Brandon Act

12/30/2022, 5:47 PM

Brandon Act

This bill modifies the regulatory requirement for referrals by commanding officers and supervisors of members of the Armed Forces for mental health evaluations. Specifically, the regulations must (1) establish a phrase that enables the member to trigger a referral for a mental health evaluation, (2) require a commanding officer or supervisor to make such referrals as soon as practicable following disclosure by the member of the established phrase, and (3) ensure that the process protects the confidentiality of the member.

The Brandon Act, also known as Bill 117 HR 3942, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to address the issue of suicide among military service members. The bill is named after Brandon Caserta, a Navy sailor who took his own life in 2018 after struggling with mental health issues.

The Brandon Act seeks to improve the reporting and handling of suicidal ideation and behavior among service members. It would require the Department of Defense to establish a confidential reporting system for service members who are experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts. This system would allow service members to seek help without fear of retaliation or negative consequences.

Additionally, the Brandon Act would require the Department of Defense to conduct a thorough investigation into any reported incidents of suicidal ideation or behavior. This investigation would aim to identify any systemic issues within the military that may be contributing to the high rates of suicide among service members. Overall, the Brandon Act is a bipartisan effort to address the mental health challenges faced by military service members and improve the support and resources available to them. By establishing a confidential reporting system and conducting thorough investigations into incidents of suicidal ideation, the bill aims to prevent future tragedies like the loss of Brandon Caserta.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 3942

Introduced on
2021-06-16

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

6/16/2021

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

Brandon Act

This bill modifies the regulatory requirement for referrals by commanding officers and supervisors of members of the Armed Forces for mental health evaluations. Specifically, the regulations must (1) establish a phrase that enables the member to trigger a referral for a mental health evaluation, (2) require a commanding officer or supervisor to make such referrals as soon as practicable following disclosure by the member of the established phrase, and (3) ensure that the process protects the confidentiality of the member.

The Brandon Act, also known as Bill 117 HR 3942, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to address the issue of suicide among military service members. The bill is named after Brandon Caserta, a Navy sailor who took his own life in 2018 after struggling with mental health issues.

The Brandon Act seeks to improve the reporting and handling of suicidal ideation and behavior among service members. It would require the Department of Defense to establish a confidential reporting system for service members who are experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts. This system would allow service members to seek help without fear of retaliation or negative consequences.

Additionally, the Brandon Act would require the Department of Defense to conduct a thorough investigation into any reported incidents of suicidal ideation or behavior. This investigation would aim to identify any systemic issues within the military that may be contributing to the high rates of suicide among service members. Overall, the Brandon Act is a bipartisan effort to address the mental health challenges faced by military service members and improve the support and resources available to them. By establishing a confidential reporting system and conducting thorough investigations into incidents of suicidal ideation, the bill aims to prevent future tragedies like the loss of Brandon Caserta.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title 10, United States Code, to improve the process by which a member of the Armed Forces may be referred for a mental health evaluation.

Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security

Potential Impact
Administrative law and regulatory procedures•
Department of Defense•
Health information and medical records•
Medical tests and diagnostic methods•
Mental health•
Military medicine•
Military personnel and dependents

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary6/6/2022

Brandon Act

This bill modifies the regulatory requirement for referrals by commanding officers and supervisors of members of the Armed Forces for mental health evaluations. Specifically, the regulations must (1) establish a phrase t...


Latest Action6/16/2021
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.