Requirement for review before actions to downsize, realign, or reduce scope of services at military medical treatment facilities

Section 1073d of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g) Limitation on actions to downsize, realign, or reduce scope of services (1) The Secretary of Defense may not carry out any action initiated after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 to downsize, realign, or otherwise reduce the scope of services at a military medical treatment facility until the Secretary conducts a comprehensive review consistent with this subsection. (2) A review required under paragraph (1) with respect to an action relating to a military medical treatment facility shall include, at a minimum, the following: (A) An assessment of the capacity, capability, and readiness of local civilian health care providers to absorb affected beneficiary populations. (B) An assessment of the capacity, capability, and accessibility of facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs in the relevant catchment area. (C) An evaluation of the impact on access to care for covered beneficiaries, including wait times, travel distances, and specialty care availability. (D) An analysis of the effects on medical readiness, including clinical workload necessary to sustain provider skills within the armed forces. (E) An assessment of risks to continuity of care, particularly for complex or chronic conditions. (F) Such other factors as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure a complete understanding of impacts on beneficiaries and mission requirements. (3) The Secretary of Defense shall certify to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that the review required under this subsection has been completed prior to implementing any action described in paragraph (1) and shall include a summary of findings and a justification for the proposed action. (4) Not later than one year before conducting any action to downsize, realign, or otherwise reduce the scope of services at a military medical treatment facility, the Secretary of Defense shall have a consultative discussion regarding such action with the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives..