To establish certain requirements relating to wellness checks for the health and welfare of certain members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

Mandatory wellness checks for service members

This bill would require the Secretary of Defense to issue rules so commanders conduct wellness checks when a service member has a significant injury or illness or is on sick call. If a member does not answer an electronic or phone check, the checker would have to follow up in person. If a member cannot be located, the checker would follow applicable DoD rules for reporting missing or absent personnel. Unit commanders would hold confidential wellness meetings with subordinate commanders and may include medical officers, routinely review the document titled "Commander's Critical Information Requirements" (January 2020 or successor) to confirm updates within the prior three years and distribution, and coordinate with judge advocates to implement procedures. Each Secretary concerned and the Secretary of Defense for civilian personnel would develop and offer training at leadership and supervisor courses on accountability for health and welfare and on conducting wellness checks. The bill would define "Secretary concerned" using the meaning in 10 U.S.C. 101(a).