The PHS Special Assignment Award is awarded to officers who are detailed via official personnel orders for a minimum of 30 days, either consecutive or non-consecutive, to a special program initiative of a United States Government agency, a government agency of a U.S. state, or other organizations.

The Surgeon General of the United States validates special initiatives and activities, as well as required timeframes for participation, that qualify an officer for the award.

[2][3] Generally, an assignment effected via an official mechanism such as a memorandum qualifies for the award.

Assignments to special initiatives or activities of the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Assistant Secretary for Health, or the Surgeon General, as well as assignments related to the role of the department's Chief Professional Officer, qualify.

Assignments between components of the United States Department of Health and Human Services or to organizations with which the USPHS Commissioned Corps has a "blanket" detail agreement also do not qualify an officer for the award.