Department of Defense
DIRECTIVE
NUMBER 6000.6
July 2, 2004
Certified Current as of October 31, 2006
GC, DoD
SUBJECT: Defense of Certain Medical Malpractice Claims Against Department of Defense
Healthcare Providers
References: (a) DoD Directive 6000.6, "Medical Malpractice Claims Against Military and
Civilian Personnel of the Armed Forces," August 2, 1977 (hereby canceled)
(b) Sections 1089(f), 1091, and 2733 of title 10, United States Code
(c) Sections 1346(b) and 2671-2680 of title 28, United States Code
1. REISSUANCE AND PURPOSE
This Directive reissues reference (a) to establish policy and assign responsibilities under 10
U.S.C. 1089(f) (reference (b)) to provide relief to healthcare providers of the Department of
Defense from certain malpractice personal tort liability claims in connection with their
authorized activities.
2. APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE
2.1. This Directive applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military
Departments, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 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 in the Department of Defense (hereafter referred
to collectively as the "DoD Components").
2.2. This Directive also applies to healthcare providers of the Armed Forces Retirement
Home (AFRH) and DoD healthcare providers.
