#aad? ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #efbj ,,an ,,act ,to am5d title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to provide = ! removal or demotion ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,,va ,acc\ntability ,fir/ & ,appeals ,mod]nization ,act ( #bjaf4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4 ,sec4 #b4 ,ref]5ces to title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 ,sec4 #c4 ,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 ,sec4 #d4 ,r$uction ( b5efits = memb]s ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes4 ,sec4 #e4 ,au?ority to rec\p bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #f4 ,au?ority to rec\p relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #g4 ,s5ior executives3 p]sonnel actions bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 ,sec4 #h4 ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection4 ,sec4 #i4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,appeals re=m4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,limitation on aw>ds & bonuses paid to s5ior executive employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,cl>ification ( em]g5cy hospital c>e furni%$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to c]ta9 vet]ans4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,s5se ( ,congress reg>d+ ,am]ican vet]ans disabl$ = life4 ,sec4 #ad4 ,e/abli%m5t ( positions ( ,directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks 9 ,(fice ( ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal? ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & modification ( qualifications = ,m$ical ,directors4 ,sec4 #ae4 ,cont9u+ education requirem5t = employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs au?oriz$ to prescribe m$ication4 ,sec4 #af4 ,review ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 ,sec4 #ag4 ,id5tification ( matt]s relat+ to "p-"t employm5t ( memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces :o are physicians4 ,sec4 #ah4 ,recruitm5t ( physicians 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #ai4 ,au?ority to disclose c]ta9 m$ical records ( vet]ans :o receive non-,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs heal? c>e4 ,sec4 #bj4 ,survey ( vet]an exp]i5ces ) ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c>e4 ,sec4 #ba4 ,annual report on p]=mance ( regional (fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #bb4 ,ext5sion ( au?ority ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to provide = ! conduct ( m$ical disability exam9ations by contract physicians4 ,sec4 #bc4 ,provision ( /atus "u law by honor+ c]ta9 memb]s ( ! res]ve compon5ts z vet]ans4 ,sec4 #bd4 ,provision ( rehabilitative equipm5t & human-p[]$ vehicles to c]ta9 disabl$ vet]ans4 ,sec4 #be4 ,appo9tm5t ( lic5s$ he>+ aid speciali/s 9 ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 #b4 ,ref]5ces to title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code ,except z o!rwise expressly provid$1 :5ev] 9 ?is ,act an am5dm5t or repeal is express$ 9 t]ms ( an am5dm5t to1 or repeal (1 a section or o!r provision1 ! ref]5ce %all be consid]$ to be made to a section or o!r provision ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 #c4 ,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gae4 ,employees3 removal or demotion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y may remove or demote an individual :o is an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y det]m9es ! p]=mance or misconduct ( ! individual w>rants su* removal or demotion4 ,if ! ,secret>y s removes or demotes su* an individual1 ! ,secret>y may-- 7#a7 remove ! individual f ! civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9 section #baja ( title #e72 or 7#b7 demote ! individual by means (-- 7,a7 a r$uction 9 grade = :i* ! individual is qualifi$ & t ! ,secret>y det]m9es is appropriate2 or 7,b7 a r$uction 9 annual rate ( pay t ! ,secret>y det]m9es is appropriate4 7b7 ,pay ( c]ta9 demot$ individuals 7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 any individual subject to a demotion "u subsection 7a77#b77;,a7 %all1 beg9n+ on ! date ( su* demotion1 receive ! annual rate ( pay applicable to su* grade4 7#b7 ,an individual s demot$ may n be plac$ on adm9i/rative leave or any o!r category ( paid leave dur+ ! p]iod dur+ :i* an appeal 7if any7 "u ?is section is ongo+1 & may only receive pay if ! individual reports = duty4 ,if an individual s demot$ does n report = duty1 su* individual %all n receive pay or o!r b5efits pursuant to subsection 7e77#e74 7c7 ,notice to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] remov+ or demot+ an individual "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & to ea* ,memb] ( ,congress repres5t+ a di/rict 9 ! ,/ate or t]ritory :]e ! facility :]e ! individual 0 employ$ imm$iately be=e be+ remov$ or demot$ is locat$ notice 9 writ+ ( su* removal or demotion & ! reason = su* removal or demotion4 7d7 ,proc$ure 7#a7 ,subsection 7b7 ( section #geac ( title #e %all apply ) respect to a removal or a demotion "u ?is section1 except t ! p]iod = notice & response1 :i* includes ! advance notice p]iod requir$ by p>agraph 7#a7 ( su* subsection & ! response p]iod requir$ by p>agraph 7#b7 ( su* subsection1 %all n exce$ a total ( #aj cal5d> days4 7#b7 ,! proc$ures "u *apt] #dc ( title #e %all n apply to a removal or demotion "u ?is section4 7#c7 7,a7 ,subject to subp>agraph 7,b7 & subsection 7e71 any removal or demotion "u subsection 7a7 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d4 7,b7 ,an appeal "u subp>agraph 7,a7 ( a removal or demotion may only be made if su* appeal is made n lat] ?an #g days aft] ! date ( su* removal or demotion4 7e7 ,exp$it$ ,review by ,,mspb 7#a7 ,^u receipt ( an appeal "u subsection 7d77#c77;,a71 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all exp$ite any su* appeal "u su* section &1 9 any su* case1 %all issue a decision n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4 7#b7 ,not)/&+ section #ggja7;c77#a77;,b7 ( title #e1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all uphold ! decision ( ! ,secret>y to remove or demote an employee "u subsection 7a7 if ! decision is support$ by sub/antial evid5ce4 7#c7 ,! decision ( ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u p>agraph 7#a71 & any f9al removal or demotion describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#d71 may be appeal$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,f$]al ,circuit pursuant to section #ggjc ( title #e4 ,any decision by su* ,c\rt %all be 9 compliance ) section #gdfb7;f77#b7 ( ?is title4 7#d7 ,9 any case 9 :i* ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d _c issue a decision 9 accordance ) ! #fj-;day requirem5t "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! removal or demotion is f9al4 ,9 su* a case1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all1 )9 #ad days aft] ! date t su* removal or demotion is f9al1 submit to ,congress & ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & to ea* ,memb] ( ,congress repres5t+ a di/rict 9 ! ,/ate or t]ritory :]e ! facility :]e ! individual 0 employ$ imm$iately be=e be+ remov$ or demot$ is locat$ a report t expla9s ! reasons :y a decision 0 n issu$ 9 accordance ) su* requirem5t4 7#e7 ,! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d may n /ay any removal or demotion "u ?is section4 7#f7 ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* an individual appeals a removal f ! civil s]vice "u subsection 7d7 & end+ on ! date t ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d issues a f9al decision on su* appeal1 su* individual may n receive any pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits4 7#g7 ,to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 ! ,secret>y %all provide to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d su* in=mation & assi/ance z may be necess>y to ensure an appeal "u ?is subsection is exp$it$4 7f7 ,:i/lebl[] protection 7#a7 ,9 ! case ( an individual seek+ corrective action 7or on behalf ( :om corrective action is s\ght7 f ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel bas$ on an alleg$ prohibit$ p]sonnel practice describ$ 9 section #bcjb7;b7 ( title #e1 ! ,secret>y may n remove or demote su* individual "u subsection 7a7 )\t ! approval ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u section #abad7;f7 ( title #e4 7#b7 ,9 ! case ( an individual :o has fil$ a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 z su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #gda ( ?is title1 ! ,secret>y may n remove or demote su* individual "u subsection 7a7 until a f9al decision ) respect to ! :i/lebl[] compla9t has be5 made4 7g7 ,t]m9ation ( inve/igations by ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,special ,c\nsel 7e/abli%$ by section #abaa ( title #e7 may t]m9ate an inve/igation ( a prohibit$ p]sonnel practice alleg$ by an employee or =m] employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t aft] ! ,special ,c\nsel provides to ! employee or =m] employee a writt5 /atem5t ( ! reasons = ! t]m9ation ( ! inve/igation4 ,su* /atem5t may n be admissible z evid5ce 9 any judicial or adm9i/rative proce$+ )\t ! cons5t ( su* employee or =m] employee4 7h7 ,relation to o!r au?orities ,! au?ority provid$ by ?is section is 9 addition to ! au?ority provid$ by sub*apt] ,v ( *apt] #gd ( ?is title1 sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 *apt] #dc ( su* title1 & any o!r au?ority ) respect to discipl9+ an individual4 7i7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m individual means an individual occupy+ a position at ! ,dep>tm5t b does n include-- 7,a7 an individual1 z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #gac7;g77#a72 or 7,b7 a political appo9tee4 7#b7 ,! t]m grade has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #geaa7;a7 ( title #e4 7#c7 ,! t]m misconduct includes neglect ( duty1 malfeasance1 or failure to accept a direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a position 9 a transf] ( function4 7#d7 ,! t]m political appo9tee means an individual :o is-- 7,a7 employ$ 9 a position describ$ "u sections #ecab ?r\gh #ecaf ( title #e 7relat+ to ! ,executive ,s*$ule72 7,b7 a limit$ t]m appo9tee1 limit$ em]g5cy appo9tee1 or nonc>e] appo9tee 9 ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice1 z def9$ "u p>agraphs 7#e71 7#f71 & 7#g71 respectively1 ( section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e2 or 7,c7 employ$ 9 a position ( a confid5tial or policy-det]m9+ "* "u s*$ule ,c ( subp>t ,c ( "p #bac ( title #e ( ! ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical & con=m+ am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,cl]ical ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gac ! foll[+ new item3 #gae4 ,employees3 removal or demotion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 4 7#b7 ,con=m+ ,section #dcjc7;f7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ or at ! end ( p>agraph 7#b72 7,b7 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end ( p>agraph 7#c7 & ins]t+ 1 or2 & 7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 any removal or demotion "u section #gae ( title #ch4 4 #d4 ,r$uction ( b5efits = memb]s ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice )9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( b5efits 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gae1 z add$ by section #c1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gag4 ,s5ior executives3 r$uction ( b5efits ( individuals convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( annuity = remov$ employee 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual remov$ f a s5ior executive position = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gac ( ?is title1 *apt] #dc or sub*apt] ,v ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 or any o!r provision ( law %all n be tak5 into acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity ) respect to su* individual "u *apt] #hc or *apt] #hd ( title #e1 if-- 7,a7 ! individual is convict$ ( a felony t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! s5ior executive position2 & 7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! ord] & an opportunity to respond to ! ord]2 & 7ii7 consi/5t ) p>agraph 7#b71 an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,if a f9al decision on an appeal made "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b77ii7 is n made by ! applicable dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal1 ! ord] ( ! ,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be f9al & n subject to fur!r appeal4 7b7 ,r$uction ( annuity = retir$ employee 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual :o is subject to a removal or transf] action = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gac ( ?is title1 *apt] #dc or sub*apt] ,v ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 or any o!r provision ( law b :o leaves employm5t at ! ,dep>tm5t prior to ! issuance ( a f9al decision ) respect to su* action %all n be tak5 into acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity ) respect to su* individual "u *apt] #hc or *apt] #hd ( title #e1 if-- 7,a7 ! individual is convict$ ( a felony t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! s5ior executive position2 & 7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! ord] & an opportunity to respond to ! ord]2 & 7ii7 an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all make su* an ord] n lat] ?an #g days aft] ! date ( ! conclusion ( a he>+ ref]r$ to 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 t det]m9es t su* ord] is lawful4 7c7 ,adm9i/rative requirem5ts 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! ,secret>y issues an ord] "u subsection 7a7 or 7b71 ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t %all recalculate ! annuity ( ! individual4 7#b7 ,a decision reg>d+ :e!r ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual %all be tak5 into acc\nt = purposes ( calculat+ an annuity "u subsection 7a7 or 7b7 is f9al & may n be review$ by any dep>tm5t or ag5cy or any c\rt4 7d7 ,lump-,sum ,annuity ,cr$it ,any individual ) respect to :om an annuity is r$uc$ "u subsection 7a7 or 7b7 %all be entitl$ to be paid s mu* ( su* individual's lump-sum cr$it z is attributable to ! p]iod ( cov]$ s]vice4 7e7 ,sp\se or *ildr5 exception ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t1 %all prescribe regulations t may provide = ! paym5t to ! sp\se or *ildr5 ( any individual ref]r$ to 9 subsection 7a7 or 7b7 ( any am\nts :i* 7b = ?is subsection7 w\ld o!rwise h be5 nonpayable by reason ( su* subsections4 ,any su* regulations %all be consi/5t ) ! requirem5ts ( section #hccb7o77#e7 & #hdaa7l77#e7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 7f7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ s]vice means1 ) respect to an individual subject to a removal or transf] = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gac ( ?is title1 *apt] #dc or sub*apt] ,v ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 or any o!r provision ( law1 ! p]iod ( s]vice beg9n+ on ! date t ! ,secret>y det]m9es "u su* applicable provision t ! individual engag$ 9 activity t gave rise to su* action & end+ on ! date t ! individual is remov$ or transf]r$ f ! s5ior executive position or leaves employm5t at ! ,dep>tm5t prior to ! issuance ( a f9al decision ) respect to su* action1 z ! case may be4 7#b7 ,! t]m lump-sum cr$it has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7h7 or section #hdja7ai7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 7#c7 ,! t]m s5ior executive position has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #gac7;g77#c7 ( ?is title4 7#d7 ,! t]m s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7ab7 or section #hdja7bf7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gae1 z add$ by section #c1 ! foll[+ new item3 #gag4 ,s5ior executives3 r$uction ( b5efits ( individuals convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes4 4 7b7 ,application ,section #gag ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a77#a71 %all apply to any action ( removal or transf] "u section #gac ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 comm5c+ on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #e4 ,au?ority to rec\p bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gag1 z add$ by section #d1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gai4 ,rec\pm5t ( bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t 7a7 ,rec\pm5t ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may issue an ord] direct+ an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t to repay ! am\nt1 or a portion ( ! am\nt1 ( any aw>d or bonus paid to ! employee "u title #e1 includ+ "u *apt]s #de or #ec ( su* title1 or ?is title if-- 7#a7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es su* repaym5t appropriate pursuant to regulations prescrib$ "u subsection 7c72 & 7#b7 be=e su* repaym5t1 ! employee is af=d$-- 7,a7 notice ( ! ord] & an opportunity to respond to ! ord]2 & 7,b7 an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7b7 ,review 7#a7 ,^u ! issuance ( an ord] by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a71 ! employee %all be af=d$-- 7,a7 notice ( ! ord] & an opportunity to respond to ! ord]2 & 7,b7 consi/5t ) p>agraph 7#b71 an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,if a f9al decision on an appeal made "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 is n made by ! applicable dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal1 ! ord] ( ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 %all be f9al & n subject to fur!r appeal4 7c7 ,regulations ,! ,secret>y %all prescribe regulations to c>ry out ?is section4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt]1 z am5d$ by section #d1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gag ! foll[+ new item3 #gai4 ,rec\pm5t ( bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #gai ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 %all apply ) respect to an aw>d or bonus paid by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7d7 ,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is ,act or ! am5dm5ts made by ?is ,act may be con/ru$ to modify ! c]tification issu$ by ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t & ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t & ,budget reg>d+ ! p]=mance appraisal sy/em ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 #f4 ,au?ority to rec\p relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gba4 ,rec\pm5t ( relocation exp5ses paid on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t 7a7 ,rec\pm5t 7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y may direct an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t to repay ! am\nt1 or a portion ( ! am\nt1 paid to or on behalf ( ! employee "u title #e = relocation exp5ses1 includ+ any exp5ses "u section #egbd or #egbd;a ( su* title1 or ?is title if-- 7,a7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t-- 7i7 ! employee has committ$ an act ( fraud1 wa/e1 or malfeasance2 & 7ii7 su* repaym5t is appropriate pursuant to regulations prescrib$ "u subsection 7c72 & 7,b7 be=e su* repaym5t is ord]$1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! det]m9ation ( ! ,secret>y & an opportunity to respond to ! det]m9ation2 & 7ii7 consi/5t ) p>agraph 7#b71 an opportunity to appeal ! det]m9ation to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#b7 ,if a f9al decision on an appeal made "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b77ii7 is n made by ! applicable dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal1 ! ord] ( ! ,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be f9al & n subject to fur!r appeal4 7b7 ,review ,a decision reg>d+ a repaym5t by an employee pursuant to subsection 7a77#a77;,b77ii7 is f9al & may n be review$ by any dep>tm5t1 ag5cy1 or c\rt4 7c7 ,regulations ,! ,secret>y %all prescribe regulations to c>ry out ?is section4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new item3 #gba4 ,rec\pm5t ( relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #gba ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 %all apply ) respect to an am\nt paid by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to or on behalf ( an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = relocation exp5ses on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 7d7 ,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section or ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section may be con/ru$ to modify ! c]tification issu$ by ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t & ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t & ,budget reg>d+ ! p]=mance appraisal sy/em ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 #g4 ,s5ior executives3 p]sonnel actions bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,expansion ( cov]$ p]sonnel actions ,section #gac is am5d$ 9 subsection 7a77#a7 by ins]t+ aft] su* removal4 ! foll[+3 ,if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! p]=mance or misconduct ( su* an individual does n m]it removal f ! s5ior executive s]vice position1 ! ,secret>y may susp5d1 reprim&1 or admoni% ! individual44 7b7 ,removal ( appeal to ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d ,section #gac is fur!r am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ s removes & ins]t+ removes2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#c7 ,on ! date t is #e days be=e tak+ any p]sonnel action aga9/ a s5ior executive "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all provide ! individual )-- 7,a7 notice 9 writ+ ( ! propos$ p]sonnel action1 includ+ ! reasons = su* action2 & 7,b7 an opportunity to respond to ! propos$ p]sonnel action )9 ! #e-;day p]iod4 2 7#b7 9 subsection 7b77#b7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ "u ?is section & ins]t+ "u section #gbc2 & 7,b7 by /rik+ ! second s5t5ce2 7#c7 9 subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ #cj & ins]t+ #e2 & 7,b7 by /rik+ & ! reason = su* removal or transf] & ins]t+ 1 ! reason = su* removal or transf]1 ! "n & position ( ! employee1 & all *>g+ docum5ts & evid5ce p]ta9+ to su* removal or transf]2 7#d7 by /rik+ subsections 7d7 & 7e7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7d7 ,proc$ure 7#a7 ,! proc$ures "u title #e %all n apply to any p]sonnel action "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,a p]sonnel action "u ?is section-- 7,a7 consi/5t ) p>agraph 7#c71 may be appeal$ to ! ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d "u section #gbc2 & 7,b7 may n be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja ( title #e4 7#c7 ,an appeal ( a p]sonnel action pursuant to p>agraph 7#b77;,a7 mu/ be fil$ ) ! ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d n lat] ?an ! date t is #g days aft] ! date ( su* action4 ,if su* appeal is n made )9 ! #g-;day p]iod1 ! p]sonnel action %all be f9al & n subject to fur!r appeal4 2 7#e7 by r$esignat+ subsections 7f7 & 7g7 z subsections 7e7 & 7f71 respectively2 & 7#f7 9 subsection 7f71 z r$esignat$ by p>agraph 7#e71 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 ,! t]m susp5d means ! plac+ ( an individual 9 a tempor>y /atus )\t duties & pay = a p]iod great] ?an #ad days4 4 7c7 ,removal ( exp$it$ proc$ures ,section #gjg ( ! ,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad 7#ch ,u4,s4,c4 #gac note7 is am5d$ by-- 7#a7 /rik+ subsection 7b72 & 7#b7 r$esignat+ subsections 7c7 & 7d7 z subsections 7b7 & 7c71 respectively4 7d7 ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gba1 z add$ by section #f1 ! foll[+ new section3 #gbc4 ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d 7a7 ,! ,secret>y %all f "t to "t appo9t a bo>d to he> appeals ( any p]sonnel action tak5 "u section #gac4 ,su* bo>d %all be kn[n z ! ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d 7h]e9aft] ref]r$ to z ! ,bo>d74 ,ea* ,bo>d %all consi/ ( ?ree employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 ,! ,bo>d %all h exclusive jurisdiction to review any p]sonnel action "u section #gac4 7b7 ,^u an appeal ( su* a p]sonnel action1 ! ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d %all-- 7#a7 review all evid5ce provid$ by ! ,secret>y & ! appellant2 & 7#b7 issue a decision n lat] ?an #ba days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4 7c7 ,! ,bo>d %all af=d an employee appeal+ a p]sonnel action an opportunity = an oral he>+4 ,if su* a he>+ is held1 ! appellant may be repres5t$ by c\nsel4 7d7 ,! ,bo>d %all uphold ! decision ( ! ,secret>y if-- 7#a7 !re is sub/antial evid5ce support+ ! decision2 & 7#b7 ! applicable p]sonnel action is )9 ! tol]able b\nds ( reasonabl5ess4 7e7 ,if ! ,bo>d issues a decision "u ?is section t rev]ses or o!rwise mitigates ! applicable p]sonnel action1 ! ,secret>y may rev]se ! decision ( ! ,bo>d4 ,consi/5t ) ! requirem5ts ( subsection 7g71 ! decision ( ! ,secret>y "u ?is subsection %all be f9al4 7f7 ,9 any case 9 :i* ! ,bo>d _c issue a decision 9 accordance ) ! #ba-;day requirem5t "u subsection 7b77#b71 ! p]sonnel action is f9al4 7g7 ,a petition to review a f9al ord] or f9al decision ( ! ,secret>y or ! ,bo>d "u ?is section %all be fil$ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,f$]al ,circuit4 ,any decision by su* ,c\rt %all be 9 compliance ) section #gdfb7;f77#b7 ( ?is title4 7h7 ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* an individual appeals a removal f ! civil s]vice "u section #gac7;d7 & end+ on ! date t ! ,bo>d or ,secret>y issues a f9al decision on su* appeal1 su* individual may n receive any pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits4 4 7e7 ,te*nical & cl]ical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,te*nical am5dm5t ,! section head+ ( section #gac is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 ,s5ior executives3 p]sonnel actions bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = su* *apt] is fur!r am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gac & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 #gac4 ,s5ior executives3 p]sonnel actions bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #gbc4 ,s5ior ,executive ,discipl9>y ,appeals ,bo>d4 4 7f7 ,rule ( con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section or section #gca ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 7z add$ by subsection 7c77 %all be con/ru$ to apply to an appeal ( a removal1 transf]1 or o!r p]sonnel action t 0 p5d+ be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #h4 ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #c ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #cbc4 ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection 7a7 ,e/abli%m5t ,!re is e/abli%$ 9 ! ,dep>tm5t an (fice to be kn[n z ! ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection 79 ?is section ref]r$ to z ! ,(fice74 7b7 ,head ( ,(fice 7#a7 ,! head ( ! ,(fice %all be responsible = ! functions ( ! ,(fice & %all be appo9t$ by ! ,presid5t pursuant to section #cjh7;a7 ( ?is title4 7#b7 ,! head ( ! ,(fice %all be kn[n z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection4 7#c7 ,! ,assi/ant ,secret>y %all report directly to ! ,secret>y on all matt]s relat+ to ! ,(fice4 7#d7 ,not)/&+ section #cjh7;b7 ( ?is title1 ! ,secret>y may only assign to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y responsibilities relat+ to ! functions ( ! ,(fice set =? 9 subsection 7c74 7c7 ,functions 7#a7 ,! functions ( ! ,(fice are z foll[s3 7,a7 ,advis+ ! ,secret>y on all matt]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t relat+ to acc\ntability1 includ+ acc\ntability ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 retaliation aga9/ :i/lebl[]s1 & su* matt]s z ! ,secret>y consid]s simil> & affect public tru/ 9 ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,b7 ,issu+ reports & provid+ recomm5dations relat$ to ! duties describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a74 7,c7 ,receiv+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 7,d7 ,ref]r+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts receiv$ "u subp>agraph 7,c7 = inve/igation to ! ,(fice ( ! ,m$ical ,inspector1 ! ,(fice ( ,inspector ,g5]al1 or o!r inve/igative entity1 z appropriate1 if ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y has reason to believe ! :i/lebl[] compla9t is evid5ce ( a violation ( a provision ( law1 mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse ( au?ority1 or a sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? & safety4 7,e7 ,receiv+ & ref]r+ compla9ts f ! ,special ,c\nsel = inve/igation to ! ,m$ical ,inspector ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 or su* o!r p]son ) inve/igatory au?ority1 z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7,f7 ,record+1 track+1 review+1 & confirm+ implem5tation ( recomm5dations f audits & inve/igations c>ri$ out by ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,m$ical ,inspector ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 & ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 includ+ ! imposition ( discipl9>y actions & o!r corrective actions conta9$ 9 su* recomm5dations4 7,g7 ,analyz+ data f ! ,(fice & ! ,(fice ( ,inspector ,g5]al telephone hotl9es1 o!r :i/lebl[] compla9ts1 disaggregat$ by facility & area ( heal? c>e if appropriate1 & relevant audits & inve/igations to id5tify tr5ds & issue reports to ! ,secret>y bas$ on analysis conduct$ "u ?is subp>agraph4 7,h7 ,receiv+1 review+1 & inve/igat+ allegations ( misconduct1 retaliation1 or poor p]=mance involv+-- 7i7 an individual 9 a s5ior executive position 7z def9$ 9 section #gac7;d7 ( ?is title7 9 ! ,dep>tm5t2 7ii7 an individual employ$ 9 a confid5tial1 policy-mak+1 policy-det]m9+1 or policy-advocat+ position 9 ! ,dep>tm5t2 or 7iii7 a sup]visory employee4 7,i7 ,mak+ su* recomm5dations to ! ,secret>y = discipl9>y action z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y consid]s appropriate aft] sub/antiat+ any allegation ( misconduct or poor p]=mance pursuant to an inve/igation c>ri$ out z describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,f7 or 7,h74 7#b7 ,9 c>ry+ out ! functions ( ! ,(fice1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y %all ensure t ! ,(fice ma9ta9s a toll-free telephone numb] & ,int]net website to receive anonym\s :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 7#c7 ,9 any case 9 :i* ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y receives a :i/lebl[] compla9t f an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t "u p>agraph 7#a77;,c71 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y may n disclose ! id5tity ( ! employee )\t ! cons5t ( ! employee1 except 9 accordance ) ! provisions ( section #eeb;a ( title #e1 or z requir$ by any o!r applicable provision ( ,f$]al law4 7d7 ,relation to ,(fice ( ,g5]al ,c\nsel ,! ,(fice %all n be e/abli%$ z an elem5t ( ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel & ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y may n report to ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel4 7e7 ,reports 7#a7 7,a7 ,n lat] ?an ,june #cj ( ea* cal5d> ye>1 beg9n+ ) ,june #cj1 #bjag1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! activities ( ! ,(fice dur+ ! cal5d> ye> 9 :i* ! report is submitt$4 7,b7 ,ea* report submitt$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 %all include1 = ! p]iod cov]$ by ! report1 ! foll[+3 7i7 ,a full & sub/antive analysis ( ! activities ( ! ,(fice1 includ+ su* /ati/ical in=mation z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7ii7 ,id5tification ( any issues report$ to ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7c77#a77;,g71 includ+ su* data z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y consid]s relevant to su* issues & any tr5ds ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y may h id5tifi$ ) respect to su* issues4 7iii7 ,id5tification ( su* conc]ns z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y may h reg>d+ ! size1 /aff+1 & res\rces ( ! ,(fice & su* recomm5dations z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y may h = legislative or adm9i/rative action to address su* conc]ns4 7iv7 ,su* recomm5dations z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y may h = legislative or adm9i/rative action to improve-- 7,i7 ! process by :i* conc]ns are report$ to ! ,(fice2 & 7,,ii7 ! protection ( :i/lebl[]s )9 ! ,dep>tm5t4 7v7 ,su* o!r matt]s z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y consid]s appropriate reg>d+ ! functions ( ! ,(fice or o!r matt]s relat+ to ! ,(fice4 7#b7 ,if ! ,secret>y receives a recomm5dation = discipl9>y action "u subsection 7c77#a77;,i7 & does n take or initiate ! recomm5d$ discipl9>y action be=e ! date t is #fj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y receiv$ ! recomm5dation1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a detail$ ju/ification = n tak+ or initiat+ su* discipl9>y action4 7f7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m sup]visory employee means an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o is a sup]visor z def9$ 9 section #gajc7;a7 ( title #e4 7#b7 ,! t]m :i/lebl[] means "o :o makes a :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7#c7 ,! t]m :i/lebl[] compla9t means any disclosure ( in=mation by an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t or individual apply+ to become an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t :i* ! employee or individual reasonably believes evid5ces-- 7,a7 a violation ( a provision ( law2 or 7,b7 gross mismanagem5t1 a gross wa/e ( funds1 an abuse ( au?ority1 or a sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? or safety4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #cjh7;b7 ( su* title is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#ab7 ,! functions set =? 9 section #cbc7;c7 ( ?is title4 4 7c7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #c ( su* title is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new item3 #cbc4 ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection4 4 #i4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new sub*apt]3 ,,ii ,:i/lebl[] compla9ts #gda4 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t def9$ ,9 ?is sub*apt]1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] compla9t means a compla9t by an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t disclos+1 or assi/+ ano!r employee to disclose1 a pot5tial violation ( any law1 rule1 or regulation1 or gross mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse ( au?ority1 or sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? & safety4 #gdb4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,fil+ 7#a7 ,9 addition to any o!r me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) subsection 7g7 ) a sup]visor ( ! employee4 7#b7 ,except z provid$ by subsection 7d77#a71 9 mak+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t "u p>agraph 7#a71 an employee %all file ! initial compla9t ) ! imm$iate sup]visor ( ! employee4 7b7 ,notification 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an #d bus9ess days aft] ! date on :i* a sup]visor receives a :i/lebl[] compla9t by an employee "u ?is section1 ! sup]visor %all notify1 9 writ+1 ! employee ( :e!r ! sup]visor det]m9es t !re is a reasonable likelihood t ! compla9t discloses a violation ( any law1 rule1 or regulation1 or gross mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse ( au?ority1 or sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? & safety4 ,! sup]visor %all reta9 writt5 docum5tation reg>d+ ! :i/lebl[] compla9t & %all submit to ! next-level sup]visor a writt5 report on ! compla9t4 7#b7 ,on a mon?ly basis1 ! sup]visor %all