Briefing on primary care provided at military medical treatment facilities on installations of the Air Force

(a) Briefing Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air Force, shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing that contains— (1) an assessment of the force mix of active duty and civilian medical providers at military medical treatment facilities located on installations of the Air Force; and (2) an accompanying plan to address any primary care shortfalls that could result from a mobilization of the Air Force for military operations, particularly in locations that are remote or medically underserved. (b) Briefing components The briefing required under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following: (1) A plan of action for each military medical treatment facility at which a primary care shortfall is identified under such subsection— (A) to improve access to, and the quality of, primary care for members of the Armed Forces and their families by creating a supportive, team-based clinical environment; (B) to enhance recruitment and retention of qualified medical personnel of the Department of Defense, including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, mental health nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, and medical assistants; and (C) to increase the medical readiness of the Armed Forces through improved health outcomes, proactive health management, and ensuring health care providers of the Department maintain clinical skills. (2) Recommendations on the most effective use of— (A) hiring authorities, including temporary excepted service appointments and direct hire authorities, consistent with applicable law and regulations; (B) recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives, such as student loan repayment programs for certain highly qualified civilian candidates; and (C) appropriate licensing and credentialing flexibilities and authorities. (3) A description of objectives and quality metrics, including the number of providers hired and retained, patient load, patient wait times for appointments, and other information as determined appropriate by the Director of the Defense Health Agency and the Secretary of the Air Force. (4) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of conducting a pilot program under which the Air Force Medical Service hires civilian health care workers to support the operational requirements of military medical treatment facilities described in subsection (a).