DOD Health Care:
Issues Involving Military Nurse Specialists
HRD-89-20: Published: Mar 29, 1989. Publicly Released: Mar 29, 1989.
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In response to a congressional request, GAO examined the Department of Defense's (DOD) policies concerning military nurse anesthetists, midwives, and practitioners, focusing on military policies on nursing practice and supervision.
GAO found that: (1) generally, DOD physicians were responsible for care provided to patients in military medical facilities; (2) DOD did not permit nonphysicians to perform medical functions independent of physicians; (3) DOD issued a quality-assurance directive requiring physicians to supervise nurse specialists, consistent with traditional procedures in military hospitals; (4) military services lacked a formal process for receiving input from nurse specialists; and (5) DOD required higher-ranking nurse specialists to assume supervisory or management responsibilities in their specialties. GAO also found that various nursing associations: (1) expressed concern that nurse specialists could not be promoted to higher ranks and continued to perform clinical duties; and (2) believed that physician supervision of nurse specialists should be based on written medical guidelines and individual education, training, and demonstrated skills.
Apr 25, 2018
![defense icon, source: [West Covina, California] Progressive Management, 2008](https://www.gao.gov/images/rip/defense.jpg "defense icon, source: [West Covina, California] Progressive Management, 2008")
Warfighter Support:
DOD Needs to Share F-35 Operational Lessons Across the Military ServicesGAO-18-464R: Published: Apr 25, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 2018.-
Weapon Systems Annual Assessment:
Knowledge Gaps Pose Risks to Sustaining Recent Positive TrendsGAO-18-360SP: Published: Apr 25, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 25, 2018.
Apr 18, 2018
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KC-46 Tanker Modernization:
Program Cost Is Stable, but Schedule May Be Further DelayedGAO-18-353: Published: Apr 18, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 18, 2018.
Apr 17, 2018
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Amphibious Combat Vehicle:
Program Should Take Steps to Ensure Manufacturing ReadinessGAO-18-364: Published: Apr 17, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 2018. -
CIVILIAN AND CONTRACTOR WORKFORCES:
DOD's Cost Comparisons Addressed Most Report Elements but Excluded Some CostsGAO-18-399: Published: Apr 17, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 17, 2018.
Apr 16, 2018
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Defense Business Systems:
DOD Needs to Continue Improving Guidance and Plans for Effectively Managing InvestmentsGAO-18-130: Published: Apr 16, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 2018. -
Military Bases:
DOD Should Address Challenges with Communication and Mission Changes to Improve Future Base Realignment and Closure RoundsGAO-18-231: Published: Mar 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 2018.
Apr 11, 2018
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Military Personnel:
DOD Needs to Reevaluate Fighter Pilot Workforce RequirementsGAO-18-113: Published: Apr 11, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 11, 2018.
Mar 29, 2018
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DOD Contracted Services:
Long-Standing Issues Remain about Using Inventory for Management DecisionsGAO-18-330: Published: Mar 29, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 29, 2018.
Mar 27, 2018
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Defense Infrastructure:
Action Needed to Increase the Reliability of Construction Cost EstimatesGAO-18-101: Published: Mar 27, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 27, 2018.
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