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Transfer of Army Medical Treatment Facilities

Provided by Headquarters, U.S. Army Surgeon GeneralFriday, January 24, 2020

What is it?

The transfer of Army Medical Treatment Facilities is a major organizational change. This transition of the medical treatment facilities (MTFs) to the Defense Health Agency (DHA) will preserve the capability of the Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Army to conduct the full range of military operations globally with medically ready personnel.

This is Army Medicine’s ongoing effort to globally align medical operations as outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2017 and 2019 with the National Defense Strategy (NDS).

What are the current and past efforts of the Army?

On Oct. 1, 2019, DHA assumed management and administration of all Army, Navy, and Air Force stateside MTFs, including facilities in Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. This is an ongoing process that will expand to include overseas locations over the next few years.

  • The new healthcare system is designed around the beneficiaries and delivered through military MTFs and military-civilian partnerships while MTFs will remain the primary place to ensure Army uniformed medical personnel maintain operationally relevant skills.
  • The DHA’s implementation plan details the multi-year, conditions-based transition of the MTFs from the military departments to the DHA with a complete the transfer of all MTFs NLT Oct. 1, 2021.
  • Post transition, MTF commanders will maintain their roles as the Director of Health Services (DHS) at the installation and continue reporting to the Senior Commander on the installation.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

Army Medicine will continue to work with DHA to maintain access to the best possible health care for the Soldiers and Families.

  • Standardized clinical care and administrative processes for beneficiaries, such as improved patient appointments and update of electronic healthcare records.
  • Select MEDCOM civilian positions designated as functions that will transfer to DHA will begin to transition to the DHA on Feb. 2, 2020, including all MTF civilians and select civilians.
  • NDAA 2020 gives the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) the authority to place Army Medicine employees into DHA positions, using voluntary transfers and competitive hiring actions.

Why is this important to the Army?

The transfer of Army hospitals to the DHA is designed to create a more integrated health care system, improve patient outcomes, and enable the readiness of the Army to support the Joint Force. The Army will continue to ensure medical readiness, support wartime requirements and enhance the quality of care for Soldiers and their Families.

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Events

February 2020

Black History Month: Visit African Americans in the U.S. Army

Heart Health Month: Visit Army Medicine

Feb. 17: Presidents Day

Focus Quote for the Day

As we reform and reorganize, we are committed to providing ready and responsive health services and force health protection.

– Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle

Surgeon general reaffirms promise of quality care during DHA transfer