Navy Medicine Hotline Program
Navy Medicine's Hotline Program is designed to strengthen and focus efforts to combat fraud, waste and mismanagement. The Medical Inspector General (MEDIG) process is of fundamental importance, it gives voice to all members of the Navy Medicine team and assures their concerns will be heard, considered and appropriately addressed.
The following questions and answers provide information about hotline policy and procedures that you should review before you file a complaint.
4-Step Hotline Complaint Procedures
Step 1: Determine the best method to address your issue
You should first attempt to resolve problems using the chain of command and other local resources.
Seek assistance from the legal staff, union representative, chaplain, human resource personnel, equal opportunity advisor, your immediate supervisor, or Commanding Officer (CO).
Refer to the Naval Inspector General (NAVINSGEN) Website: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/ig/Pages/Home.aspx then click on: 'Complaint Hotline' and 'Determine the Best Method to Address Your Complaint'.
List of Matters Appropriate for the (IG):
- Abuse of Authority/Position
- Bribes/Kickbacks/Acceptance of Gratuities
- Conflicts of Interests
- Ethics Violations
- Fraud/Travel Fraud (TDY and TAD)
- Gifts (Improper)
- Improper Referral for Mental Health Evaluation
- Mismanagement (Significant Cases)
- Misuse of Official Time, Gov’t Property, Position and Public Office
- Political Activities
- Procurement Issues
- Purchase Card/Travel Card Abuse
- Reprisal (Military Whistleblower Protection)
- Safety/Public Health (Substantial/Specific)
- Systemic Problems
- Time and Attendance (Significant Violations)
- Waste (Gross)
Step 2: Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who may use the Hotline?
Anyone can file a hotline complaint.
Is there a time limit to file a complaint?
Generally, you should submit your complaint within 90 days of the date the alleged wrongdoing occurred. However, we will consider complaints over 90 days old if you can demonstrate you were unable to meet the time requirement due to extraordinary circumstances or unforeseen delays.
What issues should you report to the Hotline?
You should report any issue listed in the List of Matters Appropriate for the IG to your local IG or Naval Medical IG point of contact. Report minor violations to your chain of command. (Note: We reserve the right to decline to investigate any matter brought to our attention.)
What is reprisal?
A reprisal occurs when a Responsible Management Official takes or threatens to take an unfavorable personnel action, or withhold or threaten to withhold a favorable personnel action, because someone made or prepared to make a protected communication.
Who is a Responsible Management Official (RMO)?
Someone who took the action; reviewed, influenced one or recommended the action to be taken; or approved the action. (Note: The RMO must know about the PC before taking the unfavorable action.)
What is an unfavorable personnel action (UPA)?
Any action that unfavorably affects or has the potential to unfavorably affect a member’s position or career. (Note: Examples of UPAs include adverse fitness reports or evaluations, denial of training that is required of one’s position, changes to duties or responsibilities not commensurable with one’s rank.
What is a PC?
Any lawful communication to a member of Congress or IG. Communication with law enforcement agencies, Equal Opportunity Officials or someone in the chain of command may also be a PC if it was made to report a violation of law or regulation, including gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds or other resources, abuse of authority, sexual harassment or unlawful discrimination, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.
Step 3: Prepare to submit your hotline complaint
If you have determined the issue is appropriate for an IG investigation, gather the information you will need to submit your complaint.
An IG will ask you to provide following information:
Who...Service member's or employee's full name, rank/grade, and duty station.
What...Specific wrongdoing and why you believe the activity was misconduct, to include the rule, regulation or law you think they violated.
Where...Location where the wrong doing occurred.
When...Specific dates and times.
How much... Estimated dollar loss.
Why and how...Describe why and how you believe the individual perpetrated the offense.
What you have done to try to resolve the issue.
What you want the IG to do.
Remember, the more detailed information you provide the better we can assist you.
Step 4: What other avenues of redress are available to resolve complaints
Contact your local IG for assistance or to file your complaint.
Many issues brought to the attention of the Medical Inspector General are not appropriate for an IG investigation. The "How to Resolve a Complaint (A-Z)" list, found on the Naval Inspector General (NAVINSGEN) website at http://www.secnav.navy.mil/ig/Pages/Complaints.aspx, was developed by IG personnel to assist complainants in determining the best method to address an issue. Complainants are encouraged to review the list before filing a complaint with an IG.
We will evaluate your complaint and request more information, if necessary. Keep in mind, if we conduct an investigation, you will be interviewed and you will be able to provide additional information and documents at that time. Complete the Hotline Complaint form and forward it to the appropriate Navy Medicine office listed on the homepage.