TRICARE: Will Soldiers and Veterans be Supported?
You've seen this issue come up several times here at CPB, and now the rubber is hitting the road as the House and Senate Armed Services Committees sit down with TRICARE legislation to consider "a provision to allow licensed professional counselors to practice independently under TRICARE, the military healthcare system, and in Defense facilities. Unfortunately, TRICARE currently does not allow soldiers to see licensed professional counselors without physician referral and supervision. Counselors are also prevented from practicing independently in military treatment facilities and other Department of Defense (DOD) programs. As a result, soldiers have to jump through numerous hoops before they can access mental health services from a counselor.
Representatives Robin Hayes (R-NC) and Walter Jones (R-NC) have sponsored the "TRICARE Mental Health Services Enhancement Act (H.R. 1358)," which would grant independent practice authority to counselors in TRICARE and other DOD programs. Equivalent legislation has not yet been introduced in the Senate, but may be introduced as an amendment to the Defense bill. Because the House and Senate Armed Services Committees are going to be considering the Defense Authorization bill this week, it is essential to contact your members of Congress NOW to ask for their support for recognition of counselors in DOD programs." - ACA Action Alert
Read more background on this legislation here and here. Use your seven minutes today to contact your legislator. Ask them to advocate for soldiers, veterans, and their families through TRICARE.
posted by Gordon D. Smith, LPC @ 25.5.05
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