Maj Joe Narrigan
Air Force Medical Operations Agency
Office of the Surgeon General
Under the direction of AFMOA/SGZ and Col John Allen, SG Consultant for Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, my office has been involved in the planning, development, and execution of several programmatic initiatives.
The development, and future implementation, of the Hub & Spoke (Satellite Networking Concept) will provide “top cover” consultants to assist active duty, guard, and reserve Hearing Conservation Program Managers. These positions will not function as Hearing Conservation Centers or Diagnostic Centers but will assist with all aspects of the Air Force’s HCP.
The Team Aerospace Funding Requirement (TAFR) program provides a systematic process to build and validate program requirements. For example, if a piece of equipment is near the end of its life cycle you will build this requirement in TAFR, the MAJCOM reviews all requirements and validate through Air Staff. Validated requirements are placed in the POM and planned for funding. You’ll hear more about TARF soon. I’ll be sending out information on how to receive access to the TAFR website and instructions on building requirements.
AFOSH std. 48-20 is still in draft. The 4FOX merger caused a cascade of decisions concerning who would absorb the 4F workload. Under the direction of Col Van Hook, SG Consultant for Public Health, it was decided that Public Health would assume the CAOHC responsibilities. My target date for publication is October 02. Until the document is published continue to use AFOSH Std. 161-20 and the Interim Guidance, dated 7 April 00.
The Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System (DOEHRS) is a two-pronged effort. Currently the Hearing Conservation application (version 2.0.78) is fielded and operating. Build 3 was alpha tested at Lackland AFB, the software change requests are being worked, and a release date is pending. The Data Repository has completed the historic flat file transfer and are working ad hoc reporting capabilities.
Familiarize yourself with the MAPPG. The RCA/CCA and BCA along with the Order of Merit Tool will influence management decisions that will impact the future of the AFMS. Information concerning the Audiology Super Bill, coding information, and MEPRS accountability will be forthcoming.