TREAT PTSD TRICARE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8764
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-28T22:27:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 8764: TREAT PTSD TRICARE Act
Purpose
This legislation directs the Secretary of Defense to provide stellate ganglion block treatment to eligible members of the Armed Forces diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through the TRICARE program. It aims to expand access to this therapy option for service members.
Key Provisions
- New Requirement for Treatment: Adds Section 1074p to Chapter 55 of Title 10, United States Code, requiring the Secretary of Defense to furnish stellate ganglion block to any member (including reserve components) who is enrolled in TRICARE, has a PTSD diagnosis, and chooses the treatment after being informed of its risks and benefits by a qualified health care provider.
- Delivery of Care: The treatment may be provided at Department of Defense medical facilities or by qualified providers participating in TRICARE programs.
- Guideline Update: Requires the Secretary to update the VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of PTSD within 180 days of enactment to include stellate ganglion block as a therapy option, along with details on clinical indicators and contraindications.
- Notification and Effective Date: The Secretary must notify congressional defense committees of the guideline update. The new treatment requirement takes effect 180 days after enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandatory provision in Title 10 for specific PTSD treatment under TRICARE, which did not previously require stellate ganglion block as an option. It also mandates updates to the existing VA/DOD clinical guideline to reflect this therapy.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Defense must implement the new treatment access, update medical guidelines, and coordinate with TRICARE providers, potentially increasing administrative and clinical responsibilities.
- On Citizens: Military members with PTSD gain an additional treatment choice, which could improve care options for those in active service or reserves.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Members of the Armed Forces (active and reserve) diagnosed with PTSD and enrolled in TRICARE.
- The Department of Defense and its medical facilities.
- TRICARE health insurance program and participating providers.
- Congressional defense committees.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs, due to the shared clinical guideline.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within Congress's authority over military health care under Article I of the Constitution. It imposes a specific treatment mandate on the executive branch, which could influence future policy on emerging therapies for service-related conditions, though no constitutional challenges are addressed in the text itself.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for PTSD TRICARE Act — issued 2026-05-12 — PDF (4 pages)