A CAF is used as a repository for information related to individual competence for all non-privileged healthcare personnel with patient contact and is a great way to keep track of training completed specific to their duty position. Maintaining CAF's for all healthcare individuals facilitates documentation of the training portion required in the joint directive on Immunizations and Chemoprophylaxis (AR 40-562, AFJI 48-110, BUMEDINST 6230.50, CG COMDTINST M6230.4F).

Contact your Credentials Coordinator or Education and Training office at your local MTF.

The Joint Commission requires that an annual report elaborate on the levels of competency for all Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) staff.

Army, Air Force and Navy all have regulations requiring competency assessment for all medical professionals and paraprofessionals. Each MTF and support clinic will have in place a mechanism to assess the competence of staff and to identify training needs in accordance with service regulations related to clinical quality management.

The CAF is utilized throughout an individual's assignment or employment. It is hand carried by non-privileged professional (military/civilian) from one place of duty to the next. Privileged healthcare provider's credentials are maintained in either the provider credentialing file (PCF) or provider activity file (PAF) and will be electronically transferred from one facility to the next.

Competencies will be assessed for para-professionals upon arrival at an MTF (Competency Based Orientation (CBO)) and annually thereafter, keeping in mind that all licenses and certifications should be up to date at all times.