Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/2020

 118 STAT. 1990 PUBLIC LAW 108–375—OCT. 28, 2004 (5) for members of the Armed Forces and their families described in this subsection who are members of reserve compo nents. (c) ASSESSMENT OF OBSTACLES.—The study shall provide an assessment of existing obstacles that prevent members of the Armed Forces and military families in need of mental health services from obtaining these services, including— (1) the extent to which existing confidentiality regulations, or lack thereof, inhibit members of the Armed Forces from seeking mental health treatment; (2) the implications that a decision to seek mental health services can have on a military career; (3) the extent to which a social stigma exists within the Armed Forces that prevents members of the Armed Forces and military families from seeking mental health treatment within the Department of Defense and the individual Armed Forces; (4) the extent to which logistical obstacles, particularly with respect to members of the Armed Forces and families residing in rural areas, deter members in need of mental health services from obtaining them; and (5) the extent to which members of the Armed Forces and their families are prevented or hampered from obtaining mental health treatment due to the cost of such services. (d) IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS UNIQUE TO RESERVES.—The study shall identify potential problems in obtaining mental health treatment that are unique to members of Reserve components. (e) REPORT.—The Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under this section not later than March 31, 2005. The report shall contain the results of the study and make specific recommendations— (1) for improving the effectiveness and accessibility of mental health services provided by Department of Defense to the persons listed in subsection (b), including recommendations to ensure appropriate referrals and a seamless transition to the care of the Department of Veterans Affairs following separa tion from the Armed Forces; and (2) for removing or mitigating any obstacles identified under subsection (c) and problems identified under subsection (d). SEC. 724. POLICY FOR TIMELY NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN OF MEMBERS SERIOUSLY ILL OR INJURED IN COMBAT ZONES. (a) POLICY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe the policy of the Department of Defense for providing, in the case of the serious illness or injury of a member of the Armed Forces in a combat zone, timely notification to the next of kin of the member regarding the illness or injury, including information on the condition of the member and the location at which the member is receiving treatment. In prescribing the policy, the Secretary shall ensure respect for the expressed desires of individual members of the Armed Forces regarding the notification of next of kin and shall include standards of timeliness for both the initial notification of next of kin under the policy and subsequent updates regarding the condition and location of the member. 10 USC 113 note.

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