,,ii ,cal5d> ,no4 #dii #aad? ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #babg ,report ,no4 #aad-bfb ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,octob] #a1 #bjae,mr4 ,johnson 7= himself1 ,ms4 ,ayotte1 ,mr4 ,kirk1 & ,mrs4 ,ern/7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ,may #bf1 #bjaf,report$ by ,mr4 ,johnson1 ) an am5dm5t & an am5dm5t to ! title,strike out all aft] ! enact+ clause & ins]t ! "p pr9t$ 9 italic ,a ,,bill ,to provide appropriate protections to probation>y ,f$]al employees1 to provide ! ,special ,c\nsel ) adequate access to in=mation1 to provide great] aw>5ess ( ,f$]al :i/lebl[] protections1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,dr4 ,*ris ,kirkpatrick ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,act ( #bjae4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4,,title ,i--,employees generally,sec4 #aja4 ,def9itions4,sec4 #ajb4 ,:i/lebl[] protections = probation>y employees4,sec4 #ajc4 ,adequate access ( ,special ,c\nsel to in=mation4,sec4 #ajd4 ,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on retaliation aga9/ :i/lebl[]s4,sec4 #aje4 ,suicide by executive bran* employees4,sec4 #ajf4 ,access to m$ical files4,sec4 #ajg4 ,tra9+ = sup]visors4,sec4 #ajh4 ,in=mation on :i/lebl[] protections4,,title ,,ii--,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees ,sec4 #bja4 ,protect+ m$ical privacy ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bjb4 ,m5tal heal? s]vices = employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bjc4 ,protocols to address ?reats aga9/ employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bjd4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates /udy on acc\ntability ( *iefs ( police ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]s4 ,i ,employees g5]ally #aja4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is title-- 7#a7 ! t]m ,executive ag5cy has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m "u section #aje ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 & 7#b7 ! t]m executive bran* employee means an employee ( an ,executive ag5cy4 #ajb4 ,:i/lebl[] protections = probation>y employees 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #abad ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7i7 7#a7 ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m cov]$ probation>y employee means an individual :o-- 7,a7 is an employee 9 probation>y /atus2 & 7,b7 has submitt$ to ! ,special ,c\nsel an allegation ( a prohibit$ p]sonnel practice describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#h7 or subp>agraph 7,a77i71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 ( p>agraph 7#i7 ( section #bcjb7;b7 ) respect to ! individual4 7#b7 ,n lat] ?an #aj days aft] ! date on :i* an ag5cy t]m9ates a cov]$ probation>y employee1 ! ,special ,c\nsel %all det]m9e :e!r a sub/antial likelihood exi/s t-- 7,a7 ! ag5cy engag$ 9 ! prohibit$ p]sonnel practice alleg$ by ! cov]$ probation>y employee1 z describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b72 & 7,b7 ! t]m9ation ( ! cov]$ probation>y employee 0 relat$ to t prohibit$ p]sonnel practice4 7#c7 7,a7 ,if ! ,special ,c\nsel det]m9es !re is a sub/antial likelihood ! circum/ances describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b7 exi/1 ! ,special ,c\nsel %all reque/ & ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 )\t fur!r proce$+s1 %all ord] a /ay ( ! t]m9ation = #fj days = ! ,special ,c\nsel to complete an inve/igation ( ! t]m9ation ( ! cov]$ probation>y employee4 7,b7 ,if1 be=e ! end ( ! #fj-;day p]iod describ$ 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 ! ,special ,c\nsel det]m9es t additional inve/igation is w>rant$1 ! ,special ,c\nsel %all reque/ & ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 )\t fur!r proce$+s1 %all ord] a /ay ( ! t]m9ation = su* p]iod z ! ,special ,c\nsel det]m9es appropriate1 :i* may n exce$ an additional p]iod ( #f mon?s4 7#d7 7,a7 ,if ! ,special ,c\nsel det]m9es t ! ag5cy employ+ a cov]$ probation>y employee engag$ 9 ! prohibit$ p]sonnel practice alleg$ by ! cov]$ probation>y employee1 z describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b71 & ! t]m9ation ( ! cov]$ probation>y employee 0 relat$ to t prohibit$ p]sonnel practice1 ! ,special ,c\nsel %all reque/ & ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 )\t fur!r proce$+s1 %all ord] ! re9/atem5t ( ! cov]$ probation>y employee4 7,b7 ,if ! ,special ,c\nsel det]m9es t ! ag5cy employ+ a cov]$ probation>y employee did n engage 9 ! prohibit$ p]sonnel practice alleg$ by ! cov]$ probation>y employee1 describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a77;,b71 or t ! t]m9ation ( ! cov]$ probation>y employee 0 n relat$ to t prohibit$ p]sonnel practice1 ! ,special ,c\nsel %all reque/ & ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 )\t fur!r proce$+s1 %all ord] ! imm$iate en=cem5t ( ! t]m9ation4 7,c7 ,an ord] re9/at+ a cov]$ probation>y employee may be appeal$ by ! ag5cy to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja4 7#e7 ,if a /ay is grant$ to a cov]$ probation>y employee "u p>agraph 7#c7 or a cov]$ probation>y employee is re9/at$ "u ?is subsection1 ! head ( ! ag5cy employ+ ! cov]$ probation>y employee %all give priority to a reque/ = a transf] submitt$ by ! cov]$ probation>y employee4 4 7b7 ,individual "r ( action ,section #abba ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7k7 7#a7 ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m cov]$ probation>y employee has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m "u section #abad7;i77#a74 7#b7 ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m employee includes a cov]$ probation>y employee :o is t]m9at$1 includ+ = purposes ( seek+ a /ay "u subsection 7c74 7#c7 ,if ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d grants a /ay to a cov]$ probation>y employee "u subsection 7c71 ! head ( ! ag5cy employ+ ! cov]$ probation>y employee %all give priority to a reque/ = a transf] submitt$ by ! cov]$ probation>y employee4 4 7c7 ,/udy reg>d+ retaliation aga9/ probation>y employees ,! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report discuss+ retaliation aga9/ employees 9 probation>y /atus relat+ to a disclosure by ! employees ( in=mation describ$ 9 section #bcjb7;b77#h7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 by ! employees4 #ajc4 ,adequate access ( ,special ,c\nsel to in=mation ,section #abab7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#e7 7,a7 ,! ,special ,c\nsel1 9 c>ry+ out ?is sub*apt]1 is au?oriz$ to-- 7i7 h access to all records1 reports1 audits1 reviews1 docum5ts1 pap]s1 recomm5dations1 or o!r mat]ial available to ! applicable ag5cy :i* relate to a matt] )9 ! jurisdiction or au?ority ( ! ,special ,c\nsel2 & 7ii7 reque/ f any ag5cy su* in=mation or assi/ance z may be necess>y = c>ry+ out ! duties & responsibilities ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u ?is sub*apt]4 7,b7 ,^u reque/ ( ! ,special ,c\nsel = in=mation or assi/ance "u subp>agraph 7,a77ii71 ! head ( ! ag5cy involv$ %all1 ins(> z is practicable & n 9 contrav5tion ( any exi/+ /atutory re/riction or regulation ( ! ag5cy f :i* ! in=mation or assi/ance is reque/$1 furni% to ! ,special ,c\nsel su* in=mation or assi/ance4 4 #ajd4 ,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on retaliation aga9/ :i/lebl[]s 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #geae4 ,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on retaliation aga9/ :i/lebl[]s 7a7 ,def9ition ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m retaliation aga9/ a :i/lebl[] means a prohibit$ p]sonnel practice describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#h7 or subp>agraph 7,a77i71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 ( p>agraph 7#i7 ( section #bcjb7;b74 7b7 ,removal or demotion 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! head ( an ag5cy may remove or demote an employee ( ! ag5cy if ! head ( ! ag5cy det]m9es t ! employee retaliat$ aga9/ a :i/lebl[]4 7#b7 ,imposition ( action ,if ! head ( an ag5cy removes or demotes an employee "u ?is section1 ! head ( ! ag5cy may-- 7,a7 remove ! employee f ! civil s]vice2 or 7,b7 demote ! employee by means (-- 7i7 a r$uction 9 grade = :i* ! employee is qualifi$ & t ! head ( ! ag5cy det]m9es is appropriate2 or 7ii7 a r$uction 9 annual rate ( pay t ! head ( ! ag5cy det]m9es is appropriate4 7c7 ,pay ( c]ta9 demot$ employees 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 any employee subject to a demotion "u subsection 7b77#b77;,b77i7 %all1 beg9n+ on ! date ( ! demotion1 receive ! annual rate ( pay applicable to ! applicable grade4 7#b7 ,appeal ,an employee demot$ "u subsection 7b77#b77;,b77i7 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+4 7#c7 ,failure to report ,an employee demot$ "u subsection 7b77#b77;,b77i7-- 7,a7 may only receive pay if ! employee reports = duty2 & 7,b7 if ! employee does n report = duty1 %all n receive pay or o!r b5efits describ$ 9 subsection 7f77#e74 7d7 ,notice to congress ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] remov+ or demot+ an employee "u subsection 7b71 ! head ( an ag5cy %all submit to ea* committee ( ,congress ) jurisdiction ( ! activities ( ! ag5cy notice 9 writ+ ( ! removal or demotion & ! reason = ! removal or demotion4 7e7 ,proc$ure 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! proc$ures "u section #geac7;b7 & *apt] #dc1 %all n apply to a removal or demotion "u ?is section4 7#b7 ,appeal 7,a7 ,9 g5]al ,subject to subp>agraph 7,b7 & subsection 7f71 any removal or demotion "u subsection 7b7 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja4 7,b7 ,"t = mak+ an appeal ,an appeal "u subp>agraph 7,a7 ( a removal or demotion may only be made if ! appeal is made n lat] ?an #g days aft] ! date ( ! removal or demotion4 7f7 ,exp$it$ review by adm9i/rative law judge 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,^u receipt ( an appeal "u subsection 7e77#b77;,a71 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all ref] ! appeal to an adm9i/rative law judge "u section #ggja7;b77#a71 :o %all exp$ite ! appeal & issue a decision n lat] ?an #de days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4 7#b7 ,f9ality ( decision ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 includ+ section #ggjc1 ! decision ( an adm9i/rative law judge "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all be f9al & %all n be subject to any fur!r appeal4 7#c7 ,delay 9 decision ,if an adm9i/rative law judge _c issue a decision be=e ! end ( ! #de-;day p]iod describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 ! removal or demotion is f9al2 & 7,b7 n lat] ?an #ad days aft] ! end ( ! #de-;day p]iod1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all submit to ea* committee ( ,congress ) jurisdiction ( ! activities ( ! applicable ag5cy a report t expla9s ! reasons :y a decision 0 n issu$ dur+ ! p]iod4 7#d7 ,no /ays ,! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d or adm9i/rative law judge may n /ay any removal or demotion "u ?is section4 7#e7 ,no pay or b5efits dur+ p5d+ appeal ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* an employee appeals a removal f ! civil s]vice "u subsection 7e7 & end+ on ! date t ! adm9i/rative law judge issues a f9al decision on ! appeal1 ! employee may n receive any pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits4 7#f7 ,assi/ance by ag5cy ,to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 ! head ( an ag5cy %all provide to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 & to any adm9i/rative law judge to :om an appeal "u ?is section is ref]r$1 su* in=mation & assi/ance z may be necess>y to ensure an appeal "u ?is subsection is exp$it$4 7g7 ,limitation on removal or demotion ,if an employee seek+ corrective action 7or on behalf ( :om corrective action is s\ght7 f ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel bas$ on an alleg$ prohibit$ p]sonnel practice1 ! head ( an ag5cy may n remove or demote ! employee "u subsection 7b7 )\t ! approval ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u section #abad7;f74 7h7 ,relation to o!r provisions ( law 7#a7 ,additional au?ority ,! au?ority provid$ by ?is section is 9 addition to any au?ority provid$ "u ?is *apt] or *apt] #dc4 7#b7 ,n subject to o!r provisions ,! requirem5ts "u any o!r provision ( ?is *apt] %all n apply to any action "u ?is section4 4 7b7 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,! table ( sections = sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #geae4 ,removal or demotion ( employees bas$ on retaliation aga9/ :i/lebl[]s4 4 7#b7 ,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 #geae4 4 #aje4 ,suicide by executive bran* employees 7a7 ,ref]ral ,! head ( ! ,executive ag5cy employ+ an executive bran* employee :o commits suicide %all ref] ! matt] to ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,executive ag5cy1 or s5ior e?ics (ficial ( ! ,executive ag5cy = an ,executive ag5cy )\t an ,inspector ,g5]al1 to det]m9e :e!r ! suicide ( ! executive bran* employee 0 "w-relat$4 7b7 ,in=mation to next ( k9 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,subject to p>agraph 7#b71 ! head ( ! ,executive ag5cy employ+ an executive bran* employee :o commits suicide %all provide ! p]sonnel file ( ! ,executive ag5cy to ! next ( k9 ( ! executive bran* employee4 7#b7 ,national security exception ,! head ( an ,executive ag5cy may )hold in=mation 9 a p]sonnel file "u p>agraph 7#a7 if ! head det]m9es ! disclosure ( ! in=mation w\ld likely compromise national security4 #ajf4 ,access to m$ical files 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,except = an em]g5cy situation1 an executive bran* employee may n access ! m$ical record ( ano!r executive bran* employee1 unless ! executive bran* employee ^: m$ical record w be access$ provides cons5t to ! access4 7b7 ,em]g5cy situations ,! