the costs of pharmaceutical agents and prescription dispensing, rounded to the nearest dollar.

(C) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B), the cost-sharing amounts under this subsection for a dependent of a member of the uniformed services who dies while on active duty, a member retired under chapter 61 of this title, or a dependent of a member retired under such chapter shall be equal to the cost-sharing amounts, if any, for 2017.

(D) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), the Secretary may selectively waive or reduce cost-sharing amounts under this subsection for a dependent of a member of the uniformed services described in section 1074(c)(3)(B) of this title if the dependent is enrolled in the TRICARE Prime Remote program and accompanies the member to the duty assignment of the member at the expense of the Federal Government.

(E) Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), the cost-sharing amount under this subsection for any prescription contraceptive on the uniform formulary provided through a retail pharmacy described in paragraph (2)(E)(ii) or through the national mail-order pharmacy program is $0.

(7) The Secretary shall establish procedures for eligible covered beneficiaries to receive pharmaceutical agents that are not included on the uniform formulary but that are considered to be clinically necessary. Such procedures shall include peer review procedures under which the Secretary may determine that there is a clinical justification for the use of a pharmaceutical agent that is not on the uniform formulary, in which case the pharmaceutical agent shall be provided under the same terms and conditions as an agent on the uniform formulary. Such procedures shall also include an expeditious appeals process for an eligible covered beneficiary, or a network or uniformed provider on behalf of the beneficiary, to establish clinical justification for the use of a pharmaceutical agent that is not on the uniform formulary.

(8) In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that an eligible covered beneficiary may continue to receive coverage for any maintenance pharmaceutical that is not on the uniform formulary and that was prescribed for the beneficiary before October 5, 1999, and stabilized the medical condition of the beneficiary.

(9)(A) Beginning on October 1, 2015, the pharmacy benefits program shall require eligible covered beneficiaries generally to refill non-generic prescription maintenance medications through military treatment facility pharmacies or the national mail-order pharmacy program.

(B) The Secretary shall determine the maintenance medications subject to the requirement under subparagraph (A). The Secretary shall ensure that—

(i) such medications are generally available to eligible covered beneficiaries through retail pharmacies only for an initial filling of a 30-day or less supply; and

(ii) any refills of such medications are obtained through a military treatment facility pharmacy or the national mail-order pharmacy program.

(C) The Secretary may exempt the following prescription maintenance medications from the requirement of subparagraph (A):

(i) Medications that are for acute care needs.

(ii) Such other medications as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(10) Notwithstanding paragraphs (2), (5), and (6), in order to encourage the use by covered beneficiaries of pharmaceutical agents that provide the best clinical effectiveness to covered beneficiaries and the Department of Defense (as determined by the Secretary, including considerations of better care, healthier people, and smarter spending), the Secretary may, upon the recommendation of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee established under subsection (b) and review by the Uniform Formulary Beneficiary Advisory Panel established under subsection (c)—

(A) exclude from the pharmacy benefits program any pharmaceutical agent that the Secretary determines provides very little or no clinical effectiveness to covered beneficiaries and the Department under the program; and

(B) give preferential status to any non-generic pharmaceutical agent on the uniform formulary by treating it, for purposes of cost-sharing under paragraph (6), as a generic product under the TRICARE retail pharmacy program and mail order pharmacy program.

(b) Establishment of Committee.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, establish a Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee for the purpose of developing the uniform formulary of pharmaceutical agents required by subsection (a), reviewing such formulary on a periodic basis, and making additional recommendations regarding the formulary as the committee determines necessary and appropriate. The committee shall include representatives of pharmacies of the uniformed services facilities and representatives of providers in facilities of the uniformed services. Committee members shall have expertise in treating the medical needs of the populations served through such entities and in the range of pharmaceutical and biological medicines available for treating such populations. The committee shall function under procedures established by the Secretary under the regulations prescribed under subsection (j).

(2) The committee shall meet at least quarterly and shall, during meetings, consider for inclusion on the uniform formulary under the standards established in subsection (a) any drugs newly approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

(c) Advisory Panel.—(1) Concurrent with the establishment of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee under subsection (b), the Secretary shall establish a Uniform Formulary Beneficiary Advisory Panel to review and comment on the development of the uniform formulary. The Secretary shall consider the comments of the panel before implementing the uniform formulary or implementing changes to the uniform formulary.

(2) The Secretary shall determine the size and membership of the panel established under paragraph (1), which shall include members that represent—

(A) nongovernmental organizations and associations that represent the views and interests of a large number of eligible covered beneficiaries;

(B) contractors responsible for the TRICARE retail pharmacy program;

(C) contractors responsible for the national mail-order pharmacy program; and

(D) TRICARE network providers.

(d) Procedures.—(1) In the operation of the pharmacy benefits program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall assure through management and new contractual arrangements that financial resources are aligned such that the cost of prescriptions is borne by the organization that is financially responsible for the health care of the eligible covered beneficiary.

(2) The Secretary shall use a modification to the bid price adjustment methodology in the managed care support contracts current as of October 5, 1999, to ensure equitable and timely reimbursement to the TRICARE managed care support contractors for pharmaceutical products delivered in the nonmilitary environments. The methodology shall take into account the "at-risk" nature of the contracts as well as managed care support contractor pharmacy costs attributable to changes to pharmacy service or formulary management at military medical treatment facilities, and other military activities and policies that affect costs of pharmacy benefits provided through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services. The methodology shall also account for military treatment facility costs attributable to the delivery of pharmaceutical products in the military facility environment which were prescribed by a network provider.

(3) With respect to the TRICARE retail pharmacy program described in subsection (a)(2)(E)(ii), the Secretary shall ensure that a contract entered into with a TRICARE pharmacy program contractor includes requirements described in section 1860D–12(b)(6) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–112(b)(6)) to ensure the provision of information regarding the pricing standard for prescription drugs.

(e) Pharmacy Data Transaction Service.—The Secretary of Defense shall implement the use of the Pharmacy Data Transaction Service in all fixed facilities of the uniformed services under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, in the TRICARE retail pharmacy program, and in the national mail-order pharmacy program.

(f) Procurement of Pharmaceuticals by TRICARE Retail Pharmacy Program.—With respect to any prescription filled after January 28, 2008, the TRICARE retail pharmacy program shall be treated as an element of the Department of Defense for purposes of the procurement of drugs by Federal agencies under section 8126 of title 38 to the extent necessary to ensure that pharmaceuticals paid for by the Department of Defense that are provided by pharmacies under the program to eligible covered beneficiaries under this section are subject to the pricing standards in such section 8126.

(g) Sharing of Information With State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain a program (to be known as the "Military Health System Prescription Drug Monitoring Program") in accordance with this subsection. The program shall include a special emphasis on drugs provided through facilities of the uniformed services.

(2) The program shall be—

(A) comparable to prescription drug monitoring programs operated by States, including such programs approved by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 399O of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g–3); and

(B) applicable to designated controlled substance prescriptions under the pharmacy benefits program.

(3)(A) The Secretary shall establish appropriate procedures for the bi-directional sharing of patient-specific information regarding prescriptions for designated controlled substances between the program and State prescription drug monitoring programs.

(B) The purpose of sharing of information under this paragraph shall be to prevent misuse and diversion of opioid medications and other designated controlled substances.

(C) Any disclosure of patient-specific information by the Secretary under this paragraph is an authorized disclosure for purposes of the health information privacy regulations promulgated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–191).

(4)(A) Any procedures developed pursuant to paragraph (3)(A) shall include appropriate safeguards, as determined by the Secretary, concerning cyber security of Department of Defense systems and operational security of Department personnel.

(B) To the extent the Secretary considers appropriate, the program may be treated as comparable to a State program for purposes of bi-directional sharing of controlled substance prescription information.

(5) For purposes of this subsection, any reference to a program operated by a State includes any program operated by a county, municipality, or other subdivision within that State.

(h) Labeling.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that drugs made available through the facilities of the armed forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary include labels and other labeling that are in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).

(i) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "eligible covered beneficiary" means a covered beneficiary for whom eligibility to receive pharmacy benefits through the means described in subsection (a)(2)(E) is established under this chapter or another provision of law.

(2) The term "pharmaceutical agent" means drugs, biological products, and medical devices under the regulatory authority of the Food and Drug Administration.

(3) The term "over-the-counter drug" means a drug that is not subject to section 503(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353(b)).

(4) The term "prescription drug" means a drug that is subject to section 503(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353(b)).

(j) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense shall, after consultation with the other administering Secretaries, prescribe regulations to carry out this section.

(Added Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 677; amended Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(5)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–290; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(c)(4), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1226; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §725, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1535; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §714, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1985; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §703(a), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 188; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(10), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2473; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §§702, 712(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1798, 1802; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §702(a)–(c)(1), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3410; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §§702, 715(f), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 860, 867; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §§702(a), (b)(1), 714, title X, §1081(a)(24), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1433, 1434, 1438, 1595; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §715(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1813; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §713(a), (b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1446; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §§702, 707(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1942, 1944.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 715 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A), is section 715 of Pub. L. 114–92, which is set out as a note under this section.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, referred to in subsec. (g)(3)(C), is Pub. L. 104–191, Aug. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 1936. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1996 Amendments note set out under section 201 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and Tables.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, referred to in subsec. (h), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 675, 52 Stat. 1040, which is classified generally to chapter 9 (§301 et seq.) of Title 21, Food and Drugs. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 301 of Title 21 and Tables.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(6)(D). Pub. L. 118–159, §702, added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (a)(6)(E). Pub. L. 118–159, §707(a), added subpar. (E).

2019—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–92, §713(b), substituted "under subsection (j)" for "under subsection (h)".

Subsecs. (h) to (j). Pub. L. 116–92, §713(a), added subsec. (h) and redesignated former subsecs. (h) and (i) as (i) and (j), respectively.

2018—Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 115–232 added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsecs. (g) and (h) as (h) and (i), respectively.

2017—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 115–91, §702(a), amended par. (6) generally, substituting provisions relating to cost-sharing amounts for the years 2018 through 2027 and for any year after 2027 for provisions relating to cost-sharing amounts, limitation on requirements for medicare-eligible beneficiaries, and increases beginning on Oct. 1, 2016.

Subsec. (a)(9)(B), (C). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(a)(24), realigned margins.

Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 115–91, §702(b)(1), added par. (10).

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 115–91, §714, added par. (3).

2015—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 114–92, §715(f), inserted at end "With respect to members of the uniformed services, such uniform formulary shall include pharmaceutical agents on the joint uniform formulary established under section 715 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016."

Subsec. (a)(6)(A)(i)(I). Pub. L. 114–92, §702(a)(1)(A), substituted "$10" for "$8".

Subsec. (a)(6)(A)(i)(II). Pub. L. 114–92, §702(a)(1)(B), substituted "$24" for "$20".

Subsec. (a)(6)(A)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 114–92, §702(a)(2)(A), substituted "$20" for "$16".

Subsec. (a)(6)(A)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 114–92, §702(a)(2)(B), substituted "$49" for "$46".

Subsec. (a)(6)(C)(i). Pub. L. 114–92, §702(b)(1), substituted "Beginning October 1, 2016," for "Beginning October 1, 2013,".

Subsec. (a)(6)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 114–92, §702(b)(2), added cl. (ii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: "If the amount of the increase otherwise provided for a year by clause (i) is less than $1, the increase shall not be made for such year, but shall be carried over to, and accumulated with, the amount of the increase for the subsequent year or years and made when the aggregate amount of increases carried over under this clause for a year is $1 or more."

2014—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 113–291, §702(a), substituted "the national mail-order pharmacy program" for "at least one of the means described in paragraph (2)(E)" and "shall include cost-sharing by the eligible covered beneficiary as specified in paragraph (6)." for "may include cost sharing by the eligible covered beneficiary in addition to any such cost sharing applicable to agents on the uniform formulary."

Subsec. (a)(6)(A)(i)(I). Pub. L. 113–291, §702(b)(1)(A), substituted "$8" for "$5".

Subsec. (a)(6)(A)(i)(II). Pub. L. 113–291, §702(b)(1)(B), substituted "$20." for "$17; and".

Subsec. (a)(6)(A)(i)(III). Pub. L. 113–291, §702(b)(1)(C), struck out subcl. (III) which read as follows: "in the case of nonformulary agents, $44."

Subsec. (a)(6)(A)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 113–291, §702(b)(2)(A), substituted "$16" for "$13".

Subsec. (a)(6)(A)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 113–291, §702(b)(2)(B), substituted "$46" for "$43".

Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 113–291, §702(c)(1), which directed amendment of such section by adding par. (9) at the end, was executed by adding par. (9) at the end of subsec. (a), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2013—Subsec. (a)(2)(D). Pub. L. 112–239, §702(a)(1), (c)(2)(A), substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (F), no pharmaceutical agent may be excluded" for "No pharmaceutical agent may be excluded" and struck out at end "The Secretary shall begin to implement the uniform formulary not later than October 1, 2000.".

Subsec. (a)(2)(F). Pub. L. 112–239, §702(a)(2), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (a)(6)(A). Pub. L. 112–239, §712(a)(1), added subpar. (A) and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: "The Secretary, in the regulations prescribed under subsection (g), may establish cost sharing requirements (which may be established as a percentage or fixed dollar amount) under the pharmacy benefits program for generic, formulary, and nonformulary agents. For nonformulary agents, cost sharing shall be consistent with common industry practice and not in excess of amounts generally comparable to 20 percent for beneficiaries covered by section 1079 of this title or 25 percent for beneficiaries covered by section 1086 of this title."

Subsec. (a)(6)(C). Pub. L. 112–239, §712(a)(2), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 112–239, §702(c)(1), substituted "subsection (h)" for "subsection (g)".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 112–239, §702(c)(2)(B), substituted "The committee" for "Not later than 90 days after the establishment of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee by the Secretary, the committee shall convene to design a proposed uniform formulary for submission to the Secretary. After such 90-day period, the committee".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 112–239, §702(c)(2)(C), substituted "The Secretary" for "Effective not later than April 5, 2000, the Secretary" and "the managed care support contracts current as of October 5, 1999," for "the current managed care support contracts".

Subsec. (g)(3), (4). Pub. L. 112–239, §702(b), added pars. (3) and (4).

2009—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–84 substituted "after January 28, 2008" for "on or after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008".

2008—Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 110–181 added subsec. (f) and redesignated former subsecs. (f) and (g) as (g) and (h), respectively.

2004—Subsec. (a)(2)(E)(i). Pub. L. 108–375, §714(b), inserted before semicolon at end "and additional determinations by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of the relative clinical and cost effectiveness of the agents".

Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 108–375, §714(a), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

2003—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–136, §725(1), substituted "facilities and representatives of providers in facilities of the uniformed services" for "facilities, contractors responsible for the TRICARE retail pharmacy program, contractors responsible for the national mail-order pharmacy program, providers in facilities of the uniformed services, and TRICARE network providers" in second sentence.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 108–136, §725(2), substituted "represent—" for "represent nongovernmental", inserted "(A) nongovernmental" before "organizations", substituted "beneficiaries;" for "beneficiaries.", and added subpars. (B) to (D).

2001—Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 107–107 substituted "October 5, 1999," for "the date of the enactment of this section".

2000—Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(5)(A)], substituted "in the regulations prescribed" for "as part of the regulations established".

Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(5)(B)], substituted "that are not included on the uniform formulary but that are" for "not included on the uniform formulary, but,".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(5)(C)], substituted "prescribed under" for "required by" in last sentence.

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(5)(D)], substituted "Effective not later than April 5, 2000, the Secretary shall use" for "Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall utilize".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(5)(E)], substituted "The" for "Not later than April 1, 2000, the" and inserted "in" before "the TRICARE" and before "the national".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(5)(F)], substituted "In this section:" for "As used in this section—" in introductory provisions, "The term" for "the term" in pars. (1) and (2), and a period for "; and" at end of par. (1).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(5)(G)], substituted "prescribe" for "promulgate".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §712(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1802, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The cost-sharing requirements under subparagraph (A) of section 1074g(a)(6) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a)(1), shall apply with respect to prescriptions obtained under the TRICARE pharmacy benefits program on or after such date as the Secretary of Defense shall specify, but not later than the date that is 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 2013].

"(2) Federal register.—The Secretary shall publish notice of the effective date of the cost-sharing requirements specified under paragraph (1) in the Federal Register."

Regulations

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §702(b)(3), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1434, provided that: "In order to implement expeditiously the reforms authorized by the amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (2) [amending this section and section 1079 of this title], the Secretary of Defense may prescribe such changes to the regulations implementing the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code) as the Secretary considers appropriate—

"(A) by prescribing an interim final rule; and

"(B) not later than one year after prescribing such interim final rule and considering public comments with respect to such interim final rule, by prescribing a final rule."

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §703(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 188, as amended by Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title X, §1061(b)(3), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4613; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(c)(12), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2475, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall, after consultation with the other administering Secretaries under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, modify the regulations under subsection (h) [now subsection (j)] of section 1074g of title 10, United States Code (as redesignated by subsection (a)(1) of this section), to implement the requirements of subsection (f) of section 1074g of title 10, United States Code (as inserted by subsection (a)(2) of this section). The Secretary shall so modify such regulations not later than December 31, 2007."

[Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(c), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2474, provided that the amendment made by section 1073(c)(12) to section 1061(b)(3) of Pub. L. 110–417, included in the credit set out above, is effective as of Oct. 14, 2008, and as if included in Pub. L. 110–417 as enacted.]

Termination of Advisory Panels

Advisory panels established after Jan. 5, 1973, to terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of their establishment, unless, in the case of a panel established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such panel is renewed by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period, or in the case of a panel established by Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law. See sections 1001(2) and 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Pilot Program on Receipt of Non-Generic Prescription Maintenance Medications Under TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits Program

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §706, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3689, as amended by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §706, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1781, provided that:

"(a) Pilot Program.—

"(1) Authority.—Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program under which eligible covered beneficiaries may elect to receive non-generic prescription maintenance medications selected by the Secretary under subsection (c) through military medical treatment facility pharmacies, retail pharmacies, or the national mail-order pharmacy program, notwithstanding section 1074g(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) Requirement.—The Secretary may carry out the pilot program under paragraph (1) only if the Secretary determines that the total costs to the Department of Defense for eligible covered beneficiaries to receive non-generic prescription maintenance medications under the pilot program will not exceed the total costs to the Department for such beneficiaries to receive such medications under the national mail-order pharmacy program pursuant to section 1074g(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code. In making such determination, the Secretary shall consider all manufacturer discounts, refunds and rebates, pharmacy transaction fees, and all other costs.

"(b) Duration.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall carry out the pilot program for a three-year period beginning not later than March 1, 2022.

"(c) Selection of Medication.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall select non-generic prescription maintenance medications described in section 1074g(a)(9)(C)(ii) of title 10, United States Code, to be covered by the pilot program.

"(d) Notification.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a)(1), in providing each eligible covered beneficiary with an explanation of benefits, the Secretary shall notify the beneficiary of whether the medication that the beneficiary is prescribed is covered by the pilot program.

"(e) Reimbursement.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a)(1), reimbursement of retail pharmacies for medication under the pilot program may not exceed the amount of reimbursement paid to the national mail-order pharmacy program under section 1074g of title 10, United States Code, for the same medication, after consideration of all manufacturer discounts, refunds, rebates, pharmacy transaction fees, and other costs.

"(f) Briefing and Reports.—

"(1) Briefing.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 [Dec. 27, 2021], the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the implementation of the pilot program under subsection (a)(1) or on the determination of the Secretary under subsection (a)(2) that the Secretary is not permitted to carry out the pilot program.

"(2) Interim report.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a)(1), not later than 18 months after the commencement of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program.

"(3) Comptroller general report.—

"(A) In general.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a)(1), not later than March 1, 2025, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program.

"(B) Elements.—The report under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:

"(i) The number of eligible covered beneficiaries who participated in the pilot program and an assessment of the satisfaction of such beneficiaries with the pilot program.

"(ii) The rate by which eligible covered beneficiaries elected to receive non-generic prescription maintenance medications at a retail pharmacy pursuant to the pilot program, and how such rate affected military medical treatment facility pharmacies and the national mail-order pharmacy program.

"(iii) The amount of cost savings realized by the pilot program, including with respect to—

     "(I) dispensing fees incurred at retail pharmacies compared to the national mail-order pharmacy program for brand name prescription drugs;

     "(II) administrative fees;

     "(III) any costs paid by the United States for the drugs in addition to the procurement costs;

     "(IV) the use of military medical treatment facilities; and

     "(V) copayments paid by eligible covered beneficiaries.

"(iv) A comparison of supplemental rebates between retail pharmacies and other points of sale.

"(g) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed to affect—

"(1) the ability of the Secretary to carry out section 1074g(a)(9)(C) of title 10, United States Code, after the date on which the pilot program is completed; or

"(2) the prices established for medications under section 8126 of title 38, United States Code.

"(h) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'eligible covered beneficiary' has the meaning given that term in section 1074g(i) of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The terms 'military medical treatment facility pharmacies', 'retail pharmacies', and 'the national mail-order pharmacy program' mean the methods for receiving prescription drugs as described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively, of section 1074g(a)(2)(E) of title 10, United States Code."

Policy To Address Prescription Opioid Safety

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §719, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3696, provided that:

"(a) Requirement.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop a policy and tracking mechanism to monitor and provide oversight of opioid prescribing to ensure that the provider practices of medication-prescribing health professionals across the military health system conform with—

"(1) the clinical practice guidelines of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs; and

"(2) the prescribing guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

"(b) Elements.—The requirements under subsection (a) shall include the following:

"(1) Providing oversight and accountability of opioid prescribing practices that are outside of the recommended parameters for dosage, supply, and duration as identified in the guideline published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention titled 'CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain—United States, 2016', or such successor guideline, and the guideline published by the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs titled 'DoD/VA Management of Opioid Therapy (OT) for Chronic Pain Clinical Practice Guideline, 2017' or such successor guideline.

"(2) Implementing oversight and accountability responsibilities for opioid prescribing safety as specified in paragraph (1).

"(3) Implementing systems to ensure that the prescriptions in the military health system data repository are appropriately documented and that the processing date and the metric quantity field for opioid prescriptions in liquid form are consistent within the electronic health record system known as 'MHS GENESIS'.

"(4) Implementing opioid prescribing controls within the electronic health record system known as 'MHS GENESIS' and document if an overdose reversal drug was co-prescribed.

"(5) Developing metrics that can be used by the Defense Health Agency and each military medical treatment facility to actively monitor and limit the overprescribing of opioids and to monitor the co-prescribing of overdose reversal drugs as accessible interventions.

"(6) Developing a report that tracks progression toward reduced levels of opioid use and includes an identification of prevention best practices established by the Department.

"(7) Developing and implementing a plan to improve communication and value-based initiatives between pharmacists and medication-prescribing health professionals across the military health system."

Implementation

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §713(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1446, provided that: "Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary of Defense shall implement subsection (h) of section 1074g of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)."

Reimbursement by Department of Defense to Entities Carrying Out State Vaccination Programs for Costs of Vaccines Provided to Covered Beneficiaries

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §719, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2226, as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §718, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1440, provided that:

"(a) Reimbursement.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall reimburse an amount determined under paragraph (2) to an entity carrying out a State vaccination program for the cost of vaccines provided to covered beneficiaries through such program.

"(2) Amount of reimbursement.—

"(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amount determined under this paragraph with respect to a State vaccination program shall be the amount assessed by the entity carrying out such program to purchase vaccines provided to covered beneficiaries through such program.

"(B) Limitation.—The amount determined under this paragraph to provide vaccines to covered beneficiaries through a State vaccination program may not exceed the amount that the Department would reimburse an entity under the TRICARE program for providing vaccines to the number of covered beneficiaries who were involved in the applicable State vaccination program.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Covered beneficiary; tricare program.—The terms 'covered beneficiary' and 'TRICARE program' have the meanings given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) State vaccination program.—The term 'State vaccination program' means a vaccination program that provides vaccinations to individuals in a State and is carried out by an entity (including an agency of the State) within the State."

Pilot Program for Prescription Drug Acquisition Cost Parity in the TRICARE Pharmacy Benefits Program

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §743, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2238, provided that:

"(a) Authority to Establish Pilot Program.—The Secretary of Defense may conduct a pilot program to evaluate whether, in carrying out the TRICARE pharmacy benefits program under section 1074g of title 10, United States Code, extending additional discounts for prescription drugs filled at retail pharmacies will maintain or reduce prescription drug costs for the Department of Defense.

"(b) Elements of Pilot Program.—In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall require that for prescription medications, including non-generic maintenance medications, that are dispensed to TRICARE beneficiaries that are not Medicare eligible, through any TRICARE participating retail pharmacy, including small business pharmacies, manufacturers shall pay rebates such that those medications are available to the Department at the lowest rate available. In addition to utilizing the authority under section 1074g(f) of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary shall have the authority to enter into a blanket purchase agreement with prescription drug manufacturers for supplemental discounts for prescription drugs dispensed in the pilot to be paid in the form of manufacturer's rebates.

"(c) Consultation.—The Secretary shall develop the pilot program in consultation with—

"(1) the Secretaries of the military departments;

"(2) the Chief of the Pharmacy Operations Division of the Defense Health Agency; and

"(3) stakeholders, including TRICARE beneficiaries and retail pharmacies.

"(d) Duration of Pilot Program.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall commence such pilot program no later than October 1, 2017, and shall terminate such program no later than September 30, 2018.

"(e) Reports.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives reports on the pilot program as follows:

"(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], a report containing an implementation plan for the pilot program.

"(2) Not later than 180 days after the date on which the pilot program commences, an interim report on the pilot program.

"(3) Not later than 90 days after the date on which the pilot program terminates, a final report describing the results of the pilot program, including—

"(A) any recommendations of the Secretary to expand such program;

"(B) an analysis of the changes in prescription drug costs for the Department of Defense relating to the pilot program;

"(C) an analysis of the impact on beneficiary access to prescription drugs;

"(D) a survey of beneficiary satisfaction with the pilot program; and

"(E) a summary of any fraud and abuse activities related to the pilot and actions taken in response by the Department."

Joint Uniform Formulary for Transition of Care

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §715, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 866, provided that:

"(a) Joint Formulary.—Not later than June 1, 2016, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly establish a joint uniform formulary for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense with respect to pharmaceutical agents that are critical for the transition of an individual from receiving treatment furnished by the Secretary of Defense to treatment furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"(b) Selection.—The Secretaries shall select for inclusion on the joint uniform formulary established under subsection (a) pharmaceutical agents relating to—

"(1) the control of pain, sleep disorders, and psychiatric conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder; and

"(2) any other conditions determined appropriate by the Secretaries.

