REPORT ON STRATEGY TO TRANSITION TO USE OF HUMAN-BASED METHODS FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL TRAINING.

SEC. 736. REPORT ON STRATEGY TO TRANSITION TO USE OF HUMAN-BASED METHODS FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL TRAINING. (a) Report.— (1) In general.—Not later than March 1, 2013, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that outlines a strategy, including a detailed timeline, to refine and, when appropriate, transition to using human-based training methods for the purpose of training members of the Armed Forces in the treatment of combat trauma injuries. (2) Elements.—The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) Required research, development, testing, and evaluation investments to validate human-based training methods to refine, reduce, and, when appropriate, transition from the use of live animals in medical education and training. (B) Phased sustainment and readiness costs to refine, reduce, and, when appropriate, replace the use of live animals in medical education and training. (C) Any risks associated with transitioning to human-based training methods, including resource availability, anticipated technological development timelines, and potential impact on the present combat trauma training curricula. (D) An assessment of the potential effect of transitioning to human-based training methods on the quality of medical care delivered on the battlefield, including any reduction in the competency of combat medical personnel. (E) An assessment of risks to maintaining the level of combat life-saver techniques performed by all members of the Armed Forces. (b) Definitions.—In this section: (1) The term “combat trauma injuries” means severe injuries likely to occur during combat, including— (A) extremity hemorrhage; (B) tension pneumothorax; (C) amputation resulting from blast injury; (D) compromises to the airway; and (E) other injuries. (2) The term “human-based training methods” means, with respect to training individuals in medical treatment, the use of systems and devices that do not use animals, including— (A) simulators; (B) partial task trainers; (C) moulage; (D) simulated combat environments; and (E) human cadavers. (3) The term “partial task trainers” means training aids that allow individuals to learn or practice specific medical procedures.