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,managem5t & ,budget %all promulgate regulations def9+ ! t]m em]g5cy situation = purposes ( ?is section4 #ajg4 ,tra9+ = sup]visors ,! head ( ea* ,executive ag5cy %all provide tra9+ reg>d+ h[ to respond to compla9ts alleg+ a violation ( :i/lebl[] protections available to executive bran* employee ( ! ,executive ag5cy to-- 7#a7 executive bran* employees appo9t$ to sup]visory positions 9 ! ,executive ag5cy :o h n previ\sly s]v$ z a sup]visor2 & 7#b7 on an annual basis1 to all executive bran* employees ( ! ,executive ag5cy s]v+ 9 a sup]visory position4 #ajh4 ,in=mation on :i/lebl[] protections 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #bc ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bcjg4 ,in=mation on :i/lebl[] protections 7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section-- 7#a7 ! t]m new employee means an individual-- 7,a7 appo9t$ to a position z an employee on or aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,dr4 ,*ris ,kirkpatrick ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,act ( #bjae2 & 7,b7 :o has n previ\sly s]v$ z an employee2 & 7#b7 ! t]m :i/lebl[] protections means-- 7,a7 ! protections aga9/ & rem$ies = a prohibit$ p]sonnel practice describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#h7 or subp>agraph 7,a77i71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 ( p>agraph 7#i7 ( section #bcjb7;b72 & 7,b7 simil> protections = an employee "u any o!r provision ( law4 7b7 ,in=mation = new hires ,! head ( ea* ag5cy or o!r e/abli%m5t 9 ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t %all provide ea* new employee ( ! ag5cy or e/abli%m5t in=mation reg>d+ ! :i/lebl[] protections available to ! new employee & ! role ( ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel4 7c7 ,in=mation onl9e ,! head ( ea* ag5cy or o!r e/abli%m5t 9 ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t %all make available in=mation reg>d+ :i/lebl[] protections applicable to employees ( ! ag5cy or o!r e/abli%m5t on any onl9e portal t is made available only to employees ( ! ag5cy or o!r e/abli%m5t4 4 7b7 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #bc ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bcjg4 ,in=mation on :i/lebl[] protections4 4 ,,ii ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees #bja4 ,protect+ m$ical privacy ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gad4 ,access+ ( m$ical records ( employees 7a7 ,notice ( access 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an five days aft] an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t accesses ! m$ical record ( ano!r employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,secret>y %all notify ! su* o!r employee ( su* access4 7#b7 ,notice "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! "n ( ! employee access+ ! m$ical record4 7,b7 ,! date & "t ! employee access$ ! m$ical record4 7,c7 ,! p]iod dur+ :i* ! employee access$ ! m$ical record4 7,d7 ,a description ( any modification ( ! m$ical record made by ! employee4 7b7 ,det]m9ation ( prohibit$ access 7#a7 ,if an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t receives notice "u subsection 7a7 t a m$ical record ( ! employee 0 access$ by ano!r employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t & ! employee believes t su* access 0 conduct$ 9 violation ( an applicable provision ( ,f$]al privacy law1 ! employee %all file a compla9t ) ! ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability ,review4 7#b7 ,if ! ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability ,review receives a compla9t f an employee ) respect to a notice t ! employee receiv$ "u subsection 7a7 n m ?an #de days aft] ! notice 0 transmitt$ to ! employee1 ! ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability ,review %all1 n lat] ?an #cj days aft] receiv+ su* compla9t-- 7,a7 det]m9e :e!r ! access id5tifi$ 9 ! notice 0 conduct$ 9 violation ( an applicable provision ( ,f$]al privacy law2 & 7,b7 notify ! employee ( ! det]m9ation4 7c7 ,action 9 response to unau?oriz$ access 7#a7 ,if ! ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability ,review det]m9es t an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t has access$ ! m$ical record ( ano!r employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 violation ( an applicable provision ( ,f$]al privacy law1 ! ,secret>y %all-- 7,a7 = ! fir/ su* access1 issue an ord] t1 = ! two-ye> p]iod beg9n+ on ! date ( ! ord]1 ! employee is n eligible to receive any bonus or ca% aw>d f ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+-- 7i7 an aw>d "u *apt] #de ( title #e2 7ii7 an aw>d "u section #echd ( title #e2 & 7iii7 a ret5tion bonus "u section #eged ( title #e2 7,b7 = ! second su* access1 susp5d ! employee = n less ?an #ad