relevant circumstances on the SF 600.
Include
circumstances about the presumed disappearance of
the individual, then status (missing or missing in
action), and supporting documentation.
Close the
record and handle it as you would records for members
being discharged from the service.
DESERTION
When a member is officially declared a deserter,
explain this fact on the SF 600 and the NAVMED
6150/4. Deliver member’s HREC and dental treatment
record to the member’s commanding officer (CO) for
inclusion in and transmittal with the member’s service
record for both Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
When a deserter is apprehended or surrenders, the
CO of the activity having jurisdiction is required to
submit a request for the member’s records to Bureau of
Naval Personnel (BUPERS) or Commandant of the
Marine Corps (CMC), as appropriate.
RETIREMENT
When a member of the naval service is placed on
the retired list or Fleet Reserve List, close the HREC as
you would on a discharge. However, upon request of
the retiring member, a new medical record (OREC) is
established. A copy of the retiring member’s active
duty HREC may be incorporated into a new
NAVMED 6150/20-29 folder. Make an entry on an
SF 600 in the HREC and in the new OREC, stating the
date the HREC was closed.
DISABILITY SEPARATION OR
RETIREMENT
The MTF should send a copy of the HREC of a
member being separated for disability to the DVA
(Department of Veteran Affairs) regional officer
nearest to where the member will be residing. Send the
medical record directly from the MTF to the DVA, so
the record can be considered as a primary source of
evidence in processing a claim for veteran’s benefits.
A record carried by the member is considered
secondary evidence and is not used to process a claim.
Send the record with the VA 526, Claim of Benefits, so
the regional office can initiate the claim.
Members separating from the service and eligible
for veteran’s benefits should be provided a copy of
their HREC on request. Members should be counseled
to request a copy in the event they may make a claim
for veteran’s benefits in the future. Always offer to
send a copy of their HREC to the regional DVA office
for them.
SUMMARY
As a Hospital Corpsman, you will be responsible
for managing health records. Health records are a vital
tool in the healthcare delivery process. It is of the
utmost importance that you learn and follow
guidelines for establishing, handling, maintaining, and
closing health records. Keep in mind, your handling of
the health record can affect others. A well-maintained
health record furnishes healthcare providers with
current medical data, enabling the provider to give
each patient timely and comprehensive medical care.
Confidential treatment of a patient’s medical
information honors the patient’s privacy and is in
keeping with legal regulations.
Following the
guidelines in this chapter will assist you in properly
managing health records under your care.
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