scope:

Purpose

To update procedures and provide guidance for obtaining timely security and ethical review and approval for release of all works authored by Navy Medical Department personnel, either in an official or private capacity, before publication or presentation.

To ensure that all Navy Medical Department personnel only present or publish authored works that have received proper approval. Failure to comply with this instruction may result in disciplinary action for both military and civilian personnel.

Applicability and Scope

This instruction augments the general information in references (a) through (c) and complies with references (d) through (f). This instruction provides guidance on how to submit authored works (oral and written) for publication and introduces NAVMED 5721/1 (Rev. 4-2006), Request for Clearance for Publication or Presentation (enclosure (1)).

This instruction applies to Navy Medical Department personnel defined as:

    Active and Reserve military, civilian personnel, Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) appointees, experts and consultants employed pursuant to Title 5, USC, § 3109, and contractors supported by military funding at Navy medical facilities.

    Active and Reserve Navy Department officers and enlisted personnel, including those in training programs at Navy medical facilities, or participating in joint program operations at Army or Air Force medical and dental facilities.

    Navy Department researchers (military, civilian, IPA appointees, temporary experts and consultants) employed pursuant to Title 5, USC, § 3109 and contractors as defined above in 3a(1), at Navy medical research activities, including Navy Department personnel participating in joint research operations at Army or Air Force research facilities.

For purposes of this instruction, "authored work" means any written document or oral presentation, both personal and professional, intending to be published to the general public. This includes any authored work that is to be transmitted via the internet, mass broadcast, or mass e-mail where the general public may be able to obtain the authored work.

Navy Medical Department personnel are encouraged to submit authored works for publication. Publication encourages the exchange of information, promotes professional growth and the professional standing of Navy personnel and the Navy Medical Department.

Per reference (a), and in compliance with reference (g), security review and approval is required prior to the release of any work authored by Navy Medical Department personnel. Review of authored works is necessary due to the sensitivity of the topic; the significance of findings; political, economic, or civic impact; the potential interest of professional organizations, local, regional, national, or international media; or a combination of these factors.

Per references (a) through (e), authored works must be submitted via the chain-of-command for review and clearance before submission for publication or presentation. Commanders and commanding officers must review and approve publication of authored works in compliance with this instruction. Works involving material or issues enumerated in paragraphs 3g and 3h, require review at a higher level.

Authored works involving potential or inherent controversy, or which are likely to receive media coverage or publicity, must be forwarded via the chain-of-command to BUMED PAO for review and approval.

Per references (d) and (g), authored works submitted for publication or public release that addresses plans, policies, programs, or operations of the Department of Defense (DOD) or the U.S. Government must be submitted to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) via the chain-of-command.