Library / Laws / 113th / s / S. 1703 / Introduced in Senate
II
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1703
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
November 14, 2013Ms. Murkowski introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services
A BILL
To require the provision of information to
members of the Armed Forces on availability of mental health services and
related privacy rights.
1.
Provision of information to
members of the Armed Forces on availability of mental health services and
related privacy rights
(a)
In
general
Chapter 55 of title
10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1090a the
following new section:
1090b.
Notice to
members of the armed forces on availability of mental health services and
privacy rights related to receipt of such services
(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 at a minimum the following:
(1) Information
regarding the availability of mental health services under this chapter.
(2) Information on the applicability of
Department of Defense Directive 6025.18 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 seeking and
receiving mental health services, including the extent to which—
(A) any such records can be shared with
promotion boards, commanding officers, and other members of the armed
forces;
(B) any adverse actions can be taken against
the member for seeking and receiving mental health services; and
(C) a diagnosis of a
mental health condition can result in negative personnel action.
(c)
Reduction of
perceived stigma
As provided
in section 1090a(b)(1) of this title, in providing information under subsection
(a), the Secretary of a military department shall seek to eliminate perceived
stigma associated with seeking and receiving mental health services and to
promote the use of mental health services on a basis comparable to the use of
other medical and health
services.
.
(b)
Clerical
amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 55 of
such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1090a the
following new item:
1090b. Notice to members of the armed
forces on availability of mental health services and privacy rights related
to receipt of such
services.
.
(c)
Provision of
information to current members
As soon as practicable after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all
members of the Armed Forces, including members of the reserve components,
serving in the Armed Forces as of that date are provided the information
required to be provided to new recruits and officer candidates pursuant to
section 1090b of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection
(a).