HF 2044

as introduced - 86th Legislature (2009 - 2010) Posted on 02/09/2010 01:57am

A bill for an act
relating to the military; requiring provision of mental health counseling services
to recently deployed service members; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 192.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [192.504] MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING.
new text end

new text begin The adjutant general shall make available mental health counseling services to
any person who has served in active service in any branch or unit of the United States
armed forces, upon that person's return from deployment to a designated hostile fire or
combat zone, or any other military duty determined by the adjutant as being a high stress
assignment. The counseling services must be made available to the person for up to 18
months following the person's deployment.
new text end

new text begin Counseling services are deemed to be available to a person if the person is eligible to
obtain those services in a reasonably accessible manner and without cost from the United
States Department of Veterans Affairs, or through TriCare or another military medical
program, provided that the adjutant general has made significant efforts to inform eligible
service members and veterans of the availability of those services, including procedures
for obtaining them.
new text end

new text begin "Active service" has the meaning given in section 190.05, subdivision 5b or 5c.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2009.
new text end