Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2016

1/11/2023, 1:27 PM

Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2016

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to select a VA medical center to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the biological children or grandchildren of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to such exposure.

The bill requires: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) or the head of a federal agency to make available to the VA for review records held by DOD, an Armed Force, or that federal agency that might assist the VA in making determinations regarding individuals and descendents afflicted with an exposure-related health condition; (2) the VA and DOD or such agency head to jointly establish a mechanism for VA review of records; and (3) the national center to employ at least one licensed clinical social worker to coordinate access of individuals to appropriate social and health care programs and to handle case management.

(Sec. 4) The VA shall establish an Advisory Board to oversee and assess the national center and to advise the VA regarding the center's work.

The board shall report on its recommendations at least once a year.

(Sec. 5) DOD shall: (1) conduct a declassification review to determine what information may be made publicly available related to any known incident in which at least 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of a disability that an occupational medicine specialist has determined to be credibly associated with such substance; and (2) make such information available consistent with national security and limited to information necessary for determining whether an individual was exposed to such substance, the severity of exposure, and any potential health conditions resulting from such exposure.

(Sec. 6) The VA shall conduct a national outreach and education campaign directed toward members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members to communicate information on: (1) incidents of exposure of members of the Armed Forces to toxic substances, health conditions resulting from such exposure, and potential long-term effects; and (2) the national center for individuals eligible to participate in national center studies.

DOD and the Department of Health and Human Services shall assist the VA in implementing such campaign.

(Sec. 7) No additional funds are authorized to carry out this bill.

Congress
114

Number
HR - 1769

Introduced on
2015-04-14

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/24/2016

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2016

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to select a VA medical center to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the biological children or grandchildren of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are related to such exposure.

The bill requires: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) or the head of a federal agency to make available to the VA for review records held by DOD, an Armed Force, or that federal agency that might assist the VA in making determinations regarding individuals and descendents afflicted with an exposure-related health condition; (2) the VA and DOD or such agency head to jointly establish a mechanism for VA review of records; and (3) the national center to employ at least one licensed clinical social worker to coordinate access of individuals to appropriate social and health care programs and to handle case management.

(Sec. 4) The VA shall establish an Advisory Board to oversee and assess the national center and to advise the VA regarding the center's work.

The board shall report on its recommendations at least once a year.

(Sec. 5) DOD shall: (1) conduct a declassification review to determine what information may be made publicly available related to any known incident in which at least 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance that resulted in at least one case of a disability that an occupational medicine specialist has determined to be credibly associated with such substance; and (2) make such information available consistent with national security and limited to information necessary for determining whether an individual was exposed to such substance, the severity of exposure, and any potential health conditions resulting from such exposure.

(Sec. 6) The VA shall conduct a national outreach and education campaign directed toward members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their family members to communicate information on: (1) incidents of exposure of members of the Armed Forces to toxic substances, health conditions resulting from such exposure, and potential long-term effects; and (2) the national center for individuals eligible to participate in national center studies.

DOD and the Department of Health and Human Services shall assist the VA in implementing such campaign.

(Sec. 7) No additional funds are authorized to carry out this bill.

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces that are related to that exposure, to establish an advisory board on such health conditions, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact
Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Health facilities and institutions
Health information and medical records
Health promotion and preventive care
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
Medical research
Military personnel and dependents
Transportation costs
Veterans' medical care

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/29/2016

Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2016

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to select a VA medical center to serve as the national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health con...


Latest Action5/24/2016
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 460.