Mike D. Rogers
Representative for Alabama · Republican · United States
“(8) An assessment of NATO's deterrence efforts in Romania, including a description and evaluation of-- (A) United States force posture in Romania, including any new rotations to Romania intended to enhance deterrence following the 2025 decision to end the rotational presence of a United States brigade; (B) consultations with NATO allies r…”
“(8) An assessment of NATO's deterrence efforts in Romania, including a description and evaluation of-- (A) United States force posture in Romania, including any new rotations to Romania intended to enhance deterrence following the 2025 decision to end the rotational presence of a United States brigade; (B) consultations with NATO allies r…”
“(a) Requirement for Risk-based Approach.--Section 3843 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 3843. Contractor business systems: monitoring and surveillance standards ``(a) Requirement for Risk-based Approach.--The Secretary shall implement an agile, streamlined risk-based approach to surveillance of contra…”
“(a) Requirement for Risk-based Approach.--Section 3843 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 3843. Contractor business systems: monitoring and surveillance standards ``(a) Requirement for Risk-based Approach.--The Secretary shall implement an agile, streamlined risk-based approach to surveillance of contra…”
“(b) Modification of Certain Certifications and Assessments.-- (1) Certifications.--Section 1249(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60) is amended-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``The certification described'' and inserting following: ``(1) In general.--Except as prov…”
“(b) Objectives.--The Commander shall ensure that the Cognitive Performance Enhancement Program-- (1) improves readiness, resilience, and recovery, using evidence-based holistic and proactive high-performance brain training that has a validated ability to scale cost- effectively across the special operations forces enterprise; [[Page H4842…”
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“(3) The term ``TRICARE program'' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code. SEC. 779. REMOVAL OF PEPTIDES FROM PROHIBITED PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUBSTANCES LIST. The Secretary of Defense may not include legally available peptides on the prohibited dietary supplement ingredients list established pursuant to Department of Defense Instruction 6130.06, or any other similar list of substances that are prohibited for use by a member of the Armed Forces without a medical exemption, if the member of the Armed Forces obtains and uses such peptides in a manner that is lawful in the location of the member. SEC. 780. STUDY ON LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO TOXIC SUBSTANCES ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND FERTILITY.”
“(d) Continuity of Data Collection.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any transition or modification to beneficiary experience survey methodologies does not result in a lapse in the collection, analysis, or reporting of population-level beneficiary experience data necessary to support the evaluation, performance assessment, and reporting requirements, of the military health system. (e) Covered Armed Force.--In this section: (1) The term ``covered Armed Force'' means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. (2) The term ``covered beneficiary'' means a covered beneficiary, as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code, who is a beneficiary by reason of the service by an individual in a covered Armed Force.”
“(3) Patient safety, quality of care, and access to care at military medical treatment facilities, including appointment wait times, beneficiary satisfaction, and comparison to the access standards of the Department of Defense. (4) Trends in beneficiary experience and access to care over time through the use of longitudinal population-level data collection methodologies. (c) Submission.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate the results of each evaluation under subsection (a).”
“(b) Elements of Evaluation.--The evaluation under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of each of the following: (1) The impact of the TRICARE program on members of the covered Armed Forces and the dependents of such members, retirees of the covered Armed Forces and the dependents of such retirees, and dependents with severe disabilities and chronic health care needs of members of the covered Armed Forces serving on active duty regarding access, costs, quality, and beneficiary experience. (2) Barriers affecting beneficiary utilization of military medical treatment facilities and factors influencing the use of purchased care in lieu of direct care.”
“SEC. 778. CONTINUED EVALUATION OF THE TRICARE PROGRAM THROUGH BENEFICIARY EXPERIENCE SURVEYS. (a) Continued Evaluation Required.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure the sustained collection and analysis of beneficiary experience data necessary to support the ongoing evaluation of the TRICARE program in meeting the goals of-- (1) increasing access to health care for covered beneficiaries under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code; (2) improving the quality of health care provided to covered beneficiaries; and (3) informing oversight of the performance of the military health system.”
