AF Form 1942 Clinic Index: Download PDF & Guide 2026 – AF Form 1942, titled Clinic Index, is an official U.S. Air Force form used within the Air Force Medical Service (AFMS) to track and manage information related to medical clinics. Released on July 1, 1975, this form supports administrative efficiency in military healthcare facilities by providing a structured way to list and update clinic details.
Air Force medical staff and administrators primarily use it to maintain oversight of clinic operations, especially in contexts involving patient records management and facility tracking.
What Is AF Form 1942 Clinic Index?
AF Form 1942 serves as a Clinic Index tool. It helps compile a comprehensive list and status overview of medical clinics under Air Force jurisdiction. Medical personnel responsible for clinic management regularly update it to ensure accurate records of facility details.
Historically, the form (or associated index cards) supported patient record systems. Clinics prepared AF Form 1942 entries or cards for eventual inclusion with retired outpatient or dental health records sent to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). In modern practice, many such index cards are destroyed immediately once records are retired, as electronic systems and Social Security Number (SSN)-based filing reduce the need for manual alphabetical cross-references.
The official fillable PDF is available for download directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af1942/af1942.pdf. Always use the latest version from the authoritative source at e-publishing.af.mil to ensure compliance.
Purpose of AF Form 1942
The primary purpose is to provide a standardized index for medical clinics, including:
- Clinic name
- Location
- Contact details
- Clinic chief or responsible personnel
- Operational status
This supports efficient administration, resource allocation, and record-keeping in Air Force treatment facilities. In the past, it aided in cross-referencing patient records during retirement to federal archives. Today, it helps maintain current clinic inventories and status tracking, particularly during base transitions, closures, or audits.
For example, one base instruction required maintaining an AF Form 1942 Clinic Index for six months or until base closure, then destruction—highlighting its role in temporary or transitional administrative control.
Key Fields and Structure of AF Form 1942
While the exact layout is best viewed in the official PDF, typical content includes sections for:
- Clinic Identification — Name, physical or mailing address, and unit designation.
- Contact Information — Phone numbers, email, or other communication channels.
- Leadership — Name and details of the clinic chief or officer in charge.
- Status and Notes — Operational status (active, limited, closed), hours, services offered, or special remarks.
The form is designed to be straightforward, fillable, and printable for physical or digital records. No complex filing guidelines are issued beyond standard Air Force records management policies.
Who Uses AF Form 1942?
- Medical Personnel — Doctors, nurses, and clinic staff who update clinic-specific data.
- Administrators — Health services management teams overseeing multiple facilities.
- Records Managers — Personnel handling the transition of outpatient or dental records to long-term storage.
It applies across active duty, reserve, and guard components where Air Force medical facilities operate. Users must follow applicable instructions from the Air Force Surgeon General (AF/SG) and local medical treatment facility (MTF) policies.
How to Fill Out and Use AF Form 1942?
- Download the Form — Obtain the current PDF from the official e-Publishing link provided above.
- Gather Information — Collect accurate clinic details from official sources.
- Complete the Fields — Enter data clearly. Use block capitals where required for legibility.
- Review and Update — Verify information with the clinic chief or commander. Update as changes occur (e.g., new leadership, relocated services, or status changes).
- Retention and Disposition — Follow Air Force records disposition schedules. In many cases, related index cards are destroyed shortly after records retirement to NPRC, as modern systems make them obsolete for retrieval purposes.
Important Note: Always consult your local Medical Group or Health Services Management office for unit-specific guidance. Forms used for official records must comply with privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA-equivalent standards in the military) and records management directives.
Related Air Force Medical Forms and Resources
AF Form 1942 often appears alongside other medical and administrative forms, such as:
- AF Form 469 (Duty Limiting Conditions)
- SF 509 (Medical Record – Progress Notes)
- AF Form 565 (Record of Inpatient Treatment)
For broader context, refer to Air Force Instructions (AFIs) and Manuals under the AF/SG series, available on e-publishing.af.mil. The AFMS Virtual Library also provides additional medical resources for personnel.
Download AF Form 1942
Official Source:
AF Form 1942 PDF – Hosted by the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing.
Search for “AF1942” or “Clinic Index” on the Air Force e-Publishing Product Index for the most current edition and any superseding guidance.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 1942 Matters?
Accurate clinic indexing supports seamless healthcare delivery, proper patient record management, and compliance with federal records retention rules. In an era of digital health records, the form still plays a supporting role in transitional or facility-level administration for U.S. Air Force medical operations.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on publicly available descriptions and records management references. It is not official legal or medical advice. For official instructions, always refer to the form PDF, current Department of the Air Force publications, and your chain of command or servicing legal office.
If you need assistance locating related forms, understanding records retirement processes, or guidance specific to your base or unit, contact your local Air Force Medical Treatment Facility administrator.
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This guide is optimized for U.S.-based Air Force personnel, veterans, and medical administrators seeking reliable, up-to-date information on this specialized form.