Commissioned Corps Management Information Site

1. I’m not clear why we need to do deployment assessments, what is the purpose?

The pre-DHA is designed to document any physical or behavioral health concerns that might affect your ability to safely deploy. Behavioral health validated questions will also provide a baseline to compare responses you give in the post-DHA. In addition, the post-DHA should serve as documentation in your permanent medical record of any issues that arose during your deployment including injury, illness, traumatic events, or exposures.

2. What happens if I don’t want to complete the assessment?

Section 9 of POM 821.71, “Physical Examination Requirements,” states that the Surgeon General has the authority to require officers to submit pre- and post-deployment health information. Failure to do so, could be considered a violation of policy and subject to adverse action.

3. What happens if I can’t complete the pre-deployment assessment before I leave?

The online portion of the pre-DHA can be completed 24/7. The call-in part can be completed every day of the week. Under most deployment scenarios, the pre-DHA should be able to be completed in time. If the Deployment team expects you to be deployed immediately, you may not be asked to complete a pre-DHA. If you are truly unable to complete the pre-DHA, please contact the deployment team at PHSDeployment@hhs.gov. You may still be asked to complete a post-DHA after you are demobilized.

4. Can I still be deployed if the Medical Affairs Branch (MAB) recommends that I don’t go based on my answers?

If MAB or Corps Care feels that your pre-DHA indicates that you are unable to deploy safely, you will be contacted by the appropriate clinician within Commissioned Corps Headquarters (MAB and Corps Care). Further discussion and review of medical documentation may be warranted. Your deployment status will be adjusted accordingly.

5. Who decides which officers get pre-deployment assessments?

The deployment section of the Readiness and Deployment Branch (RDB) will make the decision as to who will be directed to complete a DHA. They will use criteria developed by RDB, MAB, and Corps Care.

If you are rostered to deploy virtually or locally or for a short period of time, you will likely not be directed to complete a pre-DHA. If you have recently completed a DHA, you will not likely be asked to complete another one unless you indicate that there have been changes in your status. If the mission seems to be straightforward with minimum perceived risk, you will likely not complete a pre-DHA.

If you do not complete a pre-DHA, but there are documented unexpected concerns raised about the deployment, you will likely be directed to complete a post-DHA.

6. Can I ask for a post-deployment assessment if I had a problem on the deployment?

If you have health or safety concerns about your recent deployment, please contact Corps Care (PHSCorpsCare@hhs.gov) after you are demobilized. If needed, Corps Care will consult with MAB, and if indicated, you will be directed to complete a post-DHA.

7. What are the consequences if I do not disclose a health condition that becomes problematic on the deployment?

It is the responsibility of every officer to disclose any health condition that could potentially affect their ability to perform their duty, including deployment. If you do not disclose such a health condition or you report a health condition that is not an accurate representation of your health status, you could be subject to adverse actions.

Deployment Health Assessments (DHA) FAQs

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