§412 Residents of Retirement Home

Summary

Allows certain former service members and their spouses to live in the Retirement Home if they meet the rules set by the Chief Operating Officer. To be eligible, a person must have served in the Armed Forces with at least half of their service being non-commissioned (not counting service as a warrant officer or limited‑duty officer). Eligible people include those with 20 or more years of active service, those with service‑connected disabilities, those who served in a war zone or were eligible for hostile‑fire pay and have service injuries or disease, women who served before June 12, 1948 with compelling circumstances, and certain retirees who meet specific retired‑pay or health‑coverage rules (including chapter 1223 of title 10, section 1710 of title 38, chapter 55 of title 10, or an acceptable qualified health plan). People convicted of a felony or discharged under other than honorable conditions cannot be residents. Those with substance abuse or mental health issues can be admitted only if evaluated, the Home can handle their needs, and they accept any required conditions. Applicants must apply to the facility Administrator on forms the Chief Operating Officer requires. The Chief Operating Officer must set priorities when demand exceeds space. The spouse of an accepted resident may join if they are a covered beneficiary under 10 U.S.C. 1072(5), are not ineligible, and apply; the spouse then becomes a resident under the same rules unless the Chief Operating Officer says otherwise.