days2 & 7,c7 = ! ?ird su* access1 t]m9ate ! employee4 7#b7 ,any action "u p>agraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 %all be tak5 9 accordance ) *apt] #ge ( title #e2 & 7,b7 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja ( title #e4 7d7 ,applicable provision ( ,f$]al privacy law def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m applicable provision ( ,f$]al privacy law includes ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! ,f$]al regulations 7conc]n+ ! privacy ( individually id5tifiable heal? in=mation7 promulgat$ "u section #bfd7;c7 ( ! ,heal? ,insurance ,portability & ,acc\ntability ,act ( #aiif4 7#b7 ,section #eeb;a ( title #e 7commonly kn[n z ! ,privacy ,act ( #aigd74 4 7b7 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new item3 #gad4 ,access+ ( m$ical records ( employees4 4 #bjb4 ,m5tal heal? s]vices = employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,outrea* on availability ( s]vices ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all conduct a program ( outrea* to employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to in=m !m ( ! m5tal heal? s]vices available to !m4 7b7 ,/udy on use ( m5tal heal? pr(essionals ( ! ,dep>tm5t ,to provide s]vices to employees 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all conduct a /udy to assess ! feasibility ( us+ m5tal heal? pr(essionals :o provide m5tal heal? s]vices = ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to provide m5tal heal? s]vices to employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,report ,^u completion ( ! /udy requir$ by p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ,congress a report on ! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! /udy4 #bjc4 ,protocols to address ?reats aga9/ employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all develop protocols to address ?reats f individuals receiv+ heal? c>e f ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs direct$ t[>ds employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o are provid+ su* heal? c>e4 #bjd4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates /udy on acc\ntability ( *iefs ( police ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]s ,! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all conduct a /udy to assess ! report+1 acc\ntability1 & *a9 ( comm& /ructure ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs police (fic]s at m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,dr4 ,*ris ,kirkpatrick ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,act ( #bjae4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4 ,,title ,i--,employees g5]ally ,sec4 #aja4 ,def9itions4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,/ays2 probation>y employees4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,adequate access ( ,special ,c\nsel to in=mation4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,prohibit$ p]sonnel practices4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,discipl9e ( sup]visors bas$ on retaliation aga9/ :i/lebl[]s4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,suicide by employees4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,tra9+ = sup]visors4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,in=mation on :i/lebl[] protections4 ,,title ,,ii--,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees ,sec4 #bja4 ,prev5tion ( unau?oriz$ access to m$ical records ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,outrea* on availability ( m5tal heal? s]vices available to employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,protocols to address ?reats aga9/ employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates /udy on acc\ntability ( *iefs ( police ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]s4 ,i ,employees g5]ally #aja4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is title-- 7#a7 ! t]ms ag5cy & p]sonnel action h ! mean+s giv5 su* t]ms "u section #bcjb ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code2 & 7#b7 ! t]m employee means an employee 7z def9$ 9 section #baje ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code7 ( an ag5cy4 #ajb4 ,/ays2 probation>y employees 7a7 ,reque/ by ,special ,c\nsel ,section #abad7;b77#a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7,e7 ,if ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protections ,bo>d grants a /ay "u ?is subsection1 ! head ( ! ag5cy employ+ ! employee %all give priority to a reque/ = a transf] submitt$ by ! employee4 4 7b7 ,individual "r ( action = probation>y employees ,section #abba ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7k7 ,if ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d grants a /ay to an employee 9 probation>y /atus "u subsection 7c71 ! head ( ! ag5cy employ+ ! employee %all give priority to a reque/ = a transf] submitt$ by ! employee4 4 7c7 ,/udy reg>d+ retaliation aga9/ probation>y employees ,! