DA Form 3981: Transfer of Patient Guide & PDF

DA Form 3981: Transfer of Patient Guide & PDF – DA Form 3981, titled Transfer of Patient, is an official U.S. Army form used to request and document the transfer of a patient from one medical treatment facility (MTF) to another. Released on December 1, 1972, it replaced the earlier DA Form 8-6.

This form ensures smooth coordination between sending and receiving facilities, including details on the patient’s condition, required accommodations, and approval chain. It remains a key document in Army patient administration, particularly for medical evacuations or specialized care transfers.

Download the official DA Form 3981 PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A3981.pdf

Purpose of DA Form 3981 in Army Medical Operations

The primary purpose of DA Form 3981 is to formally request patient transfer while providing essential medical and administrative information. It supports:

  • Patient accountability and continuity of care.
  • Coordination for aeromedical evacuation (often paired with AF Form 3899).
  • Communication between attending physicians, department chiefs, and commanding officers.
  • Compliance with Army Regulation (AR) 40-400, Patient Administration.

It is commonly used when a patient needs a higher level of care, specialized treatment unavailable at the current facility, or transfer closer to home or family.

When to Use DA Form 3981?

Military healthcare providers use this form when:

  • Transferring patients between Army, joint service, or authorized civilian MTFs.
  • Requesting aeromedical evacuation (e.g., at facilities like Brooke Army Medical Center).
  • Moving patients for extended hospitalization, rehabilitation, or convalescence.
  • Documenting transfers requiring specific accommodations (ambulant, litter, attendants).

Note: Non-federal or civilian patients overseas may have different procedures, but the form supports standardized military patient movement.

Key Sections of DA Form 3981 Explained

The one-page form captures critical details. Here are the main fields (based on the official layout):

  • Date and Hospital: Enter the current date and sending facility.
  • Patient Is: Indicate status (e.g., military, dependent).
  • Number of Attendants Necessary: Ambulant or litter, and required attendants.
  • To / Thru: Addressed to the receiving Commanding Officer, through department/service chief.
  • Probable Period of Further Hospitalization and Accommodations Required.
  • Patient’s Identification: Full name, grade/rank, service number/SSN, register number, ward, organization (use admitting plate if available).
  • Present Condition, Diagnosis, and Reason for Transfer.
  • Patient’s Home Address.
  • Signatures: Attending Medical/Dental Officer, Recommendation by Chief (Department/Service), and Approval for the Commanding Officer.

Accurate completion is essential for regulatory compliance and patient safety.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out DA Form 3981

  1. Complete Header Information — Date, sending hospital, patient status.
  2. Patient & Transfer Details — Fill identification block, condition, diagnosis, reason for transfer, home address, probable hospitalization period, and accommodations/attendants needed.
  3. Routing — Specify the receiving facility and any “THRU” channels.
  4. Medical Input — Attending physician provides signature and details.
  5. Approvals — Obtain department chief recommendation and commanding officer approval.
  6. Submission — Hand-carry or route per local Patient Administration Division procedures (often to Patient Evacuation Section).

Tip: Always attach supporting documents like a narrative summary for complex cases, especially aeromedical transfers.

DA Form 3981 and Aeromedical Evacuation

For air evacuations, pair DA Form 3981 with:

  • AF Form 3899 (Aeromedical Evacuation Patient Record)
  • Narrative summary of history and current condition

Submit to the Air Evacuation team for regulation in systems like TRAC2es. Include accepting physician contact and destination facility details.

  • AR 40-400 (Patient Administration): Governs overall policies for patient management and transfers.
  • Army Publishing Directorate (APD) for the latest form version.
  • Local MTF Patient Administration Division for facility-specific guidance.

Download and Access DA Form 3981

Official Download: DA Form 3981 PDF from Army Publishing Directorate.

Fillable versions may be available through authorized Army systems or tools like Templateroller for reference. Always use the official source for submissions.

Best Practices for Patient Transfers Using DA Form 3981

  • Verify all patient identification data to prevent errors.
  • Provide clear, concise diagnosis and reason for transfer.
  • Ensure timely approvals and handoff to Patient Administration.
  • Maintain privacy and comply with HIPAA and DoD regulations.
  • For questions, contact your local MTF Patient Administration Branch.

This form plays a vital role in ensuring U.S. Army service members, families, and authorized patients receive timely, coordinated medical care during transfers. Proper use supports mission readiness and high-quality healthcare delivery.