“(2) The term ``covered toxic substances'' means contaminants and other risk factors that pose a significant health risk to an individual [[Page H4812]] when inhaled, ingested, absorbed by, or in close proximity to, the individual, including-- (A) asbestos; (B) radiation; (C) polychlorinated biphenyls; (D) combustion byproducts associated with burning classified materials, accelerants, and industrial solvents; (E) volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including VOCs from cleaning and maintenance chemicals; (F) radon and naturally occurring radioactive materials in subterranean facilities; (G) hydrogen cyanide, hydrazine, ethylene glycol, and sodium chromate; (H) pesticides and herbicides from facility perimeters and surrounding agricultural runoff; (I) noise; and (J) other chemical compounds or elements associated with the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system or covered operational facilities.”
“(e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``covered operational facilities'' mean physical structures and work environments associated with the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system, including-- (A) launch control facilities; (B) launch facilities; (C) missile alert facilities; and (D) other associated facilities.”
“(c) Information and Clearances.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that personnel of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine supervising the implementation of the agreement required by subsection (a), or conducting the review required by such subsection, are granted, in a timely manner, access to the information and security clearances necessary to carry out such review. (d) Report Required.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Executive Officer of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the findings of the review required by subsection (a). (2) Form.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.”
“(7) Recommendations of the Executive Officer with respect to-- (A) Department of Defense actions to ensure that occupational health and safety conditions of covered operational facilities-- (i) meet current occupational safety and national security requirements in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act; and (ii) are applied to the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system; and (B) potential modifications to-- (i) the current design and operation of the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system; and (ii) the future design and operation of the Sentinel system.”
“(5) An evaluation of the suitability and effectiveness of policies, procedures, and technologies of the Department of the Air Force to prevent occupational hazards, and reduce exposure to covered toxic substances, associated with the Minuteman III system including-- (A) personal protective equipment; (B) engineering controls; (C) environmental surveillance; and (D) other policies, procedures, and technologies deemed relevant. (6) An evaluation of the suitability and effectiveness of policies, procedures, and technologies of the Department of the Air Force and the Department of Defense for reporting and periodic medical screening, testing, and evaluations for potential exposure to occupational hazards and covered toxic substances for personnel associated with the Minuteman III system.”
“(4) A comparative evaluation of the suitability and effectiveness of historic versus current year environmental surveillance policies, procedures, and technologies of the Department of the Air Force for covered operational facilities used to detect exposure to covered toxic substances and occupational hazards, including-- (A) air quality; (B) groundwater and drinking water contamination; (C) ventilation systems and particulate matter accumulation; and (D) residual contamination associated with confined operational environments.”
“(3) An independent case-controlled retrospective study of cancer incidence rates among-- (A) Minuteman III missile launch officers and support personnel; compared to (B) a group of members of the Air Force with-- (i) a substantially similar demographic makeup to the group of launch officers and support personnel included in the study; (ii) responsibilities that are not associated with the Minuteman III system; and (iii) a low potential for occupational exposure to covered toxic substances, as determined by Air Force Specialty Code and occupational duties.”
“(2) An independent assessment of occupational hazards, covered toxic substances, and operational activities associated with the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system that accounts for-- (A) enclosed space dynamics; (B) ventilation inefficiencies; and (C) limited fresh air exchange rates.”
“(a) In General.--The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs, shall seek to enter into an agreement with the Executive Officer of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for a review of the occupational health and safety conditions of covered operational facilities. (b) Elements.--The review required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An independent review of the methodology and findings of the Missile Community Cancer Study conducted by the Air Force Medical Service and Air Force Global Strike Command.”
“(c) Briefing.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the preliminary observations and emerging findings of the study under subsection (a). SEC. 777. REVIEW OF THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CONDITIONS OF OPERATIONAL FACILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LGM-30G MINUTEMAN III INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILE SYSTEM.”
“(5) An identification and evaluation of targeted, cost- effective policy options to improve dental readiness among members of the reserve components, including-- (A) adjustments to annual benefit caps; (B) coverage of readiness-related dental procedures not currently included under existing plans; (C) alternative models for delivering dental care to reservists; and (D) any other mechanisms the Comptroller General determines appropriate to reduce cost-related barriers to deployability. (6) An assessment of the potential effects of such policy options on-- (A) overall force readiness and deployability; (B) recruitment and retention within the reserve components; and (C) cost to the Department of Defense.”
