The Public Health Service Commissioned Corps' Role in Disaster Response
Abstract
As one of the seven Uniformed Services, the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) is a national health care asset. The Corps' rich history is filled with examples of a strong relationship with the Armed Forces. Current national emergency response planning documents strengthen this relationship. At the same time, there is a noticeable lack of coordinated mobilization planning for the use of Public Health Service officers to meet these operational plans. This paper focuses on the roles of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the PHS in meeting emergency mobilization needs; the various relationships that have been established among the PHS Commissioned Corps, the military, and other federal agencies; and the impact of reduced Federal budgets in the current weak economy. In particular, they will examine the areas of primary responsibility for the DHHS as outlined in various statutes, executive orders, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), Department of Defense Directives (DODD), and operational plans; the implications of Executive Order 12656 of November 18, 1988: Assignment of Emergency Preparedness Responsibilities, The Federal Response Plan annex concerning Public Health and Medical Care; and CINCFOR CONPLAN 7300-90, Integrated Conus Medical Mobilization Plan of 1 July, 1990.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA262240
Entities
People
- William B. Knight
Organizations
- Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy