Headlines 10 November 2015

Portman provisions to improve military mental health screenings headed to the president for signature

By
Press Release-

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) announced that his provisions to improve military mental health screenings have passed the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and are now headed to the President for signature.

The bill includes language requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to submit recommendations on the establishment and composition of entry screenings for individuals entering military service.
 
These provisions are included in Portman’s Medical Evaluation Parity for Servicemembers (MEPS) Act, which he introduced with Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) in March. This legislation would improve the way the military identifies and assesses mental health issues by instituting mental health assessments for all incoming recruits. The entry screening would serve as a baseline for future mental health assessments throughout service members’ careers and would help provide early detection and treatment of potential mental health issues requiring treatment, a critical part of effective mental health care.  

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“I’m pleased that we have taken steps to address the need for mental health assessments for service members entering and leaving service,” Portman stated. “The provisions in this bill will help focus the military’s efforts to pursue these goals and serve as the foundation for future efforts on this issue. It’s our duty to ensure that the men and women serving our country have access to the best care possible and this bill is a step in the right direction.”
 
The NDAA passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 91-3. This version of the legislation reflects the changes agreed to in the recently passed Bipartisan Budget Agreement.
 
Specifically, the provisions require that DOD:

· Make recommendations with respect to establishing a secure, electronically-based preliminary mental health screening of new members of the Armed Forces.

· Make recommendations with respect to the composition of the mental health screening, evidenced-based best practices, and how to track changes in mental health screenings relating to traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions.

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