To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries).
Impact
If enacted, this bill would modify specific provisions within the Public Health Service Act, particularly section 221, which would now include leave benefits for Public Health Service officers. The inclusion of these leave provisions would create parity between Public Health Service and Army officers regarding time-off entitlements, significantly impacting the morale and support for those serving in public health roles by acknowledging their service in a similar light to those in the armed forces.
Summary
House Bill 2846 aims to amend the Public Health Service Act by granting commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and their beneficiaries access to certain leave benefits that are typically available to commissioned officers of the Army. This bill seeks to align the leave rights of Public Health Service officers with those of their Army counterparts, thereby recognizing the similar nature of their service and responsibilities.
Contention
Discussion surrounding HB2846 may include debates on whether all commissioned officers, regardless of their branch of service, should receive equal leave benefits. Supporters of the bill are likely to argue that equivalency in leave policies is vital for recruitment and retention, while opponents may raise concerns regarding the allocation of resources and potential discrepancies in the responsibilities and duties of officers in different branches.
Last_action
The last recorded action for HB2846 was its referral to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on April 10, 2025.
To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries).
To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize a joint scholarship program under which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pays for medical education of an officer of the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service at the Uniformed Services University in return for a period of obligated service by such officer at a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
To amend title X of the Public Health Service Act to prohibit funds under such title from being used for any system through which counseling or referrals are provided to individuals regarding abortion services.
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the guaranteed issue of Medigap policies to all Medigap-eligible Medicare beneficiaries and Medicare Advantage enrollees, and for other purposes.
A resolution commending the officers of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service for 225 years of work protecting, promoting, and advancing the health and safety of the United States.
A bill to amend title 39, United States Code, to provide that the United States Postal Service may provide certain basic financial services, and for other purposes.