scope:

In accordance with the authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5124.02, DoD Instruction (DoDI) 6400.01, and DoDI 6495.02, this issuance:

• Establishes policy and assigns responsibilities for developing and publishing procedural guidance for providing health care in the Military Health System.

• Prescribes procedures to ensure comprehensive standards for providing health care in the Military Health System for patients who, during the course of health care, present with a disclosure of sexual assault, or disclose they have committed or are suspected to have committed a sexual assault.

Implements:

• Sections 1723 and 1725 of Public Law 113-66.

• Section 538 of Public Law 113-291.

• Sections 538 and 539 Public Law 114-92.

This issuance applies to:

a. OSD, the Military Departments (including the Coast Guard at all times, including when it is a Service in the Department of Homeland Security by agreement with that Department), the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred to collectively in this issuance as the "DoD Components").

b. All patients affected by sexual assault who are seen in a military treatment facility (MTF), including children when a health care provider determines or suspects that sexual abuse has occurred.