General Medical Officer (GMO) Manual: Administrative Section
Fleet Liaison Office (FLO)
Department of the Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Background
The primary responsibility of commanding officers and officers in charge of military treatment facilities (MTFs) and dental treatment facilities (DTFs) is to ensure the health and readiness of members of the Operating Forces. Per reference (a), each fixed treatment facility is required to have a fleet liaison representative. The Fleet Medical Liaison Office (FLO) exists to provide a single point of contact for responsive two-way access and communication between operational units and shore based treatment facilities.
- Establishing a close working relationship with the FLO will significantly enhance each senior medical department representative’s ability to ensure optimum medical readiness for their crew.
Functions
- Coordinate requests for assistance from homeported, depoloyed, and transient operational unit.
- Visit area units making direct contact with commanding cfficers and medical department representatives, provide orientation to services available, furnish point of contact, assess needs, and determine what assistance can be provided.
- Provide information concerning admission and disposition of Operating Forces personnel, including medical boards and limited duty status. Notify local operational units of all non-elective admissions.
- Coordinate processing of specialty consultations and appointment notification.
Patient Referral
When referring patients by consult to a naval hospital, the recommended routing is through the FLO. Check with your nearest FLO to determine which clinics handle their own consults. The FLO will track consults and interface with the specialty department when necessary. A visit to the FLO is recommended for a thorough understanding of the services available at your local medical treatment facility.
Communication
Rosters of current fleet liaison personnel are included in Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT) and Commander in Chief Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT) briefing packages.
Medical Departments can contact fleet liaison offices via phone, naval message, FAX, or E-mail. Submission of a Logistics Requisition (LOGREQ) via naval message is the most effective way to ensure appropriate scheduling of appointments and specialty services.
Reference
Revised by HMCM Taylor, Fleet Medical Liaison Office, Naval Medical Center San Diego (1999).