Military Mental Health Empowerment Act

To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide notice to members of the Armed Forces, beginning with recruit basic training and the initial training of officer candidates, regarding the availability of mental health services, to help eliminate perceived stigma associated with seeking and receiving mental health services, and to clarify the extent to which information regarding a member seeking and receiving mental health services may be disclosed. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Military Mental Health Empowerment Act 2. 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 of the 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 (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 such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1090a the following new item: 1090b. Notice to members of the armed forces of the 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

Summary: Military Mental Health Empowerment Act - Directs the Secretaries of the military departments to ensure that information concerning the availability of mental health services to members of the Armed Forces (members), as well as privacy rights related to the receipt of such services, is provided to: (1) each officer candidate during initial training, (2) each recruit during basic training, and (3) each other member at such time as the Secretary of Defense (DOD) considers appropriate. Requires each department Secretary to: (1) seek to eliminate perceived stigma associated with seeking and receiving mental health services, and (2) promote the use of such services on a basis comparable to the use of other medical and health services. Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the above information is also provided to current members, including members of the reserve components.