"(c) Report.—Not later than July 1, 2016, the Secretaries shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the joint uniform formulary established under subsection (a), including a list of the pharmaceutical agents selected for inclusion on the formulary.

"(d) Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from each maintaining the respective uniform formularies of the Department of the Secretary.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(A) the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives]; and

"(B) the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

"(2) The term 'pharmaceutical agent' has the meaning given that term in section 1074g(g) [now 1074g(i)] of title 10, United States Code.

"(f) Conforming Amendment.—[Amended this section.]"

Pilot Program on Medication Therapy Management Under TRICARE Program

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §726, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3419, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—In accordance with section 1092 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of including medication therapy management as part of the TRICARE program.

"(b) Elements of Pilot Program.—In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure the following:

"(1) Patients who participate in the pilot program are patients who—

"(A) have more than one chronic condition; and

"(B) are prescribed more than one medication.

"(2) Medication therapy management services provided under the pilot program are focused on improving patient use and outcomes of prescription medications.

"(3) The design of the pilot program considers best commercial practices in providing medication therapy management services, including practices under the prescription drug program under part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–101 et seq.).

"(4) The pilot program includes methods to measure the effect of medication therapy management services on—

"(A) patient use and outcomes of prescription medications; and

"(B) the costs of health care.

"(c) Locations.—

"(1) Selection.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) in not less than three locations.

"(2) First location criteria.—Not less than one location selected under paragraph (1) shall meet the following criteria:

"(A) The location is a pharmacy at a military medical treatment facility.

"(B) The patients participating in the pilot program at such location generally receive primary care services from health care providers at such facility.

"(3) Second location criteria.—Not less than one location selected under paragraph (1) shall meet the following criteria:

"(A) The location is a pharmacy at a military medical treatment facility.

"(B) The patients participating in the pilot program at such location generally do not receive primary care services from health care providers at such facility.

"(4) Third location criterion.—Not less than one location selected under paragraph (1) shall be a pharmacy located at a location other than a military medical treatment facility.

"(d) Duration.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a period determined appropriate by the Secretary that is not less than two years.

"(e) Report.—Not later than 30 months after the date on which the Secretary commences the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on the pilot program that includes—

"(1) information on the effect of medication therapy management services on—

"(A) patient use and outcomes of prescription medications; and

"(B) the costs of health care;

"(2) the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to incorporating medication therapy management into the TRICARE program; and

"(3) such other information as the Secretary determines appropriate.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'medication therapy management' means professional services provided by qualified pharmacists to patients to improve the effective use and outcomes of prescription medications provided to the patients.

"(2) The term 'TRICARE program' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

Pilot Program for Refills of Maintenance Medications for TRICARE for Life Beneficiaries Through the TRICARE Mail-Order Pharmacy Program

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §716, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1804, as amended by Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §702(c)(2), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3411; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1051(r)(2), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1565, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a pilot program to refill prescription maintenance medications for each TRICARE for Life beneficiary through the national mail-order pharmacy program under section 1074g(a)(2)(E)(iii) of title 10, United States Code.

"(b) Medications Covered.—

"(1) Determination.—The Secretary shall determine the prescription maintenance medications included in the pilot program under subsection (a).

"(2) Supply.—In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that the medications included in the program are generally available to a TRICARE for Life beneficiary—

"(A) for an initial filling of a 30-day or less supply through—

"(i) retail pharmacies under clause (ii) of section 1074g(a)(2)(E) of title 10, United States Code; and

"(ii) facilities of the uniformed services under clause (i) of such section; and

"(B) for a refill of such medications through—

"(i) the national mail-order pharmacy program; and

"(ii) such facilities of the uniformed services.

"(3) Exemption.—The Secretary may exempt the following prescription maintenance medications from the requirements in paragraph (2):

"(A) Such medications that are for acute care needs.

"(B) Such other medications as the Secretary determines appropriate.

"(c) Nonparticipation.—

"(1) Opt out.—The Secretary shall give TRICARE for Life beneficiaries who have been covered by the pilot program under subsection (a) for a period of one year an opportunity to opt out of continuing to participate in the program.

"(2) Waiver.—The Secretary may waive the requirement of a TRICARE for Life beneficiary to participate in the pilot program under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines, on an individual basis, that such waiver is appropriate.

"(d) Regulations.—The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a), including regulations with respect to—

"(1) the prescription maintenance medications included in the pilot program pursuant to subsection (b)(1); and

"(2) addressing instances where a TRICARE for Life beneficiary covered by the pilot program attempts to refill such medications at a retail pharmacy rather than through the national mail-order pharmacy program or a facility of the uniformed services.

"(e) Sunset.—The Secretary may not carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) after September 30, 2015.

"(f) TRICARE for Life Beneficiary Defined.—In this section, the term 'TRICARE for Life beneficiary' means a TRICARE beneficiary enrolled in the Medicare wraparound coverage option of the TRICARE program made available to the beneficiary by reason of section 1086(d) of title 10, United States Code."

Education and Training on Use of Pharmaceuticals in Rehabilitation Programs for Wounded Warriors

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VII, §716, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4250, provided that:

"(a) Education and Training Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement training, available through the Internet or other means, on the use of pharmaceuticals in rehabilitation programs for seriously ill or injured members of the Armed Forces.

"(b) Recipients of Training.—The training developed and implemented under subsection (a) shall be training for each category of individuals as follows:

"(1) Patients in or transitioning to a wounded warrior unit, with special accommodation in such training for such patients with cognitive disabilities.

"(2) Nonmedical case managers.

"(3) Military leaders.

"(4) Family members.

"(c) Elements of Training.—The training developed and implemented under subsection (a) shall include the following:

"(1) An overview of the fundamentals of safe prescription drug use.

"(2) Familiarization with the benefits and risks of using pharmaceuticals in rehabilitation therapies.

"(3) Examples of the use of pharmaceuticals for individuals with multiple, complex injuries, including traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

"(4) Familiarization with means of finding additional resources for information on pharmaceuticals.

"(5) Familiarization with basic elements of pain and pharmaceutical management.

"(6) Familiarization with complementary and alternative therapies.

"(d) Tailoring of Training.—The training developed and implemented under subsection (a) shall appropriately tailor the elements specified in subsection (c) for and among each category of individuals set forth in subsection (b).

"(e) Review of Pharmacy.—

"(1) Review.—The Secretary shall review all policies and procedures of the Department of Defense regarding the use of pharmaceuticals in rehabilitation programs for seriously ill or injured members of the Armed Forces.

"(2) Recommendations.—Not later than September 20, 2011, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] any recommendations for administrative or legislative action with respect to the review under paragraph (1) as the Secretary considers appropriate."

Demonstration Project on Coverage of Selected Over-the-Counter Drugs Under the Pharmacy Benefits Program

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §705, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2280, as amended by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(g)(5), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4377, provided that:

"(a) Requirement to Conduct Demonstration.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a demonstration project under section 1092 of title 10, United States Code, to allow particular over-the-counter drugs to be included on the uniform formulary under section 1074g of such title.

"(b) Elements of Demonstration Project.—

"(1) Inclusion of certain over-the-counter drugs.—(A) As part of the demonstration project, the Secretary shall modify uniform formulary specifications under section 1074g(a) of such title to include an over-the-counter drug (referred to in this section as an 'OTC drug') on the uniform formulary if the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee finds that the OTC drug is cost-effective and therapeutically equivalent to a prescription drug. If the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee makes such a finding, the OTC drug shall be considered to be in the same therapeutic class of pharmaceutical agents as the prescription drug.

"(B) An OTC drug shall be made available to a beneficiary through the demonstration project, but only if—

"(i) the beneficiary has a prescription for a drug requiring a prescription; and

"(ii) pursuant to subparagraph (A), the OTC drug—

"(I) is on the uniform formulary; and

"(II) has been determined to be therapeutically equivalent to the prescription drug.

"(2) Conduct through military facilities, retail pharmacies, or mail order program.—The Secretary shall conduct the demonstration project through at least two of the means described in subparagraph (E) of section 1074g(a)(2) of such title through which OTC drugs are provided and may conduct the demonstration project throughout the entire pharmacy benefits program or at a limited number of sites. If the project is conducted at a limited number of sites, the number of sites shall be not less than five in each TRICARE region for each of the two means described in such subparagraph.

"(3) Period of demonstration.—The Secretary shall provide for conducting the demonstration project for a period of time necessary to evaluate the feasibility and cost effectiveness of the demonstration. Such period shall be at least as long as the period covered by pharmacy contracts in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006] (including any extensions of the contracts), or five years, whichever is shorter.

"(4) Implementation deadline.—Implementation of the demonstration project shall begin not later than May 1, 2007.

"(c) Evaluation of Demonstration Project.—The Secretary shall evaluate the demonstration project for the following:

"(1) The costs and benefits of providing OTC drugs under the pharmacy benefits program in each of the means chosen by the Secretary to conduct the demonstration project.

"(2) The clinical effectiveness of providing OTC drugs under the pharmacy benefits program.

"(3) Customer satisfaction with the demonstration project.

"(d) Report.—Not later than two years after implementation of the demonstration project begins, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the demonstration project. The report shall contain—

"(1) the evaluation required by subsection (c);

"(2) recommendations for improving the provision of OTC drugs under the pharmacy benefits program; and

"(3) recommendations on whether permanent authority should be provided to cover OTC drugs under the pharmacy benefits program.

"(e) Continuation of Demonstration Project.—If the Secretary recommends in the report under subsection (d) that permanent authority should be provided, the Secretary may continue the demonstration project for up to one year after submitting the report.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'drug' means a drug, including a biological product, within the meaning of section 1074g(f)(2) [now 1074g(i)(2)] of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'OTC drug' has the meaning indicated for such term in subsection (b)(1)(A).

"(3) The term 'over-the-counter drug' means a drug that is not subject to section 503(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act [21 U.S.C. 353(b)].

"(4) The term 'prescription drug' means a drug that is subject to section 503(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act."

Interoperability of Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Pharmacy Data Systems

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VII, §724, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2598, provided that:

"(a) Interoperability.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense shall seek to ensure that on or before October 1, 2004, the Department of Veterans Affairs pharmacy data system and the Department of Defense pharmacy data system (known as the 'Pharmacy Data Transaction System') are interoperable for both Department of Defense beneficiaries and Department of Veterans Affairs beneficiaries by achieving real-time interface, data exchange, and checking of prescription drug data of outpatients, and using national standards for the exchange of outpatient medication information.

"(b) Alternative Requirement.—If the interoperability specified in subsection (a) is not achieved by October 1, 2004, as determined jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall adopt the Department of Defense Pharmacy Data Transaction System for use by the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Such system shall be fully operational not later than October 1, 2005.

"(c) Implementation Funding for Alternative Requirement.—The Secretary of Defense shall transfer to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, or shall otherwise bear the cost of, an amount sufficient to cover three-fourths of the cost to the Department of Veterans Affairs for computer programming activities and relevant staff training expenses related to implementation of subsection (b). Such amount shall be determined in such manner as agreed to by the two Secretaries."

Deadline for Establishment of Committee

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §701(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 680, directed the Secretary of Defense to establish the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee required by subsec. (b) of this section not later than 30 days after Oct. 5, 1999.

Reports Required

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §701(c), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 680, directed the Secretary of Defense to submit reports to Congress, not later than Apr. 1 and Oct. 1 of fiscal years 2000 and 2001, on the implementation of the uniform formulary required under subsec. (a) of this section, the results of a survey conducted by the Secretary of prescribers for military medical treatment facilities and TRICARE contractors, the operation of the Pharmacy Data Transaction Service required by subsec. (e) of this section, and any other actions taken by the Secretary to improve management of the pharmacy benefits program under this section.

Study for Design of Pharmacy Benefit for Certain Covered Beneficiaries

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §701(d), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 680, required the Secretary of Defense to prepare and submit to Congress, by Apr. 15, 2001, a study on a design for a comprehensive pharmacy benefit for covered beneficiaries under chapter 55 of title 10, who are entitled to benefits under part A, and enrolled under part B, of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, and to provide an estimate of the costs of implementing and operating such design, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §723, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1168.

§1074h. Medical and dental care: medal of honor recipients; dependents

(a) Medal of Honor Recipients.—A former member of the armed forces who is a Medal of Honor recipient and who is not otherwise entitled to medical and dental benefits under this chapter may, upon request, be given medical and dental care provided by the administering Secretaries in the same manner as if entitled to retired pay.

(b) Immediate Dependents.—A person who is an immediate dependent of a Medal of Honor recipient and who is not otherwise entitled to medical and dental benefits under this chapter may, upon request, be given medical and dental care provided by the administering Secretaries in the same manner as if the Medal of Honor recipient were, or (if deceased) was at the time of death, entitled to retired pay.

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "Medal of Honor recipient" means a person who has been awarded a medal of honor under section 7271, 8291, or 9271 of this title or section 2732 of title 14.

(2) The term "immediate dependent" means a dependent described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of section 1072(2) of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §706(a)(1)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–175; amended Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVIII, §1801(a)(11), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 684.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §1801(a)(11), substituted "section 2732 of title 14" for "section 491 of title 14".

2018—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 7271, 8291, or 9271" for "section 3741, 6241, or 8741".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §706(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–175, provided that: "Section 1074h of title 10, United States Code, shall apply with respect to medical and dental care provided on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000]."

§1074i. Reimbursement for certain travel expenses

(a) In General.—In any case in which a covered beneficiary is referred by a primary care physician to a specialty care provider who provides services more than 100 miles from the location in which the primary care provider provides services to the covered beneficiary, the Secretary of Defense shall provide travel and transportation allowances as specified in regulations prescribed under section 464 of title 37 for the covered beneficiary and, when accompaniment by an adult is necessary, for a parent or guardian of the covered beneficiary or another member of the covered beneficiary's family who is at least 21 years of age.

(b) Allowable Travel and Transportation Under Exceptional Circumstances.—The Secretary of Defense may provide travel and transportation allowances as specified in the regulations referred to in subsection (a) for travel of members of the armed forces on active duty and their dependents, and accompaniment, to a specialty care provider not otherwise authorized by subsection (a) under such exceptional circumstances as the Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of this section.

(c) Outreach Program and Travel Reimbursement for Follow-on Specialty Care and Related Services.—The Secretary concerned shall ensure that an outreach program is implemented for each member of the uniformed services who incurred a combat-related disability and is entitled to retired or retainer pay, or equivalent pay, so that—

(1) the progress of the member is closely monitored; and

(2) the member receives the travel reimbursement authorized by subsection (a) whenever the member requires follow-on specialty care, services, or supplies.

(d) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "specialty care provider" includes a dental specialist.

(2) The term "dental specialist" means an oral surgeon, orthodontist, prosthodontist, periodontist, endodontist, or pediatric dentist, and includes such other providers of dental care and services as determined appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.

(3) The term "combat-related disability" has the meaning given that term in section 1413a of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §758(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–199; amended Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §706, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1163; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §712, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1530; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §1632(a), (b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 458, 459; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VI, §634, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2363; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title VI, §621(d), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 784.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–66, §621(d)(1), substituted "travel and transportation allowances as specified in regulations prescribed under section 464 of title 37" for "reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–66, §621(d)(2), substituted "Allowable Travel and Transportation Under Exceptional Circumstances.—The Secretary of Defense may provide travel and transportation allowances as specified in the regulations referred to in subsection (a) for" for "Reimbursement for Travel Under Exceptional Circumstances.—The Secretary of Defense may provide reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses of".

2009—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–84, §634(b), inserted "of Defense" after "the Secretary".

Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 111–84, §634(a), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsecs. (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively.

2008—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 110–181, §1632(a), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 110–181, §1632(b), added par. (3).

2003—Pub. L. 108–136 inserted "(a) In General.—" before "In any case" and added subsec. (b).

2001—Pub. L. 107–107 inserted before period at end "and, when accompaniment by an adult is necessary, for a parent or guardian of the covered beneficiary or another member of the covered beneficiary's family who is at least 21 years of age".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §1632(c), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 459, provided that: "Subsection (b) of section 1074i of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2), shall apply with respect to travel described in subsection (a) of such section that occurs on or after January 1, 2008, for follow-on specialty care, services, or supplies."

Guidance on Authority To Provide Travel and Transportation Allowances for Specialty Care Under Exceptional Circumstances

Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §706, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1944, provided that: "Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2024], the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance with respect to the authority of the Secretary under section 1074i(b) of title 10, United States Code."

§1074j. Sub-acute care program

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish an effective, efficient, and integrated sub-acute care benefits program under this chapter (hereinafter referred to in this section as the "program"). Except as otherwise provided in this section, the types of health care authorized under the program shall be the same as those provided under section 1079 of this title. The Secretary, after consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall promulgate regulations to carry out this section.

(b) Benefits.—(1) The program shall include a uniform skilled nursing facility benefit that shall be provided in the manner and under the conditions described in section 1861 (h) and (i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x (h) and (i)), except that the limitation on the number of days of coverage under section 1812 (a) and (b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395d (a) and (b)) shall not be applicable under the program. Skilled nursing facility care for each spell of illness shall continue to be provided for as long as medically necessary and appropriate.

(2) In this subsection:

(A) The term "skilled nursing facility" has the meaning given such term in section 1819(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(a)).

(B) The term "spell of illness" has the meaning given such term in section 1861(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(a)).

(3) The program shall include a comprehensive, part-time or intermittent home health care benefit that shall be provided in the manner and under the conditions described in section 1861(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(m)).

(4) The Secretary of Defense may take such actions as are necessary to ensure that there is an effective transition in the furnishing of part-time or intermittent home health care benefits for covered beneficiaries who were receiving such benefits before the establishment of the program under this section. The actions taken under this paragraph may include the continuation of such benefits on an extended basis for such time as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(Added Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(1), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1158; amended Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §713, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1985.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2004—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–375 added par. (4).

§1074k. Long-term care insurance

Provisions regarding long-term care insurance for members and certain former members of the uniformed services and their families are set forth in chapter 90 of title 5.

(Added Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §701(f)(1), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1161.)

§1074l. Notification to Congress of hospitalization of combat wounded members

(a) Notification Required.—The Secretary concerned shall provide notification of the hospitalization of any member of the armed forces evacuated from a theater of combat and admitted to any military medical treatment facility to the appropriate Members of Congress.

(b) Appropriate Members.—In this section, the term "appropriate Members of Congress", with respect to the member of the armed forces about whom notification is being made, means the Senators representing the State, and the Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner of the House of Representatives representing the district, that includes the member's home of record or a different location as provided by the member.

(c) Consent of Member Required.—The notification under subsection (a) may be provided only with the consent of the member of the armed forces about whom notification is to be made. In the case of a member who is unable to provide consent, information and consent may be provided by next of kin.

(Added Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §1617(a)(1), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 449; amended Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §720, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1817.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "admitted to any military medical treatment facility" for "admitted to a military treatment facility within the United States".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title XVI, §1617(a)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 449, provided that: "The notification requirement under section 1074l(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), shall apply beginning 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008]."

§1074m. Mental health assessments for members of the armed forces deployed in support of a contingency operation

(a) Mental Health Assessments.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall provide a person-to-person mental health assessment for each member of the armed forces who is deployed in support of a contingency operation as follows:

(A) Once during the period beginning 120 days before the date of the deployment.

(B) Once during each 180-day period during which a member is deployed.

(C) Subject to paragraph (3) and subsection (d), once during the period beginning on the date of redeployment from the contingency operation and ending on the date that is 21 days after the date on which the post-deployment leave of the member terminates.

(D) Subject to subsection (d), not less than once annually—

(i) beginning 21 days after the date on which the post-deployment leave of the member terminates; or

(ii) if the assessment required by subparagraph (C) is performed during the period specified in paragraph (3), beginning 180 days after the date of redeployment from the contingency operation.

(2) A mental health assessment is not required for a member of the armed forces under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (1) (including an assessment performed pursuant to paragraph (3)) if the Secretary determines that providing such assessment to the member during the time periods under such subparagraphs would remove the member from forward deployment or put members or operational objectives at risk.

(3) A mental health assessment required under subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) may be provided during the period beginning 90 days after the date of redeployment from the contingency operation and ending 180 days after such redeployment date if the Secretary determines that—

(A) an insufficient number of personnel are available to perform the assessment during the time period under such subparagraph; or

(B) an administrative processing issue exists upon the return of the member to the home unit or duty station that would prohibit the effective performance of the assessment during such time period.

(b) Purpose.—The purpose of the mental health assessments provided pursuant to this section shall be to identify post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health conditions identified among members described in subsection (a) in order to determine which such members are in need of additional care and treatment for such health conditions.

(c) Elements.—(1) The mental health assessments provided pursuant to this section shall—

(A) be performed by personnel trained and certified to perform such assessments and may be performed—

(i) by licensed mental health professionals if such professionals are available and the use of such professionals for the assessments would not impair the capacity of such professionals to perform higher priority tasks;

(ii) by personnel in deployed units whose responsibilities include providing unit health care services if such personnel are available and the use of such personnel for the assessments would not impair the capacity of such personnel to perform higher priority tasks; and

(iii) by personnel at private facilities in accordance with section 1074(c) of this title;

(B) include a person-to-person dialogue between members described in subsection (a) and the professionals or personnel described by subparagraph (A), as applicable, on such matters as the Secretary shall specify in order that the assessments achieve the purpose specified in subsection (b) for such assessments;

(C) be conducted in a private setting to foster trust and openness in discussing sensitive health concerns;

(D) be provided in a consistent manner across the military departments; and

(E) include a review of the health records of the member that are related to each previous deployment of the member or other relevant activities of the member while serving in the armed forces, as determined by the Secretary.

(2) The Secretary may treat periodic health assessments and other person-to-person assessments that are provided to members of the armed forces, including examinations under section 1074f of this title, as meeting the requirements for mental health assessments required under this section if the Secretary determines that such assessments and person-to-person assessments meet the requirements for mental health assessments established by this section.

(d) Cessation of Assessments.—No mental health assessment is required to be provided to an individual under subparagraph (C) or (D) of subsection (a)(1) after the individual's discharge or release from the armed forces.

(e) Sharing of Information.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall share with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs such information on members of the armed forces that is derived from confidential mental health assessments, including mental health assessments provided pursuant to this section and section 1074n of this title and health assessments and other person-to-person assessments provided before the date of the enactment of this section, as the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs jointly consider appropriate to ensure continuity of mental health care and treatment of members of the armed forces during the transition from health care and treatment provided by the Department of Defense to health care and treatment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

(2) Any sharing of information under paragraph (1) shall occur pursuant to a protocol jointly established by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for purposes of this subsection. Any such protocol shall be consistent with the following:

(A) Applicable provisions of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of Public Law 110–181; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note), including section 1614 of such Act (122 Stat. 443; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note).

(B) Section 1720F of title 38.

(3) Before each mental health assessment is conducted under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the member is notified of the sharing of information with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under this subsection.

(f) Regulations.—(1) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this section.

(2) Not later than 270 days after the date of the issuance of the regulations prescribed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall notify the congressional defense committees of the implementation of the regulations by the military departments.

(Added Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §702(a)(1), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1469; amended Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §703, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1800; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(5), (b), title X, §1071(f)(13), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3409, 3510; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §701, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1804; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §706(a)–(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1440, 1441.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (e)(1), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 112–81, which was approved Dec. 31, 2011.

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–92, §706(c), substituted "Once" for "Until January 1, 2019, once".

Subsec. (a)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 116–92, §706(a), added subpars. (C) and (D) and struck out former subpars. (C) and (D) which read as follows:

"(C) Subject to subsection (d), once during the period beginning 90 days after the date of redeployment from the contingency operation and ending 180 days after such redeployment date.

"(D) Subject to subsection (d), not later than once during each of—

"(i) the period beginning 180 days after the date of redeployment from the contingency operation and ending 18 months after such redeployment date; and

"(ii) the period beginning 18 months after such redeployment date and ending 30 months after such redeployment date."

Subsec. (a)(2), (3). Pub. L. 116–92, §706(b), added pars. (2) and (3) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "A mental health assessment is not required for a member of the armed forces under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that—

"(A) the member was not subjected or exposed to operational risk factors during deployment in the contingency operation concerned; or

"(B) providing such assessment to the member during the time periods under such subparagraphs would remove the member from forward deployment or put members or operational objectives at risk."

2018—Subsec. (a)(1)(C). Pub. L. 115–232, §701(1), substituted "Subject to subsection (d), once" for "Once".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–232, §701(2), which directed substitution of "subparagraph (C) or (D) of subsection (a)(1)" for "subsection (a)(1)(D)", was executed by making the substitution for "subsection (a)(1)(C)" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2014—Subsec. (a)(1)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 113–291, §701(b)(1)(A), added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpars. (B) and (C) as (C) and (D), respectively.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–291, §1071(f)(13), which directed substitution of "subparagraphs" for "subparagraph" in introductory provisions, could not be executed because of the prior amendment by Pub. L. 113–291, §701(b)(2). See below.

Pub. L. 113–291, §701(b)(2), substituted "subparagraphs (C) and (D)" for "subparagraph (B) and (C)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 113–291, §701(b)(1)(B), added cl. (ii) and redesignated former cl. (ii) as (iii).

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 113–291, §701(a)(5), inserted "and section 1074n of this title" after "pursuant to this section".

2013—Subsec. (a)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 112–239 substituted "18 months" for "one year".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §706(d), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1441, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to a date of redeployment that is on or after January 1, 2020."

Regulations

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §702(a)(3), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1471, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe an interim final rule with respect to the amendment made by paragraph (1) [enacting this section], effective not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011]."

§1074n. Annual mental health assessments for members of the armed forces

(a) Mental Health Assessments.—Subject to subsection (c), not less frequently than once each calendar year (and before separation from active duty pursuant to section 1145(a)(5)(A) of this title), the Secretary of Defense shall provide a person-to-person mental health assessment for—

(1) each member of a regular component of the armed forces; and

(2) each member of the Selected Reserve of an armed force.

(b) Elements.—The mental health assessments provided pursuant to this section shall—

(1) be conducted in accordance with the requirements of subsection (c)(1) of section 1074m of this title with respect to a mental health assessment provided pursuant to such section; and

(2) include a review of the health records of the member that are related to each previous health assessment or other relevant activities of the member while serving in the armed forces, as determined by the Secretary.

(c) Sufficiency of Other Mental Health Assessments.—(1) The Secretary is not required to provide a mental health assessment pursuant to this section to an individual in a calendar year in which the individual has received a mental health assessment pursuant to section 1074m of this title.

(2) The Secretary may treat periodic health assessments and other person-to-person assessments that are provided to members of the armed forces, including examinations under section 1074f of this title, as meeting the requirements for mental health assessments required under this section if the Secretary determines that such assessments and person-to-person assessments meet the requirements for mental health assessments established by this section.

