In response to the botched delayed notification of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization earlier this month, the White House has introduced new guidelines for Cabinet heads delegating authority.

The Pentagon failed to inform the White House promptly about Austin’s hospitalization for prostate cancer surgery, leading to a review and subsequent establishment of procedures to prevent such communication lapses in the future, Fox News Digital reports.

The guidelines, outlined in a memo from White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, mandate notifying the offices of cabinet affairs and the White House chief of staff when agencies anticipate or are preparing for a delegation of authority.

This notification must be repeated when the delegation occurs. The memo emphasizes documenting in writing that the delegation of authority is in effect and requires the acting authority to contact its counterpart in the White House.

Importantly, a delegation of authority is now also required when a Cabinet member is in limited or no access to communication, undergoing hospitalization, medical procedures requiring general anesthesia, or any circumstance rendering them unreachable.

Secretary Austin’s hospitalization and subsequent delayed notification prompted calls for his resignation. The new guidelines aim to enhance transparency and communication between Cabinet heads and the White House. Austin, who underwent prostate surgery and faced an infection, was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on December 22. The delayed notification led to public disclosure on January 5.

On Friday, Austin visited doctors for a scheduled post-prostatectomy surveillance appointment, with medical professionals stating he is expected to make a full recovery. He is anticipated to return to the Pentagon on Monday after recovering from surgery and working remotely since January 15.