EVALUATION OF THE POLYTRAUMA LIAISON OFFICER/NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER PROGRAM.

SEC. 1665. EVALUATION OF THE POLYTRAUMA LIAISON OFFICER/NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER PROGRAM. (a) Evaluation Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an evaluation of the Polytrauma Liaison Officer/Non-Commissioned Officer program, which is the program operated by each of the military departments and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of— (1) assisting in the seamless transition of members of the Armed Forces from the Department of Defense health care system to the Department of Veterans Affairs system; and (2) expediting the flow of information and communication between military treatment facilities and the Veterans Affairs Polytrauma Centers. (b) Matters Covered.—The evaluation of the Polytrauma Liaison Officer/Non-Commissioned Officer program shall include an evaluation of the following: (1) The program's effectiveness in the following areas: (A) Handling of military patient transfers. (B) Ability to access military records in a timely manner. (C) Collaboration with Polytrauma Center treatment teams. (D) Collaboration with veteran service organizations. (E) Functioning as the Polytrauma Center's subject-matter expert on military issues. (F) Supporting and assisting family members. (G) Providing education, information, and referrals to members of the Armed Forces and their family members. (H) Functioning as uniformed advocates for members of the Armed Forces and their family members. (I) Inclusion in Polytrauma Center meetings. (J) Completion of required administrative reporting. (K) Ability to provide necessary administrative support to all members of the Armed Forces. (2) Manpower requirements to effectively carry out all required functions of the Polytrauma Liaison Officer/Non-Commissioned Officer program given current and expected case loads. (3) Expansion of the program to incorporate Navy and Marine Corps officers and senior enlisted personnel. (c) Reporting Requirement.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report containing— (1) the results of the evaluation; and (2) recommendations for any improvements in the program.