Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel Instruction 04/09 – Standard of accommodation for military patients in civilian hospitals
Table of contents
1. Identification
Date of issue: 2009-05-11
Date of modification: 2024-12-01
Application: This instruction applies to Officers and Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
Supersession:
- DGHS 007 201321Z May 98; and
- Surgeon General Medical Directive 1/83.
Approval authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP).
Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC)
2. Definitions
Attending physician/dentist (médecin traitant ou spécialiste dentaire)
The physician/dentist with clinical responsibility for the military patient while hospitalized.
Military patient (patient militaire)
A member of the CAF who is entitled to care in accordance with the provisions of QR&O 34.07, Entitlement to Medical Care, and/or QR&O 35.04, Entitlement to Dental Treatment.
Private room (chambre privée)
A hospital room with one bed.
Public ward room (salle ordinaire)
A hospital room with three or more beds.
Semi-private room (chambre semi-privée)
A hospital room with two beds.
| Abbreviations | Complete term or title |
|---|---|
| DGHS | Director General Health Services |
| D Dent Svcs | Director Dental Services |
| D H Svcs Del | Director Health Services Delivery |
| D Med Pol | Director Medical Policy |
4. Policy direction
Standard of accommodation
4.1 The standard of accommodation for a military patient in a civilian hospital is a semi-private room (irrespective of rank); however, a military patient may be accommodated in a public ward room when a semi-private room is unavailable. In cases where neither semi-private nor public ward rooms are available, a military patient may be accommodated in a private room.
Private room
4.2 The responsible Base/Wing Surgeon or Senior Dental Officer may authorize accommodation in a private room at the request of the attending physician/dentist based on clinical considerations.
Patient requested upgrade to private room
4.3 Notwithstanding the situations described in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2; when a private room is provided solely at the military patient’s request, the patient will be responsible for the costs of upgrading from semi-private to private accommodations.
Additional information
4.4 Requests for additional information/clarification should be directed to the supporting CF Health Services Centre.
5. Responsibilities
Responsibility table
5.1 The following table identifies the authorities and their responsibilities related to this instruction.
| The... | has or have the responsibility(ies) to... |
|---|---|
| D H Svcs Del, D Med Pol, D Dent Svcs | establish and manage the policy for the Standard of Accommodation for Military Patients in Civilian Hospitals. |
| Base/Wing Surgeon, Senior Dental Officer | approve authority for private room requests from the attending physician/dentist. |
| Unit in collaboration with Base/Wing Surgeon, Senior Dental Officer | ensure military patients are made aware of and understand their entitlements while hospitalized. |
6. References
Acts, regulations, central agency policies and associated DAOD
- QR&O Chapter 34.07, Entitlement to Medical Care
- QR&O Chapter 35.04, Entitlement to Dental Treatment