Medical profiles have a new look

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Jessica Hill
  • 49th Medical Group
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  With the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's mandate that "Every Airman is Deployable," unit commanders needed more visibility on the readiness of their personnel, to include medical readiness.

The medical world has rolled out a new process for alerting commanders of duty-limiting conditions among members of their unit. Medical profiles, as we have known them, have evolved and now consist of two forms electronically forwarded to the member's unit. Along with this change, the term "profile" has transitioned to "duty-limiting condition."

The new AF Form 469, Duty Limiting Conditions Report, will be used to notify commanders and supervisors of any physical limitations placed upon a member of their unit. The second form, AF Form 422A, Notification of Air Force Member's Qualification Status, will describe member's capabilities and be used for Air Force specialty code assignment, retraining, overseas clearances and exercise prescriptions.

After the medics generate either form, the form will be automatically forwarded to the unit commanders for their review. The unit will then print out the DLC and issue it to the member. Individuals will no longer receive a paper copy of the "profile" from the 49th Medical Group.

Any AF Form 469 that lists mobility restrictions will require the concurrence and signature of the commander. This process will ensure commanders have virtually real-time accountability over the medical readiness of their unit. From the functional limitations listed on the form, supervisors can determine how to best utilize the member within the work area and what duties, including physical training, they can continue to participate in.

This is a change in procedures only, not new policy. The only difference an Airman with a duty-limiting condition will see is that they will receive the paper copy of their limitations from their unit, rather than the 49 MDG. These new procedures will ensure commanders remain abreast of their unit's capabilities and their ability to meet the mission.