submit to ! appropriate director or o!r (ficial :o is sup]ior to ! sup]visor a writt5 report t includes ! numb] ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts receiv$ by ! sup]visor "u ?is section dur+ ! mon? cov]$ by ! report1 ! disposition ( su* compla9ts1 & any actions tak5 because ( su* compla9ts pursuant to subsection 7c74 ,9 ! case 9 :i* su* a director or (ficial c>ries out ?is p>agraph1 ! director or (ficial %all submit su* mon?ly report to-- 7,a7 ! sup]visor ( ! director or (ficial2 7,b7 ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ,h\se or ,repres5tatives2 & 7,c7 ea* ,memb] ( ,congress repres5t+ a di/rict 9 ! ,/ate or t]ritory :]e ! facility :]e ! sup]visor is employ$ is locat$4 7c7 ,positive det]m9ation ,if a sup]visor makes a positive det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t ( an employee1 ! sup]visor %all include 9 ! notification to ! employee "u su* subsection ! specific actions t ! sup]visor w take to address ! compla9t4 7d7 ,fil+ compla9t ) next-,level sup]visors 7#a7 ,if any circum/ance describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#c7 is met1 an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) subsection 7g7 ) ! next-level sup]visor :o %all treat su* compla9t 9 accordance ) ?is section4 7#b7 ,an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t ) ! ,secret>y if ! employee has fil$ ! :i/lebl[] compla9t to ea* level ( sup]visors betwe5 ! employee & ! ,secret>y 9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,a circum/ance describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph are any ( ! foll[+ circum/ances3 7,a7 ,a sup]visor does n make a timely det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7,b7 ,! employee :o made a :i/lebl[] compla9t det]m9es t ! sup]visor did n adequately address ! compla9t pursuant to subsection 7c74 7,c7 ,! imm$iate sup]visor ( ! employee is ! basis ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7e7 ,transf] ( employee :o files :i/lebl[] compla9t ,if a sup]visor makes a positive det]m9ation "u subsection 7b77#a7 reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t fil$ by an employee1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7#a7 in=m ! employee ( ! ability to volunte] = a transf] 9 accordance ) section #cceb ( title #e2 & 7#b7 give pref]5ce to ! employee = su* a transf] 9 accordance ) su* section4 7f7 ,prohibition on exemption ,! ,secret>y may n exempt any employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t f be+ cov]$ by ?is section4 7g7 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t =m 7#a7 ,a :i/lebl[] compla9t fil$ by an employee "u subsection 7a7 or 7d7 %all consi/ ( ! =m describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 & any support+ mat]ials or docum5tation ! employee det]m9es necess>y4 7#b7 ,! =m describ$ 9 ?is p>agraph is a =m develop$ by ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,special ,c\nsel1 t includes ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,an explanation ( ! purpose ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t =m4 7,b7 ,in/ructions = fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t z describ$ 9 ?is section4 7,c7 ,an explanation t fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t "u ?is section does n preclude ! employee f any o!r me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t4 7,d7 ,a /atem5t direct+ ! employee to in=mation accessible on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t z describ$ 9 section #gde7;c74 7,e7 ,fields = ! employee to provide-- 7i7 ! date t ! =m is submitt$2 7ii7 ! "n ( ! employee2 7iii7 ! contact in=mation ( ! employee2 7iv7 a summ>y ( ! :i/lebl[] compla9t 7includ+ ! option to app5d support+ docum5ts pursuant to p>agraph 7#a772 & 7v7 propos$ solutions to compla9t4 7,f7 ,any o!r in=mation or fields t ! ,secret>y det]m9es appropriate4 7#c7 ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,special ,c\nsel1 %all develop ! =m describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 by n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is section4 #gdc4 ,adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions relat+ to :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,9 g5]al 7#a7 ,9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! foll[+ adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :om ! ,secret>y1 an adm9i/rative judge1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 an adjudicat+ body provid$ "u a union contract1 a ,f$]al judge1 or ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t det]m9es committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 subsection 7c73 7,a7 ,) respect to ! fir/ (f5se1 an adv]se action t is n less ?an a #ad-;day susp5sion & n m ?an removal4 7,b7 ,) respect to ! second (f5se1 removal4 7#b7 7,a7 ,except z provid$ by subp>agraph 7,b71 ) respect to a sup]visory employee subject to an adv]se action "u ?is section :o is-- 7i7 an individual z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #gae7;i77#a7 ( ?is title1 ! proc$ures "u subsections 7d7 & 7e7 ( section #gae ( ?is title %all apply2 & 7ii7 an individual z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #gac7;g77#a7 ( ?is title1 ! proc$ures "u section #gac7;d7 ( ?is title %all apply4 7,b7 ,an employee :o is notifi$ ( be+ ! subject ( a propos$ adv]se action "u p>agraph 7#a7 may n be giv5 m ?an #aj days foll[+ su* notification to provide evid5ce to dispute su* propos$ adv]se action4 ,if ! employee does n provide any su* evid5ce1 or if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t su* evid5ce is n suffici5t to rev]se ! det]m9ation to propose ! adv]se action1 ! ,secret>y %all c>ry out ! adv]se action foll[+ su* #aj-;day p]iod4 7b7 ,limitation on o!r adv]se actions ,) respect to a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 subsection 7c71 if ! ,secret>y c>ries out an adv]se action aga9/ a sup]visory employee1 ! ,secret>y may c>ry out an additional adv]se action "u ?is section bas$ on ! same prohibit$ p]sonnel action if ! total sev]ity ( ! adv]se actions d n exce$ ! level specifi$ 9 subsection 7a74 7c7 ,prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ ,a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 ?is subsection is any ( ! foll[+ actions3 7#a7 ,tak+ or fail+ to take a p]sonnel action 9 violation ( section #bcjb ( title #e aga9/ an employee relat+ to ! employee-- 7,a7 fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gdb ( ?is title2 7,b7 fil+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or ,congress2 7,c7 provid+ in=mation or p>ticipat+ z a witness 9 an inve/igation ( a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gdb or ) ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or ,congress2 7,d7 p>ticipat+ 9 an audit or inve/igation by ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 7,e7 refus+ to p]=m an action t is unlawful or prohibit$ by ! ,dep>tm5t2 or 7,f7 engag+ 9 communications t are relat$ to ! duties ( ! position or are o!rwise protect$4 7#b7 ,prev5t+ or re/rict+ an employee f mak+ an action describ$ 9 any ( subp>agraphs 7,a7 ?r\gh 7,f7 ( p>agraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,conduct+ a pe] review or op5+ a retaliatory inve/igation relat+ to an activity ( an employee t is protect$ by section #bcjb ( title #e4 7#d7 ,reque/+ a contractor to c>ry out an action t is prohibit$ by section #dgje7;b7 or section #dgab7;a77#a7 ( title #da1 z ! case may be4 #gdd4 ,evaluation crit]ia ( sup]visors & treatm5t ( bonuses 7a7 ,evaluation crit]ia 7#a7 ,9 evaluat+ ! p]=mance ( sup]visors ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,secret>y %all include ! crit]ia describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,! crit]ia describ$ 9 ?is subsection are ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,:e!r ! sup]visor treats :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 accordance ) section #gdb4 7,b7 ,:e!r ! appropriate decid+ (ficial1 p]=mance review bo>d1 or p]=mance review committee det]m9es t ! sup]visor 0 f\nd to h committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action describ$ 9 section #gdc7;b7 by an adm9i/rative judge1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 an adjudicat+ body provid$ "u a union contract1 a ,f$]al judge1 or1 9 ! case ( a settlem5t ( a :i/lebl[] compla9t 7reg>dless ( :e!r any fault 0 assign$ "u su* settlem5t71 ! ,secret>y4 7b7 ,bonuses 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may n pay to a sup]visor describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 an aw>d or bonus "u ?is title or title #e1 includ+ "u *apt] #de or #ec ( su* title1 dur+ ! #a-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! det]m9ation 0 made "u su* subsection4 7#b7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 ! ,secret>y %all issue an ord] direct+ a sup]visor describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b77;,b7 to repay ! am\nt ( any aw>d or bonus paid "u ?is title or title #e1 includ+ "u *apt] #de or #ec ( su* title1 if-- 7,a7 su* aw>d or bonus 0 paid = p]=mance dur+ a p]iod 9 :i* ! sup]visor committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action z det]m9$ pursuant to su* subsection 7a77#b77;,b72 7,b7 ! ,secret>y det]m9es su* repaym5t appropriate pursuant to regulations prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y to c>ry out ?is section2 & 7,c7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! sup]visor is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! ord] & an opportunity to respond to ! ord]2 & 7ii7 an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ano!r dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t1 except t-- 7,i7 any su* dep>tm5t or ag5cy %all issue a f9al decision ) respect to su* appeal n lat] ?an ! date t is #cj days aft] ! date ! dep>tm5t or ag5cy receiv$ su* appeal2 & 7,,ii7 if su* a f9al decision is n made by ! applicable dep>tm5t or ag5cy )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal1 ! ord] ( ! ,secret>y %all be f9al & n subject to fur!r appeal4 #gde4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,tra9+ ,! ,secret>y1 9 coord9ation ) ! ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,ombudsman designat$ "u section #c7;d77#a77;,c7 ( ! ,inspector ,g5]al ,act ( #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app471 %all annually provide to ea* employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts1 includ+-- 7#a7 an explanation ( ea* me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] compla9t2 7#b7 an explanation ( prohibit$ p]sonnel actions describ$ by section #gdc7;c7 ( ?is title2 7#c7 ) respect to sup]visors1 h[ to treat :i/lebl[] compla9ts 9 accordance ) section #gdb ( ?is title2 7#d7 ! "r ( ! employee to petition ,congress reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gbaa ( title #e2 7#e7 an explanation t ! employee may n be prosecut$ or repris$ aga9/ = disclos+ in=mation to ,congress 9 in/ances :]e su* disclosure is p]mitt$ by law1 includ+ "u sections #egja1 #egje1 & #gccb ( ?is title1 "u section #eeb;a ( title #e 7commonly ref]r$ to z ! ,privacy ,act71 "u *apt] #ic ( title #ah1 & pursuant to regulations promulgat$ "u section #bfd7;c7 ( ! ,heal? ,insurance ,portability & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #aiif 7,public ,law #ajd-aia72 7#f7 an explanation ( ! language t is requir$ to be includ$ 9 all nondisclosure policies1 =ms1 & agreem5ts pursuant to section #aae7;a77#a7 ( ! ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,enhancem5t ,act ( #bjab 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb note72 & 7#g7 ! "r ( contractors to be protect$ f reprisal = ! disclosure ( c]ta9 in=mation "u section #dgje or #dgab ( title #da4 7b7 ,c]tification ,! ,secret>y %all annually provide tra9+ on m]it sy/em protection 9 a mann] t ! ,special ,c\nsel c]tifies z be+ satisfactory4 7c7 ,publication 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 & display prom95tly at ea* facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! rights ( an employee to file a :i/lebl[] compla9t1 includ+ ! in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#g7 ( subsection 7a74 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! :i/lebl[] compla9t =m describ$ 9 section #gdb7;g77#b74 #gdf4 ,notice to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y receives f ! ,special ,c\nsel in=mation relat+ to a :i/lebl[] compla9t pursuant to section #abac ( title #e1 ! ,secret>y %all notify ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate1 ! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 & ! ,committee on ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ea* ,memb] ( ,congress repres5t+ a di/rict 9 ! ,/ate or t]ritory :]e a facility relevant to ! :i/lebl[] compla9t is locat$ ( su* in=mation1 includ+ ! det]m9ation made by ! ,special ,c\nsel4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ & cl]ical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,su* *apt] is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ be=e section #gja ! foll[+3 ,i ,g5]al employee matt]s 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$-- 7,a7 by ins]t+ be=e ! item relat+ to section #gja ! foll[+ new item3 ,sub*apt] ,i--,g5]al employee matt]s 2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new items3 ,sub*apt] ,,ii--,:i/lebl[] compla9ts #gda4 ,:i/lebl[] compla9t def9$4 #gdb4 ,treatm5t ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 #gdc4 ,adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions relat+ to :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 #gdd4 ,evaluation crit]ia ( sup]visors & treatm5t ( bonuses4 #gde4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 #gdf4 ,notice to ,congress4 4 #aj4 ,appeals re=m 7a7 ,def9itions ,section #aja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraphs3 7#cd7 ,! t]m ,ag5cy ( ,orig9al ,jurisdiction means ! activity :i* ent]$ ! orig9al det]m9ation ) reg>d to a claim = b5efits "u ?is title4 7#ce7 ,! t]m relevant evid5ce means evid5ce t t5ds to prove or disprove a matt] 9 issue4 4 7b7 ,notice to claimants ( requir$ in=mation & evid5ce ,section #eajc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a77#b77;,b77i7 by /rik+ 1 a claim = reop5+ a prior decision on a claim1 or a claim = an increase 9 b5efits2 & ins]t+ or a supplem5tal claim22 & 7#b7 9 subsection 7b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#f7 ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all require notice to be s5t = a supplem5tal claim t is fil$ )9 ! timeframe set =? 9 subsections 7a77#b77;,b7 & 7a77#b77;,d7 ( section #eaaj ( ?is title4 4 7c7 ,rule ) respect to disall[$ claims ,section #eajc;,a7f7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7f7 ,rule ) respect to disall[$ claims ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be con/ru$ to require ! ,secret>y to readjudicate a claim t has be5 disall[$ except :5 new & relevant evid5ce is pres5t$ or secur$1 z describ$ 9 section #eajh ( ?is title4 4 7d7 ,o!r matt]s ,*apt] #ea ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #eajc;,a ! foll[+ new sections3 #eajc;,b4 ,applicability ( duty to assi/ 7a7 ,"t frame ,! ,secret>y's duty to assi/ "u section #eajc;,a ( ?is title %all apply only to a claim1 or supplem5tal claim1 = a b5efit "u a law adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y until ! "t t a claimant is provid$ notice ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision ) respect to su* claim1 or supplem5tal claim1 "u section #eajd ( ?is title4 7b7 ,non-,applicability to c]ta9 reviews & appeals ,! ,secret>y's duty to assi/ "u section #eajc;,a ( ?is title %all n apply to high]-level review by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction1 pursuant to section #eajd;,b ( ?is title1 or to review on appeal by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4 7c7 ,correction ( duty ,to assi/ errors 7#a7 ,if1 dur+ review ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction "u section #eajd;,b ( ?is title1 ! high]-level review] id5tifies an error on ! "p ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to satisfy its duties "u section #eajc;,a ( ?is title1 & t error occurr$ prior to ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction be+ review$1 ! high]-level review] %all return ! claim = correction ( su* error & readjudication unless ! claim c be grant$ 9 full4 7#b7 ,if ! ,bo>d1 dur+ review on appeal ( a decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision1 id5tifies an error on ! "p ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to satisfy its duties "u section #eajc;,a ( ?is title1 & t error occurr$ prior to ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction on appeal1 ! ,bo>d %all rem& ! claim to ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction = correction ( su* error & readjudication unless ! claim c be grant$ 9 full4 ,rem& = correction ( su* error may include direct+ ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to obta9 an advisory m$ical op9ion "u section #eaji ( ?is title4 #eajd;,a4 ,b9d+ nature ( favorable f9d+s ,any f9d+ favorable to ! claimant z describ$ 9 section #eajd7;b77#d7 ( ?is title %all be b9d+ on all subsequ5t adjudicators )9 ! dep>tm5t1 unless cle> & conv9c+ evid5ce is %[n to ! contr>y to rebut su* favorable f9d+4 #eajd;,b4 ,high]-level review by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! claimant may reque/ a review ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction by a high]-level adjudicator )9 ! jurisdiction ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction4 7b7 ,"t & mann] ( reque/ ,a reque/ = high]-level review by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction mu/ be 9 writ+ 9 ! =m prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y & made )9 #a ye> ( ! notice ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction4 ,su* reque/ may specifically indicate :e!r su* review is reque/$ by a high]-level adjudicator at ! same (fice )9 ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction or by an adjudicator at a diff]5t (fice ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction4 7c7 ,decision ,notice ( a high]-level review decision "u ?is section %all be provid$ 9 writ+4 7d7 ,evid5ti>y record = review ,! evid5ti>y record be=e ! high]-level review] %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce ( record 9 ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction be+ review$4 7e7 ,de novo review ,high]-level review "u ?is section %all be de novo4 4 7e7 ,notice ( decisions ,section #eajd7;b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7b7 ,9 any case :]e ! ,secret>y d5ies a b5efit s\ght1 ! notice requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all also include-- 7#a7 id5tification ( ! issues adjudicat$2 7#b7 a summ>y ( ! evid5ce consid]$ by ! ,secret>y2 7#c7 a summ>y ( ! applicable laws & regulations2 7#d7 id5tification ( f9d+s favorable to ! claimant2 7#e7 id5tification ( elem5ts n satisfi$ lead+ to ! d5ial2 7#f7 an explanation ( h[ to obta9 or access evid5ce us$ 9 mak+ ! decision2 & 7#g7 if applicable1 id5tification ( ! crit]ia t mu/ be satisfi$ to grant s]vice connection or ! next high] level ( comp5sation4 4 7f7 ,supplem5tal claims ,section #eajh ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #eajh4 ,supplem5tal claims ,if new & relevant evid5ce is pres5t$ or secur$ ) respect to a supplem5tal claim1 ! ,secret>y %all readjudicate ! claim tak+ into consid]ation any evid5ce add$ to ! record prior to ! =m] disposition ( ! claim4 4 7g7 ,rem&s = m$ical op9ions ,section #eaji ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7d7 ,! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals may rem& a claim to direct ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to obta9 an advisory m$ical op9ion "u ?is section to correct an error on ! "p ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction to satisfy its duties "u section #eajc;,a ( ?is title :5 su* error occurr$ prior to ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction on appeal4 ,! ,bo>d's rem& in/ructions %all include ! que/ions to be pos$ to ! indep5d5t m$ical exp]t provid+ ! advisory m$ical op9ion4 4 7h7 ,effective dates ( aw>ds ,section #eaaj ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ subsection 7a7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new subsection 7a73 7a7 7#a7 ,unless specifically provid$ o!rwise 9 ?is *apt]1 ! effective date ( an aw>d bas$ on an initial claim1 or a supplem5tal claim1 ( comp5sation1 dep5d5cy & indemnity comp5sation1 or p5sion1 %all be fix$ 9 accordance ) ! facts f\nd1 b %all n be e>li] ?an ! date ( receipt ( application !re=4 7#b7 ,= purposes ( apply+ ! effective date rules 9 ?is section1 ! date ( application %all be consid]$ ! date ( ! fil+ ( ! initial application = a b5efit provid$ t ! claim is cont9u\sly pursu$ by fil+ any ( ! foll[+ ei!r alone or 9 succession3 7,a7 ,a reque/ = high]-level review "u section #eajd;,b ( ?is title )9 #a ye> ( an ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision4 7,b7 ,a supplem5tal claim "u section #eajh ( ?is title )9 #a ye> ( an ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision4 7,c7 ,a notice ( disagreem5t )9 #a ye> ( an ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision4 7,d7 ,a supplem5tal claim "u section #eajh ( ?is title )9 #a ye> ( a decision ( ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals4 7#c7 ,except z o!rwise provid$ 9 ?is section1 = supplem5tal claims receiv$ m ?an #a ye> aft] an ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision or a decision by ! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals1 ! effective date %all be fix$ 9 accordance ) ! facts f\nd1 b %all n be e>li] ?an ! date ( receipt ( ! supplem5tal claim4 2 & 7#b7 9 subsection 7i7 by-- 7,a7 /rik+ reop5$ & ins]t+ readjudicat$2 7,b7 /rik+ mat]ial & ins]t+ relevant2 & 7,c7 /rik+ reop5+ & ins]t+ readjudication4 7i7 ,def9ition ( aw>d or increas$ rew>d ,section #eaaa7;d77#a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ or reop5$ aw>d2 & ins]t+ aw>d or aw>d bas$ on a supplem5tal claim24 7j7 ,recognition ( ag5ts & attorneys g5]ally ,section #eijd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7c77#a7 by /rik+ notice ( disagreem5t is fil$ & ins]t+ claimant is provid$ notice ( ! initial decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction "u section #eajd ( ?is title2 & 7#b7 9 subsection 7c77#b7 by /rik+ notice ( disagreem5t is fil$ & ins]t+ claimant is provid$ notice ( ! initial decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction "u section #eajd ( ?is title4 7k7 ,correction ( obvi\s errors ,section #gajc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7b77#a77;,a7 by /rik+ he>d & ins]t+ decid$2 & 7#b7 9 subsection 7b77#a77;,b7 by /rik+ he>d & ins]t+ decid$4 7l7 ,jurisdiction ( ,bo>d ,section #gajd7;b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ reop5$ & ins]t+ readjudicat$4 7m7 ,fil+ ( appeal ,section #gaje ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ! fir/ s5t5ce & ins]t+ ,appellate review w be initiat$ by ! fil+ ( a notice ( disagreem5t 9 ! =m prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y42 & 7,b7 by /rik+ he>+ &2 7#b7 by am5d+ subsection 7b7 to read z foll[s3 7b7 7#a7 ,except 9 ! case ( simultane\sly conte/$ claims1 notice ( disagreem5t %all be fil$ )9 #a ye> f ! date ( ! mail+ ( notice ( ! decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction "u section #eajd1 #eajd;,b1 or #eajh ( ?is title4 ,a notice ( disagreem5t po/m>k$ be=e ! expiration ( ! #a-ye> p]iod w be accept$ z timely fil$4 ,a "q z to timel9ess or adequacy ( ! notice ( disagreem5t %all be decid$ by ! ,bo>d4 7#b7 ,notices ( disagreem5t mu/ be 9 writ+1 mu/ set out specific allegations ( error ( fact or law1 & may be fil$ by ! claimant1 ! claimant's legal gu>dian1 or su* accr$it$ repres5tative1 