disclosure for certain categories of information on individuals when disclosure may
constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Medical information may be
released under certain conditions, but the individual is protected from unauthorized use by
official or unofficial requests.
b. Disclosure. Medical information may be disclosed under certain
circumstances. All requests for medical information are handled by the patient
administrator or his designee. Army personnel seeking medical information about a
patient must request it in writing from the MTF commander, using DA Form 4254-R
(Request for Private Medical Information). They must state their need, citing the authority
supporting the need, and present their official credentials. Authorization for unofficial
requests must also be in writing. Unofficial requests require DA Form 5006-R
(Authorization for Disclosure of Information). The form must be signed and dated by the
patient.
c. Line of Duty (LD). Line of Duty investigations are required to ascertain the
circumstances under which a disease, injury, or death has occurred for active, Reserve and
National Guard members. The individual's LD status at the time of disease, injury, or death
determines the administrative course of action taken by the Government. For example,
Title 10 USC requires that an officer forfeit pay under certain circumstances, and an
enlisted member with an unfavorable LD make up lost time or forfeit pay while hospitalized
or away from duty. Enlisted promotions and posthumous appointments are also affected
by unfavorable LD findings. Of more importance are the far-reaching implications of Line
of Duty. Entitlement to benefits provided members or their survivors by the Secretary of the
Army, the Veterans Administration, and other Government agencies can also be affected
d. Medical Regulating. Medical Regulating involves evacuation and transfer of
patients. There are many reasons for moving patients from one MTF to another while the
patient is under medical control. For the most part, these reasons fall into one or more of
the following general categories:
(1) Medical. All uniformed services hospitals are not identical in capability or
facilities. An MTF may have to transfer a patient to another MTF that has the capability to
provide the necessary treatment. The determination to move a patient for medical reasons
is made by the attending physician with the approval of the hospital commander.
(2) Administrative. A patient may need to be transferred for the benefit of the
government rather than for purely medical reasons. A member who is being considered for
separation or retirement due to his medical condition may be transferred to the MTF
nearest the Physical Evaluation Board. Prior to moving a patient for administrative
reasons, the hospital must obtain approval from the Medical Command (MEDCOM).
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