“(2) An evaluation of the relationship between out-of-pocket dental costs and delays in obtaining necessary dental care required for deployment readiness. (3) An analysis of the extent to which dental readiness requirements impose a financial burden on members of the reserve components, including whether such requirements function as an unfunded mandate on individual members. (4) A review of the findings of section 707 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117-263; 136 Stat. 2652) and an assessment of remaining gaps in data regarding dental readiness and benefit sufficiency.”
“(5) The fellowship program would be accredited. SEC. 776. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE STUDY ON RESERVE COMPONENT DENTAL READINESS AND BENEFIT SUFFICIENCY. (a) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the sufficiency of the Department of Defense Reserve Component dental program in supporting the medical readiness and deployability of members of the reserve components. (b) Elements.--The study under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following: (1) An assessment of the extent to which current annual benefit caps, including the $1,500 coverage limit under the TRICARE Dental Program, contribute to dental nondeployability among members of the reserve components.”
“(2) An individual may hold a fellowship under the pilot program if the individual-- (A) holds a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from any medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education; and (B) before participating in the fellowship program, has completed a residency program in neurology or psychiatry at an institution accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. (3) An individual would not be required to be board certified to hold a fellowship under the pilot program. (4) The pilot program would be carried out in a manner that seeks to allow an individual, upon completion of the fellowship program, to sit for board certification in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry offered by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties.”
“(b) Matters Included.--The report on the potential pilot program under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) The feasibility of the pilot program meeting the requirements described in subsection (c). (2) An evaluation of potential locations at which to carry out the pilot program. (c) Requirements Described.--The requirements described in this subsection are the following: (1) The pilot program would include two individuals selected for a one-year clinical fellowship program under the pilot program.”
“(3) The term ``TRICARE program'' has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code. SEC. 775. REPORT ON FEASIBILITY OF PILOT PROGRAM ON BEHAVIORAL NEUROLOGY FELLOWSHIPS. (a) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the feasibility of establishing a pilot program that establishes a behavioral neurology fellowship program to provide training opportunities with respect to treating members of the Armed Forces and veterans with traumatic brain injuries, particularly regarding the intersection of behavior and traumatic brain injury.”
“(f) Applicability to Existing Contracts.--This section shall apply to any contract, agreement, or other arrangement in effect on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, including any contract, agreement, or arrangement entered into before such date. (g) Relationship to Existing Authority.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit, amend, supersede, or restrict in any manner any existing authority of the Comptroller General. (h) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The terms ``eligible covered beneficiary'', ``pharmaceutical agent'', and ``prescription drug'' have the meanings given those terms in section 1074g of title 10, United States Code. (2) The term ``pharmacy benefits program'' means the pharmacy benefit program of the TRICARE program under section 1074g of title 10, United States Code.”
“(d) Access Metrics.--In conducting oversight of the pharmacy benefit program, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that measures of access to such program include-- (1) continuity of care and beneficiary preference, including the ability of beneficiaries to remain with their pharmacy of choice; and [[Page H4811]] (2) meaningful geographic access standards beyond drive- time calculations, with special consideration for rural and underserved areas. (e) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the implementation of this section.”
“(4) Form, detail, and frequency.--The Comptroller General may determine the form, level of detail, and frequency of data submissions required under paragraph (1). (c) Assessment of Impact.--If any audit conducted under subsection (a)(1) finds that reimbursement rates paid to retail pharmacies under the pharmacy benefits program are, on average or in a systemic manner, less than the documented acquisition cost to such pharmacies for outpatient prescription drugs covered by such audit, the Comptroller General shall include in the report on such audit under subsection (a)(2) an assessment of the impact of such reimbursement rates on retail pharmacy participation, beneficiary access, network adequacy, and continuity of care.”
“(C) An identification of all price concessions, including rebates, fees, discounts, and remuneration of any kind from manufacturers, pharmacies, or other entities. (D) Information on amounts charged to the Department of Defense and amounts paid to pharmacies for the same drug. (E) Contracts, subcontracts, and other arrangements with manufacturers, pharmacies, or third parties relevant to the administration of the pharmacy benefits program. (3) Prohibition on withholding of information.--Information required to be provided under this paragraph may not be withheld, redacted, or limited on the basis of claims relating to proprietary information, trade secrets, or confidential commercial information, except that the Comptroller General shall protect such information from public disclosure in accordance with applicable law.”
