Colleagues:
We are pleased to announce today that several measures have been implemented that enable the Corps to once again call officers to active duty, and continue the Commissioned Corps Student Training Extern Program (COSTEP).
As you know, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act enacted on March 23, 2010 legislates several immediate changes to the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Undoubtedly, the Act provides many new opportunities for public health and medical professionals to join the Corps and bring their expertise to bear on important health issues of our time. To address transitional challenges that come with these changes, the Department’s senior leadership for the past two months has ardently pursued delegations and implemented procedures to take full advantage of these new provisions and position the Corps for the future. We have also been developing new regulations and policies that will govern our new Corps in a manner that comports with the legislative language.
We understand that this has been a trying time for the Corps and the many individuals hoping to join its ranks. Without a transition period included in the Act, individuals caught in the process have faced considerable hardship. Some individuals have had orders cancelled, others have put careers on hold, and many have faced financial and quality of life hardships. We deeply regret the disruption caused by these unfortunate circumstances and empathize with those individuals and programs that have been affected. In response to these challenges, we have directed all relevant offices and personnel to undertake activities with utmost urgency to remedy these situations.
We see great opportunity for a stronger Corps during this historic time of health reform throughout our nation. We look forward to leading and working alongside all of you as we mobilize leadership in science and prevention for a healthier nation. We know the Corps has been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of responding to our nation’s public health needs.
Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA
Assistant Secretary for Health VADM, USPHS Surgeon General