(d) Privacy Matters.—Any medical or other personal information obtained under this section shall be protected from disclosure or misuse in accordance with the laws on privacy applicable to such information.

(e) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, prescribe regulations for the administration of this section.

(Added Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(1), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3408; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §706(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1436.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted "(and before separation from active duty pursuant to section 1145(a)(5)(A) of this title)" after "each calendar year" in introductory provisions.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Implementation of Regulations

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(3), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3409, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the issuance of the regulations prescribed under section 1074n(e) of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall implement such regulations."

§1074o. Provision of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for certain members

(a) In General.—The Secretary may furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy available at a military medical treatment facility to a covered member if such therapy is prescribed by a physician to treat post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.

(b) Covered Member Defined.—In this section, the term "covered member" means a member of the armed forces who is—

(1) serving on active duty; and

(2) diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.

(Added Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §703(a)(1), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1435.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §703(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1435, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [enacting this section] shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017]."

§1075. TRICARE Select

(a) Establishment.—(1) Not later than January 1, 2018, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a self-managed, preferred-provider network option under the TRICARE program. Such option shall be known as "TRICARE Select".

(2) The Secretary shall establish TRICARE Select in all areas. Under TRICARE Select, eligible beneficiaries will not have restrictions on the freedom of choice of the beneficiary with respect to health care providers.

(b) Enrollment Eligibility.—(1) The beneficiary categories for purposes of eligibility to enroll in TRICARE Select and cost-sharing requirements applicable to such category are as follows:

(A) An "active-duty family member" category that consists of beneficiaries who are covered by section 1079 of this title (as dependents of active duty members).

(B) A "retired" category that consists of beneficiaries covered by subsection (c) of section 1086 of this title, other than Medicare-eligible beneficiaries described in subsection (d)(2) of such section.

(C) A "reserve and young adult" category that consists of beneficiaries who are covered by—

(i) section 1076d of this title;

(ii) section 1076e; or

(iii) section 1110b.

(2) A covered beneficiary who elects to participate in TRICARE Select shall enroll in such option under section 1099 of this title.

(c) Cost-sharing Requirements.—The cost-sharing requirements under TRICARE Select are as follows:

(1) With respect to beneficiaries in the active-duty family member category or the retired category by reason of being a member or former member of the uniformed services who originally enlists or is appointed in the uniformed services on or after January 1, 2018, or by reason of being a dependent of such a member, the cost-sharing requirements shall be calculated pursuant to subsection (d)(1).

(2)(A) Except as provided by subsection (e), with respect to beneficiaries described in subparagraph (B) in the active-duty family member category or the retired category, the cost-sharing requirements shall be calculated as if the beneficiary were enrolled in TRICARE Extra or TRICARE Standard as if TRICARE Extra or TRICARE Standard, as the case may be, were still being carried out by the Secretary.

(B) Beneficiaries described in this subparagraph are beneficiaries who are eligible to enroll in the TRICARE program by reason of being a member or former member of the uniformed services who originally enlists or is appointed in the uniformed services before January 1, 2018, or by reason of being a dependent of such a member.

(3) With respect to beneficiaries in the reserve and young adult category, the cost-sharing requirements shall be calculated pursuant to subsection (d)(1) as if the beneficiary were in the active-duty family member category or the retired category, as applicable, except that the premiums calculated pursuant to section 1076d, 1076e, or 1110b of this title, as the case may be, shall apply instead of any enrollment fee required under this section.

(d) Cost-sharing Amounts for Certain Beneficiaries.—(1) Beneficiaries described in subsection (c)(1) enrolled in TRICARE Select shall be subject to cost-sharing requirements in accordance with the amounts and percentages under the following table during calendar year 2018 and as such amounts are adjusted under paragraph (2) for subsequent years:

(2) Each dollar amount expressed as a fixed dollar amount in the table set forth in paragraph (1), and the amounts specified under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (e), shall be annually indexed to the amount by which retired pay is increased under section 1401a of this title, rounded to the next lower multiple of $1. The remaining amount above such multiple of $1 shall be carried over to, and accumulated with, the amount of the increase for the subsequent year or years and made when the aggregate amount of increases carried over under this clause for a year is $1 or more.

(3) Enrollment fees, deductible amounts, and catastrophic caps under this section are on a calendar-year basis.

(4) The cost-sharing requirements applicable to services not specifically addressed in the table set forth in paragraph (1) shall be established by the Secretary.

(e) Exceptions to Certain Cost-sharing Amounts for Certain Beneficiaries Eligible Prior to 2018.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4), and in accordance with subsection (d)(2), the Secretary shall establish an annual enrollment fee for beneficiaries described in subsection (c)(2)(B) in the retired category who enroll in TRICARE Select (other than such beneficiaries covered by paragraph (3)). Such enrollment fee shall be $150 for an individual and $300 for a family.

(2) For the calendar year for which the Secretary first establishes the annual enrollment fee under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall adjust the catastrophic cap amount to be $3,500 for beneficiaries described in subsection (c)(2)(B) in the retired category who are enrolled in TRICARE Select (other than such beneficiaries covered by paragraph (3)).

(3) The enrollment fee established pursuant to paragraph (1) and the catastrophic cap adjusted under paragraph (2) for beneficiaries described in subsection (c)(2)(B) in the retired category shall not apply with respect to the following beneficiaries:

(A) Retired members and the family members of such members covered by paragraph (1) of section 1086(c) of this title by reason of being retired under chapter 61 of this title or being a dependent of such a member.

(B) Survivors covered by paragraph (2) of such section 1086(c).

(4) The Secretary may not establish an annual enrollment fee under paragraph (1) until 90 days has elapsed following the date on which the Comptroller General of the United States is required to submit the review under paragraph (5).

(5) Not later than February 1, 2020, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a review of the following:

(A) Whether health care coverage for covered beneficiaries has changed since the enactment of this section.

(B) Whether covered beneficiaries are able to obtain appointments for health care according to the access standards established by the Secretary of Defense.

(C) The percent of network providers that accept new patients under the TRICARE program.

(D) The satisfaction of beneficiaries under TRICARE Select.

(f) Other Exceptions to Cost-sharing Requirements.—(1) A beneficiary enrolled in TRICARE for Life is subject to cost-sharing requirements pursuant to section 1086(d)(3) of this title and calculated as if the beneficiary were enrolled in TRICARE Standard as if TRICARE Standard were still being carried out by the Secretary.

(2)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the cost-sharing amount under this section for any beneficiary enrolled in TRICARE Select for a service described in subparagraph (B) that is provided by a network provider is $0.

(B) A service described in this subparagraph is any contraceptive method approved, cleared, or authorized under section 505, 510(k), 513(f)(2), or 515 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), 360e), any contraceptive care (including with respect to insertion, removal, and follow up), any sterilization procedure, or any patient education or counseling service provided in connection with any such contraceptive, care, or procedure.

(3)(A) Consistent with other provisions of this chapter and subject to requirements to be prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary may waive cost-sharing requirements for the first three outpatient mental health visits each year of any of the following beneficiaries:

(i) Beneficiaries in the active-duty family member category.

(ii) Beneficiaries covered by section 1110b of this title.

(B) This paragraph shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.

(g) Construction.—Nothing in this section may be construed as affecting the availability of TRICARE Prime and TRICARE for Life or the cost-sharing requirements for TRICARE for Life under section 1086(d)(3) of this title.

(h) Authority for Multiple Networks in the Same Geographic Area.—(1) The Secretary may establish a system of multiple networks of providers under TRICARE Select in the same geographic area or areas.

(2) Under a system established under paragraph (1), the Secretary may—

(A) require a covered beneficiary enrolling in TRICARE Select to enroll in a specific provider network established pursuant to such system, in which case any provider not in that specific provider network shall be deemed an out-of-network provider with respect to the covered beneficiary (regardless of whether the provider is in a different TRICARE Select provider network) for purposes of this section or any other provision of law limiting the coverage or provision of health care services to those provided by network providers under the TRICARE program; and

(B) include beneficiaries covered by subsection (c)(2).

(i) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The terms "active-duty family member category", "retired category", and "reserve and young adult category" mean the respective categories of TRICARE Select enrollment described in subsection (b).

(2) The term "network" means—

(A) with respect to health care services, such services provided to beneficiaries by TRICARE-authorized civilian health care providers who have entered into a contract under this chapter with a contractor under the TRICARE program; and

(B) with respect to providers, civilian health care providers who have agreed to accept a pre-negotiated rate as the total charge for services provided by the provider and to file claims for beneficiaries.

(3) The term "out-of-network" means, with respect to health care services, such services provided by TRICARE-authorized civilian providers who have not entered into a contract under this chapter with a contractor under the TRICARE program.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2180; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §739(b)(1), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1446; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVII, §1731(a)(23), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1813; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §703(a), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1779; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §701(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 299; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §707(b), (d)(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1944, 1945.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, referred to in subsec. (f)(3)(B), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 118–31, which was approved Dec. 22, 2023.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1075, added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1447; amended Pub. L. 97–22, §10(b)(2), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 137; Pub. L. 108–87, title VIII, §8146(a), Sept. 30, 2003, 117 Stat. 1109; Pub. L. 108–106, title I, §1112(a), Nov. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 1215, related to subsistence charges for officers and certain enlisted members, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, §607(a)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1946.

Another prior section 1075, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 82, related to post card requests for absentee ballots, and for printing and transmission thereof, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570, as superseded by the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 which is classified to subchapter I–D (§1973cc et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 118–159, §707(d)(1), redesignated par. (4) of subsec. (c) as par. (3) of subsec. (f).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 118–159, §707(b)(2), (3), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Pub. L. 118–159, §707(b)(1), substituted "Other Exceptions to Cost-sharing Requirements" for "Exception to Cost-sharing Requirements for TRICARE for Life Beneficiaries" in heading.

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 118–159, §707(d)(1), redesignated par. (4) of subsec. (c) as par. (3) of subsec. (f).

2023—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 118–31 added par. (4).

2021—Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 117–81 added subsec. (h) and redesignated former subsec. (h) as (i).

2019—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 116–92 substituted "25% out of network" for "25% of out of network" in third column of table row relating to Outpatient visit civilian network.

2017—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §739(b)(1)(B), substituted "Ground ambulance civilian network" for "Ambulance civilian network" in first column of table.

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 115–91, §739(b)(1)(A), added par. (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable with respect to the provision of health care under the TRICARE program beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, see section 701(k) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as an Effective Date of 2016 Amendment note under section 1072 of this title.

Pilot Program on Health Care Assistance System

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §731, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1441, as amended by Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §705, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1781, provided that:

"(a) Pilot Program.—The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to provide a health care assistance service to certain covered beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Select using purchased care to improve the health outcomes and patient experience for covered beneficiaries with complex medical conditions.

"(b) Elements.—The pilot program under subsection (a) may include the following elements:

"(1) Assisting beneficiaries with complex medical conditions to understand and use the health benefits under the TRICARE program.

"(2) Supporting such beneficiaries in accessing and navigating the purchased care health care delivery system.

"(3) Providing such beneficiaries with information to allow the beneficiaries to make informed decisions regarding the quality, safety, and cost of available health care services.

"(4) Improving the health outcomes for such beneficiaries.

"(c) Duration.—The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program for an amount of time determined appropriate by the Secretary during the five-year period beginning 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017].

"(d) Report.—Not later than November 1, 2022, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report containing an evaluation of the success of the pilot program under subsection (a), including—

"(1) an analysis of the implementation of the elements under subsection (b);

"(2) the feasibility of incorporating such elements into TRICARE support contracts; and

"(3) input from covered beneficiaries who have participated in the pilot program regarding their satisfaction with, and any benefits attained from, such participation.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section, the terms 'covered beneficiary', 'TRICARE program', and 'TRICARE Select' have the meaning given those terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code."

§1075a. TRICARE Prime: cost sharing

(a) Cost-sharing Requirements.—The cost-sharing requirements under TRICARE Prime are as follows:

(1) There are no cost-sharing requirements for beneficiaries who are covered by section 1074(a) of this title.

(2) With respect to beneficiaries in the active-duty family member category or the retired category (as described in section 1075(b)(1) of this title) by reason of being a member or former member of the uniformed services who originally enlists or is appointed in the uniformed services on or after January 1, 2018, or by reason of being a dependent of such a member, the cost-sharing requirements shall be calculated pursuant to subsection (b)(1).

(3)(A) With respect to beneficiaries described in subparagraph (B) in the active-duty family member category or the retired category (as described in section 1075(b)(1) of this title), the cost-sharing requirements shall be calculated in accordance with the other provisions of this chapter without regard to subsection (b).

(B) Beneficiaries described in this subparagraph are beneficiaries who are eligible to enroll in the TRICARE program by reason of being a member or former member of the uniformed services who originally enlists or is appointed in the uniformed services before January 1, 2018, or by reason of being a dependent of such a member.

(b) Cost-sharing Amounts.—(1) Beneficiaries described in subsection (a)(2) enrolled in TRICARE Prime shall be subject to cost-sharing requirements in accordance with the amounts and percentages under the following table during calendar year 2018 and as such amounts are adjusted under paragraph (2) for subsequent years:

(2) Each dollar amount expressed as a fixed dollar amount in the table set forth in paragraph (1) shall be annually indexed to the amount by which retired pay is increased under section 1401a of this title, rounded to the next lower multiple of $1. The remaining amount above such multiple of $1 shall be carried over to, and accumulated with, the amount of the increase for the subsequent year or years and made when the aggregate amount of increases carried over under this clause for a year is $1 or more.

(3) Enrollment fees, deductible amounts, and catastrophic caps under this section are on a calendar-year basis.

(4) The cost-sharing requirements applicable to services not specifically addressed in the table set forth in paragraph (1) shall be established by the Secretary.

(c) Special Rule for Amounts Without Referrals.—Notwithstanding subsection (b)(1), the cost-sharing amount for a beneficiary enrolled in TRICARE Prime who does not obtain a referral for care under paragraph (1) of section 1095f(a) of this title (or a waiver pursuant to paragraph (2) of such section for such care) shall be an amount equal to 50 percent of the allowed point-of-service charge for such care.

(d) Prohibition on Cost-sharing for Certain Services.—(1)(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the cost-sharing amount under this section for any beneficiary enrolled in TRICARE Prime for a service described in subparagraph (B) that is provided under TRICARE Prime is $0.

(B) A service described in this subparagraph is any contraceptive method approved, cleared, or authorized under section 505, 510(k), 513(f)(2), or 515 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355, 360(k), 360c(f)(2), 360e), any contraceptive care (including with respect to insertion, removal, and follow up), any sterilization procedure, or any patient education or counseling service provided in connection with any such contraceptive, care, or procedure.

(2)(A) Consistent with other provisions of this chapter and subject to requirements to be prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary may waive cost-sharing requirements for the first three outpatient mental health visits each year of a beneficiary in the active-duty family member category (as described in section 1075(b)(1)(A) of this title).

(B) This paragraph shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §701(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2184; amended Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §739(b)(2), (e)(2), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1447; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §701(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 299; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §707(c), (d)(2), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1944, 1945.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 118–31, which was approved Dec. 22, 2023.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 118–159, §707(d)(2), redesignated par. (4) of subsec. (a) as par. (2) of subsec. (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–159, §707(c), added subsec. (d).

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 118–159, §707(d)(2), redesignated par. (4) of subsec. (a) as par. (2) of subsec. (d).

2023—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 118–31 added par. (4).

2017—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §739(b)(2)(B), which directed amendment of "Paragraph (1) of such section" by substituting "Ground ambulance civilian network" for "Ambulance civilian network" in first column of table, was executed by making the substitution in par. (1) of subsec. (b) of this section, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 115–91, §739(b)(2)(A), added par. (4).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–91, §739(e)(2), substituted "section 1095f(a)" for "section 1075f(a)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section applicable with respect to the provision of health care under the TRICARE program beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, see section 701(k) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as an Effective Date of 2016 Amendment note under section 1072 of this title.

§1076. Medical and dental care for dependents: general rule

(a)(1) A dependent described in paragraph (2) is entitled, upon request, to the medical and dental care prescribed by section 1077 of this title in facilities of the uniformed services, subject to the availability of space and facilities and the capabilities of the medical and dental staff.

(2) A dependent referred to in paragraph (1) is a dependent of a member of a uniformed service described in one of the following subparagraphs:

(A) A member who is on active duty for a period of more than 30 days or died while on that duty.

(B) A member who died from an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated—

(i) while the member was on active duty under a call or order to active duty of 30 days or less, on active duty for training, or on inactive-duty training; or

(ii) while the member was traveling to or from the place at which the member was to perform, or had performed, such active duty, active duty for training, or inactive-duty training.

(C) A member who died from an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while the member remained overnight immediately before the commencement of inactive-duty training, or while the member remained overnight between successive periods of inactive-duty training, at or in the vicinity of the site of the inactive-duty training.

(D) A member on active duty who is entitled to benefits under subsection (e) of section 1074a of this title by reason of paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a) of such section.

(E) A member who died from an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while the member—

(i) was serving on funeral honors duty under section 12503 of this title or section 115 of title 32;

(ii) was traveling to or from the place at which the member was to so serve; or

(iii) remained overnight at or in the vicinity of that place immediately before so serving, if the place is outside reasonable commuting distance from the member's residence.

(b) Under regulations to be prescribed jointly by the administering Secretaries, a dependent of a member or former member—

(1) who is, or (if deceased) was at the time of his death, entitled to retired or retainer pay or equivalent pay; or

(2) who died before attaining age 60 and at the time of his death would have been eligible for retired pay under chapter 1223 of this title (or under chapter 67 of this title as in effect before December 1, 1994) but for the fact that he was under 60 years of age;

may, upon request, be given the medical and dental care prescribed by section 1077 of this title in facilities of the uniformed services, subject to the availability of space and facilities and the capabilities of the medical and dental staff, except that a dependent of a member or former member described in paragraph (2) may not be given such medical or dental care until the date on which such member or former member would have attained age 60.

(c) A determination by the medical or dental officer in charge, or the contract surgeon in charge, or his designee, as to the availability of space and facilities and to the capabilities of the medical and dental staff is conclusive. Care under this section may not be permitted to interfere with the primary mission of those facilities.

(d) To utilize more effectively the medical and dental facilities of the uniformed services, the administering Secretaries shall prescribe joint regulations to assure that dependents entitled to medical or dental care under this section will not be denied equal opportunity for that care because the facility concerned is that of a uniformed service other than that of the member.

(e)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the administering Secretary shall furnish an abused dependent of a former member of a uniformed service described in paragraph (4), during that period that the abused dependent is in receipt of transitional compensation under section 1059 of this title, with medical and dental care, including mental health services, in facilities of the uniformed services in accordance with the same eligibility and benefits as were applicable for that abused dependent during the period of active service of the former member.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), upon request of any dependent of a former member of a uniformed service punished for an abuse described in paragraph (4), the administering Secretary for such uniformed service may furnish medical care in facilities of the uniformed services to the dependent for the treatment of any adverse health condition resulting from such dependent's knowledge of (A) the abuse, or (B) any injury or illness suffered by the abused person as a result of such abuse.

(3) Medical and dental care furnished to a dependent of a former member of the uniformed services in facilities of the uniformed services under paragraph (1) or (2)—

(A) shall be limited to the health care prescribed by section 1077 of this title; and

(B) shall be subject to the availability of space and facilities and the capabilities of the medical and dental staff.

(4)(A) A former member of a uniformed service referred to in paragraph (1) is a member who—

(i) received a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge or was dismissed from a uniformed service as a result of a court-martial conviction for an offense, under either military or civil law, involving abuse of a dependent of the member; or

(ii) was administratively discharged from a uniformed service as a result of such an offense.

(B) A determination of whether an offense involved abuse of a dependent of the member shall be made in accordance with regulations prescribed by the administering Secretary for such uniformed service.

(f)(1) The administering Secretaries shall furnish an eligible dependent a physical examination that is required by a school in connection with the enrollment of the dependent as a student in that school.

(2) A dependent is eligible for a physical examination under paragraph (1) if the dependent—

(A) is entitled to receive medical care under subsection (a) or is authorized to receive medical care under subsection (b); and

(B) is at least 5 years of age and less than 12 years of age.

(3) Nothing in paragraph (2) may be construed to prohibit the furnishing of a school-required physical examination to any dependent who, except for not satisfying the age requirement under that paragraph, would otherwise be eligible for a physical examination required to be furnished under this subsection.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1447; amended Pub. L. 89–614, §2(3), Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 862; Pub. L. 95–397, title III, §301, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 849; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(36), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2923; Pub. L. 97–252, title X, §1004(b), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 737; Pub. L. 98–557, §19(5), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2869; Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, §652(a), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 656; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §§604(f)(1)(C), 652(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3877, 3889; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, §651(a), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1990; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VI, §653(a)(4), title VII, §731(c)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1462, 1482; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §§704(a), (b), title XVI, §1671(c)(7)(A), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2798, 2799, 3014; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §703, title XV, §1501(c)(11), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 372, 499; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title V, §513(b), title X, §1073(d)(1)(D), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1730, 1905; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VII, §732, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2071; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §578(i)(2), title VII, §705(c), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 629, 684; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §703], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–174; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §513(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1093.)

Appropriate references are made to dental care throughout the section to reflect the fact that in certain limited situations dependents are entitled to dental care under 37:403(h)(4), restated as section 1077 of this title.

In subsection (a), the words "appointed, enlisted, inducted or called, ordered or conscripted in a uniformed service" are omitted as surplusage, since it does not matter how a member became a member. The words "active duty for a period of more than 30 days" are substituted for the words "active duty or active duty for training pursuant to a call or order that does not specify a period of thirty days or less" to reflect section 101(22) and (23) of this title.

In subsection (b), the words "active duty (other than for training)" are substituted for the words "active duty as defined in section 901(b) of title 50" to reflect section 101(22) of this title. The words "retirement" and "retirement pay" are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (c), 37:421(c) (last 28 words) is omitted as unnecessary since this subsection and section 1077 of this title are written so as to apply to subsection (b) as well as subsection (a).

In subsection (d), the words "because the facility concerned is that of a uniformed service other than that of the member" is substituted for the words "because of the service affiliation of the service member".

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Chapter 67 of this title as in effect before December 1, 1994, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), means chapter 67 (§1331 et seq.) of this title prior to its transfer to part II of subtitle E of this title, its renumbering as chapter 1223, and its general revision by section 1662(j)(1) of Pub. L. 103–337. A new chapter 67 (§1331) of this title was added by section 1662(j)(7) of Pub. L. 103–337.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1076, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 84, related to use of post cards, waiver of registration, and voting by discharged persons, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570, as superseded by the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 which is classified to subchapter I–D (§1973cc et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

2001—Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 107–107 struck out ", if the site was outside reasonable commuting distance from the member's residence" before period at end.

2000—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–398 added subsec. (f).

1999—Subsec. (a)(2)(D). Pub. L. 106–65, §705(c), amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows: "A member who incurred or aggravated an injury, illness, or disease in the line of duty while serving on active duty for a period of 30 days or less (or while traveling to or from the place of such duty) and the member's orders are modified or extended, while the member is being treated for (or recovering from) the injury, illness, or disease, so as to result in active duty for a period of more than 30 days. However, this subparagraph entitles the dependent to medical and dental care only while the member remains on active duty."

Subsec. (a)(2)(E). Pub. L. 106–65, §578(i)(2), added subpar. (E).

1998—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 105–261, §732(1), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "Subject to paragraph (3), if an abused dependent of a former member of a uniformed service described in paragraph (4) needs medical or dental care for an injury or illness resulting from abuse by the member, the administering Secretary may, upon request of the abused dependent, furnish medical or dental care to the dependent for the treatment of such injury or illness in facilities of the uniformed services."

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 105–261, §732(2), inserted "and" at end of subpar. (A), substituted a period for "; and" at end of subpar. (B), and struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: "shall terminate one year after the date on which the former member was discharged or dismissed from a uniformed service as described in paragraph (4)."

1997—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–85, §513(b), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "A dependent referred to in paragraph (1) is a dependent of a member of a uniformed service—

"(A) who is on active duty for a period of more than 30 days or who died while on that duty; or

"(B) who died from an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated—

"(i) while on active duty under a call or order to active duty of 30 days or less, on active duty for training, or on inactive duty training; or

"(ii) while traveling to or from the place at which the member is to perform, or has performed, such active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–85, §1073(d)(1)(D), made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 104–106, §703(b). See 1996 Amendment note below.

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–106, §703(b), as amended by Pub. L. 105–85, §1073(d)(1)(D), in concluding provisions, substituted "paragraph (2) may" for "clause (2) may" and struck out "A dependent described in section 1072(2)(F) of this title may be provided medical and dental care pursuant to clause (2) without regard to subclause (B) of such clause." after "age 60."

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–106, §703(a), substituted "death would" for "death (A) would" and struck out ", and (B) had elected to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan established under subchapter II of chapter 73 of this title" after "60 years of age".

Pub. L. 104–106, §1501(c)(11), substituted "before December 1, 1994" for "before the effective date of the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act" in subpar. (A).

1994—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(c)(7)(A), substituted "under chapter 1223 of this title (or under chapter 67 of this title as in effect before the effective date of the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act)" for "under chapter 67 of this title".

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §704(a)(1), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "Subject to paragraph (3), if—

"(A) a member of a uniformed service receives a dishonorable or bad-conduct discharge or is dismissed from a uniformed service as a result of a court-martial conviction for an offense involving abuse of a dependent of the member, as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the administering Secretary for such uniformed service; and

"(B) the abused dependent needs medical or dental care for an injury or illness resulting from the abuse,

the administering Secretary may, upon request of the abused dependent, furnish medical or dental care to the dependent for the treatment of such injury or illness in facilities of the uniformed services."

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, §704(b)(1), (2), inserted "former" before "member" and substituted "paragraph (4)" for "paragraph (1)(A)".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 103–337, §704(b)(1), (3), inserted "former" before "member" in introductory provisions and in subpar. (C) and substituted "was" for "is" and "paragraph (4)" for "paragraph (1)(A)" in subpar. (C).

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 103–337, §704(a)(2), added par. (4).

1989—Subsec. (e)(3)(C). Pub. L. 101–189, §653(a)(4), substituted "one year" for "1 year".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–189, §731(c)(1), struck out subsec. (f) which read as follows:

"(1) A person described in paragraph (2) shall be considered a dependent for purposes of this section for a period of one year after the date of the person's final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment. In addition, if such a person purchases a conversion health policy within the one-year period referred to in the preceding sentence, such person shall be entitled, upon request, to medical and dental care prescribed by section 1077 of this title for a period of one year after the purchase of the policy for any condition of the person that existed on the date on which coverage under the policy begins and for which care is not provided under that policy.