“(b) Access to Information.-- (1) In general.--As a condition of administering the pharmacy benefits program on and after the date of the enactment of this Act, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, or any contract, subcontract, agreement, or confidentiality provision to the contrary, the contractor responsible for administering the pharmacy benefits program shall agree to make available to the Comptroller General any information the Comptroller General determines necessary to conduct the audits under subsection (a)(1) not later than 30 days after the request for such information by the Comptroller General. (2) Information to be included.--Information required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Claims-level data. (B) Information on reimbursement methodologies and payment rates.”
“(3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report with the results the audits under paragraph (1).”
“SEC. 774. ASSESSMENT OF ACCESS, FAIRNESS, AND TRANSPARENCY UNDER TRICARE PHARMACY BENEFITS PROGRAM. (a) Comptroller General Audits.-- (1) Requirement.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct audits of-- (A) data reported by the contractor responsible for the administration of the pharmacy benefits program relating to-- (i) rates of reimbursement and any price concessions; (ii) any discrepancies between average reimbursements to various types of pharmacies disaggregated by retail, mail order, specialty pharmacies, and any pharmacy owned by or affiliated with such contractor; and (iii) the difference between what the contractor charges the TRICARE program for a pharmaceutical agent and what the contractor pays to pharmacies for the same pharmaceutical agent, disaggregated by retail, mail order, and specialty pharmacies; (B) prior authorizations required by the TRICARE program for prescription drug treatments and services; (C) the timeliness of dispensing prescription drugs from the various types of pharmacies, disaggregated by retail, mail order, and specialty pharmacies; and (D) the adequacy of the retail pharmacy network under the TRICARE program and access by eligible covered beneficiaries to such network, including with respect to continuity of care, geographic accessibility (taking into account factors in addition to travel time to and from a pharmacy, with special consideration for rural and underserved areas), and the extent to which elections by such beneficiaries reflect personal preference; and (2) Briefing.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the audits under paragraph (1).”
“935); and (B) the results of and remedial actions taken following the completion of the study conducted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to fixed-wing aviators and associated ground crew pursuant to title V of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-168) and subsequent related directives; (2) the incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer among members of the Armed Forces and veterans, including any identified elevated risks within specific occupational specialties; (3) an assessment of emerging and advanced prostate cancer screening, diagnostic, and prognostic technologies, including those that are less invasive and capable of determining cancer aggressiveness; (4) the extent to which such technologies are currently available within the military health system and the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (5) a plan, including timelines and resource requirements, to evaluate and, as appropriate, implement such technologies within the military health system and the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
“Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate and the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on-- (1) the status and any preliminary findings of ongoing studies on cancer incidence rates among members of the Armed Forces and veterans, including-- (A) the results of and remedial actions taken following the study conducted by the Secretary of Defense on aircrew members of rotary-wing aircraft under section 736 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60; 139 Stat.”
“(2) Standardized mental health training for members of the covered Armed Forces, including-- (A) specialized training for commanders, senior enlisted leaders, and medical personnel on identifying and addressing mental health concerns; (B) the development of a certification process based on completion of training with documented proof of compliance; (C) how to respond when a member initiates the referral process under section 1090b(e) of title 10, United States Code; and (D) how to recognize signs indicating mental health distress. (c) Covered Armed Forces Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered Armed Forces'' means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. SEC. 773. BRIEFING ON PROSTATE CANCER INCIDENCE AND EMERGING DIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGIES.”
“(b) Elements.--The plan under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) Developing and enforcing uniform protocols with respect to-- (A) the regulations prescribed for the self-initiated referral process under section 1090b(e) of title 10, United States Code, for members of the covered Armed Forces seeking mental health evaluations; (B) the provision of information, including through workplace posters, flyers, and advertisements, to ensure members are aware of such referral process.”
“STRATEGIC PLAN TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. (a) Plan.--The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with each Secretary of a military department and the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall develop a strategic plan to address suicide by members of the covered Armed Forces and the mental health services provided to such members.”
