EFMP-M is the process that documents and evaluates the medical and educational needs of family members in order to advise the families and AFPC on the appropriateness of family member travel.
In the Air Force, all families with one or more family member(s) with special needs must participate in the EFMP-M review process before any government-funded Permanent Change of Station (PCS) travel is authorized. This applies to relocations within the continental U.S. (CONUS) or outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS).
Additionally, the Air Force complies with DODI 1315.19 and screens all family members requesting government-funded travel to an area OCONUS.
The EFMP-M office at the losing Military Treatment Facility (MTF) gathers and can forward documented family member needs to the gaining installation’s MTF or other review authority. This decision is made by the senior medical authorities at the sponsor’s assigned base, and is determined by the type of care that will likely be needed.
The EFMP-M office at the new location evaluated the needs in light of resources available and makes recommendations to the losing MTF, which then shares them with the family.
EFMP-M protects sensitive information while consulting with education authorities, TRICARE, host-nation resources, housing offices and others, as needed. Travel recommendations are submitted to the sponsor’s Military Personnel Section, where the final decisions are made regarding government-funded travel. Orders are processed based on AFI 36-3020, Family Member Travel, and other Air Force instructions.
EFMP-M OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:
To assess, document and transmit information about special education and medical needs of all family members planning to move at the government’s expense. These needs include specialized medical care, medications, equipment, or any early intervention or related services required or recommended for a child, typically specified on an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Program (IEP).
-To enhance facility and program accessibility for individuals with disabilities or other medical requirements.
-To assist AFPC in assigning sponsors to areas where family members’ medical and/or special education needs can be accommodated, provided there are valid manning requirements for the Airmen’s grades and specialties.
-To enable Air Force civilians to inform DOD Dependent Schools of the arrival of dependent children with special education and related service needs after they have been selected for a position OCONUS. (More information about how the DOD implements Federal special education law may be found in DODI 1342.12, Provision of Early Intervention and Special Education Services to Eligible Dependents.)
-To advise civilians, Reservists, and others about potential limitations in available medical care in locations OCONUS.
-To protect family members’ Federal entitlements, benefits, and medical safety through government-sponsored relocation around the world.
EFMP ENROLLMENT IS MANDATORY FOR ACTIVE DUTY SPONSORS AND CAN BE INITIATED IN SEVERAL WAYS:
-The screening process can be set in motion during routine medical care appointments or by referral from the school or key community personnel.
-Screening occurs during in-, out- and reassignment processing if sponsors indicate that they have or suspect they have an EFM.
-All family members must be screened before approval of command sponsorship for locations OCONUS.
-As soon as a condition is identified, active duty sponsors must contact the nearest Air Force MTF to talk with the EFMP-M staff, who will provide the necessary forms with instructions on having them completed by a medical practitioner or educational authority.
Special Needs Coordinators (SNCs) are the points of contact for initiating enrollment in the EFMP. SNCs are clinical officers or civilian equivalents, and may be reached through the EFMP-M office in the MTF. SNCs evaluate medical/educational information but do not release the family member’s health or educational information to AFPC when initiating EFMP enrollment. Additionally, they assist in linking families with medical care after they arrive at the new duty location.
If the family member’s condition(s) meet enrollment criteria, an assignment limitation code (“Q”) is entered in the active duty sponsor’s electronic personnel record. The sponsor is then known as “Q-coded,” and medical and educational authorities can now consider special needs when sponsors are projected for assignments.
Airmen enrolled in EFMP are responsible for keeping their EFMP-M medical and/or special education documentation current, and for notifying the EFMP-M office of any changes in their family member’s needs or their contact information. A review is required as the EFM’s condition changes or within six months of family travel or a PCS move.
Enrollment in EFMP remains in effect until the medical or special education needs no longer meet criteria, until the Airman is separated from active duty, or until the family member is no longer a military dependent. Disenrollment, or removal of the Q-code, is accomplished by presenting the SNC at the MTF with documentation that indicates one or more of these provisions have been met.
Sponsors who are enrolled are still subject to worldwide assignment, temporary duty (TDY), deployment, and like any other Airman, may be called upon to serve an unaccompanied tour.