REPORT AND REGULATIONS ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE POLICIES ON PROTECTING THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH PROFESSIONALS PROVIDING THERAPEUTIC OR RELATED SERVICES REGARDING SEXUAL OR DOMESTIC ABUSE.

SEC. 585. REPORT AND REGULATIONS ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE POLICIES ON PROTECTING THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH PROFESSIONALS PROVIDING THERAPEUTIC OR RELATED SERVICES REGARDING SEXUAL OR DOMESTIC ABUSE. (a) Study and Report.—(1) The Comptroller General of the United States shall study the policies, procedures, and practices of the military departments for protecting the confidentiality of communications between— (A) a dependent (as defined in section 1072(2) of title 10, United States Code, with respect to a member of the Armed Forces) of a member of the Armed Forces who— (i) is a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or intrafamily abuse; or (ii) has engaged in such misconduct; and (B) a therapist, counselor, advocate, or other professional from whom the dependent seeks professional services in connection with effects of such misconduct. (2) Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall conclude the study and submit a report on the results of the study to Congress and the Secretary of Defense. (b) Regulations.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations the policies and procedures that the Secretary considers appropriate to provide the maximum protections for the confidentiality of communications described in subsection (a) relating to misconduct described in that subsection, taking into consideration—113 STAT. 637 (1) the findings of the Comptroller General; (2) the standards of confidentiality and ethical standards issued by relevant professional organizations; (3) applicable requirements of Federal and State law; (4) the best interest of victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or intrafamily abuse; (5) military necessity; and (6) such other factors as the Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General, may consider appropriate. (c) Report by Secretary of Defense.—Not later than January 21, 2000, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the actions taken under subsection (b) and any other actions taken by the Secretary to provide the maximum possible protections for confidentiality described in that subsection.