AF Form 2568: Nourishment Request Guide & Download – If you work in an Air Force Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), you’ve likely encountered AF Form 2568, officially titled Nourishment Request. This form is a critical tool in Nutritional Medicine (NM) services for ordering additional or specialized nourishments for patients. Whether you’re a Registered Dietitian (RD), nurse, or authorized healthcare provider, understanding how to properly use AF Form 2568 ensures timely patient care, regulatory compliance, and efficient operations in the dining facility or nutritional medicine department.
What Is AF Form 2568?
AF Form 2568 is the official Air Force form used to request nourishment — supplemental or therapeutic food items provided to patients beyond standard meals. It comes in two primary applications:
- Individual patient nourishments: Additional snacks, supplements, or modified diets ordered for a specific patient.
- Bulk nourishments: Larger quantities requested by Nursing Service for ward or unit-level needs.
The form supports patient recovery by ensuring access to items such as high-protein snacks, clear liquids, diabetic-friendly options, or other therapeutic nourishments prescribed by dietitians or providers.
Official download: You can access the current fillable PDF directly from the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af2568/af2568.pdf
Always use the latest version from e-Publishing to ensure compliance.
Who Uses AF Form 2568?
According to AFMAN 44-144, Nutritional Medicine Service Management (the governing publication):
- Registered Dietitians (RDs) or other authorized healthcare providers order individual nourishments.
- Nursing Service typically initiates bulk nourishment requests.
- Nutritional Medicine (NM) staff review, approve, prepare, and deliver the items.
- Nursing signs for receipt upon delivery.
The form (or its electronic/MTF-equivalent) is used across Air Force medical facilities to document and track these requests for accountability, patient safety, and proper resource management.
When Is AF Form 2568 Required?
Use AF Form 2568 when:
- A patient needs additional calories, protein, or specific nutrients not covered by regular tray service.
- Therapeutic diets require between-meal supplements (e.g., for wound healing, malnutrition risk, or post-surgical recovery).
- Bulk items are needed for a nursing unit (e.g., for multiple patients or shift needs).
- Providers want to document specialized nourishment orders for continuity of care.
Individual requests can also be submitted via AF Form 1094 or electronic equivalents in some facilities, but AF Form 2568 remains the dedicated nourishment request document.
How to Fill Out AF Form 2568 (Step-by-Step Guidance)?
While the exact block layout is detailed in the PDF, general completion follows standard Air Force medical form practices and guidance in AFMAN 44-144:
- Header Information: Enter the date, patient’s name, rank/grade (if applicable), medical record number, ward/unit, and diagnosis or relevant clinical information.
- Nourishment Details: Specify the type and quantity of items requested (e.g., “Ensure Plus – 4 oz, 2x daily” or bulk “sugar-free gelatin – 50 servings”).
- Dietary Restrictions/Therapeutic Needs: Clearly note any modifications (low sodium, diabetic, renal, etc.).
- Requester Information: Include the name, signature, and contact of the ordering RD, provider, or nurse.
- Approval Section: NM staff review and approve the request before preparation.
- Delivery/Receipt: Document delivery time and obtain signature from Nursing upon receipt.
Pro Tips for Accurate Completion:
- Be specific with item descriptions and quantities to avoid delays.
- Reference the patient’s current diet order.
- Follow local MTF supplements to AFMAN 44-144 for any electronic workflow alternatives.
- Maintain a copy or digital record for accountability and auditing.
For the most precise block-by-block instructions, always refer to the form itself and your facility’s Nutritional Medicine policies.
Key Regulations and Best Practices
- Governing Document: AFMAN 44-144 outlines nourishment service procedures, including use of AF Form 2568 for both individual and bulk requests. It emphasizes timely approval and delivery by NM staff.
- Financial & Accountability: Nourishments are funded through medical subsistence accounts. Proper documentation helps separate duties and supports accurate ration accounting.
- Patient Safety: Clear communication between providers, dietitians, nursing, and NM prevents errors in therapeutic feeding.
- Alternatives: Many MTFs now use electronic systems. When available, use the MTF-equivalent while ensuring all required data elements are captured.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 2568 Matters?
Accurate nourishment requests directly impact:
- Patient outcomes (nutrition optimization during hospitalization or treatment)
- Operational efficiency in the galley and NM department
- Regulatory compliance during inspections or audits
- Cost control for the medical treatment facility
Download and Resources
- Official AF Form 2568 PDF: Download here
- Primary Reference: AFMAN 44-144, Nutritional Medicine Service Management (available on e-Publishing.af.mil)
- Contact your local Nutritional Medicine Service or Clinical Dietitian for facility-specific training or electronic ordering procedures.
Need help? Reach out to your MTF’s Nutrition Medicine department or consult the latest version of AFMAN 44-144 for any updates.
This guide is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available Air Force publications. Always verify with official sources and local policy, as procedures can be supplemented at the installation level.