attorney1 or au?oriz$ ag5t z may be select$ by ! claimant or legal gu>dian4 ,n m ?an "o recogniz$ organization1 attorney1 or ag5t w be recogniz$ at any "o "t 9 ! prosecution ( a claim4 ,notices ( disagreem5t mu/ be fil$ ) ! ,bo>d4 7#c7 ,! notice ( disagreem5t %all indicate :e!r ! claimant reque/s a he>+ be=e ! ,bo>d1 reque/s an opportunity to submit additional evid5ce )\t a ,bo>d he>+1 or reque/s review by ! ,bo>d )\t a he>+ or submission ( additional evid5ce4 ,if ! claimant does n expressly reque/ a ,bo>d he>+ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 no ,bo>d he>+ w be held4 2 7#c7 by am5d+ subsection 7c7 to read z foll[s3 7c7 ,if no notice ( disagreem5t is fil$ 9 accordance ) ?is *apt] )9 ! prescrib$ p]iod1 ! action or decision ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction %all become f9al & ! claim w n !reaft] be readjudicat$ or all[$1 except z may o!rwise be provid$ by section #eajd;,b or #eajh ( ?is title or regulations n inconsi/5t ) ?is title4 2 7#d7 by /rik+ subsections 7d77#a7 ?r\gh 7d77#e72 7#e7 by add+ a new subsection 7d7 to read z foll[s3 7d7 ,! ,bo>d ( ,vet]ans' ,appeals may dismiss any appeal :i* fails to allege specific error ( fact or law 9 ! decision be+ appeal$4 2 & 7#f7 by /rik+ subsection 7e74 7n7 ,simultane\sly conte/$ claims ,subsection 7b7 ( section #gaje;,a ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7b7 ,! sub/ance ( ! notice ( disagreem5t %all be communicat$ to ! o!r p>ty or p>ties 9 int]e/ & a p]iod ( #cj days %all be all[$ = fil+ a brief or argum5t 9 response !reto4 ,su* notice %all be =w>d$ to ! la/ kn[n address ( record ( ! p>ties conc]n$1 & su* action %all con/itute suffici5t evid5ce ( notice4 4 7o7 ,adm9i/rative appeals ,/rike section #gajf ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7p7 ,dockets & he>+s ,section #gajg ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by am5d+ subsection 7a7 to read z foll[s3 7a7 ,! ,bo>d %all ma9ta9 two sep>ate dockets4 ,a non-he>+ option docket %all be ma9ta9$ = cases 9 :i* no ,bo>d he>+ is reque/$ & no additional evid5ce w be submitt$4 ,a sep>ate & di/9ct he>+ option docket %all be ma9ta9$ = cases 9 :i* a ,bo>d he>+ is reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t or 9 :i* no ,bo>d he>+ is reque/$1 b ! appellant reque/s1 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 an opportunity to submit additional evid5ce4 ,except z provid$ 9 subsection 7b71 ea* case be=e ! ,bo>d w be decid$ 9 regul> ord] accord+ to its respective place on ! ,bo>d's non-he>+ option docket or ! he>+ option docket4 2 7#b7 by am5d+ subsection 7b7 to read z foll[s3 7b7 ,a case on ei!r ! ,bo>d's non-he>+ option docket or he>+ option docket1 may1 = cause %[n1 be advanc$ on motion = e>li] consid]ation & det]m9ation4 ,any su* motion %all set =? succ9ctly ! gr\nds ^u :i* ! motion is bas$4 ,su* a motion may be grant$ only-- 7#a7 if ! case involves int]pretation ( law ( g5]al application affect+ o!r claims2 7#b7 if ! appellant is s]i\sly ill or is "u sev]e f9ancial h>d%ip2 or 7#c7 = o!r suffici5t cause %[n4 2 7#c7 by am5d+ subsection 7c7 to read z foll[s3 7c7 7#a7 ,= cases on ! ,bo>d he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 ! ,bo>d %all notify ! appellant :e!r a ,bo>d he>+ w be held-- 7,a7 at its pr9cipal location1 or 7,b7 by picture & voice transmission at a facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t :]e ! ,secret>y has provid$ suitable facilities & equipm5t to conduct su* he>+s4 7#b7 7,a7 ,^u notification ( a ,bo>d he>+ at ! ,bo>d's pr9cipal location z describ$ 9 subsection 7c77#a77;,a7 ( ?is section1 ! appellant may alt]natively reque/ a he>+ z describ$ 9 subsection 7c77#a77;,b7 ( ?is section4 ,if s reque/$1 ! ,bo>d %all grant su* reque/4 7,b7 ,^u notification ( a ,bo>d he>+ by picture & voice transmission z describ$ 9 subsection 7c77#a77;,b7 ( ?is section1 ! appellant may alt]natively reque/ a he>+ z describ$ 9 subsection 7c77#a77;,a7 ( ?is section4 ,if s reque/$1 ! ,bo>d %all grant su* reque/4 2 & 7#d7 by /rik+ subsections 7d7 & 7e7 & r$esignat+ subsection 7f7 z subsection 7d74 7q7 ,indep5d5t m$ical op9ions ,/rike section #gaji ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7r7 ,revision ( decisions on gr\nds ( cle> & unmi/akable error ,section #gaaa7;e7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ m]its1 )\t ref]ral to any adjudicative or he>+ (ficial act+ on behalf ( ! ,secret>y4 & ins]t+ m]its44 7s7 ,evid5ti>y record ,*apt] #ga ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ ! foll[+ new section3 #gaac4 ,evid5ti>y record be=e ! bo>d 7a7 ,non-,he>+ option docket ,= cases 9 :i* a ,bo>d he>+ is n reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 ! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce ( record at ! "t ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision on appeal4 7b7 ,he>+ option docket 7#a7 ,except z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 = cases on ! he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 ! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce ( record at ! "t ( ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction decision on appeal4 7#b7 ,! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d = cases on ! he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is reque/$1 %all include ea* ( ! foll[+1 :i* ! ,bo>d %all consid] 9 ! fir/ in/ance-- 7,a7 evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or h] repres5tative1 if any1 at ! ,bo>d he>+2 & 7,b7 evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or h] repres5tative1 if any1 )9 #ij days foll[+ ! ,bo>d he>+4 7#c7 7,a7 ,except z provid$ 9 subp>agraph 7,b7 ( ?is p>agraph1 = cases on ! he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is n reque/$ 9 ! notice ( disagreem5t1 ! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d %all be limit$ to ! evid5ce consid]$ by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction 9 ! decision on appeal4 7,b7 ,! evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d = cases on ! he>+ option docket 9 :i* a he>+ is n reque/$1 %all include ea* ( ! foll[+1 :i* ! ,bo>d %all consid] 9 ! fir/ in/ance-- 7i7 evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or h] repres5tative1 if any1 ) ! notice ( disagreem5t2 & 7ii7 evid5ce submitt$ by ! appellant & 8 or h] repres5tative1 if any1 )9 #ij days foll[+ receipt ( ! notice ( disagreem5t4 4 7t7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,! head+ ( section #gaje is am5d$ by /rik+ notice ( disagreem5t &4 7u7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,*apt] #ea ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ea ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #eajc;,a ! foll[+ new item3 #eajc;,b4 ,applicability ( duty to assi/4 2 7,b7 by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #eajd ! foll[+ new items3 #eajd;,a4 ,b9d+ nature ( favorable f9d+s4 #eajd;,b4 ,high]-level review by ! ag5cy ( orig9al jurisdiction4 2 & 7,c7 by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #eajh & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #eajh4 ,supplem5tal claims4 4 7#b7 ,*apt] #ga ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ga ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gaje & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #gaje4 ,fil+ ( appeal4 2 7,b7 by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gajf2 7,c7 by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gaji2 & 7,d7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new item3 #gaac4 ,evid5ti>y record be=e ! ,bo>d4 4 #aa4 ,limitation on aw>ds & bonuses paid to s5ior executive employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,section #gje ( ! ,vet]ans ,access1 ,*oice1 & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #bjad 7,public ,law #aac-adf2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #gjc note7 is am5d$ by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 1 except t dur+ ea* ( fiscal ye>s #bjag ?r\gh #bjba1 no aw>d or bonus may be paid to any employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o is a memb] ( ! ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice44 #ab4 ,cl>ification ( em]g5cy hospital c>e furni%$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to c]ta9 vet]ans 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #ag ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #agcj;,a ! foll[+ new section3 #agcj;,b4 ,exam9ation & treatm5t = em]g5cy m$ical conditions & wom5 9 labor 7a7 ,m$ical scre5+ exam9ations ,9 c>ry+ out ?is *apt]1 if any enroll$ vet]an reque/s1 or a reque/ is made on behalf ( ! vet]an1 = exam9ation or treatm5t = a m$ical condition1 reg>dless ( :e!r su* condition is s]vice-connect$1 at a hospital em]g5cy dep>tm5t ( a m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! vet]an is provid$ an appropriate m$ical scre5+ exam9ation )9 ! capability ( ! em]g5cy dep>tm5t1 includ+ ancill>y s]vices r\t9ely available to ! em]g5cy dep>tm5t1 to det]m9e :e!r an em]g5cy m$ical condition exi/s4 7b7 ,necess>y /abiliz+ treatm5t = em]g5cy m$ical conditions & labor 7#a7 ,if an enroll$ vet]an comes to a m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t & ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! vet]an has an em]g5cy m$ical condition1 ! ,secret>y %all provide ei!r-- 7,a7 su* fur!r m$ical exam9ation & su* treatm5t z may be requir$ to /abilize ! m$ical condition2 or 7,b7 = ! transf] ( ! vet]an to ano!r m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t or a non-,dep>tm5t facility 9 accordance ) subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y is deem$ to meet ! requirem5t ( p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 ) respect to an enroll$ vet]an if ! ,secret>y (f]s ! vet]an ! fur!r m$ical exam9ation & treatm5t describ$ 9 su* p>agraph & in=ms ! vet]an 7or an individual act+ on behalf ( ! vet]an7 ( ! risks & b5efits to ! vet]an ( su* exam9ation & treatm5t1 b ! vet]an 7or individual7 refuses to cons5t to ! exam9ation & treatm5t4 ,! ,secret>y %all take all reasonable /eps to secure ! writt5 in=m$ cons5t ( su* vet]an 7or individual7 to refuse su* exam9ation & treatm5t4 7#c7 ,! ,secret>y is deem$ to meet ! requirem5t ( p>agraph 7#a7 ) respect to an enroll$ vet]an if ! ,secret>y (f]s to transf] ! individual to ano!r m$ical facility 9 accordance ) subsection 7c7 ( ?is section & in=ms ! vet]an 7or an individual act+ on behalf ( ! vet]an7 ( ! risks & b5efits to ! vet]an ( su* transf]1 b ! vet]an 7or individual7 refuses to cons5t to ! transf]4 ,! hospital %all take all reasonable /eps to secure ! writt5 in=m$ cons5t ( su* vet]an 7or individual7 to refuse su* transf]4 7c7 ,re/riction ( transf]s until vet]an /abiliz$ 7#a7 ,if an enroll$ vet]an at a m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t has an em]g5cy m$ical condition t has n be5 /abiliz$1 ! ,secret>y may n transf] ! vet]an to ano!r m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t or a non-,dep>tm5t facility unless-- 7,a7 7i7 ! vet]an 7or a legally responsible individual act+ on behalf ( ! vet]an71 aft] be+ in=m$ ( ! obligation ( ! ,secret>y "u ?is section & ( ! risk ( transf]1 reque/s 9 writ+ a transf] to ano!r m$ical facility2 7ii7 a physician has sign$ a c]tification 7includ+ a summ>y ( ! risks & b5efits7 t1 bas$ ^u ! in=mation available at ! "t ( transf]1 ! m$ical b5efits reasonably expect$ f ! provision ( appropriate m$ical treatm5t at ano!r m$ical facility outweigh ! increas$ risks to ! vet]an &1 9 ! case ( labor1 to ! unborn *ild f effect+ ! transf]2 or 7iii7 if a physician is n physically pres5t 9 ! em]g5cy dep>tm5t at ! "t a vet]an is transf]r$1 a qualifi$ m$ical p]son 7z def9$ by ! ,secret>y 9 regulations7 has sign$ a c]tification describ$ 9 clause 7ii7 aft] a physician1 9 consultation ) ! p]son1 has made ! det]m9ation describ$ 9 su* clause1 & subsequ5tly c\nt]signs ! c]tification2 & 7,b7 ! transf] is an appropriate transf] z describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,an appropriate transf] to a m$ical facility is a transf]-- 7,a7 9 :i* ! transf]r+ m$ical facility provides ! m$ical treatm5t )9 ! capacity ( ! facility t m9imizes ! risks to ! heal? ( ! enroll$ vet]an &1 9 ! case ( a woman 9 labor1 ! heal? ( ! unborn *ild2 7,b7 9 :i* ! receiv+ facility-- 7i7 has available space & qualifi$ p]sonnel = ! treatm5t ( ! vet]an2 & 7ii7 has agre$ to accept transf] ( ! vet]an & to provide appropriate m$ical treatm5t2 7,c7 9 :i* ! transf]r+ facility s5ds to ! receiv+ facility all m$ical records 7or copies !re(71 relat$ to ! em]g5cy condition = :i* ! vet]an has pres5t$1 available at ! "t ( ! transf]1 includ+ records relat$ to ! em]g5cy m$ical condition ( ! vet]an1 obs]vations ( signs or symptoms1 prelim9>y diagnosis1 treatm5t provid$1 results ( any te/s & ! in=m$ writt5 cons5t or c]tification 7or copy !re(7 provid$ "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a71 & ! "n & address ( any on-call physician 7describ$ 9 subsection 7d77#a77;,c7 ( ?is section7 :o has refus$ or fail$ to appe> )9 a reasonable "t to provide necess>y /abiliz+ treatm5t2 7,d7 9 :i* ! transf] is effect$ ?r\gh qualifi$ p]sonnel & transportation equipm5t1 z requir$ includ+ ! use ( necess>y & m$ically appropriate life support measures dur+ ! transf]2 & 7,e7 t meets su* o!r requirem5ts z ! ,secret>y may f9d necess>y 9 ! int]e/ ( ! heal? & safety ( vet]ans transf]r$4 7d7 ,*>ges 7#a7 ,no?