Manual of Naval Preventive Medicine
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A primary mission of the Navy Medical Department is to safeguard and promote the health of all Navy and Marine Corps personnel. This is accomplished largely through a Preventive Medicine Program which emphasizes the preservation of health and maximum effectiveness of the individual. The duties and responsibilities of the Navy Medical Department relating to preventive medicine are defined in Navy Regulations, the Manual of the Medical Department, and current Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery directives. While the Commanding Officer is responsible for the health of his command, the Medical Officer or the Medical Department Representative (MDR) is responsible for maintaining surveillance in all matters that pertain to health; for advising the Commanding Officer of the existence of any conditions that may adversely affect the health of personnel under his cognizance; and for making appropriate recommendations to the Commanding Officer for the correction of such conditions.

The Medical Officer or the MDR must be familiar with manuals and directives published by any other systems commands if he/she is to discharge his or her duties and responsibilities properly. In making recommendations to the Commanding Officer, it is his/her responsibility to reference not only the publications of the Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, but also the pertinent portions of publications of any other systems commands concerning standards and procedures which may affect health. The Medical Officer or the MDR must also be familiar with public health regulations and practices in communities adjacent to Navy and Marine Corps installations and maintain liaison with local public health authorities in order to keep commanding officers aware of conditions that may affect the health of personnel residing in or frequenting these communities.

This manual is not designed to replace those publications in the Navy which define duties and responsibilities, nor does it describe in detail the official channels to be followed in the discharge of duties. Rather, its purpose is to provide information on preventive medicine standards and practices and to serve as a guide that will assist the Medical Officer or the MDR in carrying out his or her responsibilities.

Department of the Navy
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery