Department of Defense
DIRECTIVE
NUMBER 5136.01
September 30, 2013
DA&M
SUBJECT: Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (ASD(HA))
References: See Enclosure
1. PURPOSE. Pursuant to the authority vested in the Secretary of Defense by sections 113 and
138 of Title 10, United States Code (U.S.C.) (Reference (a)), this directive reissues DoD
Directive (DoDD) 5136.01 (Reference (b)), under the authority of DoDD 5124.02 (Reference
(c)), to update the responsibilities and functions, relationships, and authorities of the ASD(HA).
2. APPLICABILITY. This directive applies to:
a.
OSD, the Military Departments (including the Coast Guard at all times, including when it
is a service in the Department of Homeland Security by agreement with that Department), the
Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant
Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense
Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred
to collectively in this directive as the “DoD Components”).
b. The Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service and the Commissioned Corps of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, under agreement with the Department of
Health and Human Services.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS
a. The ASD(HA) is the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Under
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) for all DoD health and force
health protection policies, programs, and activities, and for the Integrated Disability Evaluation
System (IDES). The ASD(HA) ensures the effective execution of the DoD medical mission,
providing and maintaining readiness for medical services and support to members of the Military
Services, including during military operations; their families; those held in the control of the
Military Services; and others entitled to or eligible for DoD medical care and benefits, including
those under TRICARE. In carrying out these responsibilities, the ASD(HA) exercises authority,