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all submit to ! ,committee on ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report discuss+ retaliation aga9/ employees 9 probation>y /atus4 #ajc4 ,adequate access ( ,special ,c\nsel to in=mation ,section #abab7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#e7 ,! ,special ,c\nsel1 9 c>ry+ out ?is sub*apt]1 is au?oriz$ to-- 7,a7 h access to all records1 reports1 audits1 reviews1 docum5ts1 pap]s1 recomm5dations1 or o!r mat]ial available to ! applicable ag5cy :i* relate to a matt] )9 ! jurisdiction or au?ority ( ! ,special ,c\nsel2 & 7,b7 reque/ f any ag5cy su* in=mation or assi/ance z may be necess>y = c>ry+ out ! duties & responsibilities ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u ?is sub*apt]4 4 #ajd4 ,prohibit$ p]sonnel practices ,section #bcjb7;b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#ab71 by /rik+ or at ! end2 7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#ac71 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ 2 or2 & 7#c7 by ins]t+ aft] p>agraph 7#ac7 ! foll[+3 7#ad7 access ! m$ical record ( ano!r employee = ! purpose ( retaliation = a disclosure or activity protect$ "u p>agraph 7#h7 or 7#i74 4 #aje4 ,discipl9e ( sup]visors bas$ on retaliation aga9/ :i/lebl[]s 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #geae4 ,discipl9e ( sup]visors bas$ on retaliation aga9/ :i/lebl[]s 7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section-- 7#a7 ! t]m ag5cy has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m "u section #bcjb2 7#b7 ! t]m prohibit$ p]sonnel action means tak+ or fail+ to take an action 9 violation ( p>agraph 7#h71 7#i71 or 7#ad7 ( section #bcjb7;b7 aga9/ an employee ( an ag5cy2 & 7#c7 ! t]m sup]visor means a sup]visor1 z def9$ "u section #gajc7;a71 :o is employ$ by an ag5cy1 z def9$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 ( ?is subsection4 7b7 ,propos$ adv]se actions 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,9 accordance ) p>agraph 7#b71 ! head ( an ag5cy %all propose aga9/ a sup]visor :om ! head ( t ag5cy1 an adm9i/rative law judge1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 an adjudicat+ body provid$ "u a union contract1 a ,f$]al judge1 or ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ag5cy det]m9es committ$ a prohibit$ p]sonnel action ! foll[+ adv]se actions3 7,a7 ,) respect to ! fir/ prohibit$ p]sonnel action1 an adv]se action t is n less ?an a #ab-;day susp5sion4 7,b7 ,) respect to ! second prohibit$ p]sonnel action1 removal4 7#b7 ,proc$ures 7,a7 ,notice ,a sup]visor aga9/ :om an adv]se action "u p>agraph 7#a7 is propos$ is entitl$ to writt5 notice4 7,b7 ,answ] & evid5ce 7i7 ,9 g5]al ,a sup]visor :o is notifi$ "u subp>agraph 7,a7 t ! sup]visor is ! subject ( a propos$ adv]se action "u p>agraph 7#a7 is entitl$ to #ad days foll[+ su* notification to answ] & furni% evid5ce 9 support ( ! answ]4 7ii7 ,no evid5ce ,aft] ! end ( ! #ad-;day p]iod describ$ 9 clause 7i71 if a sup]visor does n furni% evid5ce z describ$ 9 clause 7i7 or if ! head ( ! ag5cy det]m9es t su* evid5ce is n suffici5t to rev]se ! propos$ adv]se action1 ! head ( ! ag5cy %all c>ry out ! adv]se action4 7,c7 ,scope ( proc$ures ,p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#b7 ( subsection 7b7 ( section #geac1 subsection 7c7 ( su* section1 p>agraphs 7#a7 & 7#b7 ( subsection 7b7 ( section #gedc1 & subsection 7c7 ( su* section %all n apply ) respect to an adv]se action c>ri$ out "u ?is subsection4 7c7 ,limitation on o!r adv]se actions ,) respect to a prohibit$ p]sonnel action1 if ! head ( ! ag5cy c>ries out an adv]se action aga9/ a sup]visor "u ano!r provision ( law1 ! head ( ! ag5cy may c>ry out an additional adv]se action "u ?is section bas$ on ! same prohibit$ p]sonnel action4 4 7b7 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ge ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #geae4 ,discipl9e ( sup]visors bas$ on retaliation aga9/ :i/lebl[]s4 4 #ajf4 ,suicide by employees 7a7 ,ref]ral ,! head ( an ag5cy %all ref] to ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel1 along ) any in=mation kn[n to ! ag5cy reg>d+ ! circum/ances describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#b7 & 7#c71 any in/ance 9 :i* ! head ( ! ag5cy has in=mation indicat+-- 7#a7 an employee ( ! ag5cy committ$ suicide2 7#b7 prior to ! dea? ( ! employee1 ! employee made any disclosure ( in=mation :i* reasonably