ACN 082/17 - JUL 2017 CHRONIC IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT USE BY COAST GUARD MILITARY MEMBERS

ALCOAST COMMANDANT NOTICE          CANCEL DATE 18 JUL 18

R 190912  JUL 17
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N06000//
ACN 082/17
SUBJ:  CHRONIC IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT USE BY COAST GUARD MILITARY MEMBERS
A. Coast Guard Medical Manual, COMDTINST M6000.1 (series)
B. Physical Disability Evaluation System, COMDTINST M1850.2 (series)
1. This ALCOAST updates the Coast Guard’s (CG) policy regarding immunosuppressant
use by CG military members. 
2.  Immunosuppresants are drugs that decrease the activity of the immune system. 
They are often used to treat various diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,
lupus, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
3. Currently, chronic immunosuppressant use is automatically disqualifying for
retention for CG members per REF (A). However, based on evidence
based studies, it has been shown that certain individuals can still be Available
for Full Duty (AFFD) while taking immunosuppressants.
4. The other military services do not consider chronic immunosuppressant use
automatically disqualifying for retention.
5. In consideration of the evidence based studies on this issue and to align
with the other military services, the CG will adopt a similar policy
that chronic immunosuppressant use by CG military members is not
automatically disqualifying for retention if the underlying condition
controlled with immunosuppressants is not disqualifying and there are
no duty restrictions.
6. For medical conditions controlled with immunosuppressants, with no duty
restrictions, but still disqualifying as per REF (A), waivers will be considered
on a case by case basis.
7. CG military members who have a medical condition that requires the use of
chronic immunosuppressant treatment and whose duty status changes to
Available for Limited Duty (AFLD) or Not Available for Duty (NAFD), in
accordance with REF (A), due to the worsening of the medical condition and/or
adverse side effects from the immunosuppressant treatment, will be referred
to the Physical Disability Evaluation System per REF (B).
8. Chronic immunosuppressant use will still be considered disqualifying for
aviation and diving duties. Waivers will be considered on a case by case basis.
9. This change will be reflected in the next update of REF (A) and will be
released within the next year of this ACN.
10. The POC for this message is CAPT Gerald N. Taylor, Chief (Acting),
Office of Health Services (CG-112), 202-475-5211, Gerald.N.Taylor@uscg.mil.
11. Released by RADM Erica Schwartz, Director of Health, Safety and Work-Life.
12. Internet release authorized.