AFPD46-1 — Nursing Services

AFPD46-1 governs Air Force nursing services policy, nursing care, nursing practice, and professional performance for eligible beneficiaries.

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  • Publication number: AFPD46-1
  • Title: NURSING SERVICES
  • Date: 2018-03-20

View AFPD46-1 on armypubs.army.mil


AFPD46-1 addresses nursing service management, force development, nursing competency, standards of care and practice, medical readiness, operational support, and beneficiary health. It requires compliance with professional nursing ethics and standards and directs delivery of high-quality nursing through high-reliability systems and processes.

Applies to: This Directive applies to all nursing services personnel who deliver and/or monitor health care services in active duty medical treatment facilities, Air Force Reserve Medical Units, Air National Guard Medical Groups, Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons, communities, and deployed locations.

Topics covered

  • Nursing service management
  • Nursing competency
  • Standards of care and practice
  • Medical readiness
  • Operational support
  • Professional nursing ethics
  • High-reliability nursing systems

Questions and answers

What programs must the Air Force Medical Service establish and evaluate for nursing services?

Establish and evaluate programs for nursing service management, force development, nursing competency, standards of care and practice, utilization, and the integration of nursing in medical readiness, operational support, and health of the beneficiaries. (paragraph 1)

What professional requirements apply to Air Force nursing practice?

Comply with professional nursing ethics and standards for nursing practice. (paragraph 1)

What is required for the quality and safety of nursing care?

Deliver high quality nursing, utilizing systems and processes of high reliability to become a learning and improving organization with a single-minded focus on safety. (paragraph 1)

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