HR 1679

112th CONGRESS
1st Session

H. R. 1679

To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of the health care services available for female members of the Armed Forces.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 2, 2011

Ms. TSONGAS introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

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A BILL

To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of the health care services available for female members of the Armed Forces.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Women's Excellence of Care and Accessibility Review and Evaluation Act' or the `WE CARE Act'.

SEC. 2. REVIEW OF WOMEN-SPECIFIC HEALTH SERVICES AND TREATMENT FOR FEMALE MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

(a) Comprehensive Review- The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive review of--

(1) the availability, efficacy, and adequacy of reproductive health care services available for female members of the Armed Forces, including gynecological services and breast and cervical cancer services;

(2) the availability, efficacy, and adequacy of primary and preventive health care services for women (as defined in section 1074d(b) of title 10, United States Code);

(3) the need for and availability of women-specific treatment for sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual abuse; and

(4) the extent to which military medical treatment facilities are following the policies of the Department of Defense with respect to women-specific health services.

(b) Matters Included- The review required by subsection (a) shall include an assessment of the following:

(1) The need for women-specific health outreach, prevention, and treatment services for female members of the Armed Forces.

(2) The access to and efficacy of existing women-specific mental health outreach, prevention, and treatment services and programs (including substance abuse programs).

(3) The availability of women-specific services and treatment for female members of the Armed Forces who experience sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual abuse.

(4) The access to and need for military medical treatment facilities focusing on the women-specific health care needs of female members of the Armed Forces.

(5) The need for further clinical research on the women-specific health care needs of female members of the Armed Forces who served in a combat zone.

(c) Report- Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the review required by subsection (a).

END