Final answer:
Medical and Dental Care for eligible persons at Navy Medical Department Facilities is governed by a mandate to manage Navy forces, with the authority that has evolved to include diverse healthcare services such as those seen during the COVID-19 response with USNS Comfort. Non-discriminatory practices and healthcare access for veterans are also key aspects of such services.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical and Dental Care in Navy Medical Department Facilities
The instruction that governs Medical and Dental Care for Eligible Persons at Navy Medical Department Facilities is rooted in the mandate To provide and maintain a Navy; To make Rules for the Government and to regulate the land and naval Forces;. This delegation of authority has evolved to cater to different populations and to adapt to emerging health needs. The initial care services for sailors established by the Marine Hospital Service in 1798 have developed into today's sophisticated Navy medical programs, such as the nutritional guidance provided by certified diabetes educators at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
During emergencies, mobile medical services such as those provided by the USNS Comfort display the Navy's capacity to respond to crises, as seen in the intensive care offered during the overwhelming COVID-19 situation in New York City in the spring of 2020. The evolution of such services encapsulates the Navy's commitment to not only its personnel but also to humanitarian causes, often extending medical assistance to victims of conflict, natural disasters, and epidemics beyond their immediate personnel.
The care provided at Navy Medical Department Facilities is also reflective of broader health policies affecting veterans and service members, ensuring that healthcare access is maintained for this demographic, as noted by the Washington University Center for Health Policy. This care keeps in step with legislation aimed at eliminating discriminatory practices in health services towards groups, including Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans, as per the acts extended in 1970, 1975, 1982, and 2006.