Notification of Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Updates to the Overseas and Remote Duty Assignment Suitability Screening Process

1.  Purpose.  This MARADMIN provides notice of
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) updates to five specific
aspects of the suitability screening process outlined in reference
(a) and summarized below in subparagraphs 2a through 2e.  Reference
(a) can be read in entirety at https://www.med.navy.mil/Directives/. 
2.  Background.  Pending revision of reference (b), BUMED provides
superseding guidance in the following aspects of the screening
process:
2.a.  Updates guidance for adjudicating suitability screenings for
personnel assigned to a billet outside of the continental United
States (OCONUS) in direct support of Chief of Mission (COM)
authority.
2.b.  Outlines the process by which a gaining commanding officer may 
conduct a risk assessment for a Service member recommended as 
medically or dentally unsuitable, with assistance from the reviewing
medical department holding medical cognizance to support their unit,
to aid their final overall suitability determination.
2.c.  Provides details for processes by which a Service member may
request reconsideration of an unsuitable finding by the gaining Navy
Medicine Readiness and Training Command on behalf of their
dependents.
2.d.  Provides expected timelines associated with the medical,
dental, and educational screening process to enhance transparency
and account for coordination with outside agencies and their
respective procedures.
2.e.  Provides updated guidance on the process and initial signature
authority for a finding of medical unsuitability solely based on
immunization status that does not comply with current
recommendations, and the process and timeline for reconsideration
requests. 
2.f.  Marines are directed to initiate screening within 10 days of
orders receipt, in accordance with references (c) and (d), and
should not delay completing required documents for medical
screening, which may include medical or dental appointments for
themselves and/or dependents and, in the case of dependent
school-age children, completion of forms by education officials.
Delays in a Marine's initiation of screening does not alter
timelines for the medical, dental, or educational portion of
screening.
2.g.  Marines, commands and monitors have a help desk for questions
about the overseas suitability screening process via the
Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps, Family Member Travel Screening
(FMTS) Cell at smb_hqmc_fmts@usmc.mil. 
3.  This MARADMIN applies to the Active Component, Active Reserve,
Selected Reserve, Marines on Active-Duty Operational Support Orders
(ADOS), their family members, and, when authorized by law, other
populations such as civilian personnel.
4.  Released authorized by Lieutenant General William J. Bowers,
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.