"(2) A person referred to in paragraph (1) is a person who would qualify as a dependent under section 1072(2)(G) but for the fact that the person's final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment is dated on or after April 1, 1985.

"(3) In this subsection, the term 'conversion health policy' means a health insurance plan with a private insurer, developed through negotiations between the Secretary of Defense and a private insurer, that is available for purchase by or for the use of persons described in paragraph (2)."

1988—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–456 added subsec. (f).

1986—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 99–661, §604(f)(1)(C), inserted reference to disease.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–661, §652(c), added subsec. (e).

1985—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–145 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: "A dependent of a member of a uniformed service who is on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, or of such a member who died while on that duty, is entitled, upon request, to the medical and dental care prescribed by section 1077 of this title in facilities of the uniformed services, subject to the availability of space and facilities and the capabilities of the medical and dental staff."

1984—Subsecs. (b), (d). Pub. L. 98–557 substituted reference to administering Secretaries for reference to Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Health and Human Services.

1982—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–252 provided for medical and dental care, for a dependent described in section 1072(2)(F) of this title, pursuant to clause (2) without regard to subclause (B) of such clause.

1980—Subsecs. (b), (d). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "Secretary of Health and Human Services" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare".

1978—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–397 substituted "Under regulations to be prescribed jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, a dependent of a member or former member-" for "Under joint regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, a dependent of a member or former member who is, or was at the time of his death, entitled to retired or retainer pay, or equivalent pay, may, upon request, be given the medical and dental care prescribed by section 1077 of this title in facilities of the uniformed services, subject to the availability of space and facilities and the capabilities of the medical and dental staff", added pars. (1), (2), and provisions following par. (2) relating to medical and dental care on request in facilities of the uniformed services subject to the availability of space, facilities and capabilities of staff, and excepting from such care provision a dependent of a member or former member until such member or former member would have attained age 60.

1966—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–614 struck out provision which excepted from medical and dental care a member or former member who is, or was at the time of his death, entitled to retired pay under chapter 67 of this title and has served less than eight years on active duty (other than for training).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(d)(1), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1904, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Feb. 10, 1996, and as if included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996, Pub. L. 104–106, as enacted.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 498, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as of Dec. 1, 1994, and as if included as an amendment made by the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, title XVI of Pub. L. 103–337, as originally enacted.

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by section 1671(c)(7)(A) of Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by section 731(c)(1) of Pub. L. 101–189 applicable to a person referred to in 10 U.S.C. 1072(2)(H) whose decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment becomes final on or after Nov. 29, 1989, and to a person so referred to whose decree became final during the period from Sept. 29, 1988 to Nov. 28, 1989, as if the amendment had become effective on Sept. 29, 1988, see section 731(d) of Pub. L. 101–189, set out as a note under section 1072 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, §651(d), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1990, provided that: "Section 1076(f) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 29, 1988] or 30 days after the Secretary of Defense first makes available a conversion health policy (as defined in such section), whichever is later. Such section shall apply to persons whose decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment becomes final after the date of the enactment of this Act."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment

Amendment by section 604 of Pub. L. 99–661 applicable with respect to persons who, after Nov. 14, 1986, incur or aggravate an injury, illness, or disease or die, see section 604(g) of Pub. L. 99–661, set out as a note under section 1074a of this title.

Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §652(e)(3), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3890, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (c) [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to dependents who request medical or dental care on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986]."

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, §652(c), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 657, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1086 of this title] shall apply only with respect to dependents of members of the uniformed services whose deaths occur after September 30, 1985."

Effective Date of 1982 Amendment; Transition Provisions

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–252 effective Feb. 1, 1983, and applicable in the case of any former spouse of a member or former member of the uniformed services whether final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment of marriage of former spouse and such member or former member is dated before, on, or after Feb. 1, 1983, see section 1006 of Pub. L. 97–252, set out as an Effective Date; Transition Provisions note under section 1408 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–397, title III, §302, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 849, provided that: "The amendment made by section 301 [amending this section] shall become effective on October 1, 1978, or on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1978], whichever is later."

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–614, see section 3 of Pub. L. 89–614, set out as a note under section 1071 of this title.

Stipend for Members of Reserve Components for Health Care for Certain Dependents

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §704, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 188, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense may, pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary, pay a stipend to a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who is called or ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days for purposes of maintaining civilian health care coverage for a dependant whom the Secretary determines to possess a special health care need that would be best met by remaining in the member's civilian health plan. In making such determination, the Secretary shall consider whether—

"(1) the dependent of the member was receiving treatment for the special health care need before the call or order to active duty of the member; and

"(2) the call or order to active duty would result in an interruption in treatment or a change in health care provider for such treatment."

Transitional Health Care for Members, or Dependents of Members, Upon Release of Member From Active Duty in Connection With Operation Desert Storm

Pub. L. 102–25, title III, §313, Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 85, provided that:

"(a) Health Care Provided.—A member of the Armed Forces described in subsection (b), and the dependents of the member, shall be entitled to receive health care described in subsection (c) upon the release of the member from active duty in connection with Operation Desert Storm until the earlier of—

"(1) 30 days after the date of the release of the member from active duty; or

"(2) the date on which the member and the dependents of the member are covered by a health plan sponsored by an employer.

"(b) Eligible Member Described.—A member of the Armed Forces referred to in subsection (a) is a member who—

"(1) is a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces and is called or ordered to active duty under chapter 39 of title 10, United States Code, in connection with Operation Desert Storm;

"(2) is involuntarily retained on active duty under section 673c [now 12305] of title 10, United States Code, in connection with Operation Desert Storm; or

"(3) voluntarily agrees to remain on active duty for a period of less than one year in connection with Operation Desert Storm.

"(c) Health Care Described.—The health care referred to in subsection (a) is—

"(1) medical and dental care under section 1076 of title 10, United States Code, in the same manner as a dependent described in subsection (a)(2) of that section; and

"(2) health benefits contracted under the authority of section 1079(a) of that title and subject to the same rates and conditions as apply to persons covered under that section.

"(d) Dependent Defined.—For purposes of this section, the term 'dependent' has the meaning given that term in section 1072(2) of title 10, United States Code."

Dependent; Qualification As; Transition

Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, §651(c), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1990, provided that: "Any person who qualified as a dependent under section 645(c) of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1985 [Pub. L. 98–525, formerly set out as a note under section 1072 of this title], as in effect before its repeal by subsection (b), shall remain qualified as a dependent as specified in that section and shall become eligible for benefits in accordance with section 1076(f) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), when no longer qualified as a dependent pursuant to such section 645(c)."

§1076a. TRICARE dental program

(a) Establishment of Dental Plans.—The Secretary of Defense may establish, and in the case of the dental plan described in paragraph (1) shall establish, the following voluntary enrollment dental plans:

(1) Plan for selected reserve and individual ready reserve.—A dental insurance plan for members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and for members of the Individual Ready Reserve described in subsection 10144(b) of this title.

(2) Plan for other reserves.—A dental insurance plan for members of the Individual Ready Reserve not eligible to enroll in the plan established under paragraph (1).

(3) Plan for active duty dependents.—Dental benefits plans for eligible dependents of members of the uniformed services who are on active duty for a period of more than 30 days.

(4) Plan for ready reserve dependents.—A dental benefits plan for eligible dependents of members of the Ready Reserve of the reserve components who are not on active duty for more than 30 days.

(b) Administration of Plans.—

(1) In general.—The plans established under this section shall be administered under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the other administering Secretaries.

(2) Premium sharing plans.—Effective as of January 1, 2027, the regulations prescribed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to premium sharing plans referred to in subsection (d)(1), the following elements:

(A) A third party administrator shall manage the administrative features of such plans, including eligibility, enrollment, plan change and premium payment processes, submission of qualifying life events changes, and address changes.

(B) Such plans shall include the following three enrollment options:

(i) Self.

(ii) Self plus one.

(iii) Family.

(C) In the United States, to the extent practicable, individuals eligible to enroll in such a plan shall be offered options to enroll in plans of not fewer than two and not more than four dental insurance carriers.

(D) To the extent practicable, each carrier described in subparagraph (C)—

(i) shall manage dental care delivery matters, including claims adjudication (with required electronic submission of claims), coordination of benefits, covered services, enrollment verification, and provider networks;

(ii) shall, in addition to offering a standard option plan, offer a non-standard option plan;

(iii) may offer a non-standard option plan managed as a dental health maintenance organization plan;

(iv) shall establish and operate dental provider networks that provide—

(I) accessible care with a prevention or wellness focus;

(II) continuity of care;

(III) coordinated care (including appropriate dental and medical referrals);

(IV) patient-centered care (including effective communications, individualized care, and shared decision-making); and

(V) high-quality, safe care;

(v) shall develop and implement adult and pediatric dental quality measures, including effective measurements for—

(I) access to care;

(II) continuity of care;

(III) cost;

(IV) adverse patient events;

(V) oral health outcomes; and

(VI) patient experience; and

(vi) may conduct in the provider networks established and operated by the carrier under clause (iv), to the extent practicable, pilot programs on the development of a model of care based on the model of care commonly referred to as patient-centered dental homes.

(c) Care Available Under Plans.—Dental plans established under subsection (a) may provide for the following dental care:

(1) Diagnostic, oral examination, and preventive services and palliative emergency care.

(2) Basic restorative services of amalgam and composite restorations, stainless steel crowns for primary teeth, and dental appliance repairs.

(3) Orthodontic services, crowns, gold fillings, bridges, complete or partial dentures, and such other services as the Secretary of Defense considers to be appropriate.

(d) Premiums.—

(1) Premium sharing plans.—(A) The dental insurance plan established under subsection (a)(1) and the dental benefits plans established under subsection (a)(3) are premium sharing plans.

(B) Members enrolled in a premium sharing plan for themselves or for their dependents shall be required to pay a share of the premium charged for the benefits provided under the plan. During the period preceding January 1, 2027, the member's share of the premium charge may not exceed $20 per month for the enrollment.

(C) Effective as of January 1 of each year during the period preceding January 1, 2027, the amount of the premium required under subparagraph (A) shall be increased by the percent equal to the lesser of—

(i) the percent by which the rates of basic pay of members of the uniformed services are increased on such date; or

(ii) the sum of one-half percent and the percent computed under section 5303(a) of title 5 for the increase in rates of basic pay for statutory pay systems for pay periods beginning on or after such date.

(D) During the period preceding January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense may reduce the monthly premium required to be paid under paragraph (1) in the case of enlisted members in pay grade E–1, E–2, E–3, or E–4 if the Secretary determines that such a reduction is appropriate to assist such members to participate in a dental plan referred to in subparagraph (A).

(E) Beginning on January 1, 2027, the amount of the premium required under subparagraph (A)—

(i) for standard option plans, shall be established by the Secretary annually such that in the aggregate (taking into account the adjustments under subparagraph (F) and subsection (e)(3)), the Secretary's share of each premium is 60 percent of the premium for each enrollment category (self, self plus one, and family, respectively) of each standard option plan; and

(ii) for non-standard option plans, shall be equal to the amount determined under clause (i) plus 100 percent of the additional premium amount applicable to such non-standard option plan.

(F) Beginning on January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall reduce the monthly premium required to be paid under paragraph (1) in the case of enlisted members in pay grade E–1, E–2, E–3, or E–4.

(2) Full premium plans.—(A) The dental insurance plan established under subsection (a)(2) and the dental benefits plan established under subsection (a)(4) are full premium plans.

(B) Members enrolled in a full premium plan for themselves or for their dependents shall be required to pay the entire premium charged for the benefits provided under the plan.

(3) Payment procedures.—A member's share of the premium for a plan established under subsection (a) may be paid by deductions from the basic pay of the member and from compensation paid under section 206 of title 37, as the case may be. The regulations prescribed under subsection (b) shall specify the procedures for payment of the premiums by enrollees who do not receive such pay.

(e) Copayments Under Premium Sharing Plans.—(1) Except as provided pursuant to paragraph (2), a member or dependent who receives dental care under a premium sharing plan referred to in subsection (d)(1) shall—

(A) in the case of care described in subsection (c)(1), pay no charge for the care;

(B) in the case of care described in subsection (c)(2), pay 20 percent of the charges for the care; and

(C) in the case of care described in subsection (c)(3), pay a percentage of the charges for the care that is determined appropriate by the Secretary of Defense, after consultation with the other administering Secretaries.

(2)(A) During a national emergency declared by the President or Congress and subject to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary may waive, in whole or in part, the charges otherwise payable by a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve or a member of the Individual Ready Reserve under paragraph (1) for the coverage of the member alone under the dental insurance plan established under subsection (a)(1) if the Secretary determines that such waiver of the charges would facilitate or ensure the readiness of a unit or individual for deployment.

(B) The waiver under subparagraph (A) may apply only with respect to charges for coverage of dental care required for readiness.

(3) Beginning on January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall reduce copayments required to be paid under paragraph (1) in the case of enlisted members in pay grade E–1, E–2, E–3, or E–4.

(f) Transfer of Members.—If a member whose dependents are enrolled in the plan established under subsection (a)(3) is transferred to a duty station where dental care is provided to the member's eligible dependents under a program other than that plan, the member may discontinue participation under the plan. If the member is later transferred to a duty station where dental care is not provided to such member's eligible dependents except under the plan established under subsection (a)(3), the member may re-enroll the dependents in that plan.

(g) Care Outside the United States.—The Secretary of Defense may exercise the authority provided under subsection (a) to establish dental insurance plans and dental benefits plans for dental benefits provided outside the United States for the eligible members and dependents of members of the uniformed services. In the case of such an overseas dental plan, the Secretary may waive or reduce any copayments required by subsection (e) to the extent the Secretary determines appropriate for the effective and efficient operation of the plan.

(h) Waiver of Requirements for Surviving Dependents.—The Secretary of Defense may waive (in whole or in part) any requirements of a dental plan established under this section as the Secretary determines necessary for the effective administration of the plan for a dependent who is an eligible dependent described in subsection (k)(2).

(i) Authority Subject to Appropriations.—The authority of the Secretary of Defense to enter into a contract under this section for any fiscal year is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose.

(j) Limitation on Reduction of Benefits.—During the period preceding January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense may not reduce benefits provided under a plan established under this section, and on or after January 1, 2027, the Secretary may not reduce benefits provided under a standard option plan under this section, until—

(1) the Secretary provides notice of the Secretary's intent to reduce such benefits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and

(2) one year has elapsed following the date of such notice.

(k) Eligible Dependent Defined.—(1) In this section, the term "eligible dependent" means a dependent described in subparagraph (A), (D), or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title.

(2) Such term includes any such dependent of a member who dies—

(A) while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days; or

(B) while such member is a member of the Ready Reserve.

(3) Such term does not include a dependent by reason of paragraph (2) after the end of the three-year period beginning on the date of the member's death, except that, in the case of a dependent of the deceased who is described by subparagraph (D) or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title, the period of continued eligibility shall be the longer of the following periods beginning on such date:

(A) Three years.

(B) The period ending on the date on which such dependent attains 21 years of age.

(C) In the case of such dependent who, at 21 years of age, is enrolled in a full-time course of study in a secondary school or in a full-time course of study in an institution of higher education approved by the administering Secretary and was, at the time of the member's death, in fact dependent on the member for over one-half of such dependent's support, the period ending on the earlier of the following dates:

(i) The date on which such dependent ceases to pursue such a course of study, as determined by the administering Secretary.

(ii) The date on which such dependent attains 23 years of age.

(l) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "non-standard option plan" means a high option dental insurance plan that includes covered services in addition to, or provides greater coverage with respect to, services covered under a standard option plan.

(2) The term "standard option plan" means a dental insurance plan that provides for the coverage of preventive services, basic restorative services, and specialty dental care services at a level that is at least commensurate with the coverage of the same services provided under the premium sharing plans under this section during the period preceding January 1, 2027.

(Added Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §711(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 685; amended Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §704(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–174; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VII, §703, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2584; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §711, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1984; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §713, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3343; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §735(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4514; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §704, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2373; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VII, §703, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4245; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §701(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1798; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §713(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1811; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §711(b)—(d), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3691; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §701(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2644; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title XVIII, §1801(a)(12), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 684; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §704(a), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1942.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1076a, added Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, §651(a)(1), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 655; amended Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VII, §707(a), (b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3905; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VII, §701, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1399; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VII, §701(a)–(e), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2430; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §§702(b), 703(a), 707(b), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2797, 2798, 2800; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §732, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1812; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(1), (b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2056; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1066(a)(8), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 770; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(d)(4)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–293, related to dependents' dental program, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §711(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 685.

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–159 substituted "January 1, 2027" for "January 1, 2026" wherever appearing.

2023—Subsec. (d)(1)(E)(i). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "subsection (e)(3))" for "subsection (e)(3)".

2022—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 117–263, §701(a)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and added par. (2).

Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–263, §701(a)(2)(A), substituted "During the period preceding January 1, 2026, the member's" for "The member's".

Subsec. (d)(1)(C). Pub. L. 117–263, §701(a)(2)(B), substituted "of each year during the period preceding January 1, 2026," for "of each year," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(1)(D). Pub. L. 117–263, §701(a)(2)(C), substituted "During the period preceding January 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense" for "The Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (d)(1)(E), (F). Pub. L. 117–263, §701(a)(2)(D), added subpars. (E) and (F).

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 117–263, §701(a)(3), added par. (3).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 117–263, §701(a)(4), substituted "During the period preceding January 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense may not reduce benefits provided under a plan established under this section, and on or after January 1, 2026, the Secretary may not reduce benefits provided under a standard option plan under this section, until" for "The Secretary of Defense may not reduce benefits provided under a plan established under this section until" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 117–263, §701(a)(5), added subsec. (l).

2021—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §711(d), struck out at end "During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this sentence and ending December 31, 2018, such plan shall provide that coverage for a member of the Selected Reserve who is involuntarily separated from the Selected Reserve under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary concerned, shall not terminate earlier than 180 days after the date on which the member is separated."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283, §711(c), repealed Pub. L. 115–232, §713(b). See 2018 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 116–283, §711(b), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The plans established under this section shall be administered by the Secretary of Defense through an agreement with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to allow persons described in subsection (a) to enroll in an insurance plan under chapter 89A of title 5, in accordance with terms prescribed by the Secretary, including terms, to the extent practical, as defined by the Director through regulation, consistent with subsection (d) and, to the extent practicable in relation to such chapter 89A, other provisions of this section."

2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–232, §713(b), which amended subsec. (b) generally, applicable with respect to the first contract year for chapter 89A of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, that was to begin on or after Jan. 1, 2022, was repealed by Pub. L. 116–283, §711(c).

2013—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 112–239 inserted at end "During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this sentence and ending December 31, 2018, such plan shall provide that coverage for a member of the Selected Reserve who is involuntarily separated from the Selected Reserve under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary concerned, shall not terminate earlier than 180 days after the date on which the member is separated."

2011—Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 111–383 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "Such term includes any such dependent of a member who dies while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days or a member of the Ready Reserve if, on the date of the death of the member, the dependent—

"(A) is enrolled in a dental benefits plan established under subsection (a); or

"(B) if not enrolled in such a plan on such date—

"(i) is not enrolled by reason of a discontinuance of a former enrollment under subsection (f); or

"(ii) is not qualified for such enrollment because—

"(I) the dependent is a child under the minimum age for such enrollment; or

"(II) the dependent is a spouse who is a member of the armed forces on active duty for a period of more than 30 days."

2009—Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 111–84 amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "Such term does not include a dependent by reason of paragraph (2) after the end of the three-year period beginning on the date of the member's death."

2008—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 110–417 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Except as provided pursuant to paragraph (2), a member or dependent" for "A member or dependent", redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as subpars. (A) to (C), respectively, of par. (1) and added par. (2).

2006—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 109–163 reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In this section, the term 'eligible dependent'—

"(1) means a dependent described in subparagraph (A), (D), or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title; and

"(2) includes any such dependent of a member who dies while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days or a member of the Ready Reserve if, on the date of the death of the member, the dependent is enrolled in a dental benefits plan established under subsection (a), is not enrolled in such a plan by reason of a discontinuance of a former enrollment under subsection (f), or is not enrolled because the dependent is a child under the minimum age for enrollment, except that the term does not include the dependent after the end of the three-year period beginning on the date of the member's death."

2004—Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 108–375 substituted "under subsection (a)," for "under subsection (a) or" and inserted "or is not enrolled because the dependent is a child under the minimum age for enrollment," after "under subsection (f),".

2002—Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 107–314 substituted "if, on the date of the death of the member, the dependent is enrolled in a dental benefits plan established under subsection (a) or is not enrolled in such a plan by reason of a discontinuance of a former enrollment under subsection (f)" for "if the dependent is enrolled on the date of the death of the member in a dental benefits plan established under subsection (a)".

2000—Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "three-year period" for "one-year period".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Rulemaking

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VII, §701(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2646, as amended by Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §704(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1942, provided that: "Pursuant to the authority under section 1076a(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall—

"(1) not later than January 1, 2026, prescribe an interim final rule to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section]; and

"(2) after prescribing the interim final rule under subparagraph (A) [sic; probably should be "paragraph (1)"] and considering public comments with respect to such interim final rule, prescribe a final rule, effective on January 1, 2027, to carry out such amendments."

Transition of Administration of TRICARE Dental Plans

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §713(d), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1812, which related to transition of administration of TRICARE dental plans, was repealed by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §711(c), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3691.

Authorization To Expand Enrollment in Dependents' Dental Program to Certain Members Returning From Overseas Assignments

Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §703, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1687, provided that:

"(a) Authority To Expand Program.—After March 31, 1994, the Secretary of Defense may expand the dependents' dental program established under section 1076a of title 10, United States Code, to permit a member of the uniformed services described in subsection (b) to enroll dependents described in subsection (a) of such section in a dental benefits plan under the program without regard to the length of the uncompleted portion of the member's period of obligated service.

"(b) Covered Members.—A member referred to in subsection (a) is a member of the uniformed services who is—

"(1) on active duty for a period of more than 30 days (as defined in section 101(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code); and

"(2) reassigned from a permanent duty station where a dental benefits plan under the dependents' dental program is not available to a permanent duty station where such a plan is available.

"(c) Report on Advisability of Expansion.—Not later than February 28, 1994, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the advisability of expanding the enrollment eligibility of members of the uniformed services in the dependents' dental program in the manner authorized in subsection (a). The report shall include an analysis of the cost implications for such an expansion to the Federal Government, beneficiaries under the dependents' dental program, and contractors under the program.

"(d) Notification of Exercise of Authority.—The Secretary shall notify Congress of any decision to expand the enrollment eligibility of dependents in the dependents' dental program as provided in subsection (a) not later than 30 days before such expansion takes effect."

[§1076b. Repealed. Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §706(d), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2282]

Section, added Pub. L. 108–106, title I, §1115(a), Nov. 6, 2003, 117 Stat. 1216; amended Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §702, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1525; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §702(a)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3340; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §704(d), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2280, related to TRICARE Standard coverage for members of the Selected Reserve.

A prior section 1076b, added Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §705(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 372; amended Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §702(a), (b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2588; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §733(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1812, related to Selected Reserve dental insurance, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §711(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 685.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of Repeal

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §706(d), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2282, provided that the repeal made by section 706(d) is effective Oct. 1, 2007.

§1076c. Dental insurance plan: certain retirees and their surviving spouses and other dependents

(a) Requirement for Plan.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall establish a dental insurance plan for retirees of the uniformed services, certain unremarried surviving spouses, and dependents in accordance with this section.

(2) The Secretary may satisfy the requirement under paragraph (1) by entering into an agreement with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to allow persons described in subsection (b) to enroll in an insurance plan under chapter 89A of title 5 that provides benefits similar to those benefits required to be provided under subsection (d).

(b) Persons Eligible for Plan.—The following persons are eligible to enroll in the dental insurance plan established under subsection (a):

(1) Members of the uniformed services who are entitled to retired pay.

(2) Members of the Retired Reserve who would be entitled to retired pay under chapter 1223 of this title but for being under 60 years of age.

(3) Eligible dependents of a member described in paragraph (1) or (2) who are covered by the enrollment of the member in the plan.

(4) Eligible dependents of a member described in paragraph (1) or (2) who is not enrolled in the plan and who—

(A) is enrolled under section 1705 of title 38 to receive dental care from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;

(B) is enrolled in a dental plan that—

(i) is available to the member as a result of employment by the member that is separate from the military service of the member; and

(ii) is not available to dependents of the member as a result of such separate employment by the member; or

(C) is prevented by a medical or dental condition from being able to obtain benefits under the plan.

(5) The unremarried surviving spouse and eligible child dependents of a deceased member—

(A) who died while in a status described in paragraph (1) or (2);

(B) who is described in section 1448(d)(1) of this title; or

(C) who died while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose eligible dependents are not eligible, or no longer eligible, for dental benefits under section 1076a of this title.

(c) Premiums.—(1) A member enrolled in the dental insurance plan established under subsection (a) shall pay the premiums charged for the insurance coverage.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall establish procedures for the collection of the premiums charged for coverage by the dental insurance plan. To the maximum extent practicable, the premiums payable by a member entitled to retired pay shall be deducted and withheld from the retired pay of the member (if pay is available to the member).

(d) Benefits Available Under the Plan.—The dental insurance plan established under subsection (a) shall provide benefits for dental care and treatment which may be comparable to the benefits authorized under section 1076a of this title for plans established under that section and shall include diagnostic services, preventative services, endodontics and other basic restorative services, surgical services, and emergency services.

(e) Coverage.—(1) The Secretary shall prescribe a minimum required period for enrollment by a member or surviving spouse in the dental insurance plan established under subsection (a).

(2) The dental insurance plan shall provide for voluntary enrollment of participants and shall authorize a member or eligible unremarried surviving spouse to enroll for self only or for self and eligible dependents.

(f) Required Terminations of Enrollment.—The Secretary shall terminate the enrollment of any enrollee, and any eligible dependents of the enrollee covered by the enrollment, in the dental insurance plan established under subsection (a) upon the occurrence of the following:

(1) In the case of an enrollment under subsection (b)(1), termination of the member's entitlement to retired pay.

(2) In the case of an enrollment under subsection (b)(2), termination of the member's status as a member of the Retired Reserve.

(3) In the case of an enrollment under subsection (b)(5), remarriage of the surviving spouse.

(g) Continuation of Dependents' Enrollment Upon Death of Enrollee.—Coverage of a dependent in the dental insurance plan established under subsection (a) under an enrollment of a member or a surviving spouse who dies during the period of enrollment shall continue until the end of that period and may be renewed by (or for) the dependent, so long as the premium paid is sufficient to cover continuation of the dependent's enrollment. The Secretary may terminate coverage of the dependent when the premiums paid are no longer sufficient to cover continuation of the enrollment. The Secretary shall prescribe in regulations under subsection (h) the parties responsible for paying the remaining premiums due on the enrollment and the manner for collection of the premiums.

