S.Amdt. 3422

Mr. Mullin submitted SA 3422 to add Section 550, Medical Accession Standards for Members of the Armed Forces, to the bill. This amendment aims to change how the military handles medical standards for people joining the service.

The amendment seeks to add the following:

• Uniform Standards: The Secretaries concerned must create uniform medical accession standards that apply to all commissioned officers and all enlisted members across every occupational specialty. These standards and the processes for review or approval must be made understandable and available to potential members.

• Restrictions on Disqualifications: A person cannot be disqualified based only on a past medical diagnosis if:

  • The diagnosis happened before they were 13 years old.
  • There was no treatment for the condition in the five years before they applied.
  • A licensed medical professional confirms they are medically fit and no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for the condition.
  • The Secretary concerned decides the diagnosis likely won't affect the health and readiness of the force.

• Review and Waivers: The Secretary concerned must create a process to review medical disqualifications and can allow someone to join regardless of a disqualifying diagnosis if it is in the interests of national security.

• Accountability Reports: The Secretary of Defense must provide an annual report to congressional defense committees detailing the number of people disqualified due to medical history, the number and type of national security approvals granted, and any updates to standards or review processes. Specific reporting for Coast Guard members approved under national security interests must also be sent to the appropriate House and Senate committees.