On March 18, 2020, NASA published in the Federal Register, 85 FR 15352-15359, an interim final rule, 14 CFR 1241, detailing the program and how U.S. Government former astronauts and payload specialists can participate. NASA is immediately implementing the TREAT Astronauts Act program, while also accepting public comments for 60 days. If necessary, the rule will be updated, based on public comments.
Subsequent to the publishing of the rule, a NASA Interim Directive (NID) was also published. The NID describes the policy, roles, and responsibilities of key positions, and other details. It may be modified, as necessary, and published as a NASA Policy Directive (NPD) within the next year.
The TREAT Astronauts Act Board (TAAB), an internal NASA review board, also formally established on March 18, 2020, will provide recommendations to me on whether a medical claim initiated by a former U.S. Government astronaut or payload specialist meets the standard for spaceflight association for medical monitoring, diagnosis and treatment under the TREAT Astronauts Act.