(h) Regulations.—The dental insurance plan established under subsection (a) shall be administered under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries.

(i) Voluntary Disenrollment.—(1) With respect to enrollment in the dental insurance plan established under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense—

(A) shall allow for a period of up to 30 days at the beginning of the prescribed minimum enrollment period during which an enrollee may disenroll; and

(B) shall provide for limited circumstances under which disenrollment shall be permitted during the prescribed enrollment period, without jeopardizing the fiscal integrity of the dental program.

(2) The circumstances described in paragraph (1)(B) shall include—

(A) a case in which a retired member, surviving spouse, or dependent of a retired member who is also a Federal employee is assigned to a location outside the jurisdiction of the dental insurance plan established under subsection (a) that prevents utilization of dental benefits under the plan;

(B) a case in which a retired member, surviving spouse, or dependent of a retired member is prevented by a serious medical condition from being able to obtain benefits under the plan;

(C) a case in which severe financial hardship would result; and

(D) any other circumstances which the Secretary considers appropriate.

(3) The Secretary shall establish procedures for timely decisions on requests for disenrollment under this section and for appeal to the TRICARE Management Activity of adverse decisions.

(j) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "eligible dependent" means a dependent described in subparagraph (A), (D), or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title.

(2) The term "eligible child dependent" means a dependent described in subparagraph (D) or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title.

(3) The term "retired pay" includes retainer pay.

(Added Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §703(a)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2588; amended Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §§701, 733(b), 734, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1807, 1812, 1813; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VII, §702, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2056; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §704, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 683; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §726, title X, §1087(a)(6)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–187, 1654A–290; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §715(b)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2222.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328 amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall establish a dental insurance plan for retirees of the uniformed services, certain unremarried surviving spouses, and dependents in accordance with this section."

2000—Subsec. (b)(5)(C). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(6)], struck out "pursuant to subsection (i)(2) of such section" after "section 1076a of this title".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §726(b)], substituted "Required Terminations" for "Termination" in heading.

Subsecs. (i), (j). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §726(a)], added subsec. (i) and redesignated former subsec. (i) as (j).

1999—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–65 amended heading and text of subsec. (d) generally. Text read as follows: "The dental insurance plan established under subsection (a) shall provide benefits for basic dental care and treatment, including diagnostic services, preventative services, basic restorative services (including endodontics), surgical services, and emergency services."

1998—Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 105–261, §702(a), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 105–261, §702(b), substituted "(b)(5)" for "(b)(4)".

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–85, §734(a)(1), (b)(1), substituted "The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall establish a dental insurance plan for retirees of the uniformed services" for "The Secretary of Defense shall establish a dental insurance plan for military retirees".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–85, §734(a)(2), substituted "uniformed services" for "Armed Forces".

Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 105–85, §701(1)(A), substituted "died" for "dies".

Subsec. (b)(4)(C). Pub. L. 105–85, §701(1)(B), (2), (3), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 105–85, §733(b), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "The amount of the premiums payable by a member entitled to retired pay shall be deducted and withheld from the retired pay and shall be disbursed to pay the premiums. The regulations prescribed under subsection (h) shall specify the procedures for payment of the premiums by other enrolled members and by enrolled surviving spouses."

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 105–85, §734(b)(2), substituted "other administering Secretaries" for "Secretary of Transportation".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 applicable with respect to the first contract year for chapter 89A or 89B of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, as applicable, that begins on or after Jan. 1, 2018, see section 715(c) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 8951 of Title 5.

Limitation on Implementation of Alternative Collection Procedures

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §733(d), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1813, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense may not implement procedures for collecting premiums under [former] section 1076b(b)(3) of title 10, United States Code, or section 1076c(c)(2) of such title other than by deductions and withholding from pay until 120 days after the date that the Secretary submits a report to Congress describing the justifications for implementing such alternative procedures."

Implementation of Dental Plan

Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §703(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2590, as amended by Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §733(e), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1813, provided that: "Beginning not later than April 1, 1998, the Secretary of Defense shall—

"(1) offer members of the Armed Forces and other persons described in subsection (b) of section 1076c of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)(1) of this section), the opportunity to enroll in the dental insurance plan required under that section; and

"(2) begin to provide benefits under the plan."

§1076d. TRICARE program: TRICARE Reserve Select coverage for members of the Selected Reserve

(a) Eligibility.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of a reserve component of the armed forces is eligible for health benefits under TRICARE Reserve Select as provided in this section.

(2) During the period preceding January 1, 2030, paragraph (1) does not apply to a member who is enrolled, or is eligible to enroll, in a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5.

(b) Termination of Eligibility Upon Termination of Service.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), eligibility for TRICARE Reserve Select coverage of a member under this section shall terminate upon the termination of the member's service in the Selected Reserve.

(2) During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph and ending December 31, 2018, eligibility for a member under this section who is involuntarily separated from the Selected Reserve under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary concerned, shall terminate 180 days after the date on which the member is separated.

(c) Family Members.—While a member of a reserve component is covered by TRICARE Reserve Select under the section, the members of the immediate family of such member are eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select coverage as dependents of the member. If a member of a reserve component dies while in a period of coverage under this section, the eligibility of the members of the immediate family of such member for TRICARE Reserve Select coverage shall continue for six months beyond the date of death of the member.

(d) Premiums.—(1) A member of a reserve component covered by TRICARE Reserve Select under this section shall pay a premium for that coverage. Such premium shall apply instead of any enrollment fees required under section 1075 of this title.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe for the purposes of this section one premium for TRICARE Reserve Select coverage of members without dependents and one premium for TRICARE Reserve Select coverage of members with dependents referred to in subsection (f)(1). The premium prescribed for a coverage shall apply uniformly to all covered members of the reserve components.

(3)(A) The monthly amount of the premium in effect for a month for TRICARE Reserve Select coverage under this section shall be the amount equal to 28 percent of the total monthly amount determined on an appropriate actuarial basis as being reasonable for that coverage.

(B) The appropriate actuarial basis for purposes of subparagraph (A) shall be determined, for each calendar year after calendar year 2009, by utilizing the actual cost of providing benefits under this section to members and their dependents during the calendar years preceding such calendar year.

(4) The premiums payable by a member of a reserve component under this subsection may be deducted and withheld from basic pay payable to the member under section 204 of title 37 or from compensation payable to the member under section 206 of such title. The Secretary shall prescribe the requirements and procedures applicable to the payment of premiums.

(5) Amounts collected as premiums under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation available for the Defense Health Program Account under section 1100 of this title, shall be merged with sums in such Account that are available for the fiscal year in which collected, and shall be available under subsection (b) of such section for such fiscal year.

(e) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this section.

(f) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "immediate family", with respect to a member of a reserve component, means all of the member's dependents described in subparagraphs (A), (D), and (I) of section 1072(2) of this title.

(2) The term "TRICARE Reserve Select" means—

(A) medical care at facilities of the uniformed services to which a dependent described in section 1076(a)(2) of this title is entitled; and

(B) health benefits under the TRICARE Select self-managed, preferred provider network option under section 1075 of this title made available to beneficiaries by reason of this section and subject to the cost-sharing requirements set forth in such section 1075.

(Added Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §701(a)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1980; amended Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §701(a)–(f)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3339, 3340; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §§704(c), 706(a)–(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2280, 2282; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §701(c), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 188; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §704(a), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4498; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(11), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2473; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VII, §701(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1798; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §701(j)(1)(B), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2192; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §701(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1432; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §701, title XVII, §1731(a)(24), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1436, 1813; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §702(a), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 300.)

Amendment of Subsection (c)

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §702, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 300, provided that, effective Oct. 1, 2025, subsec. (c) of this section is amended by striking "six months" and inserting "three years". See 2023 Amendment note below.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of the enactment of this paragraph, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 112–239, which was approved Jan. 2, 2013.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 118–31 substituted "three years" for "six months".

2019—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–92, §701, substituted "During the period preceding January 1, 2030, paragraph (1) does not apply" for "Paragraph (1) does not apply".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 116–92, §1731(a)(24), substituted "section 1075 of this title" for "section 1075 of this section".

2017—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–91 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "The term 'TRICARE Reserve Select' means the TRICARE Select self-managed, preferred-provider network option under section 1075 made available to beneficiaries by reason of this section and in accordance with subsection (d)(1)."

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(B)(iii), substituted "TRICARE Reserve Select" for "TRICARE Standard" in section catchline and wherever appearing in text.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(B)(i), inserted at end "Such premium shall apply instead of any enrollment fees required under section 1075 of this section."

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(B)(ii), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which defined the term "TRICARE Standard".

2013—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–239 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2), eligibility" for "Eligibility", and added par. (2).

2009—Pub. L. 111–84 substituted "Standard" for "standard" in section catchline.

2008—Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 110–417 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "determined" for "that the Secretary determines", struck out at end "During the period beginning on April 1, 2006, and ending on September 30, 2008, the monthly amount of the premium may not be increased above the amount in effect for the month of March 2006.", and added subpar. (B).

Pub. L. 110–181 substituted "September 30, 2008" for "September 30, 2007".

2006—Pub. L. 109–364, §706(c)(2), substituted "TRICARE standard coverage for members of the Selected Reserve" for "coverage for members of reserve components who commit to continued service in the Selected Reserve after release from active duty in support of a contingency operation" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 109–163, §701(f)(1), substituted "active duty in support of a contingency operation" for "active duty" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 109–364, §706(a), designated introductory provisions as par. (1), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member" for "A member", substituted period at end for "after the member completes service on active duty to which the member was called or ordered for a period of more than 30 days on or after September 11, 2001, under a provision of law referred to in section 101(a)(13)(B), if the member—", added par. (2), and struck out former pars. (1) and (2) which read as follows:

"(1) served continuously on active duty for 90 or more days pursuant to such call or order; and

"(2) not later than 90 days after release from such active-duty service, entered into an agreement with the Secretary concerned to serve continuously in the Selected Reserve for a period of one or more whole years following such date."

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–163, §701(d), substituted "not later than 90 days after release" for "on or before the date of the release".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–364, §706(b), substituted "Termination of Eligibility Upon Termination of Service" for "Period of Coverage" in heading, struck out "(4)" before "Eligibility", and struck out pars. (1) to (3) and (5), which related to beginning of period of coverage, length of coverage period, period of coverage in the case of a member recalled to active duty, and coverage for a member of the Individual Ready Reserve.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 109–163, §701(a)(2), substituted "Subject to paragraph (3) and unless earlier terminated under paragraph (4)" for "Unless earlier terminated under paragraph (3)".

Subsec. (b)(3), (4). Pub. L. 109–163, §701(a)(1), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 109–163, §701(b), added par. (5).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 109–163, §701(c), inserted at end "If a member of a reserve component dies while in a period of coverage under this section, the eligibility of the members of the immediate family of such member for TRICARE Standard coverage shall continue for six months beyond the date of death of the member."

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 109–364, §704(c), inserted at end "During the period beginning on April 1, 2006, and ending on September 30, 2007, the monthly amount of the premium may not be increased above the amount in effect for the month of March 2006."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 109–364, §706(c)(1)(A), (B), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (e). Text read as follows: "The service agreement required of a member of a reserve component under subsection (a)(2) is separate from any other form of commitment of the member to a period of obligated service in that reserve component and may cover any part or all of the same period that is covered by another commitment of the member to a period of obligated service in that reserve component.".

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 109–163, §701(e), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "The term 'TRICARE Standard' means the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services option under the TRICARE program."

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 109–364, §706(c)(1)(C), struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "The term 'member recalled to active duty' means, with respect to a member who is eligible for coverage under this section based on a period of active duty service, a member who is called or ordered to active duty for an additional period of active duty subsequent to the period of active duty on which that eligibility is based."

Pub. L. 109–163, §701(a)(3), added par. (3).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–364, §706(c)(1)(B), redesignated subsec. (g) as (e).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2023 Amendment

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §702(b), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 300, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2025."

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 applicable with respect to the provision of health care under the TRICARE program beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, see section 701(k) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 1072 of this title.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §704(c), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4499, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect as of October 1, 2008."

Effective Date of 2006 Amendment

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §706(g), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2282, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that health care under TRICARE Standard is provided under section 1076d of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this section, beginning not later than October 1, 2007."

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §706(f), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2282, as amended by Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §706(a), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 189, provided that:

"(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), enrollments in TRICARE Standard that are in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006] under section 1076d of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on such day, shall be continued until terminated after such day under such section 1076d as amended by this section.

"(2) The enrollment of a member in TRICARE Standard that is in effect on the day before health care under TRICARE Standard is provided pursuant to the effective date in subsection (g) [set out as an Effective Date of 2006 Amendment note above] shall not be terminated by operation of the exclusion of eligibility under subsection (a)(2) of such section 1076d, as so amended, for the duration of the eligibility of the member under TRICARE Standard as in effect on October 16, 2006."

[Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §706(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 189, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending section 706(f) of Pub. L. 109–364, set out above] shall take effect on October 1, 2007."]

Commercial Health Insurance Coverage Pilot Program for Eligible Reserve Component Members

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §712(b), (c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2215, 2219, provided that:

"(b) Pilot Program.—

"(1) Authorization.—The Secretary of Defense and the Director may jointly carry out a pilot program, at the election of the Secretary, under which the Director provides commercial health insurance coverage to eligible reserve component members who enroll in a health benefits plan under paragraph (4) as an individual, for self plus one coverage, or for self and family coverage.

"(2) Elements.—The pilot program shall—

"(A) provide for enrollment by eligible reserve component members, at the election of the member, in a health benefits plan under paragraph (4) during an open enrollment period established by the Director for purposes of this subsection;

"(B) include a variety of national and regional health benefits plans that—

"(i) meet the requirements of this subsection;

"(ii) are broadly representative of the health benefits plans available in the commercial market; and

"(iii) do not contain unnecessary restrictions, as determined by the Director; and

"(C) offer a sufficient number of health benefits plans in order to provide eligible reserve component beneficiaries with an ample choice of health benefits plans, as determined by the Director.

"(3) Duration.—If the Secretary elects to carry out the pilot program, the Secretary and the Director shall carry out the pilot program for not less than five years.

"(4) Health benefits plans.—

"(A) In general.—In providing health insurance coverage under the pilot program, the Director shall contract with qualified carriers for a variety of health benefits plans.

"(B) Description of plans.—Health benefits plans contracted for under this subsection—

"(i) may vary by type of plan design, covered benefits, geography, and price;

"(ii) shall include maximum limitations on out-of-pocket expenses paid by an eligible reserve component beneficiary for the health care provided; and

"(iii) may not exclude an eligible reserve component member who chooses to enroll.

"(C) Quality of plans.—The Director shall ensure that each health benefits plan offered under this subsection offers a high degree of quality, as determined by criteria that include—

"(i) access to an ample number of medical providers, as determined by the Director;

"(ii) adherence to industry-accepted quality measurements, as determined by the Director;

"(iii) access to benefits described in paragraph (5), including ease of referral for health care services; and

"(iv) inclusion in the services covered by the plan of advancements in medical treatments and technology as soon as practicable in accordance with generally accepted standards of medicine.

"(5) Benefits.—A health benefits plan offered by the Director under this subsection shall include, at a minimum, the following benefits:

"(A) The health care benefits provided under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, excluding pharmaceutical, dental, and extended health care option benefits.

"(B) Such other benefits as the Director determines appropriate.

"(6) Care at facilities of uniformed services.—

"(A) In general.—If an eligible reserve component beneficiary receives benefits described in paragraph (5) at a facility of the uniformed services, the health benefits plan under which the beneficiary is covered shall be treated as a third-party payer under section 1095 of title 10, United States Code, and shall pay charges for such benefits as determined by the Secretary.

"(B) Military medical treatment facilities.—The Secretary, in consultation with the Director—

"(i) may contract with qualified carriers with which the Director has contracted under paragraph (4) to provide health insurance coverage for health care services provided at military treatment facilities under this subsection; and

"(ii) may receive payments under section 1095 of title 10, United States Code, from qualified carriers for health care services provided at military medical treatment facilities under this subsection.

"(7) Special rule relating to active duty period.—

"(A) In general.—An eligible reserve component member may not receive benefits under a health benefits plan under this subsection during any period in which the member is serving on active duty for more than 30 days.

"(B) Treatment of dependents.—Subparagraph (A) does not affect the coverage under a health benefits plan of any dependent of an eligible reserve component member.

"(8) Eligibility for federal employees health benefits program.—An individual is not eligible to enroll in or be covered under a health benefits plan under this subsection if the individual is eligible to enroll in a health benefits plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.

"(9) Cost sharing.—

"(A) Responsibility for payment.—

"(i) In general.—Except as provided in clause (ii), an eligible reserve component member shall pay an annual premium amount calculated under subparagraph (B) for coverage under a health benefits plan under this subsection and additional amounts described in subparagraph (C) for health care services in connection with such coverage.

"(ii) Active duty period.—

     "(I) In general.—During any period in which an eligible reserve component member is serving on active duty for more than 30 days, the eligible reserve component member is not responsible for paying any premium amount under subparagraph (B) or additional amounts under subparagraph (C).

     "(II) Coverage of dependents.—With respect to a dependent of an eligible reserve component member that is covered under a health benefits plan under this subsection, during any period described in subclause (I) with respect to the member, the Secretary shall, on behalf of the dependent, pay 100 percent of the total annual amount of a premium for coverage of the dependent under the plan and such cost-sharing amounts as may be applicable under the plan.

"(B) Premium amount.—

"(i) In general.—The annual premium calculated under this subparagraph is an amount equal to 28 percent of the total annual amount of a premium under the health benefits plan selected.

"(ii) Types of coverage.—The premium amounts calculated under this subparagraph shall include separate calculations for—

     "(I) coverage as an individual;

     "(II) self plus one coverage; and

     "(III) self and family coverage.

"(C) Additional amounts.—The additional amounts described in this subparagraph with respect to an eligible reserve component member are such cost-sharing amounts as may be applicable under the health benefits plan under which the member is covered.

"(10) Contracting.—

"(A) In general.—In contracting for health benefits plans under paragraph (4), the Director may contract with qualified carriers in a manner similar to the manner in which the Director contracts with carriers under section 8902 of title 5, United States Code, including that—

"(i) a contract under this subsection shall be for a uniform term of not less than one year, but may be made automatically renewable from term to term in the absence of notice of termination by either party;

"(ii) a contract under this subsection shall contain a detailed statement of benefits offered and shall include such maximums, limitations, exclusions, and other definitions of benefits determined by the Director in accordance with paragraph (5);

"(iii) a contract under this subsection shall ensure that an eligible reserve component member who is eligible to enroll in a health benefits plan pursuant to such contract is able to enroll in such plan; and

"(iv) the terms of a contract under this subsection relating to the nature, provision, or extent of coverage or benefits (including payments with respect to benefits) shall supersede and preempt any conflicting State or local law.

"(B) Evaluation of financial solvency.—The Director shall perform a thorough evaluation of the financial solvency of an insurance carrier before entering into a contract with the insurance carrier under subparagraph (A).

"(11) Recommendations and data.—

"(A) In general.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall provide recommendations and data to the Director with respect to—

"(i) matters involving military medical treatment facilities;

"(ii) matters unique to eligible reserve component members and dependents of such members; and

"(iii) such other strategic guidance necessary for the Director to administer this subsection as the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, considers appropriate.

"(B) Limitation on implementation.—The Director shall not implement any recommendation provided by the Secretary of Defense under subparagraph (A) if the Director determines that the implementation of the recommendation would result in eligible reserve components beneficiaries receiving less generous health benefits under this subsection than the health benefits commonly available to individuals under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program during the same period.

"(12) Transmission of information.—On an annual basis during each year in which the pilot program is carried out, the Director shall provide the Secretary with information on the use of health care benefits under the pilot program, including—

"(A) the number of eligible reserve component beneficiaries participating in the pilot program, listed by the health benefits plan under which the beneficiary is covered;

"(B) the number of health benefits plans offered under the pilot program and a description of each such plan; and

"(C) the costs of the health care provided under the plans.

"(13) Funding.—

"(A) In general.—The Secretary of Defense and the Director shall jointly establish an appropriate mechanism to fund the pilot program.

"(B) Availability of amounts.—Amounts shall be made available to the Director pursuant to the mechanism established under subparagraph (A), without fiscal year limitation—

"(i) for payments to health benefits plans under this subsection; and

"(ii) to pay the costs of administering this subsection.

"(14) Reports.—

"(A) Initial reports.—Not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary establishes the pilot program, and annually thereafter for the following three years, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the pilot program.

"(B) Matters included.—The report under subparagraph (A) shall include, with respect to the year covered by the report, the following:

"(i) The number of eligible reserve component beneficiaries participating in the pilot program, listed by the health benefits plan under which the beneficiary is covered.

"(ii) The number of health benefits plans offered under the pilot program.

"(iii) The cost of the pilot program to the Department of Defense.

"(iv) The estimated cost savings, if any, to the Department of Defense.

"(v) The average cost to the eligible reserve component beneficiary.

"(vi) The effect of the pilot program on the medical readiness of the members of the reserve components.

"(vii) The effect of the pilot program on access to health care for members of the reserve components.

"(C) Final report.—Not later than 180 days before the date on which the pilot program will terminate pursuant to paragraph (3), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the pilot program that includes—

"(i) the matters specified under subparagraph (B); and

"(ii) the recommendation of the Secretary regarding whether to make the pilot program permanent or to terminate the pilot program.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'Director' means the Director of the Office of Personnel Management.

"(2) The term 'eligible reserve component beneficiary' means an eligible reserve component member enrolled in, or a dependent of such a member described in subparagraph (A), (D), or (I) of section 1072(2) of title 10, United States Code, covered under, a health benefits plan under subsection (b).

"(3) The term 'eligible reserve component member' means a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of an Armed Force.

"(4) The term 'extended health care option' means the program of extended benefits under subsections (d) and (e) of section 1079 of title 10, United States Code.

"(5) The term 'Federal Employees Health Benefits Program' means the health insurance program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.

"(6) The term 'qualified carrier' means an insurance carrier that is licensed to issue group health insurance in any State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and any territory or possession of the United States."

Calculation of Monthly Premiums for 2009

Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §704(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4499, provided that: "For purposes of section 1076d(d)(3) of title 10, United States Code, the appropriate actuarial basis for purposes of subparagraph (A) of that section shall be determined for calendar year 2009 by utilizing the reported cost of providing benefits under that section to members and their dependents during calendar years 2006 and 2007, except that the monthly amount of the premium determined pursuant to this subsection may not exceed the amount in effect for the month of March 2007."

Implementation

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §701(b), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1981, provided that:

"(1) The Secretary of Defense shall implement section 1076d of title 10, United States Code, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2004].

"(2)(A) A member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who performed active-duty service described in subsection (a) of section 1076d of title 10, United States Code, for a period beginning on or after September 11, 2001, and was released from that active-duty service before the date of the enactment of this Act, or is released from that active-duty service on or within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, may, for the purpose of paragraph (2) of such subsection, enter into an agreement described in such paragraph not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. TRICARE Standard coverage (under such section 1076d) of a member who enters into such an agreement under this paragraph shall begin on the later of—

"(i) the date applicable to the member under subsection (b) of such section; or

"(ii) the date of the agreement.

"(B) The Secretary of Defense shall take such action as is necessary to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that members of the reserve components eligible to enter into an agreement as provided in subparagraph (A) actually receive information on the opportunity and procedures for entering into such an agreement together with a clear explanation of the benefits that the members are eligible to receive as a result of entering into such an agreement under section 1076d of title 10, United States Code."

§1076e. TRICARE program: TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve who are qualified for a non-regular retirement but are not yet age 60

(a) Eligibility.—(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Retired Reserve of a reserve component of the armed forces who is qualified for a non-regular retirement at age 60 under chapter 1223 of this title, but is not age 60, is eligible for health benefits under TRICARE Retired Reserve as provided in this section.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a member who is enrolled, or is eligible to enroll, in a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5.

(b) Termination of Eligibility Upon Obtaining Other TRICARE Coverage.—Eligibility for TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage of a member under this section shall terminate upon the member becoming eligible for TRICARE coverage at age 60 under section 1086 of this title.

(c) Family Members.—While a member of a reserve component is covered by TRICARE Retired Reserve under this section, the members of the immediate family of such member are eligible for TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage as dependents of the member. If a member of a reserve component dies while in a period of coverage under this section, the eligibility of the members of the immediate family of such member for TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage under this section shall continue for the same period of time that would be provided under section 1086 of this title if the member had been eligible at the time of death for TRICARE coverage under such section (instead of under this section).

(d) Premiums.—(1) A member of a reserve component covered by TRICARE Retired Reserve under this section shall pay a premium for that coverage. Such premium shall apply instead of any enrollment fees required under section 1075 of this title.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe for the purposes of this section one premium for TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage of members without dependents and one premium for TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage of members with dependents referred to in subsection (f)(1). The premium prescribed for a coverage shall apply uniformly to all members of the reserve components covered under this section.

(3) The monthly amount of the premium in effect for a month for TRICARE Retired Reserve coverage under this section shall be the amount equal to the cost of coverage that the Secretary determines on an appropriate actuarial basis.

(4) The Secretary shall prescribe the requirements and procedures applicable to the payment of premiums under this subsection.

(5) Amounts collected as premiums under this subsection shall be credited to the appropriation available for the Defense Health Program Account under section 1100 of this title, shall be merged with sums in such Account that are available for the fiscal year in which collected, and shall be available under subsection (b) of such section for such fiscal year.

(e) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this section.

(f) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "immediate family", with respect to a member of a reserve component, means all of the member's dependents described in subparagraphs (A), (D), and (I) of section 1072(2) of this title.

(2) The term "TRICARE Retired Reserve" means—

(A) medical care at facilities of the uniformed services to which a dependent described in section 1076(a)(2) of this title is entitled; and

(B) health benefits under the TRICARE Select self-managed, preferred provider network option under section 1075 of this title made available to beneficiaries by reason of this section and subject to the cost-sharing requirements set forth in such section 1075.

(Added Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §705(a), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2374; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §701(j)(1)(C), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2192; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §701(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1432; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title XVII, §1731(a)(25), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1813.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 116–92 substituted "section 1075 of this title" for "section 1075 of this section".

2017—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91, §701(b)(1), struck out "Retired Reserve" after "TRICARE" in heading. See first 2016 Amendment note for subsec. (b) below.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–91, §701(b)(2), struck out "Retired Reserve" before "coverage under such section" in last sentence.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–91, §701(b)(3), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The term 'TRICARE Retired Reserve' means the TRICARE Select self-managed, preferred-provider network option under section 1075 made available to beneficiaries by reason of this section and in accordance with subsection (d)(1)."