+ 9 ?is section may be con/ru$ to affect any *>ges t ! ,secret>y may collect f a vet]an or ?ird p>ty4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all treat any c>e provid$ by a non-,dep>tm5t facility pursuant to ?is section z c>e o!rwise provid$ by a non-,dep>tm5t facility pursuant to ?is *apt] = purposes ( pay+ su* non-,dep>tm5t facility = su* c>e4 7e7 ,nondiscrim9ation ,a m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t or a non-,dep>tm5t facility1 z ! case may be1 t has specializ$ capabilities or facilities 7su* z burn units1 %ock-trauma units1 neonatal int5sive c>e units1 or 7) respect to rural areas7 regional ref]ral c5t]s z id5tifi$ by ! ,secret>y 9 regulation7 %all n refuse to accept an appropriate transf] ( an enroll$ vet]an :o requires su* specializ$ capabilities or facilities if ! facility has ! capacity to treat ! vet]an4 7f7 ,no delay 9 exam9ation or treatm5t ,a m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t or a non-,dep>tm5t facility1 z ! case may be1 may n delay provision ( an appropriate m$ical scre5+ exam9ation requir$ "u subsection 7a7 or fur!r m$ical exam9ation & treatm5t requir$ "u subsection 7b7 ( ?is section 9 ord] to inquire ab\t ! me?od ( paym5t or insurance /atus ( an enroll$ vet]an4 7g7 ,:i/lebl[] protections ,! ,secret>y may n take adv]se action aga9/ an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t because ! employee refuses to au?orize ! transf] ( an enroll$ vet]an ) an em]g5cy m$ical condition t has n be5 /abiliz$ or because ! employee reports a violation ( a requirem5t ( ?is section4 7h7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m em]g5cy m$ical condition means-- 7,a7 a m$ical condition manife/+ itself by acute symptoms ( suffici5t sev]ity 7includ+ sev]e pa97 su* t ! abs5ce ( imm$iate m$ical att5tion c\ld reasonably be expect$ to result 9-- 7i7 plac+ ! heal? ( ! enroll$ vet]an 7or1 ) respect to an enroll$ vet]an :o is a pregnant woman1 ! heal? ( ! woman or h] unborn *ild7 9 s]i\s jeop>dy2 7ii7 s]i\s impairm5t to bodily functions2 or 7iii7 s]i\s dysfunction ( any bodily organ or "p2 or 7,b7 ) respect to an enroll$ vet]an :o is a pregnant woman hav+ contractions-- 7i7 t !re is inadequate "t to effect a safe transf] to ano!r hospital be=e deliv]y2 or 7ii7 t transf] may pose a ?reat to ! heal? or safety ( ! woman or ! unborn *ild4 7#b7 ,! t]m enroll$ vet]an means a vet]an :o is enroll$ 9 ! heal? c>e sy/em e/abli%$ "u section #agje7;a7 ( ?is title4 7#c7 ,! t]m to /abilize means1 ) respect to an em]g5cy m$ical condition describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,a71 to provide su* m$ical treatm5t ( ! condition z may be necess>y to assure1 )9 reasonable m$ical probability1 t no mat]ial det]ioration ( ! condition is likely to result f or occur dur+ ! transf] ( ! enroll$ vet]an f a facility1 or1 ) respect to an em]g5cy m$ical condition describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b71 to deliv] 7includ+ ! plac5ta74 7#d7 ,! t]m /abiliz$ means1 ) respect to an em]g5cy m$ical condition describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,a71 t no mat]ial det]ioration ( ! condition is likely1 )9 reasonable m$ical probability1 to result f or occur dur+ ! transf] ( ! individual f a facility1 or1 ) respect to an em]g5cy m$ical condition describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b71 t ! woman has deliv]$ 7includ+ ! plac5ta74 7#e7 ,! t]m transf] means ! movem5t 7includ+ ! dis*>ge7 ( an enroll$ vet]an outside ! facilities ( a m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t at ! direction ( any individual employ$ by 7or affiliat$ or associat$1 directly or indirectly1 )7 ! ,dep>tm5t1 b does n include su* a movem5t ( an individual :o-- 7,a7 has be5 decl>$ dead2 or 7,b7 leaves ! facility )\t ! p]mission ( any su* p]son4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections ( su* *apt] is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #agcj;,a ! foll[+ new item3 #agcj;,b4 ,exam9ation & treatm5t = em]g5cy m$ical conditions & wom5 9 labor4 4 #ac4 ,s5se ( ,congress reg>d+ ,am]ican vet]ans disabl$ = life 7a7 ,f9d+s ,congress f9ds ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,!re are at lea/ #c4f million vet]ans curr5tly liv+ ) s]vice-connect$ disabilities4 7#b7 ,z a result ( _! s]vice1 _m vet]ans are p]man5tly disabl$ ?r\gh\t _! lives & 9 _m cases mu/ rely on ! support ( _! families & fri5ds :5 ^! visible & invisible burd5s become too mu* to be> alone4 7#c7 ,octob] #e1 :i* is ! anniv]s>y ( ! d$ication ( ! ,am]ican ,vet]ans ,disabl$ = ,life ,memorial1 has be5 recogniz$ z an appropriate day on :i* to honor ,am]ican vet]ans disabl$ = life ea* ye>4 7b7 ,s5se ( ,congress ,congress-- 7#a7 expresses its appreciation to ! m5 & wom5 left p]man5tly w\nd$1 ill1 or injur$ z a result ( _! s]vice 9 ! ,arm$ ,=ces2 7#b7 supports ! annual recognition ( ,am]ican vet]ans disabl$ = life2 & 7#c7 enc\rages ! ,am]ican p to honor ,am]ican vet]ans disabl$ = life ea* ye> ) appropriate programs & activities4 #ad4 ,e/abli%m5t ( positions ( ,directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks 9 ,(fice ( ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal? ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & modification ( qualifications = ,m$ical ,directors ,section #gcjf7;a77#d7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by ins]t+ & ,directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks aft] ,su* ,m$ical ,directors2 & 7#b7 by /rik+ 1 :o %all be ei!r a qualifi$ doctor ( m$ic9e or a qualifi$ doctor ( d5tal surg]y or d5tal m$ic9e4 #ae4 ,cont9u+ education requirem5t = employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs au?oriz$ to prescribe m$ication 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #gd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gdac4 ,cont9u+ education requirem5t = employees au?oriz$ to prescribe m$ication 7a7 ,requirem5t 7#a7 ,except z provid$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 ! ,secret>y %all require ea* cov]$ employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t to complete n less ?an "o accr$it$ c\rse ( cont9u+ education on pa9 managem5t once e #b ye>s4 ,su* c\rse %all include in=mation on safe prescrib+ practices & disposal ( controll$ sub/ances1 pr9ciples ( pa9 managem5t1 id5tification ( pot5tial sub/ance use disord]s & addiction treatm5t4 7#b7 ,p>agraph 7#a7 %all n apply to a cov]$ employee if ! cov]$ employee is lic5s$ or c]tifi$ by a ,/ate lic5sure or specialty bo>d t requires ! completion ( cont9u+ education relative to pa9 managem5t or sub/ance use disord] managem5t4 7b7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ employee means any employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t au?oriz$ to prescribe any controll$ sub/ance1 includ+ an employee hir$ "u section #gdje ( ?is title4 7#b7 ,! t]m controll$ sub/ance has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #ajb ( ! ,controll$ ,sub/ances ,act 7#ba ,u4,s4,c4 #hjb74 7c7 ,applicability ,! requirem5t "u subsection 7a7 %all apply ) respect to a cov]$ employee = any #bd-mon? p]iod dur+ :i* ! cov]$ employee is employ$ by ! ,dep>tm5t = at lea/ #ahj days4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ( ! items relat+ to sub*apt] ,i ( su* *apt] ! foll[+ new item3 #gdac4 ,cont9u+ education requirem5t = employees au?oriz$ to prescribe m$ication4 4 7c7 ,applicability ,section #gdac ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a7 %all apply ) respect to a #ab-mon? p]iod t beg9s on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #af4 ,review ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gaa ! foll[+ new section3 #gab4 ,review ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,dur+ ea* cal5d> qu>t]1 ! ,secret>y %all review ea* cov]$ :i/lebl[] compla9t t is fil$ dur+ ! previ\s cal5d> qu>t]4 7b7 ,delegation ,! ,secret>y may only delegate ! au?ority ( ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 to review a cov]$ :i/lebl[] compla9t1 )\t fur!r delegation1 to-- 7#a7 ! ,deputy ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 7#b7 ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal?2 7#c7 ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,b5efits2 7#d7 ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,memorial ,affairs2 7#e7 an ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 7#f7 a ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 or 7#g7 a director ( ! ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network4 7c7 ,cov]$ :i/lebl[] compla9t def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m cov]$ :i/lebl[] compla9t means any compla9t fil$ ) ! ,(fice ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ab ( title #e ) respect to a prohibit$ p]sonnel practice committ$ by an (fic] or employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & describ$ 9 section #bcjb7;b77#h7 or #bcjb7;b77#i77;,a77i71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 ( su* title4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gaa ! foll[+ new item3 #gab4 ,review ( :i/lebl[] compla9ts4 4 #ag4 ,id5tification ( matt]s relat+ to "p-"t employm5t ( memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces :o are physicians ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all id5tify-- 7#a7 ! numb] ( memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces s]v+ on active duty :o are physicians employ$ at a ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical facility on a "p-"t basis2 7#b7 ! process by :i* ! ,dep>tm5t hires su* physicians on a "p-"t basis2 7#c7 ! process by :i* ! ,dep>tm5t hires civilian physicians on a "p-"t basis2 & 7#d7 ! /eps ! ,dep>tm5t is tak+ to recruit memb]s ( ! ,arm$ ,=ces s]v+ on active duty :o are physicians = employm5t at ,dep>tm5t m$ical facilities on a "p-"t basis4 #ah4 ,recruitm5t ( physicians 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gdjb7;b77#a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by ins]t+ or to be (f]$ a cont+5t appo9tm5t to su* position1 aft] position12 & 7#b7 by /rik+ subp>agraph 7,b7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new subp>agraph 7,b73 7,b7 7i7 h complet$ a resid5cy program satisfactory to ! ,secret>y2 or 7ii7 ) respect to an (f] = a cont+5t appo9tm5t ^u ! completion ( a po/-graduate tra9+ program1 complete su* a resid5cy program by n lat] ?an #b ye>s aft] ! date ( su* (f]2 & 4 7b7 ,ov]sight ( graduate m$ical education programs ,! ,secret>y %all-- 7#a7 ensure t a recruit] or o!r simil> (ficial ( ea* ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,network visits1 n