scope:

Applies to ships and stations having Navy Medical Department personnel.

Purpose.

Timely, thorough, and unbiased clinical specialty reviews are essential for objective analysis of potential medical malpractice claims against the Navy. This instruction provides authority for all commanding officers convening litigation report investigations under reference (a) involving the delivery of health care to obtain appropriate clinical specialty reviews prior to endorsing the investigation. Adherence to this procedure will streamline the specialty review process and provide subject specific expertise to investigating officers and commanding officers.