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(C)(iv), substituted "TRICARE Retired Reserve" for "TRICARE Standard" in section catchline and wherever appearing in text.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(C)(iv), which directed substitution of "TRICARE Retired Reserve" for "TRICARE Standard" wherever appearing in text, was also executed to heading of subsec. (b) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the subsequent amendment by Pub. L. 115–91, §701(b)(1), which could be executed only if the substitution had taken place.

Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(C)(iii), substituted "TRICARE coverage at" for "TRICARE Standard coverage at".

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(C)(i), inserted at end "Such premium shall apply instead of any enrollment fees required under section 1075 of this section."

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §701(j)(1)(C)(ii), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which defined the term "TRICARE Standard".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 applicable with respect to the provision of health care under the TRICARE program beginning on Jan. 1, 2018, see section 701(k) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 1072 of this title.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §705(c), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2375, provided that: "Section 1076e of title 10, United States Code, as inserted by subsection (a), shall apply to coverage for months beginning on or after October 1, 2009, or such earlier date as the Secretary of Defense may specify."

§1076f. TRICARE program: extension of coverage for certain members of the National Guard and dependents during certain disaster response duty

(a) Extended Coverage.—During a period in which a member of the National Guard is performing disaster response duty, the member may be treated as being on active duty for a period of more than 30 days for purposes of the eligibility of the member and dependents of the member for health care benefits under the TRICARE program if such period immediately follows a period in which the member served on full-time National Guard duty under section 502(f) of title 32, including pursuant to chapter 9 of such title, unless the Governor of the State (or, with respect to the District of Columbia, the mayor of the District of Columbia) determines that such extended eligibility is not in the best interest of the member or the State.

(b) Contribution by State.—(1) The Secretary shall charge a State for the costs of providing coverage under the TRICARE program to members of the National Guard of the State and the dependents of the members pursuant to subsection (a). Such charges shall be paid from the funds of the State or from any other non-Federal funds.

(2) Any amounts received by the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall be credited to the appropriation available for the Defense Health Program Account under section 1100 of this title, shall be merged with sums in such Account that are available for the fiscal year in which collected, and shall be available under subsection (b) of such section, including to carry out subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) The term "disaster response duty" means duty performed by a member of the National Guard in State status pursuant to an emergency declaration by the Governor of the State (or, with respect to the District of Columbia, the mayor of the District of Columbia) in response to a disaster or in preparation for an imminent disaster.

(2) The term "State" means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §711(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2213.)

§1077. Medical care for dependents: authorized care in facilities of uniformed services

(a) Only the following types of health care may be provided under section 1076 of this title:

(1) Hospitalization.

(2) Outpatient care.

(3) Drugs, including, in accordance with subsection (h), medically necessary vitamins.

(4) Treatment of medical and surgical conditions.

(5) Treatment of nervous, mental, and chronic conditions.

(6) Treatment of contagious diseases.

(7) Physical examinations, including eye examinations, and immunizations.

(8) Maternity and infant care, including well-baby care that includes one screening of an infant for the level of lead in the blood of the infant.

(9) Diagnostic tests and services, including laboratory and X-ray examinations.

(10) Dental care.

(11) Ambulance service and home calls when medically necessary.

(12) Durable equipment, which may be provided on a loan basis.

(13) Primary and preventive health care services for women (as defined in section 1074d(b) of this title).

(14) Preventive health care screening for colon or prostate cancer, at the intervals and using the screening methods prescribed under section 1074d(a)(2) of this title.

(15) Prosthetic devices, as determined by the Secretary of Defense to be necessary because of significant conditions resulting from trauma, congenital anomalies, or disease.

(16) Except as provided by subsection (g), a hearing aid, but only if the dependent has a profound hearing loss, as determined under standards prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the administering Secretaries, and only for the following dependents:

(A) A dependent of a member of the uniformed services on active duty.

(B) A dependent under subparagraph (D) or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title of a former member of the uniformed services who—

(i) is entitled to retired or retainer pay, or equivalent pay; and

(ii) is enrolled in family coverage under TRICARE Prime.

(17) Any rehabilitative therapy to improve, restore, or maintain function, or to minimize or prevent deterioration of function, of a patient when prescribed by a physician.

(18) In accordance with subsection (h), medically necessary food and the medical equipment and supplies necessary to administer such food (other than durable medical equipment and supplies).

(b) The following types of health care may not be provided under section 1076 of this title:

(1) Domiciliary or custodial care.

(2) Orthopedic footwear and spectacles, except that, outside of the United States and at stations inside the United States where adequate civilian facilities are unavailable, such items may be sold to dependents at cost to the United States.

(3) The elective correction of minor dermatological blemishes and marks or minor anatomical anomalies.

(c)(1) Except as specified in paragraphs (2) and (3), a dependent participating under a dental plan established under section 1076a of this title may not be provided dental care under section 1076(a) of this title except for emergency dental care, dental care provided outside the United States, and dental care that is not covered by such plan.

(2)(A) Dependents who are 12 years of age or younger and are covered by a dental plan established under section 1076a of this title may be treated by postgraduate dental residents in a dental treatment facility of the uniformed services under a graduate dental education program accredited by the American Dental Association if—

(i) treatment of pediatric dental patients is necessary in order to satisfy an accreditation standard of the American Dental Association that is applicable to such program, or training in pediatric dental care is necessary for the residents to be professionally qualified to provide dental care for dependent children accompanying members of the uniformed services outside the United States; and

(ii) the number of pediatric patients at such facility is insufficient to support satisfaction of the accreditation or professional requirements in pediatric dental care that apply to such program or students.

(B) The total number of dependents treated in all facilities of the uniformed services under subparagraph (A) in a fiscal year may not exceed 2,000.

(3)(A) Dependents who reside within a specified geographic area and are covered by a dental plan established under section 1076a may receive dental care in a dental treatment facility of the uniformed services on a space available basis if the Secretary of Defense determines that—

(i) civilian dental care within the specified geographic area is inadequate or is not sufficiently available; and

(ii) adequate resources exist to provide space available dental care to the dependents at the facility.

(B) Care under subparagraph (A) shall be provided on a reimbursable basis.

(d)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (b)(1), hospice care may be provided under section 1076 of this title in facilities of the uniformed services to a terminally ill patient who chooses (pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the other administering Secretaries) to receive hospice care rather than continuing hospitalization or other health care services for treatment of the patient's terminal illness.

(2) In this section, the term "hospice care" means the items and services described in section 1861(dd) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)).

(e)(1) Authority to provide a prosthetic device under subsection (a)(15) includes authority to provide the following:

(A) Any accessory or item of supply that is used in conjunction with the device for the purpose of achieving therapeutic benefit and proper functioning.

(B) Services necessary to train the recipient of the device in the use of the device.

(C) Repair of the device for normal wear and tear or damage.

(D) Replacement of the device if the device is lost or irreparably damaged or the cost of repair would exceed 60 percent of the cost of replacement.

(2) An augmentative communication device may be provided as a voice prosthesis under subsection (a)(15).

(3) A prosthetic device customized for a patient may be provided under this section only by a prosthetic practitioner who is qualified to customize the device, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the administering Secretaries.

(f)(1) Items that may be provided to a patient under subsection (a)(12) include the following:

(A) Any durable medical equipment that can improve, restore, or maintain the function of a malformed, diseased, or injured body part, or can otherwise minimize or prevent the deterioration of the patient's function or condition.

(B) Any durable medical equipment that can maximize the patient's function consistent with the patient's physiological or medical needs.

(C) Wheelchairs.

(D) Iron lungs.

(E) Hospital beds.

(2) In addition to the authority to provide durable medical equipment under subsection (a)(12), any customization of equipment owned by the patient that is durable medical equipment authorized to be provided to the patient under this section or section 1079(a)(5) of this title, and any accessory or item of supply for any such equipment, may be provided to the patient if the customization, accessory, or item of supply is essential for—

(A) achieving therapeutic benefit for the patient;

(B) making the equipment serviceable; or

(C) otherwise assuring the proper functioning of the equipment.

(g)(1) In addition to the authority to provide a hearing aid under subsection (a)(16), hearing aids may be sold under this section to dependents eligible for care under this section at cost to the United States.

(2) For purposes of selling hearing aids at cost to the United States under paragraph (1), a dependent of a member of the reserve components who is enrolled in the TRICARE program under section 1076d of this title shall be deemed to be a dependent eligible for care under this section.

(h)(1) Vitamins that may be provided under subsection (a)(3) are vitamins used for the management of a covered disease or condition pursuant to the prescription, order, or recommendation (as applicable) of a physician or other health care professional qualified to make such prescription, order, or recommendation.

(2) Medically necessary food that may be provided under subsection (a)(18)—

(A) is food, including a low protein modified food product or an amino acid preparation product, that is—

(i) furnished pursuant to the prescription, order, or recommendation (as applicable) of a physician or other health care professional qualified to make such prescription, order, or recommendation, for the dietary management of a covered disease or condition;

(ii) a specially formulated and processed product (as opposed to a naturally occurring foodstuff used in its natural state) for the partial or exclusive feeding of an individual by means of oral intake or enteral feeding by tube;

(iii) intended for the dietary management of an individual who, because of therapeutic or chronic medical needs, has limited or impaired capacity to ingest, digest, absorb, or metabolize ordinary foodstuffs or certain nutrients, or who has other special medically determined nutrient requirements, the dietary management of which cannot be achieved by the modification of the normal diet alone;

(iv) intended to be used under medical supervision, which may include in a home setting; and

(v) intended only for an individual receiving active and ongoing medical supervision under which the individual requires medical care on a recurring basis for, among other things, instructions on the use of the food; and

(B) may not include—

(i) food taken as part of an overall diet designed to reduce the risk of a disease or medical condition or as weight-loss products, even if the food is recommended by a physician or other health care professional;

(ii) food marketed as gluten-free for the management of celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity;

(iii) food marketed for the management of diabetes; or

(iv) such other products as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(3) In this subsection, the term "covered disease or condition" means—

(A) inborn errors of metabolism;

(B) medical conditions of malabsorption;

(C) pathologies of the alimentary tract or the gastrointestinal tract;

(D) a neurological or physiological condition; and

(E) such other diseases or conditions the Secretary determines appropriate.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1447; amended Pub. L. 89–614, §2(4), Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 863; Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §633(a), title XIV, §§1401(e)(3), 1405(22), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2544, 2617, 2623; Pub. L. 99–145, title VI, §651(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 656; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VII, §§702(a), 703, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1400, 1401; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §701(b), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1686; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §§703(b), 705, Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2798, 2799; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §701(b)(1), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2587; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §702, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1807; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §§702, 703(a), 704, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1161, 1162; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §715, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1985; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §§713, 714(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2220; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §739(c), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1447; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §705, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3689; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VII, §§703, 704, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 300.)

In subsection (a), clause (6) is inserted to reflect subsection (b).

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in subsec. (b)(3) of this section were contained in the following appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(h) [title VIII, §8045], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1904, 1931.

Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §752, Dec. 8, 1983, 97 Stat. 1447.

Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(c) [title VII, §756], Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1833, 1860.

Pub. L. 97–114, title VII, §759, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1588.

Pub. L. 96–527, title VII, §763, Dec. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 3092.

Pub. L. 96–154, title VII, §769, Dec. 21, 1979, 93 Stat. 1163.

A prior section 1077, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 84, related to distribution of ballots, envelopes, and voting instructions, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570, as superseded by the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 which is classified to subchapter I–D (§1973cc et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

2023—Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 118–31, §703, amended par. (16) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (16) read as follows: "Except as provided by subsection (g), a hearing aid, but only for a dependent of a member of the uniformed services on active duty and only if the dependent has a profound hearing loss, as determined under standards prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the administering Secretaries."

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 118–31, §704(1), substituted "paragraphs (2) and (3)" for "paragraph (2)".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 118–31, §704(2), added par. (3).

2021—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 116–283 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

2017—Subsec. (a)(3), (18). Pub. L. 115–91, §739(c)(1), substituted "subsection (h)" for "subsection (g)".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–91, §739(c)(2), substituted "dependents eligible for care under this section" for "dependents of former members of the uniformed services".

2016—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §714(a)(1)(A), inserted before period at end ", including, in accordance with subsection (g), medically necessary vitamins".

Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 114–328, §713(1), substituted "Except as provided by subsection (g), a hearing aid" for "A hearing aid".

Subsec. (a)(18). Pub. L. 114–328, §714(a)(1)(B), added par. (18).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–328, §713(2), added subsec. (g).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 114–328, §714(a)(2), added subsec. (h).

2004—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–375 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Except as specified in paragraph (2), a" for "A", and added par. (2).

2001—Subsec. (a)(12). Pub. L. 107–107, §703(a)(1), substituted "which" for "such as wheelchairs, iron lungs, and hospital beds".

Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 107–107, §702(1), added par. (16).

Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 107–107, §704, added par. (17).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107–107, §702(2), substituted "Orthopedic footwear" for "Hearing aids, orthopedic footwear,".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–107, §702(3), added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 107–107, §703(a)(2), added subsec. (f).

1997—Subsec. (a)(15). Pub. L. 105–85, §702(a), added cl. (15).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–85, §702(b), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "Prosthetic devices, hearing aids, orthopedic footwear, and spectacles except that—

"(A) outside the United States and at stations inside the United States where adequate civilian facilities are unavailable, such items may be sold to dependents at cost to the United States, and

"(B) artificial limbs, voice prostheses, and artificial eyes may be provided."

1996—Subsec. (a)(14). Pub. L. 104–201 added cl. (14).

1994—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–337, §705, inserted ", voice prostheses," after "artificial limbs".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–337, §703(b), substituted ", dental care provided outside the United States, and dental care" for "and care".

1993—Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 103–160 added cl. (13).

1991—Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 102–190, §703, inserted before period at end ", including well-baby care that includes one screening of an infant for the level of lead in the blood of the infant".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 102–190, §702(a), added subsec. (d).

1985—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–145 added subsec. (c).

1984—Pub. L. 98–525, §1405(22), substituted a colon for the semicolon in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(10). Pub. L. 98–525, §633(a)(1), added cl. (10). Former cl. (10) "Emergency dental care worldwide." was struck out.

Subsec. (a)(11). Pub. L. 98–525, §633(a)(1), redesignated cl. (13) as (11). Former cl. (11) "Routine dental care outside the United States and at stations in the United States where adequate civilian facilities are unavailable." was struck out.

Subsec. (a)(12). Pub. L. 98–525, §633(a)(1), redesignated cl. (14) as (12). Former cl. (12) "Dental care worldwide as a necessary adjunct of medical, surgical, or preventive treatment." was struck out.

Subsec. (a)(13), (14). Pub. L. 98–525, §633(a)(2), redesignated cls. (13) and (14) as cls. (11) and (12), respectively.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 98–525, §1401(e)(3), added par. (3).

1966—Pub. L. 89–614 authorized an improved health benefits program for dependents of active duty members of the uniformed services in facilities of such services, expanding health care to be provided to include: hospitalization, outpatient care, and drugs in clauses (1) to (3) of subsec. (a) (hospitalization being limited by former subsec. (b) to treatment of nervous or mental disturbances or chronic diseases or for elective medical and surgical treatment to one year period in special cases); treatment of mental and surgical conditions in clause (4) minus acute condition restriction of former subsec. (a)(2); treatment of nervous, mental, and chronic conditions in clause (5) formerly restricted as stated above; clause (6) reenactment of former subsec. (a)(3); physical, including eye, examinations in clause (7) reenacting former subsec. (a)(4) immunization provisions; clause (8) reenactment of former subsec. (a)(5); diagnostic tests and services, including laboratory and X-ray examinations (diagnosis being covered in former subsec. (a)(1)); dental care provisions in clauses (10) to (12) (provided in former subsec. (d)) as (1) emergency care to relieve pain and suffering, but not including permanent restorative work or dental prosthesis, (2) care as a necessary adjunct to medical or surgical treatment, and care outside the United States, and in remote areas inside the United States, where adequate civilian facilities are unavailable; ambulance service and home calls in clause 13 (covering former subsec. (c)(2), (3)); durable equipment on loan basis in clause (14); and to exclude in subsec. (b)(1) (incorporating last sentence of former subsec. (b)) custodial care; subsec. (b)(2)(A) reenactment of former subsec. (e)(1); and permitted in subsec. (b)(2)(B) artificial limbs and eyes to be provided.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §714(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2221, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to health care provided under chapter 55 of such title [meaning title 10, United States Code] on or after the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016]."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §633(b), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2544, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 1985."

Amendment by section 1401(e)(3) of Pub. L. 98–525 effective Oct. 1, 1985, see section 1404 of Pub. L. 98–525, set out as an Effective Date note under section 520b of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–614, see section 3 of Pub. L. 89–614, set out as a note under section 1071 of this title.

Lead Level Screening and Testing for Children

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VII, §703, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1437, provided that:

"(a) Comprehensive Screening, Testing, and Reporting Guidelines.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish clinical practice guidelines for health care providers employed by the Department of Defense on screening, testing, and reporting of blood lead levels in children.

"(2) Use of cdc recommendations.—Guidelines established under paragraph (1) shall reflect recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with respect to the screening, testing, and reporting of blood lead levels in children.

"(3) Dissemination of guidelines.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary shall disseminate the clinical practice guidelines established under paragraph (1) to health care providers of the Department of Defense.

"(b) Care Provided in Accordance With CDC Guidance.—The Secretary shall ensure that any care provided by the Department of Defense to a child for an elevated blood lead level shall be carried out in accordance with applicable guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"(c) Sharing of Results of Testing.—

"(1) In general.—With respect to a child who receives from the Department of Defense a test for an elevated blood lead level—

"(A) the Secretary shall provide the results of the test to the parent or guardian of the child; and

"(B) notwithstanding any requirements for the confidentiality of health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (Public Law 104–191) [see Tables for classification], if the results of the test show an abnormal blood lead level or elevated blood lead level, the Secretary shall provide those results and the address at which the child resides to—

"(i) the relevant health department of the State in which the child resides if the child resides in the United States; or

"(ii) if the child resides outside the United States—

     "(I) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

     "(II) the appropriate authority of the country in which the child resides; and

     "(III) the primary provider of health care for the child for follow-up.

"(2) State defined.—In this subsection, the term 'State' means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any territory or possession of the United States.

"(d) Report.—Not later than January 1, 2021, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report detailing, with respect to the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the date of the report, the following:

"(1) The number of children who were tested by the Department of Defense for the level of lead in the blood of the child, and of such number, the number who were found to have an elevated blood lead level.

"(2) The number of children who were screened by the Department of Defense for an elevated risk of lead exposure.

"(e) Comptroller General Report.—Not later than January 1, 2022, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the effectiveness of screening and testing for lead exposure and elevated blood lead levels under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code.

"(f) Definitions.—In this section, the terms 'abnormal blood lead level' and 'elevated blood lead level' have the meanings given those terms by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

Study, Plan, and Pilot for the Mental Health Care Needs of Dependent Children of Members of the Armed Forces

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VII, §722, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2387, provided that:

"(a) Report and Plan on the Mental Health Care and Counseling Services Available to Military Children.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive review of the mental health care and counseling services available to dependent children of members of the Armed Forces through the Department of Defense.

"(2) Elements.—The review under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of the following:

"(A) The availability, quality, and effectiveness of Department of Defense programs intended to meet the mental health care needs of military children.

"(B) The availability, quality, and effectiveness of Department of Defense programs intended to promote resiliency in military children in coping with deployment cycles, injury, or death of military parents.

"(C) The extent of access to, adequacy, and availability of mental health care and counseling services for military children in military medical treatment facilities, in family assistance centers, through Military OneSource, under the TRICARE program, and in Department of Defense Education Activity schools.

"(D) Whether the status of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty, or in reserve active status, affects the access of a military child to mental health care and counseling services.

"(E) Whether, and to what extent, waiting lists, geographic distance, and other factors may obstruct the receipt by military children of mental health care and counseling services.

"(F) The extent of access to, availability, and viability of specialized mental health care for military children (including adolescents).

"(G) The extent of any gaps in the current capabilities of the Department of Defense to provide preventive mental health services for military children.

"(H) Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.

"(3) Report.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009], the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the review conducted under paragraph (1), including the findings and recommendations of the Secretary as a result of the review.

"(b) Comprehensive Plan for Improvements in Access to Care and Counseling.—The Secretary shall develop and implement a comprehensive plan for improvements in access to quality mental health care and counseling services for military children in order to develop and promote psychological health and resilience in children of deploying and deployed members of the Armed Forces. The information in the report required by subsection (a) shall provide the basis for the development of the plan.

"(c) Pilot Program.—

"(1) Elements.—The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a pilot program on the mental health care needs of military children and adolescents. In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall establish a center to—

"(A) develop teams to train primary care managers in mental health evaluations and treatment of common psychiatric disorders affecting children and adolescents;

"(B) develop strategies to reduce barriers to accessing behavioral health services and encourage better use of the programs and services by children and adolescents; and

"(C) expand the evaluation of mental health care using common indicators, including—

"(i) psychiatric hospitalization rates;

"(ii) non-psychiatric hospitalization rates; and

"(iii) mental health relative value units.

"(2) Reports.—

"(A) Not later than 90 days after establishing the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report describing the—

"(i) structure and mission of the program; and

"(ii) the resources allocated to the program.

"(B) Not later than September 30, 2012, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that addresses the elements described under paragraph (1)."

Program for Mental Health Awareness for Dependents and Pilot Project on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §721, Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3346, directed the Secretary of Defense, no later than one year after Jan. 6, 2006, to develop a program to increase awareness of mental health services for, and warning signs about mental health problems in, dependents of service members who have served or will serve in combat theaters and directed the Secretary to carry out a pilot project to evaluate internet-based early diagnosis and treatment of post traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions and report to Congress no later than June 1, 2006.

Provision of Domiciliary and Custodial Care for Certain CHAMPUS Beneficiaries

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VII, §703, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 682, as amended by Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, § 701(a), (b), (c)(2)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–172, related to the continued provision of domiciliary and custodial care for certain CHAMPUS beneficiaries, prohibited the establishment of a limited transition period for such program, required a survey and report of case management and custodial care policies, and provided for cost limitations for each fiscal year, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §701(g)(1)(A), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1161.

Obstetrical Care Facilities

Pub. L. 89–188, title VI, §610, Sept. 16, 1965, 79 Stat. 818, required that military hospitals in the United States and its possessions be constructed so as to include facilities for obstetrical care, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–214, §7(7), July 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 173, eff. Oct. 1, 1982.

§1077a. Access to military medical treatment facilities and other facilities

(a) Urgent Care.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that military medical treatment facilities, at locations the Secretary determines appropriate, provide urgent care services for members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries until 11:00 p.m. each day.

(2) With respect to areas in which a military medical treatment facility covered by paragraph (1) is not located, the Secretary shall ensure that members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries may access urgent care clinics through the health care provider network under the TRICARE program.

(3) A covered beneficiary may access urgent care services without the need for preauthorization for such services.

(4) The Secretary shall—

(A) publish information about changes in access to urgent care under the TRICARE program—

(i) on the primary publicly available Internet website of the Department; and

(ii) on the primary publicly available Internet website of each military medical treatment facility; and

(B) ensure that such information is made available on the publicly available Internet website of each current managed care support contractor that has established a health care provider network under the TRICARE program.

(b) Nurse Advice Line.—The Secretary shall ensure that the nurse advice line of the Department directs covered beneficiaries seeking access to care to the source of the most appropriate level of health care required to treat the medical conditions of the beneficiaries, including urgent care services described in subsection (a).

(c) Primary Care Clinics.—(1) The Secretary shall ensure that primary care clinics at military medical treatment facilities are available for members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries between the hours determined appropriate under paragraph (2), including with respect to expanded hours described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph.

(2)(A) The Secretary shall determine the hours that each primary care clinic at a military medical treatment facility is available for members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries based on—

(i) the needs of the military medical treatment facility to meet the access standards under the TRICARE Prime program; and

(ii) the primary care utilization patterns of members and covered beneficiaries at such military medical treatment facility.

(B) The primary care clinic hours at a military medical treatment facility determined under subparagraph (A) shall include expanded hours beyond regular business hours during weekdays and the weekend if the Secretary determines under such subparagraph that sufficient demand exists at the military medical treatment facility for such expanded primary care clinic hours.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §704(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2200.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Implementation

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VII, §704(c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2201, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall implement—

"(1) subsection (a) of section 1077a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, by not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016]; and

"(2) subsection (c) of such section by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act."

§1078. Medical and dental care for dependents: charges

(a) The Secretary of Defense, after consulting the other administering Secretaries, shall prescribe fair charges for inpatient medical and dental care given to dependents under section 1076 of this title. The charge or charges prescribed shall be applied equally to all classes of dependents.

(b) As a restraint on excessive demands for medical and dental care under section 1076 of this title, uniform minimal charges may be imposed for outpatient care. Charges may not be more than such amounts, if any, as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe after consulting the other administering Secretaries, and after a finding that such charges are necessary.

(c) Amounts received for subsistence and medical and dental care given under section 1076 of this title shall be deposited to the credit of the appropriation supporting the maintenance and operation of the facility furnishing the care.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1448; amended Pub. L. 89–614, §2(5), Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 863; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(36), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2923; Pub. L. 98–557, §19(6), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2869.)

Appropriate references are made to dental care throughout the section to reflect the fact that in certain limited situations, dependents are entitled to dental care under 37:403(h)(4), restated as section 1077(d) of this title.

In subsection (b), the word "special" is omitted as surplusage.

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1078, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 84, prescribed instructions for marking ballots, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570, as superseded by the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 which is classified to subchapter I–D (§1973cc et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

1984—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 98–557 substituted reference to other administering Secretaries for reference to Secretary of Health and Human Services.

1980—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "Secretary of Health and Human Services" for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare".

1966—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–614 substituted "The charge or charges prescribed shall be applied equally to all classes of dependents" for "Charges shall be the same for all dependents".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 89–614, see section 3 of Pub. L. 89–614, set out as a note under section 1071 of this title.

§1078a. Continued health benefits coverage

(a) Provision of Continued Health Coverage.—The Secretary of Defense shall implement and carry out a program of continued health benefits coverage in accordance with this section to provide persons described in subsection (b) with temporary health benefits comparable to the health benefits provided for former civilian employees of the Federal Government and other persons under section 8905a of title 5.

(b) Eligible Persons.—The persons referred to in subsection (a) are the following:

(1) A member of the uniformed services who—

(A) is discharged or released from active duty (or full-time National Guard duty), whether voluntarily or involuntarily, under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary concerned;

(B) immediately preceding that discharge or release, is entitled to medical and dental care under section 1074(a) of this title (except in the case of a member discharged or released from full-time National Guard duty); and

(C) after that discharge or release and any period of transitional health care provided under section 1145(a) of this title, would not otherwise be eligible for any benefits under this chapter.

