Chapter 81
Oregon Laws 2011
AN ACT
SB 276
Relating to
health care for veterans; and declaring an emergency.
Whereas there are more than 25,000
veterans in the State of Oregon who are women; and
Whereas more than 250,000 women have
served in Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom served in combat; and
Whereas military sexual trauma, which
can result in post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and other
mental and emotional health concerns, is at epidemic levels in the Armed Forces
of the United States, with one in every five female servicemembers and many
male servicemembers claiming some level of military sexual trauma; and
Whereas the United States Department
of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration has expertise in military
sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and the physical conditions
associated with military sexual trauma; and
Whereas many female veterans do not
identify themselves as veterans and do not use Veterans Health Administration
medical services if they need care for military sexual trauma; and
Whereas medical providers, social
workers, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and other providers outside
of the Veterans Health Administration could benefit from continuing education
on military sexual trauma; now, therefore,
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
SECTION 1. The Legislative
Assembly finds that:
(1) The United States Department of
Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration should be encouraged to export
its expertise in military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and
other conditions associated with military service to health care providers
outside of the administration; and
(2) Health care providers outside of
the administration should be encouraged to seek out continuing education in
military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions
associated with military service.
SECTION 2. This 2011 Act being
necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and
safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2011 Act takes effect on
its passage.
Approved by
the Governor May 19, 2011
Filed in the
office of Secretary of State May 19, 2011
Effective date
May 19, 2011
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