AF Form 3899F: Patient Movement Physician Orders

AF Form 3899F: Patient Movement Physician Orders – AF Form 3899F: Patient Movement Physician Orders for Behavior Management and Restraints is a specialized U.S. Air Force medical form used in the Aeromedical Evacuation (AE) and En Route Care (ERC) system. It enables attending physicians to document specific orders for patients who require behavioral management, chemical sedation, or physical restraints during patient movement by air.

This form is part of the AF Form 3899 series, which supports documentation when electronic health records (EHR) are unavailable or as a supplement during transport. It ensures safe, regulated movement of patients—particularly those with psychiatric or behavioral conditions—while prioritizing the safety of the patient, aircrew, and other passengers aboard military aircraft.

Purpose of AF Form 3899F

The primary purpose of AF Form 3899F is to provide clear, physician-signed orders for behavior management and the use of restraints (chemical and/or physical) for patients in the AE/ERC system. It is specifically designed for scenarios where a patient’s behavior could pose a risk to themselves or others during flight.

Key applications include:

  • Psychiatric or neuropsychiatric patients classified as Category 1A (severe cases requiring sedation, restraints, and close supervision) or 1B (intermediate severity where restraints may need to be immediately available).
  • Patients exhibiting agitation, confusion, or other behaviors that could endanger the flight or interfere with safe transport.
  • Ensuring compliance with strict protocols that prohibit “PRN” (as needed) restraint orders in the AE system—restraint use must be specifically ordered and justified.

The form helps standardize care across the continuum of patient movement, from originating medical treatment facilities (MTFs) through staging and in-flight phases, and integrates with the broader Patient Movement Request (PMR) process managed through systems like TRAC2ES (TRANSCOM Regulating and Command & Control Evacuation System).

When and Why AF Form 3899F Is Used?

In U.S. Air Force aeromedical evacuation operations, patient safety during flight is paramount. Altitude, confined spaces, noise, and the inability to divert quickly can exacerbate behavioral issues. The form addresses these unique challenges by allowing physicians to:

  • Order chemical restraints (sedation) or physical restraints when less restrictive measures are insufficient.
  • Specify the type, duration, and conditions for restraint application.
  • Ensure a medical attendant (often minimum E-5 rank for severe cases) is assigned and trained in proper restraint use, neurological/circulatory checks, and monitoring.

DAFI 48-107V3 (En Route Care Documentation) explicitly states that AF Form 3899F is used for patients requiring behavioral management, chemical, and/or physical restraints while in the ERC system. The attending physician completes the orders, and it pairs with AF Form 3899G (Patient Movement Restraint Observation Flowsheet) for ongoing monitoring and documentation of restraint use.

Restraints are considered an intervention of last resort and must align with DoD and Air Force policies emphasizing patient rights, least-restrictive alternatives, and continuous assessment. No PRN orders are permitted; each instance requires specific physician authorization, with prompt notification to the validating flight surgeon (VFS) if restraints are applied in-flight.

Key Sections and How to Complete AF Form 3899F

While the exact layout is detailed in the official PDF, typical elements (based on the 3899 series and guidance) include:

  • Patient Identification: Name, grade/rank, SSN (or equivalent), allergies, originating MTF, destination, and other demographics.
  • Physician Orders Section: Specific instructions for behavior management interventions, including medication for chemical restraint/sedation, type of physical restraints, monitoring requirements, and any special precautions.
  • Authorization and Signatures: Attending physician signature and date/time; additional clearances from flight surgeons as required.
  • Integration with Other Forms: Often used alongside the main AF Form 3899 (Patient Movement Record), 3899G for observations, and other supplements like intake/output or medication records.

Important Note: Always consult the current official form and governing instructions. The latest version is available for download directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:

→ Download AF Form 3899F PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af3899f/af3899f.pdf

Medical personnel should reference DAFI 48-107 Volume 1 (En Route Care and Aeromedical Evacuation Medical Operations) and Volume 3 (En Route Care Documentation) for detailed procedures, training requirements, and compliance standards.

  • AF Form 3899: Core Patient Movement Record / Physician Orders.
  • AF Form 3899G: Restraint Observation Flowsheet (used to document ongoing monitoring when restraints are applied).
  • AF Form 3899L: For en route critical care patients.
  • Other supplements: Intake/Output (3899E), Medication Record (3899I), etc.

These forms ensure comprehensive, auditable records that become part of the patient’s permanent medical record.

Best Practices and Compliance for U.S. Air Force Medical Teams

  • Physician Responsibility: The attending privileged provider at the originating facility initiates and signs the orders. Consultation with the Patient Movement Requirements Center (PMRC) or validating flight surgeon is often required.
  • In-Flight Adjustments: If a patient’s condition changes and restraints become necessary, the Medical Crew Director (MCD) must contact the validating flight surgeon promptly for orders.
  • Training: Aeromedical evacuation crews and attendants receive specific training on safe restraint application, monitoring for complications (e.g., circulatory or skin issues), and de-escalation techniques.
  • Documentation: Thorough records protect patient safety, support quality improvement, and meet regulatory requirements under HIPAA and DoD patient movement policies (e.g., DoDI 6000.11).

For the most current guidance, Air Force medical personnel should check the official e-Publishing website or their unit’s medical operations directives, as forms and instructions are periodically updated.

Download and Resources

  • Official AF Form 3899F: Direct PDF Download
  • Governing Publications: DAFI 48-107V1, DAFI 48-107V3, and related aeromedical evacuation instructions available on e-Publishing.af.mil.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available U.S. Air Force publications. It is not a substitute for official training, policy, or medical advice. Always use the most recent official forms and follow current Department of the Air Force Instructions (DAFIs) and DoD policies.

Medical professionals involved in patient movement should complete required aeromedical evacuation training and consult with their chain of command or flight surgeon for case-specific guidance.

If you are a U.S. Air Force or DoD healthcare provider seeking templates, training materials, or clarification on using AF Form 3899F, contact your local Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) Patient Administration or Aeromedical Evacuation personnel.