“(3) The term ``Secretary concerned'' means-- (A) the Secretary of Defense, with respect to matters concerning the Department of Defense; and (B) 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. (4) The term ``State'' means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that have a Defense-State Liaison Office. (5) The term ``Transition Assistance Program'' means the program of the Department of Defense for pre-separation counseling, employment assistance, and other transitional services provided under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code. SEC. 772.”
“(c) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means the following: (A) The Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives. (B) The Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate. (2) The term ``medic'' means a member of the Armed Forces acting in a clinical health care-related occupation while serving in the Armed Forces.”
“(3) Consultation.--The Secretaries concerned shall carry out paragraph (1) in consultation with each of the States (through the Defense-State Liaison Office of the Department of Defense), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor. (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing-- (1) the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and (2) a plan to implement those recommendations.”
“(2) Considerations.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall-- (A) identify any barriers-- (i) to improving the ability of the Secretary concerned to determine and communicate how the military medic credentials and experience of a medic separating from the Armed Forces translate to credentialed civilian employment in health care occupations; (ii) that exist to the standardization among the Armed Forces of military medic credentials and experience and the alignment of such credentials and experience to credentialed civilian employment in health care occupations; (iii) that exist to ensuring members of the Armed Forces with military medic credentials and experience have earned the equivalent civilian credential prior to separation from the Armed Forces in addition to receiving their military credentials; (iv) to the increased establishment and uptake of accelerated or bridge programs to assist separating members of the Armed Forces in translating military credentials and experience into civilian health care credentials and employment; (v) to increasing the availability and accessibility of preparatory activities under the SkillBridge program established under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code, in the health care sector for members of the Armed Forces preparing for separation, to include-- (I) the approval timeline for separating members to participate in SkillBridge programs in the health care sector; and (II) requirements to return to their duty station for out- processing; and (vi) to providing information on civilian health care credentials and employment under the Transition Assistance Program to medics separating from the Armed Forces, including information on State-by-State licensing and credentialing; and (B) consider the potential effects of-- (i) clarification by States through legislation, actions of State licensing boards, or actions of State credentialing boards of the civilian equivalents of certain military credentials and experience in health care; (ii) implementation, including through State-provided incentives, of accelerated programs to bridge military medic credentials and experience with civilian health care credentials and licenses; (iii) financial support or incentives by States to increase the availability and accessibility of such programs; (iv) requiring the military departments to align military health care credentials with civilian equivalents; and (v) requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor to track and [[Page H4810]] report the number of separated members of the Armed Forces with health care-related military credentials and experience who continue in the civilian health care sector, including the type of employment they pursue.”
“(6) The average number of treatment sessions required by such children. SEC. 771. TRANSITION OF MEDICS TO CIVILIAN WORKFORCE. (a) Recommendations.---- (1) Requirement.--Each Secretary concerned shall develop recommendations to improve the transition of medics under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned into the civilian workforce in health care occupations, including as certified nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, or medical assistants.”
“(b) Semiannual Reports.--On a semiannual basis, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the Department of Defense Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration program, including the following with respect to the period covered by the report: (1) The total number of children receiving applied behavior analysis services under the program. (2) The total average wait time for such children, listed by the State in which such services are provided and calculated based on the date of the diagnosis of autism and the date on which such services are first provided. (3) The number of new referrals for such services. (4) The number of providers accepting new patients for such services. (5) The number of providers who no longer accept new patients for such services.”
“(e) Secretary Concerned Defined.--In this section, the term ``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code. SEC. 770. REPORTS ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE COMPREHENSIVE AUTISM CARE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. (a) Report on Implementation of Recommendations.--Not later than February 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the plan by the Secretary to implement the recommendations made by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the report on the Department of Defense Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration program submitted under section 737 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117-81; 135 Stat. 1800).”
“(d) Training Courses.--Each Secretary concerned, and the Secretary of Defense with respect to civilian personnel of the Department of Defense, shall develop and implement training courses to ensure each member of an Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary (or each civilian employee of the Department of Defense, respectively) is aware of the importance of accountability with respect to health and welfare and of the significant negative outcomes that may occur when accountability procedures fail. Such courses shall be offered at leadership and supervisor trainings and shall include content relating to the conduct of wellness checks in accordance with subsection (a) and other related actions.”