less ?an annually1 ea* allopa?ic & o/eopa?ic tea*+ in/itution ) a graduate m$ical education program )9 ! ,network to recruit individuals to be appo9t$ to positions 9 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration2 & 7#b7 submit to ,congress an annual report on ! implem5tation ( p>agraph 7#a71 includ+ ! success ( su* recruit+ ef=ts4 #ai4 ,au?ority to disclose c]ta9 m$ical records ( vet]ans :o receive non-,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs heal? c>e ,section #gccb7;b77#b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,h7 ,to a non-,dep>tm5t entity 7includ+ private entities & o!r dep>tm5ts or ag5cies ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t7 t provides hospital c>e or m$ical treatm5t to vet]ans4 4 #bj4 ,survey ( vet]an exp]i5ces ) ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c>e 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all seek to ent] into a contract ) a non-gov]nm5t entity ) significant exp]i5ce conduct+ sci5tifically v]ifiable surveys & rese>* to conduct an annual survey ( a /ati/ically significant sample ( vet]ans :o reside 9 ! geographic area s]v$ by ea* ( ! m$ical facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to det]m9e ! nature ( ! exp]i5ces ( su* vet]ans 9 obta9+ hospital c>e & m$ical s]vices furni%$ by ! ,secret>y at ea* su* m$ical facility4 ,ea* su* survey %all be conduct$ us+ sci5tific & v]ifiable me?ods4 ,su* contract %all provide t ! non-gov]nm5t entity %all conduct su* annual surveys dur+ ! #e-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y ent]s into ! contract ) ! non-gov]nm5t entity4 7b7 ,cont5ts ,! contract ent]$ into "u subsection 7a7 %all provide t ea* survey conduct$ pursuant to ! contract %all be specific to a m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t & %all include que/ions relat+ to ! exp]i5ces ( vet]ans 9 reque/+ & receiv+ appo9tm5ts = hospital c>e & m$ical s]vices furni%$ by ! ,secret>y at t m$ical facility1 includ+ que/ions relat+ to ea* ( ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! vet]an's ability to obta9 hospital c>e & m$ical s]vices at ! facility 9 a timely mann]4 7#b7 ,! p]iod ( "t betwe5 ! date on :i* ! vet]an reque/s an appo9tm5t at ! facility & ! date on :i* ! appo9tm5t is s*$ul$4 7#c7 ,! frequ5cy ) :i* s*$ul$ appo9tm5ts are cancell$ by ! facility4 7#d7 ,! quality ( hospital c>e or m$ical s]vices ! vet]an has receiv$ at ! facility4 7c7 ,consultation ,! contract ent]$ into "u subsection 7a7 %all provide t 9 design+ & conduct+ ! surveys = ea* m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t pursuant to su* contract1 ! non-gov]nm5t entity %all consult ) vet]ans s]vice organizations4 7d7 ,c]tification ,! contract ent]$ into "u subsection 7a7 %all provide t-- 7#a7 be=e conduct+ a survey pursuant to ! contract1 ! non-gov]nm5t entity %all submit ! propos$ survey to ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al :o %all assess :e!r ! survey is sci5tifically valid & :e!r ! propos$ sample size ( vet]ans to be survey$ is /ati/ically significant2 & 7#b7 ! non-gov]nm5t entity may n conduct su* a survey until ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al provides su* a c]tification = ! survey4 7e7 ,submittal ( results & public availability ( in=mation ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! completion ( ! surveys conduct$ pursuant to a contract ent]$ into "u subsection 7a7 = a ye>1 ! ,secret>y %all make ! results ( ! surveys publicly available on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7f7 ,pap]work r$uction ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #ce ( title #dd1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code %all n apply to ?is section4 7g7 ,deadl9e = implem5tation ,! ,secret>y %all ent] into a contract "u subsection 7a7 = ea* m$ical facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t by n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #ba4 ,annual report on p]=mance ( regional (fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,section #ggcd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 ! fir/ s5t5ce1 by ins]t+ be=e ! p]iod ! foll[+3 & on ! p]=mance ( any regional (fice t fails to meet its adm9i/rative goals2 7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by /rik+ &2 7#c7 by r$esignat+ p>agraph 7#c7 z p>agraph 7#d72 & 7#d7 by ins]t+ aft] p>agraph 7#b7 ! foll[+ new p>agraph 7#c73 7#c7 9 ! case ( any regional (fice t1 = ! ye> cov]$ by ! report1 did n meet ! adm9i/rative goal ( no claim p5d+ = m ?an #abe days & an accuracy rat+ ( #ih p]c5t-- 7,a7 a sign$ /atem5t prep>$ by ! individual s]v+ z director ( ! regional (fice z ( ! date ( ! submittal ( ! report conta9+-- 7i7 an explanation = :y ! regional (fice did n meet ! goal2 7ii7 a description ( ! additional res\rces ne$$ to enable ! regional (fice to rea* ! goal2 & 7iii7 a description ( any additional actions plann$ = ! subsequ5t ye> t are propos$ to enable ! regional (fice to meet ! goal2 & 7,b7 a /atem5t prep>$ by ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,b5efits expla9+ h[ ! failure ( ! regional (fice to meet ! goal affect$ ! p]=mance evaluation ( ! director ( ! regional (fice2 & 4 #bb4 ,ext5sion ( au?ority ( ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to provide = ! conduct ( m$ical disability exam9ations by contract physicians ,section #gjd7;c7 ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,act ( #bjjc 7,public ,law #ajh-ahc2 #ch ,u4,s4,c4 #eaja note7 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,decemb] #ca1 #bjaf & ins]t+ ,decemb] #ca1 #bjag4 #bc4 ,provision ( /atus "u law by honor+ c]ta9 memb]s ( ! res]ve compon5ts z vet]ans 7a7 ,vet]an /atus 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #a ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #ajg ! foll[+ new section3 #ajg;,a4 ,honor+ z vet]ans c]ta9 p]sons :o p]=m$ s]vice 9 ! res]ve compon5ts ,any p]son :o is entitl$ "u *apt] #abbc ( title #aj to retir$ pay = nonregul> s]vice or1 b = age1 w\ld be entitl$ "u su* *apt] to retir$ pay = nonregul> s]vice %all be honor$ z a vet]an b %all n be entitl$ to any b5efit by reason ( ?is section4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #ajg ! foll[+ new item3 #ajg;,a4 ,honor+ z vet]ans c]ta9 p]sons :o p]=m$ s]vice 9 ! res]ve compon5ts4 4 7b7 ,cl>ification reg>d+ b5efits ,no p]son may receive any b5efit "u ! laws adm9i/]$ by ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs solely by reason ( section #ajg;,a ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a74 #bd4 ,provision ( rehabilitative equipm5t & human-p[]$ vehicles to c]ta9 disabl$ vet]ans 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #agad7;a7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ ,any vet]an & ins]t+ 7#a7 ,any vet]an2 & 7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#b7 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y may furni% rehabilitative equipm5t to any vet]an :o is entitl$ to a pro/hetic appliance4 7,b7 ,9 c>ry+ out subp>agraph 7,a71 ! ,secret>y may modify non-rehabilitative equipm5t own$ by a vet]an only if ! vet]an elects = su* modification4 7,c7 ,! ,secret>y %all annually submit to ! ,committees on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives & ! ,s5ate a report on rehabilitative equipm5t furni%$ to vet]ans "u subp>agraph 7,a74 ,ea* su* report %all include1 ) respect to ! ye> cov]$ by ! report-- 7i7 ! numb] ( vet]ans eligible to receive su* rehabilitative equipm5t2 7ii7 ! numb] ( vet]ans :o receiv$ su* rehabilitative equipm5t2 7iii7 ! numb] ( vet]ans :o elect$ to receive modifi$ equipm5t pursuant to subp>agraph 7,b72 & 7iv7 any recomm5dations ( ! ,secret>y to improve furni%+ vet]ans ) rehabilitative equipm5t4 7,d7 ,9 ?is p>agraph1 ! t]m rehabilitative equipm5t means-- 7i7 rehabilitative equipm5t1 includ+ recreational sports equipm5t t provide an adaption or accommodation = ! vet]an1 reg>dless ( :e!r su* equipm5t is int5tionally design$ to be adaptive equipm5t2 & 7ii7 includes h& cycles1 recumb5t bicycles1 m$ically adapt$ upright bicycles1 & upright bicycles4 4 7b7 ,no additional funds ,no additional funds are au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ to c>ry out ! requirem5ts ( ?is section & ! am5dm5ts made by ?is section4 ,su* requirem5ts %all be c>ri$ out us+ am\nts o!rwise au?oriz$4 #be4 ,appo9tm5t ( lic5s$ he>+ aid speciali/s 9 ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration 7a7 ,lic5s$ he>+ aid speciali/s 7#a7 ,appo9tm5t ,section #gdja7c7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ lic5s$ he>+ aid speciali/s1 aft] ,audiologi/s14 7#b7 ,qualifications ,section #gdjb7;b77#ad7 ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ 1 he>+ aid speciali/ aft] d5tal te*nologi/4 7b7 ,requirem5ts ,) respect to appo9t+ he>+ aid speciali/s "u sections #gdja & #gdjb ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by subsection 7a71 & provid+ s]vices furni%$ by su* speciali/s1 ! ,secret>y %all ensure t-- 7#a7 a he>+ aid speciali/ may only p]=m he>+ s]vices consi/5t ) ! he>+ aid speciali/'s ,/ate lic5se relat$ to ! practice ( fitt+ & disp5s+ he>+ aids )\t exclud+ o!r qualifi$ pr(essionals1 includ+ audiologi/s1 f r5d]+ s]vices 9 ov]lapp+ practice areas2 7#b7 s]vices provid$ to vet]ans by he>+ aid speciali/s %all be provid$ z "p ( ! non-m$ical treatm5t plan develop$ by an audiologi/2 & 7#c7 ! m$ical facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs provide to vet]ans access to ! full range ( pr(essional s]vices provid$ by an audiologi/4 7c7 ,consultation ,9 det]m9+ ! qualifications requir$ = he>+ aid speciali/s & 9 c>ry+ out subsection 7b71 ! ,secret>y %all consult ) vet]ans s]vice organizations1 audiologi/s1 otol>yngologi/s1 he>+ aid speciali/s1 & o!r /akehold] & indu/ry gr\ps z ! ,secret>y det]m9es appropriate4 7d7 ,annual report 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 & annually !reaft] dur+ ! #e-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all submit to ,congress a report on ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,timely access ( vet]ans to he>+ heal? s]vices ?r\gh ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 7,b7 ,contract+ policies ( ! ,dep>tm5t ) respect to provid+ he>+ heal? s]vices to vet]ans 9 facilities t are n facilities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,timely access to s]vices ,ea* report %all1 ) respect to ! matt] specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 = ! #a-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! submittal ( su* report1 include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! /aff+ levels ( audiologi/s1 he>+ aid speciali/s1 & heal? te*nicians 9 audiology 9 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration4 7,b7 ,a description ( ! metrics us$ by ! ,secret>y 9 measur+ p]=mance ) respect to appo9tm5ts & c>e relat+ to he>+ heal?4 7,c7 ,! av]age "t t a vet]an waits to receive an appo9tm5t1 beg9n+ on ! date on :i* ! vet]an makes ! reque/1 = ! foll[+3 7i7 ,a disability rat+ evaluation = a he>+-relat$ disability4 7ii7 ,a he>+ aid evaluation4 7iii7 ,disp5s+ ( he>+ aids4 7iv7 ,any foll[-up he>+ heal? appo9tm5t4 7,d7 ,! p]c5tage ( vet]ans ^: total wait "t = appo9tm5ts describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,c71 includ+ an initial & foll[-up appo9tm5t1 if applicable1 is m ?an #cj days4 7#c7 ,contract+ policies ,ea* report %all1 ) respect to ! matt] specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 = ! #a-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! submittal ( su* report1 include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! numb] ( vet]ans t ! ,secret>y ref]s to non-,dep>tm5t audiologi/s = he>+ heal? c>e appo9tm5ts4 7,b7 ,! numb] ( vet]ans t ! ,secret>y ref]s to non-,dep>tm5t he>+ aid speciali/s = foll[-up appo9tm5ts = a he>+ aid evaluation1 ! disp5s+ ( he>+ aids1 or any o!r purpose relat+ to he>+ heal?4 ,pass$ ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives ,septemb] #ad1 #bjaf4;,cl]k4