Welcome to the Forest Service Policy Report! Our goal is to provide updates on agency policy actions, including directives, regulations and information collection.

Recently issued directives:

• FSM 6900 Zero Code (1/17/2024)
  Revises the chapter and sets forth codes, captions, and direction for Emergency Medical Services.

• FSM 6900 Chapter 10 – Reserved (1/17/2024)
  Chapter reserved for future use.

• FSM 6900 Chapter 20 - Needs Assessments and EMS Plans (1/17/2024)
  Removes all National Park Service (NPS) references. Provides Forest Service specific guidelines to establishment of EMS plan at the Regional/Forest and Law Enforcement levels.

• FSM 6900 Chapter 30 - Medical Oversight and Training (1/17/2024)
  Revises the chapter in its entirety.  Removes all NPS references and updates all training requirements to current standards. Expands discussion on the role of the Local Emergency Medical Advisor.  Updates credentialling information and clarifies direction.

• FSM 6900 Chapter 40 - Legalities and Ethics (1/17/2024)
  Revises the chapter in its entirety. Removes NPS referenced materials and processes.  Updates Forest Service specific language, and Performance and Conduct sections to include Forest Service specific processes and a detailed outline of various Board and Committee memberships.

• FSM 6900 Chapter 50 - Public Information and Education (1/17/2024)
  Revises the chapter in its entirety. Removes NPS relevant terms throughout directive.  
  Adds Regional Forester’s responsibilities.

• FSM 6900 Chapter 60 - Agency and Non-Agency Assistance (1/17/2024)
  Removes all National Park Service (NPS) terms and references throughout chapter.  Adds clarification for transport by government or privately owned vehicles.

• FSM 6600 Chapter 80 - Cybersecurity of Information, Information Systems, & Information Technology (1/17/2024)
  Revises the chapter and updates references throughout the section.  Adds reference to the Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR).  Updates referenced Government-wide directives and standards.

• FSM 6270 - Availability of Records (1/18/2024)
  Revises the chapter with three primary Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) policy updates.

• FSH 6209.13 Chapter 10 - Freedom of Information Act (1/18/2024)
  Removes chapter 10 from Directives System, including zero code, contents, and exhibits.

• FSH 1309.19 Zero Code - Casualty Assistance Handbook (1/19/2024)
  Revises the chapter in its entirety.  Removes The Department of Agriculture Regulation DR 5160-002 and DR 5160-006.

• FSH 1309.19 Chapter 10 - Key Employees and Response Activities (1/19/2024)
  Changes the section title from “On Scene Supervisor/Coordinator with Personnel” to “On Scene Personnel” and sets forth direction.  Provides direction on the end of assignment for the Hospital Liaison.

• FSH 1309.19 Chapter 30 - Serious Injury and Medical Emergency Administration (1/19/2024)
  Revises the chapter and sets forth codes, captions, and direction for Casualty Assistance.  Establishes the reporting time to be within 72 hours after an incident takes place.

• FSH 1309.19 Chapter 40 - Loss of Human Life (1/19/2024)
  Establishes the “home unit” definition.  Updates direction on the Causality Assistance Program and the reference to FSH 6509.33, section 3q, Transportation Expenses.

• FSH 1309.19 Chapter 60 - Ceremonies, Monuments, and Donations (1/19/2024)
  Removes the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Director and adds approval through the Casualty Assistance Program.

• FSH 1709.11 Chapter 70 - Federal Financial Assistance Programs (1/23/2024)
  Updates all references to form FS-1700-0006 and FS-1700-0006A.
   

Announcements

There are no new announcements regarding upcoming events, but please continue to check this report weekly as new updates may be included in the future.

If you have questions or recommendations for Policy Report content that would be valuable to you and your colleagues, please contact Miranda Galadima (miranda.galadima@usda.gov).