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Home > Frequently Asked Questions > Contacting and Starting an MRC Unit > MRC Registration Criteria FAQs

MRC Registration Criteria FAQs

On this page:

• What is the purpose of having MRC registration criteria?
• Can my organization house an MRC unit?
• Why does our MRC unit need to identify a leader?
• Who should we partner with?
• Is our MRC unit expected to verify the professional credentials of our volunteer members?
• What strategies and plans should we develop for establishing, implementing, and sustaining our MRC?
• What types of public health, preparedness and emergency response activities should we participate in?
• MRC unit activities
• What does it mean to be an active member of the MRC network?
• What if an MRC unit already exists in my jurisdiction?

What is the purpose of having MRC registration criteria?

The Office of the Surgeon General (OSG)/Division of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (DCVMRC) is committed to the establishment of a strong, viable national network of local MRC units. The registration criteria guide MRC units and clearly outline expectations:

• Affiliation with an appropriate local housing organization
• MRC unit leader(s) identified
• Integration and partnership with local/community stakeholder groups
• Verification of members’ credential(s) (professional licenses/certificates)
• Plans for establishing, implementing and sustaining unit
• Participation in public health, preparedness and emergency response activities
• Active participation in the MRC network (local, state, regional, and national)

These registration criteria encompass the basic and fundamental principles necessary to successfully implement, administer, and sustain an MRC unit. These criteria also serve as a baseline that allows the OSG/DCVMRC to monitor and evaluate initial and ongoing efforts of MRC units.

Can my organization house an MRC unit?

Local governmental agencies, non-profits, and other community-based organizations typically serve as MRC housing organizations. You’ll find that MRC units are based in the following organizations:

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Why does our MRC unit need to identify a leader?

It is crucial for an MRC to have an individual identified as the coordinator or director of the unit, as this person will be dedicated to the development, operation, and continuity of the unit. The time devoted to daily MRC organizational operations varies from community to community. Some MRC units have full-time coordinators working on MRC operations, while others have coordinators who work on a part-time basis. Other units have moved towards a volunteer leadership model by appointing unit volunteers to serve as coordinators or directors. You’ll also find that some MRC units have partnered with universities or organizations like Americorps to help secure leadership staff.

Who should we partner with?

MRC units supplement a community’s existing emergency medical response capabilities and public health infrastructure. Coordinating with local community/government stakeholders and nurturing a broad network of partners is critical for an MRC to carry out its mission. An MRC unit cannot work in isolation and will not be successful if it does not establish strong, solid working relationships with its stakeholders and partners. The following are some common local MRC partners:

Is our MRC unit expected to verify the professional credentials of our volunteer members?

MRC units are expected to verify the credentials of members with professional licenses and certifications. At a minimum, MRC units must ensure that discipline specific licenses are current and unencumbered. In some cases, this can and should be conducted in coordination with the State registry/ESAR-VHP.

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What strategies and plans should we develop for establishing, implementing and sustaining our MRC?

Developing comprehensive strategies and plans assist MRC units on their path to becoming well-recognized, sustainable MRC units. They will help to guide you through your development to reach your end goals, and should include:

• Mission, goals and objectives
• Process for volunteer screening and verification of professional credentials
• Volunteer management (recruitment, engagement, recognition and retention)
• Organizational structure (that allows for management and utilization of volunteers)
• Identification of, and partnerships with, key local community/government stakeholders
• Integration into local and state plans for public health & emergency response
• Training (meeting NIMS compliance requirements and the MRC Core Competencies)
• Volunteer activation/utilization
• Sustainability
• Evaluation

What types of public health, preparedness and emergency response activities should we participate in?

In order for an MRC unit to best serve its local jurisdiction and meet its identified mission, the unit should participate in a number of different public health, preparedness and emergency response activities. Some of the activities might include:

Public Health/Medical

• Surgeon General Priorities (disease prevention, eliminating health disparities, health literacy)
• Disease Detection (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
• Smoking Cessation Initiatives
• Health Promotion/Disease Prevention 
• Vaccination (e.g., school, seasonal flu)
• Health Education
• Health Clinic Support/Staffing

Emergency Preparedness/Response

MRC Unit Activities

A wide range of examples of activities can be found in the MRC unit profiles. Search for MRC units and their profiles on the Find MRC Units page.

What does it mean to be an active member of the MRC network?

Active membership in the MRC is easy to maintain and is extremely beneficial to your MRC unit. Questions, concerns, inquiries and comments related to your MRC unit can be addressed through regular interactions with other MRC units, state and regional MRC coordinators and the OSG/DCVMRC. To be an active member of the MRC network, MRC’s are expected to:

• Participate in state, regional and/or national MRC meetings
• Participate in information sharing with other MRC units (e.g., joining the MRC listserv, offering promising practices, and sharing training resources)
• Maintain/update the unit profile on the MRC website (including current contact information, volunteer numbers, recent activities, extended profile information, etc.)
• Participate in annual MRC Technical Assistance (TA) Assessments
• Stay connected with your MRC Regional Coordinator

What if an MRC unit already exists in my jurisdiction?

If a potential MRC unit falls within the same jurisdiction as an existing MRC unit, the responsibility is on the applying unit to provide a clear justification of the need for an additional unit in the jurisdiction. The applicant must demonstrate that they are cooperating with the appropriate agencies, including the existing unit. The applicant must show an intention and willingness to work with the pre-existing unit on relevant issues. Some common practical concerns should be addressed, such as: how to handle volunteers who wish to switch to the new unit; how to coordinate on common issues such as training; and how to coordinate between the two units and other community partner organizations. The applicant should reach out to the existing MRC unit and potential partners in advance of the registration process, as gaining community support and buy-in is crucial to the integration and long term sustainability of all MRC units.

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8/2/2011 12:29:21 PM