(2) A member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of a reserve component of the armed forces who—

(A) is discharged or released from service in the Selected Reserve, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, under other than adverse conditions, as characterized by the Secretary concerned;

(B) immediately preceding that discharge or release, is enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select; and

(C) after that discharge or release, would not otherwise be eligible for any benefits under this chapter.

(3) A person who—

(A) ceases to meet the requirements for being considered an unmarried dependent child of a member or former member of the uniformed services under section 1072(2)(D) of this title or ceases to meet the requirements for being considered an unmarried dependent under section 1072(2)(I) of this title;

(B) on the day before ceasing to meet those requirements, was covered under a health benefits plan under this chapter or transitional health care under section 1145(a) of this title as a dependent of the member or former member; and

(C) would not otherwise be eligible for any benefits under this chapter.

(4) A person who—

(A) is an unremarried former spouse of a member or former member of the uniformed services; and

(B) on the day before the date of the final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment was covered under a health benefits plan under this chapter or transitional health care under section 1145(a) of this title as a dependent of the member or former member; and

(C) is not a dependent of the member or former member under subparagraph (F) or (G) of section 1072(2) of this title or ends a one-year period of dependency under subparagraph (H) of such section.

(5) Any other person specified in regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of this paragraph who loses entitlement to health care services under this chapter or section 1145 of this title, subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary shall prescribe in the regulations.

(c) Notification of Eligibility.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to provide for persons described in subsection (b) to be notified of eligibility to receive health benefits under this section.

(2) In the case of a member who becomes (or will become) eligible for continued coverage under subsection (b)(1) or subsection (b)(2), the regulations shall provide for the Secretary concerned to notify the member of the member's rights under this section as part of preseparation counseling conducted under section 1142 of this title or any other provision of other law.

(3) In the case of a dependent of a member or former member who becomes eligible for continued coverage under subsection (b)(3), the regulations shall provide that—

(A) the member or former member may submit to the Secretary concerned a written notice of the dependent's change in status (including the dependent's name, address, and such other information as the Secretary of Defense may require); and

(B) the Secretary concerned shall, within 14 days after receiving that notice, inform the dependent of the dependent's rights under this section.

(4) In the case of a former spouse of a member or former member who becomes eligible for continued coverage under subsection (b)(4), the regulations shall provide appropriate notification provisions and a 60-day election period under subsection (d)(3).¹

(d) Election of Coverage.—In order to obtain continued coverage under this section, an appropriate written election (submitted in such manner as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe) shall be made as follows:

(1) In the case of a member described in subsection (b)(1), the written election shall be submitted to the Secretary concerned before the end of the 60-day period beginning on the later of—

(A) the date of the discharge or release of the member from active duty or full-time National Guard duty;

(B) the date on which the period of transitional health care applicable to the member under section 1145(a) of this title ends; or

(C) the date the member receives the notification required pursuant to subsection (c).

(2) In the case of a member described in subsection (b)(2), the written election shall be submitted to the Secretary concerned before the end of the 60-day period beginning on the later of—

(A) the date of the discharge or release of the member from service in the Selected Reserve; and

(B) the date the member receives the notification required pursuant to subsection (c).

(3)(A) In the case of a dependent of a member or former member who becomes eligible for continued coverage under subsection (b)(3), the written election shall be submitted to the Secretary concerned before the end of the 60-day period beginning on the later of—

(i) the date on which the dependent first ceases to meet the requirements for being considered a dependent under subparagraph (D) or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title; or

(ii) the date the dependent receives the notification pursuant to subsection (c).

(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), if the Secretary concerned determines that the dependent's parent has failed to provide the notice referred to in subsection (c)(3)(A) with respect to the dependent in a timely fashion, the 60-day period under this paragraph shall be based only on the date under subparagraph (A)(i).

(4) In the case of a former spouse of a member or a former member who becomes eligible for continued coverage under subsection (b)(4), the written election shall be submitted to the Secretary concerned before the end of the 60-day period beginning on the later of—

(A) the date as of which the former spouse first ceases to meet the requirements for being considered a dependent under section 1072(2) of this title; or

(B) such other date as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe.

(5) In the case of a person described in subsection (b)(5), by such date as the Secretary shall prescribe in the regulations required for purposes of that subsection.

(e) Coverage of Dependents.—A person eligible under subsection (b)(1) or subsection (b)(2) to elect to receive coverage may elect coverage either as an individual or, if appropriate, for self and dependents. A person eligible under subsection (b)(3) or subsection (b)(4) may elect only individual coverage.

(f) Charges.—(1) Under arrangements satisfactory to the Secretary of Defense, a person receiving continued coverage under this section shall be required to pay into the Military Health Care Account or other appropriate account an amount equal to the sum of—

(A) the employee and agency contributions which would be required in the case of a similarly situated employee enrolled in a comparable health benefits plan under section 8905a(d)(1)(A)(i) of title 5; and

(B) an amount, not to exceed 10 percent of the amount determined under subparagraph (A), determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense to be necessary for administrative expenses; and

(2) If a person elects to continue coverage under this section before the end of the applicable period under subsection (d), but after the person's coverage under this chapter (and any transitional extension of coverage under section 1145(a) of this title) expires, coverage shall be restored retroactively, with appropriate contributions (determined in accordance with paragraph (1)) and claims (if any), to the same extent and effect as though no break in coverage had occurred.

(g) Period of Continued Coverage.—(1) Continued coverage under this section may not extend beyond—

(A) in the case of a member described in subsection (b)(1), the date which is 18 months after the date the member ceases to be entitled to care under section 1074(a) of this title and any transitional care under section 1145 of this title, as the case may be;

(B) in the case of a member described in subsection (b)(2), the date which is 18 months after the date the member ceases to be eligible to enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select;

(C) in the case of a person described in subsection (b)(3), the date which is 36 months after the date on which the person first ceases to meet the requirements for being considered a dependent under subparagraph (D) or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title;

(D) in the case of a person described in subsection (b)(4), except as provided in paragraph (4), the date which is 36 months after the later of—

(i) the date on which the final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment occurs; and

(ii) if applicable, the date the one-year extension of dependency under section 1072(2)(H) of this title expires; and

(E) in the case of a person described in subsection (b)(5), the date that is 36 months after the date on which the person loses entitlement to health care services as described in that subsection.

(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(C), if a dependent of a member becomes eligible for continued coverage under subsection (b)(3) during a period of continued coverage of the member for self and dependents under this section, extended coverage of the dependent under this section may not extend beyond the date which is 36 months after the date the member became ineligible for medical and dental care under section 1074(a) of this title and any transitional health care under section 1145(a) of this title.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1)(D), if a person becomes eligible for continued coverage under subsection (b)(4) as the former spouse of a member during a period of continued coverage of the member for self and dependents under this section, extended coverage of the former spouse under this section may not extend beyond the date which is 36 months after the date the member became ineligible for medical and dental care under section 1074(a) of this title and any transitional health care under section 1145(a) of this title.

(4)(A) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in the case of a former spouse described in subparagraph (B), continued coverage under this section shall continue for such period as the former spouse may request.

(B) A former spouse referred to in subparagraph (A) is a former spouse of a member or former member (other than a former spouse whose marriage was dissolved after the separation of the member from the service unless such separation was by retirement)—

(i) who has not remarried before age 55 after the marriage to the employee, former employee, or annuitant was dissolved;

(ii) who was enrolled in an approved health benefits plan under this chapter as a family member at any time during the 18-month period before the date of the divorce, dissolution, or annulment; and

(iii)(I) who is receiving any portion of the retired or retainer pay of the member or former member or an annuity based on the retired or retainer pay of the member; or

(II) for whom a court order (as defined in section 1408(a)(2) of this title) has been issued for payment of any portion of the retired or retainer pay or for whom a court order (as defined in section 1447(13) of this title) or a written agreement (whether voluntary or pursuant to a court order) provides for an election by the member or former member to provide an annuity to the former spouse.

(h) TRICARE Reserve Select Defined.—In this section, the term "TRICARE Reserve Select" means TRICARE Standard coverage provided under section 1076d of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 102–484, div. D, title XLIV, §4408(a)(1), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2708; amended Pub. L. 103–35, title II, §201(g)(1), May 31, 1993, 107 Stat. 99; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §702(c), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2798; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1074(a)(4), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2658; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(17), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §713(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1530; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VII, §705, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 189; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §703, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 861.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Subsection (d)(3), referred to in subsec. (c)(4), was redesignated subsec. (d)(4) by Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VII, §703(c)(1), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 861.

Amendments

2015—Subsec. (b)(2) to (5). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(a), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) to (4) as (3) to (5), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(b), inserted "or subsection (b)(2)" after "subsection (b)(1)".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(g)(1)(A), substituted "subsection (b)(3)" for "subsection (b)(2)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(g)(1)(B), substituted "subsection (b)(4)" for "subsection (b)(3)".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(c)(2), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(c)(1), redesignated par. (2) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4).

Subsec. (d)(3)(A). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(g)(2)(A), substituted "subsection (b)(3)" for "subsection (b)(2)" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(c)(1), (g)(2)(B), redesignated par. (3) as (4) and substituted "subsection (b)(4)" for "subsection (b)(3)" in introductory provisions. Former par. (4) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (d)(5). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(c)(1), (g)(2)(C), redesignated par. (4) as (5) and substituted "subsection (b)(5)" for "subsection (b)(4)".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(d), (g)(3), inserted "or subsection (b)(2)" after "subsection (b)(1)" and substituted "subsection (b)(3) or subsection (b)(4)" for "subsection (b)(2) or subsection (b)(3)".

Subsec. (g)(1)(B). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(e)(2), added subpar. (B). Former subpar. (B) redesignated (C).

Subsec. (g)(1)(C). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(e)(1), (g)(4)(A)(i), redesignated subpar. (B) as (C) and substituted "subsection (b)(3)" for "subsection (b)(2)". Former subpar. (C) redesignated (D).

Subsec. (g)(1)(D). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(e)(1), (g)(4)(A)(ii), redesignated subpar. (C) as (D) and substituted "subsection (b)(4)" for "subsection (b)(3)" in introductory provisions. Former subpar. (D) redesignated (E).

Subsec. (g)(1)(E). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(e)(1), (g)(4)(A)(iii), redesignated subpar. (D) as (E) and substituted "subsection (b)(5)" for "subsection (b)(4)".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(g)(4)(B), substituted "paragraph (1)(C)" for "paragraph (1)(B)" and "subsection (b)(3)" for "subsection (b)(2)".

Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(g)(4)(C), substituted "paragraph (1)(D)" for "paragraph (1)(C)" and "subsection (b)(4)" for "subsection (b)(3)".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 114–92, §703(f), added subsec. (h).

2008—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 110–181, §705(a), added par. (4).

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 110–181, §705(b), added par. (4).

Subsec. (g)(1)(D). Pub. L. 110–181, §705(c), added subpar. (D).

2003—Subsec. (b)(1), (2)(A), (3)(A). Pub. L. 108–136 substituted "uniformed services" for "armed forces".

1997—Subsec. (g)(4)(B)(iii)(II). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "section 1447(13)" for "section 1447(8)".

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–201 substituted "The Secretary" for "Beginning on October 1, 1994, the Secretary".

1994—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–337, §702(c)(1), inserted before semicolon "or ceases to meet the requirements for being considered an unmarried dependent under section 1072(2)(I) of this title".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 103–337, §702(c)(2), substituted "dependent" for "child" in two places and "dependent's" for "child's" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–337, §702(c)(3), substituted "a dependent" for "a child" in introductory provisions, "the dependent" for "the child" in cls. (i) and (ii), and "a dependent under subparagraph (D) or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title;" for "an unmarried dependent child under section 1072(2)(D) of this title," in cl. (i).

Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–337, §702(c)(4), substituted "dependent's" for "child's" and "dependent" for "child".

Subsec. (g)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–337, §702(c)(5), substituted "a dependent under subparagraph (D) or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title" for "an unmarried dependent child under section 1072(2)(D) of this title".

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 103–337, §702(c)(6), substituted "dependent" for "child" in two places.

1993—Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 103–35, §201(g)(1)(A), substituted "subparagraph" for "subparagraphs" after "member under".

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–35, §201(g)(1)(B), inserted "under" after "coverage".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VII, §713(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1531, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to members of the uniformed services who are not otherwise covered by section 1078a of title 10, United States Code, before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 24, 2003] and who, on or after such date, first meet the eligibility criteria specified in subsection (b) of that section."

¹ See References in Text note below.

§1078b. Provision of food to certain members and dependents not receiving inpatient care in military medical treatment facilities

(a) In General.—(1) Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary may provide food and beverages to an individual described in paragraph (2) at no cost to the individual.

(2) An individual described in this paragraph is the following:

(A) A member or former member of the uniformed services or dependent—

(i) who is receiving outpatient medical care at a military medical treatment facility; and

(ii) whom the Secretary determines is unable to purchase food and beverages while at such facility by virtue of receiving such care.

(B) A member or former member of the uniformed services or dependent—

(i) who is a family member of an infant receiving inpatient medical care at a military medical treatment facility;

(ii) who provides care to the infant while the infant receives such inpatient medical care; and

(iii) whom the Secretary determines is unable to purchase food and beverages while at such facility by virtue of providing such care to the infant.

(C) A member or former member of the uniformed services or dependent whom the Secretary determines is under similar circumstances as a member, former member, or dependent described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

(b) Regulations.—The Secretary shall ensure that regulations prescribed under this section are consistent with generally accepted practices in private medical treatment facilities.

(Added Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §704(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1472; amended Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §705, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3413.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 113–291, §705(1), substituted "A member or former member" for "A member" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 113–291, §705(2), substituted "member, former member, or dependent" for "member or dependent".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VII, §704(c), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1473, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011]."

§1079. Contracts for medical care for spouses and children: plans

(a) To assure that medical care is available for dependents, as described in subparagraphs (A), (D), and (I) of section 1072(2) of this title, of members of the uniformed services who are on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, the Secretary of Defense, after consulting with the other administering Secretaries, shall contract, under the authority of this section, for medical care for those persons under such insurance, medical service, or health plans as he considers appropriate. The types of health care authorized under this section shall be the same as those provided under section 1076 of this title, except as follows:

(1) With respect to dental care—

(A) except as provided in subparagraph (B), only that care required as a necessary adjunct to medical or surgical treatment may be provided; and

(B) in connection with dental treatment for patients with developmental, mental, or physical disabilities or for pediatric patients age 5 or under, only institutional and anesthesia services may be provided.

(2) Consistent with such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe regarding the content of health promotion and disease prevention visits, the schedule and method of cervical cancer screenings and breast cancer screenings, the schedule and method of colon and prostate cancer screenings, and the types and schedule of immunizations—

(A) for dependents under six years of age, both health promotion and disease prevention visits and immunizations may be provided; and

(B) for dependents six years of age or older, health promotion and disease prevention visits may be provided in connection with immunizations or with diagnostic or preventive cervical and breast cancer screenings or colon and prostate cancer screenings.

(3) Not more than one eye examination may be provided to a patient in any calendar year.

(4) Under joint regulations to be prescribed by the administering Secretaries, the services of Christian Science practitioners and nurses and services obtained in Christian Science sanatoriums may be provided.

(5) Durable equipment provided under this section may be provided on a rental basis.

(6) Services in connection with nonemergency inpatient hospital care may not be provided if such services are available at a facility of the uniformed services located within a 40-mile radius of the residence of the patient, except that those services may be provided in any case in which another insurance plan or program provides primary coverage for those services.

(7) Services of pastoral counselors, family and child counselors, or marital counselors (other than certified marriage and family therapists) may not be provided unless the patient has been referred to the counselor by a medical doctor for treatment of a specific problem with the results of that treatment to be communicated back to the medical doctor who made the referral and services of certified marriage and family therapists may be provided consistent with such rules as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, including credentialing criteria and a requirement that the therapists accept payment under this section as full payment for all services provided.

(8) Special education may not be provided, except when provided as secondary to the active psychiatric treatment on an institutional inpatient basis.

(9) Therapy or counseling for sexual dysfunctions or sexual inadequacies may not be provided.

(10) Treatment of obesity may not be provided if obesity is the sole or major condition treated.

(11) Surgery which improves physical appearance but is not expected to significantly restore functions (including mammary augmentation, face lifts, and sex gender changes) may not be provided, except that—

(A) breast reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy may be provided;

(B) reconstructive surgery to correct serious deformities caused by congenital anomalies or accidental injuries may be provided; and

(C) neoplastic surgery may be provided.

(12) Any service or supply which is not medically or psychologically necessary to prevent, diagnose, or treat a mental or physical illness, injury, or bodily malfunction as assessed or diagnosed by a physician, dentist, clinical psychologist, certified marriage and family therapist, optometrist, podiatrist, certified nurse-midwife, certified nurse practitioner, certified clinical social worker, or other class of provider as designated by the Secretary of Defense, as appropriate, may not be provided, except as authorized in paragraph (4). Pursuant to an agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe, the Secretary of Defense may waive the operation of this paragraph in connection with clinical trials sponsored or approved by the National Institutes of Health if the Secretary of Defense determines that such a waiver will promote access by covered beneficiaries to promising new treatments and contribute to the development of such treatments.

(13) The prohibition contained in section 1077(b)(3) of this title shall not apply in the case of a member or former member of the uniformed services.

(14) Electronic cardio-respiratory home monitoring equipment (apnea monitors) for home use may be provided if a physician prescribes and supervises the use of the monitor for an infant—

(A) who has had an apparent life-threatening event,

(B) who is a subsequent sibling of a victim of sudden infant death syndrome,

(C) whose birth weight was 1,500 grams or less, or

(D) who is a pre-term infant with pathologic apnea,

in which case the coverage may include the cost of the equipment, hard copy analysis of physiological alarms, professional visits, diagnostic testing, family training on how to respond to apparent life threatening events, and assistance necessary for proper use of the equipment.

(15) Hospice care may be provided only in the manner and under the conditions provided in section 1861(dd) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)), except that hospice care may be provided to an individual under the age of 21 concurrently with health care services or hospitalization for the same condition.

(16) Forensic examinations following a sexual assault or domestic violence may be provided.

(17) Breastfeeding support, supplies (including breast pumps and associated equipment), and counseling shall be provided as appropriate during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

(18) Treatment for eating disorders may be provided in accordance with subsection (r).

(19) Preconception and prenatal carrier screening tests shall be provided to eligible covered beneficiaries, with a limit per beneficiary of one test per condition per lifetime, for the following conditions:

(A) Cystic Fibrosis.

(B) Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

(C) Fragile X Syndrome.

(D) Tay-Sachs Disease.

(E) Hemoglobinopathies.

(F) Conditions linked with Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

(20) Medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization may not be provided to a child under the age of 18.

(b) Plans covered by subsection (a) shall include provisions for payment by the patient of the following amounts:

(1) $25 for each admission to a hospital, or the amount the patient would have been charged under section 1078(a) of this title had the care being paid for been obtained in a hospital of the uniformed services, whichever amount is the greater. The Secretary of Defense may exempt a patient from paying such amount if the hospital to which the patient is admitted does not impose a legal obligation on any of its patients to pay for inpatient care.

(2) Except as provided in clause (3), the first $150 each calendar year of the charges for all types of care authorized by subsection (a) and received while in an outpatient status and 20 percent of all subsequent charges for such care during a calendar year. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, in the case of a dependent of an enlisted member in a pay grade below E–5, the initial deductible each calendar year under this paragraph shall be limited to $50.

(3) A family group of two or more persons covered by this section shall not be required to pay collectively more than the first $300 (or in the case of the family group of an enlisted member in a pay grade below E–5, the first $100) each calendar year of the charges for all types of care authorized by subsection (a) and received while in an outpatient status and 20 percent of the additional charges for such care during a calendar year.

(4) $25 for surgical care that is authorized by subsection (a) and received while in an outpatient status and that has been designated (under joint regulations to be prescribed by the administering Secretaries) as care to be treated as inpatient care for purposes of this subsection. Any care for which payment is made under this clause shall not be considered to be care received while in an outpatient status for purposes of clauses (2) and (3).

(5) An individual or family group of two or more persons covered by this section may not be required by reason of this subsection to pay a total of more than $1,000 for health care received during any calendar year under a plan under subsection (a).

(c) The methods for making payment under subsection (b) shall be prescribed under joint regulations issued by the administering Secretaries.

(d)(1) The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to provide extended benefits for eligible dependents, which may include the provision of comprehensive health care services, including case management services, to assist in the reduction of the disabling effects of a qualifying condition of an eligible dependent. Registration shall be required to receive the extended benefits.

(2) The Secretary of Defense, after consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall promulgate regulations to carry out this subsection.

(3) In this subsection:

(A) The term "eligible dependent" means a dependent of a member of the uniformed services on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, as described in subparagraph (A), (D), or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title, who has a qualifying condition.

(B) The term "qualifying condition" means the condition of a dependent who is moderately or severely mentally retarded, has a serious physical disability, or has an extraordinary physical or psychological condition.

(e)(1) Extended benefits for eligible dependents under subsection (d) may include comprehensive health care services (including services necessary to maintain, or minimize or prevent deterioration of, function of the patient) and case management services with respect to the qualifying condition of such a dependent, and include, to the extent such benefits are not provided under provisions of this chapter other than under this section, the following:

(A) Diagnosis and screening.

(B) Inpatient, outpatient, and comprehensive home health care supplies and services which may include cost-effective and medically appropriate services other than part-time or intermittent services (within the meaning of such terms as used in the second sentence of section 1861(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x)).

(C) Rehabilitation services and devices.

(D) In accordance with paragraph (2), respite care for the primary caregiver of the eligible dependent.

(E) In accordance with paragraph (3), service and modification of durable equipment and assistive technology devices.

(F) Special education.

(G) Vocational training, which may be furnished to an eligible dependent in the residence of the eligible dependent or at a facility in which such training is provided.

(H) Such other services and supplies as determined appropriate by the Secretary, notwithstanding the limitations in subsection (a)(12).

(2) Respite care under paragraph (1)(D) shall be provided subject to the following conditions:

(A) Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary for purposes of this paragraph, such respite care shall be limited to 32 hours per month for a primary caregiver.

(B) Unused hours of such respite care may not be carried over to another month.

(C) Such respite care may be provided to an eligible beneficiary regardless of whether the eligible beneficiary is receiving another benefit under this subsection.

(3)(A) Service and modification of durable equipment and assistive technology devices under paragraph (1)(E) may be provided only upon determination by the Secretary that the service or modification is necessary for the use of such equipment or device by the eligible dependent.

(B) Service and modification of durable equipment and assistive technology devices under such paragraph may not be provided—

(i) in the case of misuse, loss, or theft of the equipment or device; or

(ii) for a deluxe, luxury, or immaterial feature of the equipment or device, as determined by the Secretary.

(C) Service and modification of durable equipment and assistive technology devices under such paragraph may include training of the eligible dependent and immediate family members of the eligible dependent on the use of the equipment or device.

(f)(1) Members shall be required to share in the cost of any benefits provided to their dependents under subsection (d) as follows:

(A) Members in the lowest enlisted pay grade shall be required to pay the first $25 incurred each month, and members in the highest commissioned pay grade shall be required to pay the first $250 incurred each month. The amounts to be paid by members in all other pay grades shall be determined under regulations to be prescribed by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the administering Secretaries.

(B) A member who has more than one dependent incurring expenses in a given month under a plan covered by subsection (d) shall not be required to pay an amount greater than would be required if the member had only one such dependent.

(2) In the case of extended benefits provided under subparagraph (C), (E), (F), or (G) of subsection (e)(1) to a dependent of a member of the uniformed services—

(A) the Government's share of the total cost of providing such benefits in any year shall not exceed $36,000, prorated as determined by the Secretary of Defense, except for costs that a member is exempt from paying under paragraph (3); and

(B) the member shall pay (in addition to any amount payable under paragraph (1)) the amount, if any, by which the amount of such total cost for the year exceeds the Government's maximum share under subparagraph (A).

(3) A member of the uniformed services who incurs expenses under paragraph (2) for a month for more than one dependent shall not be required to pay for the month under subparagraph (B) of that paragraph an amount greater than the amount the member would otherwise be required to pay under that subparagraph for the month if the member were incurring expenses under that subparagraph for only one dependent.

(4) To qualify for extended benefits under subparagraph (C), (E), (F), or (G) of subsection (e)(1), a dependent of a member of the uniformed services shall be required to use public facilities to the extent such facilities are available and adequate, as determined under joint regulations of the administering Secretaries.

(5) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall prescribe regulations to carry out this subsection.

(g)(1) When a member dies while he is eligible for receipt of hostile fire pay under section 310 or 351 of title 37 or from a disease or injury incurred while eligible for such pay, his dependents who are receiving benefits under a plan covered by subsection (d) shall continue to be eligible for such benefits until they pass their twenty-first birthday.

(2) In addition to any continuation of eligibility for benefits under paragraph (1), when a member dies while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, the member's dependents who are receiving benefits under a plan covered by subsection (a) shall continue to be eligible for benefits under TRICARE Prime during the three-year period beginning on the date of the member's death, except that, in the case of such a dependent of the deceased who is described by subparagraph (D) or (I) of section 1072(2) of this title, the period of continued eligibility shall be the longer of the following periods beginning on such date:

(A) Three years.

(B) The period ending on the date on which such dependent attains 21 years of age.

(C) In the case of such a dependent who, at 21 years of age, is enrolled in a full-time course of study in a secondary school or in a full-time course of study in an institution of higher education approved by the administering Secretary and was, at the time of the member's death, in fact dependent on the member for over one-half of such dependent's support, the period ending on the earlier of the following dates:

(i) The date on which such dependent ceases to pursue such a course of study, as determined by the administering Secretary.

(ii) The date on which such dependent attains 23 years of age.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(C), a dependent shall be treated as being enrolled in a full-time course of study in an institution of higher education during any reasonable period of transition between the dependent's completion of a full-time course of study in a secondary school and the commencement of an enrollment in a full-time course of study in an institution of higher education, as determined by the administering Secretary.

(4) The terms and conditions under which health benefits are provided under this chapter to a dependent of a deceased member under paragraph (2) shall be the same as those that would apply to the dependent under this chapter if the member were living and serving on active duty for a period of more than 30 days.

(5) In this subsection, the term "TRICARE Prime" means the managed care option of the TRICARE program.

(h)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), payment for a charge for services by an individual health care professional (or other noninstitutional health care provider) for which a claim is submitted under a plan contracted for under subsection (a) shall be equal to an amount determined to be appropriate, to the extent practicable, in accordance with the same reimbursement rules as apply to payments for similar services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.). The Secretary of Defense shall determine the appropriate payment amount under this paragraph in consultation with the other administering Secretaries.

