Sec. 223. Improving mental health services for foreign and civil servants
236 words·~1 min read·
/bill/118/s/2043/rs/section-223A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary shall seek to increase the number of personnel within the Bureau of Medical Services to address mental health needs for both foreign and civil servants. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to employ not fewer than 15 additional personnel in the Bureau of Medical Services, compared to the number of personnel employed as of the date of the enactment of this Act. The Secretary shall conduct a study on the accessibility of mental health care providers and services available to Department personnel, including an assessment of— the accessibility of mental health care providers at diplomatic posts and in the United States; the accessibility of inpatient services for mental health care for Department personnel; steps that may be taken to improve such accessibility; the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on the mental health of Department personnel, particularly those who served abroad between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, and Locally Employed Staff, where information is available; recommended steps to improve the manner in which the Department advertises mental health services to the workforce; and additional authorities and resources needed to better meet the mental health needs of Department personnel.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to appropriate congressional committees a report containing the findings of the study under subsection (b).