§2350p Reciprocal Patient Movement Agreements

Summary

The Secretary of Defense, if money is available and with the Secretary of State’s agreement, may make formal agreements with one or more partner countries so the countries can share patient-transfer crews and equipment without payment. These agreements can let one country’s staff and gear work on another country’s planes, ships, or vehicles. The agreements must also have the countries accept each other’s professional credentials and equipment approvals and agree on common standards for how patient transfers are done, including making treatment rules more alike when helpful and allowed by law. Before any such agreement starts, the Secretary of Defense must certify in writing that the partner country’s credentials and equipment meet or beat U.S. standards and give care as good as or better than the Department of Defense. That certification must be sent to the appropriate congressional committees within 15 days and must be renewed at least once a year. If the Secretary cannot recertify a partner country, use of that country’s people or equipment must stop until it is recertified. Defined terms (one line each): “Appropriate committees of Congress” = the congressional defense committees and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “Partner country” = any NATO member, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, or any other country the Secretary of Defense (with the Secretary of State’s agreement) names. “Patient movement” = moving wounded, sick, injured, or exposed people to get medical, surgical, mental health, or dental care.