TRICARE PROGRAM REGIONAL DIRECTORS.

SEC. 727. TRICARE PROGRAM REGIONAL DIRECTORS.(a) Recommendations for Selection Process for TRICARE Program Regional Directors.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall develop recommendations for a process for the selection of regional directors for TRICARE program administrative regions from among nominees and applicants for the position in accordance with this section. (2) The recommendations developed under paragraph (1) shall provide for a process for—(A) the Secretary of each military department to nominate, for each regional director position, one commissioned officer in a grade above colonel, or, in the case of the Navy, captain, or member of the Senior Executive Service under the jurisdiction of that Secretary; and(B) the Secretary of Defense to accept applications for assignment or appointment to each such position from any other qualified person.(3) The recommendations developed under paragraph (1) shall also include recommendations with respect to—(A) the qualifications for regional directors;(B) the period of assignment of a commissioned officer as a regional director; (C) procedures for ensuring that fair consideration is given to each nominee and each applicant; and(D) such other requirements as considered appropriate by the Secretary.(b) Report.—Not later than March 1, 2005, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report containing the recommendations developed by the Secretary under subsection (a).