“(c) Additional Actions by Unit Commanders.--On a routine basis, each unit commander shall-- (1) review the requirements contained in the document titled ``Commander's Critical Information Requirements'', dated January 2020, or such successor document, to ensure such requirements-- (A) have been issued or updated during the three-year period preceding any such review; (B) reflect such medical issues or safety incidents of members of the Armed Forces that the commander deems sufficiently significant; and (C) have been distributed to the unit under the command of such commander; and (2) host confidential wellness meetings with subordinate commanders at which such commanders may discuss with one or more medical officers assigned to such unit any significant injuries or illnesses affecting members of the Armed Forces serving in or with such unit.”
“(b) Implementation by Unit Commanders.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each unit commander coordinates with the judge advocates assigned or attached to, or performing duty with, the unit under the command of such commander for assistance in the implementation of any regulation, policy, or procedure required under subsection (a) with respect to such unit.”
“(3) Result of failure to locate.--If, as a result of a wellness check conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) for a member of the Armed Forces, the individual conducting such check is unable to locate such member, the individual shall refer to the applicable regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department of Defense regarding the determination and reporting of such member as missing, absent unknown, absent without leave, or duty status whereabouts unknown.”
“(a) Wellness Checks.-- (1) Wellness checks required.--The Secretary of Defense shall issue such regulations, policies, and procedures as may be necessary to require that, whenever appropriate, following a member of the Armed Forces sustaining any significant injury or illness or being on sick call, a wellness check is conducted to account for the health and welfare of such member. (2) Methods of contact.--In conducting a wellness check for a member of the Armed Forces pursuant to paragraph (1), if the member does not respond to such check conducted via an electronic or telephone communication method, the individual conducting the check shall progress to an in-person method of contact.”
“(5) The means used by such teams to respond to such incidents, including the extent to which post-incident programs are available to members. (6) Barriers to providing signage and advertisements for mental health resources in high-traffic areas on installations. (7) Current annual training requirements and leadership training programs for each Armed Force, including any enforcement measures. (8) Such other matters as the Inspector General determines appropriate. (c) Report.--Not later April 30, 2027, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report that includes a summary of the results of the review under subsection (a). SEC. 769. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO WELLNESS CHECKS FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE OF CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.”
“(b) Elements.--The review under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of each of the following: (1) The extent of data collected regarding incidents of deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among members of the Armed Forces. (2) The means used by commanders to prevent and respond to incidents of deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among members. (3) Challenges relating to-- (A) the prevention of incidents of deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among members deployed; and (B) the development of a response to such incidents. (4) The capacity of teams providing mental health services to members to respond to incidents of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts among members in the respective unit each such team serves.”
“(E) A summary of steps taken to reduce complaints relating to access to care. (c) Covered Individual Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered individual'' means an individual enrolled in a health care plan under the TRICARE program and eligible to receive care at a military medical treatment facility. SEC. 768. REVIEW BY INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ON EFFORTS TO PREVENT SUICIDE. (a) Review.--The Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall conduct a review of the efforts of each Secretary of a military department to prevent incidents of deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among members of the Armed Forces, including with respect to-- (1) efforts to increase public awareness of such prevention; and (2) developing unit commanding officer crisis response plans.”
“(b) Report.-- (1) Requirement.--Not later than December 1, 2027, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the feasibility of establishing the digital system described in subsection (a). (2) Elements.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following: [[Page H4809]] (A) An identification of the most common complaints relating to access to care filed by covered individuals. (B) A comparison of the number of complaints regarding access to specialty care versus access to primary care. (C) A comparison of the number of complaints regarding access to pediatric care versus nonpediatric care. (D) A comparison of the number of complaints regarding administrative hurdles to access to care versus other issues relating to access to care.”
“(a) Study.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a digital system under which-- (1) a covered individual who receives health care at a military medical treatment facility may electronically-- (A) file a complaint relating to access to care at such military medical treatment facility; and (B) view the status of such complaint at any time, including the status of any interim or final action taken to address the complaint; (2) any complaint filed under paragraph (1)(A) is promptly transmitted to an appropriate patient advocate of the Department of Defense; and (3) complaints filed under paragraph (1)(A) with respect to a military medical treatment facility may be automatically aggregated and submitted to the Director of the Defense Health Agency on a quarterly basis.”