(2) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall prescribe regulations to provide for such exceptions to the payment limitations under paragraph (1) as the Secretary determines to be necessary to assure that covered beneficiaries retain adequate access to health care services. Such exceptions may include the payment of amounts higher than the amount allowed under paragraph (1) when enrollees in managed care programs obtain covered services from nonparticipating providers. To provide a suitable transition from the payment methodologies in effect before February 10, 1996, to the methodology required by paragraph (1), the amount allowable for any service may not be reduced by more than 15 percent below the amount allowed for the same service during the immediately preceding 12-month period (or other period as established by the Secretary of Defense).

(3) In addition to the authority provided under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense may authorize the commander of a facility of the uniformed services, the lead agent (if other than the commander), and the health care contractor to modify the payment limitations under paragraph (1) for certain health care providers when necessary to ensure both the availability of certain services for covered beneficiaries and lower costs than would otherwise be incurred to provide the services. With the consent of the health care provider, the Secretary is also authorized to reduce the authorized payment for certain health care services below the amount otherwise required by the payment limitations under paragraph (1).

(4)(A) The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall prescribe regulations to establish limitations (similar to the limitations established under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.)) on beneficiary liability for charges of an individual health care professional (or other noninstitutional health care provider).

(B) The regulations shall include a restriction that prohibits an individual health care professional (or other noninstitutional health care provider) from billing a beneficiary for services for more than the amount that is equal to—

(i) the excess of the limiting charge (as defined in section 1848(g)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(g)(2))) that would be applicable if the services had been provided by the professional (or other provider) as an individual health care professional (or other noninstitutional health care provider) on a nonassignment-related basis under part B of title XVIII of such Act over the amount that is payable by the United States for those services under this subsection, plus

(ii) any unpaid amounts of deductibles or copayments that are payable directly to the professional (or other provider) by the beneficiary.

(C)(i) In the case of a dependent described in clause (ii), the regulations shall provide that, in addition to amounts otherwise payable by the United States, the Secretary may pay the amount referred to in subparagraph (B)(i).

(ii) This subparagraph applies to a dependent referred to in subsection (a) of a member of a reserve component serving on active duty pursuant to a call or order to active duty for a period of more than 30 days.

(5) To assure access to care for all covered beneficiaries, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall designate specific rates for reimbursement for services in certain localities if the Secretary determines that without payment of such rates access to health care services would be severely impaired. Such a determination shall be based on consideration of the number of providers in a locality who provide the services, the number of such providers who are CHAMPUS participating providers, the number of covered beneficiaries under CHAMPUS in the locality, the availability of military providers in the location or a nearby location, and any other factors determined to be relevant by the Secretary.

(i)(1) A benefit may not be paid under a plan covered by this section in the case of a person enrolled in, or covered by, any other insurance, medical service, or health plan, including any plan offered by a third-party payer (as defined in section 1095(h)(1) of this title), to the extent that the benefit is also a benefit under the other plan, except in the case of a plan administered under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.).

(2) The amount to be paid to a provider of services for services provided under a plan covered by this section shall be determined under joint regulations to be prescribed by the administering Secretaries which provide that the amount of such payments shall be determined to the extent practicable in accordance with the same reimbursement rules as apply to payments to providers of services of the same type under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).

(3) A contract for a plan covered by this section shall include a clause that prohibits each provider of services under the plan from billing any person covered by the plan for any balance of charges for services in excess of the amount paid for those services under the joint regulations referred to in paragraph (2), except for any unpaid amounts of deductibles or copayments that are payable directly to the provider by the person.

(4) In this subsection, the term "provider of services" means a hospital, skilled nursing facility, comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility, home health agency, hospice program (as defined in section 1861(dd)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(2))), or other institutional facility providing services for which payment may be made under a plan covered by this section.

(j) A plan covered by this section may include provision of liver transplants (including the cost of acquisition and transportation of the donated liver) in accordance with this subsection. Such a liver transplant may be provided if—

(1) the transplant is for a dependent considered appropriate for that procedure by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the other administering Secretaries and such other entities as the Secretary considers appropriate; and

(2) the transplant is to be carried out at a health-care facility that has been approved for that purpose by the Secretary of Defense after consultation with the other administering Secretaries and such other entities as the Secretary considers appropriate.

(k)(1) Contracts entered into under subsection (a) shall also provide for medical care for dependents of former members of the uniformed services who are authorized to receive medical and dental care under section 1076(e) of this title in facilities of the uniformed services.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), medical care in the case of a dependent described in section 1076(e) shall be furnished under the same conditions and subject to the same limitations as medical care furnished under this section to spouses and children of members of the uniformed services described in the first sentence of subsection (a).

(3) Medical care may be furnished to a dependent pursuant to paragraph (1) only for an injury, illness, or other condition described in section 1076(e) of this title.

(l)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense may, upon request, make payments under this section for a charge for services for which a claim is submitted under a plan contracted for under subsection (a) to a hospital that does not impose a legal obligation on any of its patients to pay for such services.

(2) A payment under paragraph (1) may not exceed the average amount paid for comparable services in the geographic area in which the hospital is located or, if no comparable services are available in that area, in an area similar to the area in which the hospital is located.

(3) The Secretary of Defense shall periodically review the billing practices of each hospital the Secretary approves for payment under this subsection to ensure that the hospital's practices of not billing patients for payment are not resulting in increased costs to the Government.

(4) The Secretary of Defense may require each hospital the Secretary approves for payment under this subsection to provide evidence that it has sources of revenue to cover unbilled costs.

(m) The Secretary of Defense may enter into contracts (or amend existing contracts) with fiscal intermediaries under which the intermediaries agree to organize and operate, directly or through subcontractors, managed health care networks for the provision of health care under this chapter. The managed health care networks shall include cost containment methods, such as utilization review and contracting for care on a discounted basis.

(n)(1) Health care services provided pursuant to this section or section 1086 of this title (or pursuant to any other contract or project under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services) may not include services determined under the CHAMPUS Peer Review Organization program to be not medically or psychologically necessary.

(2) The Secretary of Defense, after consulting with the other administering Secretaries, may adopt or adapt for use under the CHAMPUS Peer Review Organization program, as the Secretary considers appropriate, any of the quality and utilization review requirements and procedures that are used by the Peer Review Organization program under part B of title XI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320c et seq.).

(o)(1) Subject to such exceptions as the Secretary of Defense considers necessary, coverage for medical care under this section for the dependents described in paragraph (3), and standards with respect to timely access to such care, shall be comparable to coverage for medical care and standards for timely access to such care under the managed care option of the TRICARE program known as TRICARE Prime.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall enter into arrangements with contractors under the TRICARE program or with other appropriate contractors for the timely and efficient processing of claims under this subsection.

(3) This subsection applies with respect to a dependent referred to in subsection (a) who—

(A) is a dependent of a member of the uniformed services referred to in section 1074(c)(3) of this title and is residing with the member;

(B) is a dependent of a member who, after having served in a duty assignment described in section 1074(c)(3) of this title, has relocated without the dependent pursuant to orders for a permanent change of duty station from a remote location described in subparagraph (B)(ii) of such section where the member and the dependent resided together while the member served in such assignment, if the orders do not authorize dependents to accompany the member to the new duty station at the expense of the United States and the dependent continues to reside at the same remote location, or

(C) is a dependent of a reserve component member ordered to active duty for a period of more than 30 days and is residing with the member, and the residence is located more than 50 miles, or approximately one hour of driving time, from the nearest military medical treatment facility adequate to provide the needed care.

(4) The Secretary of Defense may provide for coverage of a dependent referred to in subsection (a) who is not described in paragraph (3) if the Secretary determines that exceptional circumstances warrant such coverage.

(5) The Secretary of Defense shall consult with the other administering Secretaries in the administration of this subsection.

(p) Subject to subsection (a), a physician or other health care practitioner who is eligible to receive reimbursement for services provided under medicare (as defined in section 1086(d)(3)(C) of this title) shall be considered approved to provide medical care authorized under this section and section 1086 of this title unless the administering Secretaries have information indicating medicare, TRICARE, or other Federal health care program integrity violations by the physician or other health care practitioner.

(q) In the case of any pharmaceutical agent (as defined in section 1074g(i) of this title) provided under a contract entered into under this section by a physician, in an outpatient department of a hospital, or otherwise as part of any medical services provided under such a contract, the Secretary of Defense may, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, adopt special reimbursement methods, amounts, and procedures to encourage the use of high-value products and discourage the use of low-value products, as determined by the Secretary.

(r)(1) The provision of health care services for an eating disorder under subsection (a)(18) may include the following services:

(A) Outpatient services for in-person or telehealth care, including partial hospitalization services and intensive outpatient services.

(B) Inpatient services, which shall include residential services only if medically indicated for treatment of a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder.

(2) A dependent provided health care services for an eating disorder under subsection (a)(18) shall be provided such services without regard to—

(A) the age of the dependent, except with respect to residential services under paragraph (1)(B), which may be provided only to a dependent who is not eligible for hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.); and

(B) except as otherwise specified in paragraph (1)(B), whether the eating disorder is the primary or secondary diagnosis of the dependent.

(3) In this section, the term "eating disorder" has the meaning given the term "feeding and eating disorders" in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (or successor edition), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

(Added Pub. L. 85–861, §1(25)(B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1448; amended Pub. L. 89–614, §2(6), Sept. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 863; Pub. L. 92–58, §1, July 29, 1971, 85 Stat. 157; Pub. L. 95–485, title VIII, §806(a)(1), Oct. 20, 1978, 92 Stat. 1622; Pub. L. 96–342, title VIII, §810(a), (b), Sept. 8, 1980, 94 Stat. 1097; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §§501(13), 511(36), (38), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2908, 2923; Pub. L. 96–552, Dec. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 3254; Pub. L. 97–22, §11(a)(2), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 137; Pub. L. 97–86, title IX, §906(a)(1), Dec. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §931(a), title XII, §1268(4), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 648, 705; Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §632(a)(1), title XIV, §§1401(e)(4), 1405(23), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2543, 2617, 2623; Pub. L. 98–557, §19(7), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 2869; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §652(d), title VII, §703, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3889, 3900; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VII, §§721(a), 726(a), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1115, 1117; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, §646(a), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1989; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title VII, §730(a), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1481; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VII, §§701(a), 702(a), 703(a), (b), 712(a), title XIV, §1484(g)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1580, 1581, 1583, 1717; Pub. L. 102–25, title III, §316(b), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 87; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VII, §§702(b), 711, 712(a), 713, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1400, 1402, 1403; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VII, §704, title X, §§1052(13), 1053(3), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2432, 2499, 2501; Pub. L. 103–35, title II, §202(a)(5), May 31, 1993, 107 Stat. 101; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VII, §§711, 716(c), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1688, 1693; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VII, §§702(a), 707(a), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2797, 2800; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VII, §§701, 731(a)–(d), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 370, 380, 381; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VII, §§701(b)(2), 711, 731, 732, 735(c), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2587, 2590, 2597, 2599; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VII, §735, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1813; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §§701(c)(1), 704(b), 722(b)(1), 757(a)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A–172, 1654A–175, 1654A–185, 1654A–198; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VII, §§701(b), (g)(2), 703(b), 707(a), (b), title X, §1048(c)(5), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1158, 1161–1163, 1226; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VII, §§701(a), §702, §705(a), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2583, 2584; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VII, §705, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1983; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VII, §§714, 715(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3344; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VII, §§701, 702, 703(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2279; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VII, §732, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4511; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(12), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2473; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VII, §§703(a), (c)(1), 706, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3411–3413; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VI, §618(b), title VII, §748(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2160, 2242; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VII, §§702(b)(2), 704, 739(d)(1), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1434, 1435, 1447; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VII, §715(b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1814; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VII, §§703–704(b), title X, §1081(a)(25), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3687, 3688, 3872; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VII, §§701(a), 702, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1777, 1779; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title VII, §708, Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1945.)

In subsection (a), the words "appointed, enlisted, inducted or called, ordered or conscripted in a uniformed service", in 37:402(a)(2) are omitted as surplusage, since it does not matter how a member became a member. The words "active duty for a period of more than 30 days" are substituted for the words "active duty or active duty for training pursuant to a call or order that does not specify a period of thirty days or less", in 37:402(a)(2), to reflect section 101(22) and (23) of this title. The words ", under the authority of this section," are substituted for the words "pursuant to the provisions of this title" to make clear that the section provides independent procurement authority. The words "all", "by the hospital", and "a period of", in 37:411(a), are omitted as surplusage.

In subsection (a)(1), the word "rooms", in 37:411(a), is substituted for the word "accommodations".

In subsection (a)(5), the word "services" is substituted for the word "procedures" and the word "performed" is substituted for the word "accomplished", in 37: 411(a). The words "or surgeon" are inserted for clarity.

In subsection (b), the word "variances" is substituted for the words "limitations, additions, exclusions". The words "or care other than that provided for in sections 1076–1078 of this title" are substituted for 37:414. The words "definitions, and related provisions", in 37:411(b), are omitted as surplusage, since the Secretary of an executive department has inherent authority to interpret laws and issue regulations.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (h)(1), (4)(A), (B)(i), (i)(1), (2), (n)(2), and (r)(2)(A), is act Aug. 13, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Part B of title XI of the Act is classified generally to part B (§1320c et seq.) of subchapter XI of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Titles XVIII and XIX of the Act are classified generally to subchapters XVIII (§1395 et seq.) and XIX (§1396 et seq.), respectively, of chapter 7 of Title 42. Parts A and B of title XVIII of the Act are classified generally to parts A (§1395c et seq.) and B (§1395j et seq.), respectively, of subchapter XVIII of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in subsec. (a)(7) to (14) of this section were contained in the following appropriation acts, with the exception of the provisions similar to par. (14) which first appeared in Pub. L. 96–154:

Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(h) [title VIII, §§8031, 8032, 8045], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1904, 1929, 1931.

Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §§737, 738, 752, Dec. 8, 1983, 97 Stat. 1445, 1447.

Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §101(c) [title VII, §§740, 741, 756], Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1833, 1857, 1860.

Pub. L. 97–114, title VII, §§741, 742, 759, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1585, 1588.

Pub. L. 96–527, title VII, §§742, 743, 763, Dec. 15, 1980, 94 Stat. 3088, 3092.

Pub. L. 96–154, title VII, §§744, 745, 769, Dec. 21, 1979, 93 Stat. 1159, 1163.

Pub. L. 95–457, title VIII, §§844, 845, Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1251.

Pub. L. 95–111, title VIII, §§843, 844, Sept. 21, 1977, 91 Stat. 907.

Pub. L. 94–419, title VII, §§742, 743, Sept. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 1298.

Pub. L. 94–212, title VII, §§750, 751, Feb. 9, 1976, 90 Stat. 176.

Provisions similar to those added to subsec. (h)(2) of this section by section 1401(e)(4)(B) of Pub. L. 98–525 were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §101(h) [title VIII, §8077], Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1904, 1938.

Pub. L. 98–212, title VII, §785, Dec. 8, 1983, 97 Stat. 1453.

A prior section 1079, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 84, related to establishment of right to vote, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 85–861, §36B(5), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1570, as superseded by the Federal Voting Assistance Act of 1955 which is classified to subchapter I–D (§1973cc et seq.) of chapter 20 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (a)(20). Pub. L. 118–159 added par. (20).

2021—Subsec. (a)(12). Pub. L. 116–283, §703, substituted "certified clinical social worker, or other class of provider as designated by the Secretary of Defense," for "or certified clinical social worker,".

Subsec. (a)(18). Pub. L. 117–81, §701(a)(1), which directed adding par. (18) at the end of subsec. (a), effective after the addition of par. (19), was executed by adding it before par. (19) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (a)(19). Pub. L. 117–81, §702, added par. (19).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 116–283, §704(a), amended subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) related to extended benefits for eligible dependents.

Subsec. (f)(2), (4). Pub. L. 116–283, §704(b), substituted "subparagraph (C), (E), (F), or (G) of subsection (e)(1)" for "paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (e)".

Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 116–283, §1081(a)(25), substituted "section 1074g(i)" for "section 1074g(h)".

Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 117–81, §701(a)(2), added subsec. (r).

2018—Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 1074g(h)" for "section 1074g(g)".

2017—Subsec. (a)(15). Pub. L. 115–91, §704, inserted ", except that hospice care may be provided to an individual under the age of 21 concurrently with health care services or hospitalization for the same condition" before period at end.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91, §739(d)(1), substituted "calendar year" for "fiscal year" wherever appearing.

Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 115–91, §702(b)(2), added subsec. (q).

2016—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §618(b), inserted "or 351" after "section 310".

Subsec. (h)(4)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 114–328, §748(b), struck out "in support of a contingency operation under a provision of law referred to in section 101(a)(13)(B) of this title" after "30 days".

2014—Subsec. (a)(6) to (16). Pub. L. 113–291, §703(a)(1), redesignated pars. (7) to (17) as (6) to (16), respectively, and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows: "Inpatient mental health services may not (except as provided in subsection (i)) be provided to a patient in excess of—

"(A) 30 days in any year, in the case of a patient 19 years of age or older;

"(B) 45 days in any year, in the case of a patient under 19 years of age; or

"(C) 150 days in any year, in the case of inpatient mental health services provided as residential treatment care."

Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 113–291, §706, added par. (17). Former par. (17) redesignated (16).

Subsec. (e)(7). Pub. L. 113–291, §703(c)(1), substituted "subsection (a)(12)" for "subsection (a)(13)".

Subsecs. (i) to (q). Pub. L. 113–291, §703(a)(2), (3), redesignated subsecs. (j) to (q) as (i) to (p), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (i) which related to limitation in former subsec. (a)(6) of this section as being inapplicable to inpatient mental health services in certain instances.

2009—Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–84 struck out period after "year".

2008—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 110–417 substituted "year shall not exceed $36,000, prorated as determined by the Secretary of Defense," for "month shall not exceed $2,500," in subpar. (A) and "year." for "month" in subpar. (B).

2006—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 109–364, §702, amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "With respect to dental care, only that care required as a necessary adjunct to medical or surgical treatment may be provided."

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 109–364, §703(b)(1), substituted "the schedule and method of cervical cancer screenings and breast cancer screenings" for "the schedule of pap smears and mammograms" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–364, §703(b)(2), substituted "cervical and breast cancer screenings" for "pap smears and mammograms".

Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 109–364, §701, added par. (17).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 109–163, §715(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), struck out last sentence which read "In addition, when a member dies while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, the member's dependents who are receiving benefits under a plan covered by subsection (a) shall continue to be eligible for such benefits during the three-year period beginning on the date of the death of the member.", and added pars. (2) to (5).

Subsec. (p)(4), (5). Pub. L. 109–163, §714, added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

2004—Subsec. (h)(4)(C). Pub. L. 108–375 added subpar. (C).

2002—Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 107–314, §701(a), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (B)," for "Except in the case of an emergency,", and added subpars. (B) and (C).

Subsec. (p)(1). Pub. L. 107–314, §702(1), substituted "dependents described in paragraph (3)" for "dependents referred to in subsection (a) of a member of the uniformed services referred to in section 1074(c)(3) of this title who are residing with the member".

Subsec. (p)(3), (4). Pub. L. 107–314, §702(2), (3), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).

Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 107–314, §705(a), added subsec. (q).

2001—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 107–107, §703(b), amended par. (5) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (5) read as follows: "Durable equipment, such as wheelchairs, iron lungs and hospital beds may be provided on a rental basis."

Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 107–107, §701(g)(2), struck out par. (17) which read as follows:

"(17)(A) The Secretary of Defense may establish a program for the individual case management of a person covered by this section or section 1086 of this title who has extraordinary medical or psychological disorders and, under such a program, may waive benefit limitations contained in paragraphs (5) and (13) of this subsection or section 1077(b)(1) of this title and authorize the payment for comprehensive home health care services, supplies, and equipment if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is cost-effective and appropriate.

"(B) The total amount expended under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year may not exceed $100,000,000."

Subsec. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 107–107, §701(b), added subsecs. (d) to (f) and struck out former subsecs. (d) to (f) which related to medical care provided for retarded or handicapped dependents, the requirement of members sharing in cost of benefits provided, and the requirement that members use public facilities to the extent available and adequate, respectively.

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 107–107, §1048(c)(5), substituted "February 10, 1996," for "the date of the enactment of this paragraph".

Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 107–107, §707(b), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (j)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 107–107, §707(a), designated existing provisions of subpar. (A) of par. (2) as par. (2) and substituted "shall be determined under joint regulations" for "may be determined under joint regulations", redesignated subpar. (B) of par. (2) as par. (4) and substituted therein "this subsection," for "subparagraph (A),", and added par. (3).

2000—Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §701(c)(1)], designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §704(b)], substituted "three-year period" for "one-year period".

Subsec. (h)(5). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §757(a)], added par. (5).

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VII, §722(b)(1)], added subsec. (p).

1997—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 105–85, §735(a), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "Payment for a charge for services by an individual health care professional (or other noninstitutional health care provider) for which a claim is submitted under a plan contracted for under subsection (a) may not exceed the lesser of—

"(A) the amount equivalent to the 80th percentile of billed charges made for similar services in the same locality during the base period; or

"(B) an amount determined to be appropriate, to the extent practicable, in accordance with the same reimbursement rules as apply to payments for similar services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.)."

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 105–85, §735(c)(2), redesignated par. (4) as (2).

Pub. L. 105–85, §735(a), struck out par. (2) which read as follows: "For the purposes of paragraph (1)(A), the 80th percentile of charges shall be determined by the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, and the base period shall be a period of twelve calendar months. The Secretary of Defense shall adjust the base period as frequently as he considers appropriate."

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 105–85, §735(c)(2), redesignated par. (5) as (3).

Pub. L. 105–85, §735(a), struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "For the purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the appropriate payment amount shall be determined by the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries."

Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 105–85, §735(c)(2), redesignated par. (4) as (2).

Subsec. (h)(5). Pub. L. 105–85, §735(c)(2), redesignated par. (5) as (3).

Pub. L. 105–85, §735(b), (c)(1), substituted "paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense" for "paragraph (4), the Secretary" and inserted at end "With the consent of the health care provider, the Secretary is also authorized to reduce the authorized payment for certain health care services below the amount otherwise required by the payment limitations under paragraph (1)."

Subsec. (h)(6). Pub. L. 105–85, §735(c)(2), redesignated par. (6) as (4).

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–201, §731(b)(1), substituted "except as follows:" for "except that—" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–201, §731(b)(2), (3), capitalized first letter of first word and substituted a period for the semicolon at end.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 104–201, §731(b)(2), (3), capitalized first letter of first word and substituted a period for the semicolon at end.

Pub. L. 104–201, §701(b)(2), inserted "the schedule and method of colon and prostate cancer screenings," after "pap smears and mammograms," in introductory provisions and "or colon and prostate cancer screenings" after "pap smears and mammograms" in subpar. (B).

Pub. L. 104–106, §701, added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "routine physical examinations and immunizations of dependents over two years of age may only be provided when required in the case of dependents who are traveling outside the United States as a result of a member's duty assignment and such travel is being performed under orders issued by a uniformed service, except that pap smears and mammograms may be provided on a diagnostic or preventive basis;".

Subsec. (a)(3) to (12). Pub. L. 104–201, §731(b)(2), (3), capitalized first letter of first word and substituted a period for the semicolon at end.

Subsec. (a)(13). Pub. L. 104–201, §731(a), (b)(2), substituted "Any service" for "any service" and "paragraph (4)." for "paragraph (4);" and inserted at end "Pursuant to an agreement with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and under such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe, the Secretary of Defense may waive the operation of this paragraph in connection with clinical trials sponsored or approved by the National Institutes of Health if the Secretary of Defense determines that such a waiver will promote access by covered beneficiaries to promising new treatments and contribute to the development of such treatments."

Subsec. (a)(14), (15). Pub. L. 104–201, §731(b)(2), (3), capitalized first letter of first word and substituted a period for the semicolon at end.

Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 104–201, §731(b)(2), (4), capitalized first letter of first word and substituted a period for "; and" at end.

Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 104–201, §731(b)(2), capitalized first letter of first word.

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 104–106, §731(a), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "Payment for a charge for services by an individual health-care professional (or other noninstitutional health-care provider) for which a claim is submitted under a plan contracted for under subsection (a) may be denied only to the extent that the charge exceeds the amount equivalent to the 80th percentile of billed charges made for similar services in the same locality during the base period."

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 104–106, §731(d), substituted "paragraph (1)(A)" for "paragraph (1)".

Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 104–106, §731(b), added par. (3).

Subsec. (h)(4). Pub. L. 104–201, §711, struck out "emergency" before "services from nonparticipating providers."

Pub. L. 104–106, §731(c), added par. (4).

Subsec. (h)(5). Pub. L. 104–201, §732(2), added par. (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (6).

Pub. L. 104–106, §731(c), added par. (5).

Subsec. (h)(6). Pub. L. 104–201, §732(1), redesignated par. (5) as (6).

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 104–201, §735(c), inserted ", including any plan offered by a third-party payer (as defined in section 1095(h)(1) of this title)," after "or health plan".

1994—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–337, §702(a)(1), substituted "dependents, as described in subparagraphs (A), (D), and (I) of section 1072(2) of this title," for "spouses and children".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 103–337, §702(a)(2), substituted "as described in subparagraph (A), (D), or (I) of section 1072(2)" for "as defined in section 1072(2)(A) or (D)".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 103–337, §707(a), inserted at end "In addition, when a member dies while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, the member's dependents who are receiving benefits under a plan covered by subsection (a) shall continue to be eligible for such benefits during the one-year period beginning on the date of the death of the member."

1993—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 103–160, §716(c), substituted "except that those services may be provided in any case in which another insurance plan or program provides primary coverage for those services;" for "except that—

"(A) those services may be provided in any case in which another insurance plan or program provides primary coverage for those services; and

"(B) the Secretary of Defense may waive the 40-mile radius restriction with regard to the provision of a particular service before October 1, 1993, if the Secretary determines that the use of a different geographical area restriction will result in a more cost-effective provision of the service;".

Subsec. (a)(15). Pub. L. 103–35 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 102–484, §704(1). See 1992 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 103–160, §711, added subsec. (o).

1992—Subsec. (a)(15). Pub. L. 102–484, §1053(3), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 102–190, §702(b)(1)(C). See 1991 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 102–484, §704(1), as amended by Pub. L. 103–35, struck out "and" at end of par. (15).

Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 102–484, §704(2), substituted "; and" for period at end.

Subsec. (a)(17). Pub. L. 102–484, §704(3), added par. (17).

Subsec. (j)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–484, §1052(13), inserted a close parenthesis after "1395x(dd)(2)".