evid5ces-- 7,a7 any violation ( any law1 rule1 or regulation2 or 7,b7 gross mismanagem5t1 a gross wa/e ( funds1 an abuse ( au?ority1 or a sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? or safety2 & 7#c7 aft] a disclosure describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b71 a p]sonnel action 0 tak5 aga9/ ! employee4 7b7 ,(fice ( special c\nsel review ,= any ref]ral to ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel "u subsection 7a71 ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel %all-- 7#a7 exam9e :e!r any p]sonnel action 0 tak5 because ( any disclosure ( in=mation describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#b72 & 7#b7 take any action ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel det]m9es appropriate "u sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #ab ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 #ajg4 ,tra9+ = sup]visors ,9 consultation ) ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel & ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ag5cy 7or s5ior e?ics (ficial ( ! ag5cy = an ag5cy )\t an ,inspector ,g5]al71 ! head ( ea* ag5cy %all provide tra9+ reg>d+ h[ to respond to compla9ts alleg+ a violation ( :i/lebl[] protections 7z def9$ 9 section #bcjg ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #ajh7 available to employees ( ! ag5cy-- 7#a7 to employees appo9t$ to sup]visory positions 9 ! ag5cy :o h n previ\sly s]v$ z a sup]visor2 & 7#b7 on an annual basis1 to all employees ( ! ag5cy s]v+ 9 a sup]visory position4 #ajh4 ,in=mation on :i/lebl[] protections 7a7 ,exi/+ provision 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #bcjb ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 by /rik+ subsection 7c72 & 7,b7 by r$esignat+ subsections 7d71 7e71 & 7f7 z subsections 7c71 7d71 & 7e71 respectively4 7#b7 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5ts 7,a7 ,section #deje;a7b77#b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ section #bcjb7;d7 & ins]t+ section #bcjb7;c74 7,b7 ,section #egee7;b77#b7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by /rik+ section #bcjb7;d7 & ins]t+ section #bcjb7;c74 7,c7 ,section #aaj7;b77#b7 ( ! ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,enhancem5t ,act ( #bjab 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb note7 is am5d$ by /rik+ section #bcjc7;f77#a7 or 7#b7 & ins]t+ section #bcjc7;e77#a7 or 7#b74 7,d7 ,section #gjd ( ! ,homel& ,security ,act ( #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #cdd7 is am5d$ by /rik+ #bcjb7;c7 ea* place x appe>s & ins]t+ #bcjg4 7,e7 ,section #abag7;d77#c7 ( ! ,panama ,canal ,act ( #aigi 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #cfeg7;d77#c77 is am5d$ by /rik+ section #bcjb7;d7 & ins]t+ section #bcjb7;c74 7,f7 ,section #abcc7;b7 ( ! ,panama ,canal ,act ( #aigi 7#bb ,u4,s4,c4 #cfgc7;b77 is am5d$ by /rik+ section #bcjb7;d7 & ins]t+ section #bcjb7;c74 7b7 ,provision ( in=mation ,*apt] #bc ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bcjg4 ,in=mation on :i/lebl[] protections 7a7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section-- 7#a7 ! t]m ag5cy has ! mean+ giv5 t t]m 9 section #bcjb2 7#b7 ! t]m new employee means an individual-- 7,a7 appo9t$ to a position z an employee ( an ag5cy on or aft] ! date ( enactm5t ( ! ,dr4 ,*ris ,kirkpatrick ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,act ( #bjae2 & 7,b7 :o has n previ\sly s]v$ z an employee2 & 7#c7 ! t]m :i/lebl[] protections means ! protections aga9/ & rem$ies = a prohibit$ p]sonnel practice describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#h71 subp>agraph 7,a77i71 7,b71 7,c71 or 7,d7 ( p>agraph 7#i71 or p>agraph 7#ad7 ( section #bcjb7;b74 7b7 ,responsibilities ( head ( ag5cy ,! head ( ea* ag5cy %all be responsible = ! prev5tion ( prohibit$ p]sonnel practices1 = ! compliance ) & en=cem5t ( applicable civil s]vice laws1 rules1 & regulations1 & o!r aspects ( p]sonnel managem5t1 & = ensur+ 79 consultation ) ! ,special ,c\nsel & ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ag5cy7 t employees ( ! ag5cy are in=m$ ( ! rights & rem$ies available to !m "u ?is *apt] & *apt] #ab1 includ+-- 7#a7 in=mation reg>d+ :i/lebl[] protections available to new employees dur+ ! probation>y p]iod2 7#b7 ! role ( ! ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel & ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d ) reg>d to :i/lebl[] protections2 & 7#c7 h[ to make a lawful disclosure ( in=mation t is specifically requir$ by law or ,executive ord] to be kept classifi$ 9 ! int]e/ ( national def5se or ! conduct ( =eign affairs to ! ,special ,c\nsel1 ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( an ag5cy1 ,congress1 or o!r ag5cy employee designat$ to receive su* disclosures4 7c7 ,tim+ ,! head ( ea* ag5cy %all ensure t ! in=mation requir$ to be provid$ "u subsection 7b7 is provid$ to ea* new employee ( ! ag5cy n lat] ?an #f mon?s aft] ! date ! new employee is appo9t$4 7d7 ,in=mation onl9e ,! head ( ea* ag5cy %all make available in=mation reg>d+ :i/lebl[] protections applicable to employees ( ! ag5cy on ! public website ( ! ag5cy1 & on any onl9e portal t is made available only to employees ( ! ag5cy if "o exi/s4 7e7 ,delegees ,any employee to :om ! head ( an ag5cy delegates au?ority = p]sonnel managem5t1 or = any aspect !re(1 %all1 )9 ! limits ( ! scope ( ! delegation1 be responsible = ! activities describ$ 9 subsection 7b74 4 7c7 ,te*nical & con=m+ am5dm5t ,! table ( sections = *apt] #bc ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 #bcjg4 ,in=mation on :i/lebl[] protections4 4 ,,ii ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees #bja4 ,prev5tion ( unau?oriz$ access to m$ical records ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,developm5t ( plan 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all-- 7,a7 develop a plan to prev5t access to ! m$ical records ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs by employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o are n au?oriz$ to access su* records2 7,b7 submit to ! appropriate committees ( ,congress ! plan develop$ "u subp>agraph 7,a72 & 7,c7 ^u reque/1 provide a brief+ to ! appropriate committees ( ,congress ) respect to ! plan develop$ "u subp>agraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,! plan requir$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a detail$ assessm5t ( /rategic goals ( ! ,dep>tm5t = ! prev5tion ( unau?oriz$ access to ! m$ical records ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,b7 ,a li/ ( circum/ances 9 :i* an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o is n a heal? c>e provid] or an assi/ant to a heal? c>e provid] w\ld be au?oriz$ to access ! m$ical records ( ano!r employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,c7 ,/eps t ! ,secret>y w take to acquire new or implem5t exi/+ te*nology to prev5t an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t f access+ ! m$ical records ( ano!r employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t )\t a specific ne$ to access su* records4 7,d7 ,/eps ! ,secret>y w take1 includ+ plans to issue new regulations1 z necess>y1 to ensure t an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t may n access ! m$ical records ( ano!r employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t = ! purpose ( retriev+ demographic in=mation if t demographic in=mation is available to ! employee 9 ano!r location or ?r\gh ano!r =mat4 7,e7 ,a propos$ timetable = ! implem5tation ( su* plan4 7,f7 ,an e/imate ( ! co/s associat$ ) implem5t+ su* plan4 7b7 ,appropriate committees ( ,congress def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m appropriate committees ( ,congress means-- 7#a7 ! ,committee on ,homel& ,security & ,gov]nm5tal ,affairs & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate2 & 7#b7 ! ,committee on ,ov]sight & ,gov]nm5t ,re=m & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 #bjb4 ,outrea* on availability ( m5tal heal? s]vices available to employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all conduct a program ( outrea* to employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to in=m ^? employees ( any m5tal heal? s]vices1 includ+ telem$ic9e options1 t are available to !m4 #bjc4 ,protocols to address ?reats aga9/ employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all ensure protocols are 9 effect to address ?reats f individuals receiv+ heal? c>e f ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs direct$ t[>ds employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t :o are provid+ su* heal? c>e4 #bjd4 ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates /udy on acc\ntability ( *iefs ( police ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs m$ical c5t]s ,! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all conduct a /udy to assess ! report+1 /aff+1 acc\ntability1 & *a9 ( comm& /ructure ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs police (fic]s at m$ical c5t]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 ,am5d ! title s z to read3 ,a bill to provide great] :i/lebl[] protections = ,f$]al employees1 increas$ aw>5ess ( ,f$]al :i/lebl[] protections1 & increas$ acc\ntability & requir$ discipl9e = ,f$]al sup]visors :o retaliate aga9/ :i/lebl[]s1 & = o!r purposes44 ,may #bf1 #bjaf,report$ ) an am5dm5t & an am5dm5t to ! title