,,ii ,cal5d> ,no4 #ajc #aae? ,,congress #a/ ,session ,s4 #ajid ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,may #aa1 #bjag,mr4 ,rubio 7= himself1 ,mr4 ,te/]1 ,mr4 ,isakson1 ,mr4 ,nelson1 ,mr4 ,mc,cain1 ,mrs4 ,%ahe51 ,mr4 ,moran1 ,ms4 ,baldw91 ,mr4 ,hell]1 ,mr4 ,flake1 ,mr4 ,boozman1 ,mr4 ,cotton1 ,mr4 ,inh(e1 ,mr4 ,k5n$y1 ,mrs4 ,capito1 ,mr4 ,co*ran1 ,mr4 ,sullivan1 ,mr4 ,cornyn1 ,mr4 ,cassidy1 ,mr4 ,p]due1 ,mr4 ,tillis1 ,mr4 ,wick]1 ,mr4 ,da9es1 & ,mr4 ,r\nds7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ,may #bd1 #bjag,report$ by ,mr4 ,isakson1 ) an amendment,strike out all aft] ! enact+ clause & ins]t ! "p pr9t$ 9 italic ,a ,,bill ,to am5d title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to improve ! acc\ntability ( employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,act ( #bjag4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4,,title ,i--,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection,sec4 #aja4 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection4,sec4 #ajb4 ,protection ( :i/lebl[]s 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #ajc4 ,report on me?ods us$ to inve/igate employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,,title ,,ii--,acc\ntability ( s5ior executives1 sup]visors1 & o!r employees,sec4 #bja4 ,improv$ au?orities ( ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to improve acc\ntability ( s5ior executives4,sec4 #bjb4 ,improv$ au?orities ( ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to improve acc\ntability ( employees4,sec4 #bjc4 ,r$uction ( b5efits = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes4,sec4 #bjd4 ,au?ority to rec\p bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bje4 ,au?ority to rec\p relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bjf4 ,"t p]iod = response to notice ( adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions4,sec4 #bjg4 ,direct hir+ au?ority = m$ical c5t] directors & ,,visn directors4,sec4 #bjh4 ,"t p]iods = review ( adv]se actions ) respect to c]ta9 employees4,sec4 #bji4 ,improvem5t ( tra9+ = sup]visors4,sec4 #baj4 ,assessm5t & report on effect on s5ior executives at ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #baa4 ,measurem5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs discipl9>y process outcomes & effectiv5ess4 ,i ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection #aja4 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #c ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/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[] disclosures4 7,d7 ,ref]r+ :i/lebl[] disclosures receiv$ "u subp>agraph 7,c7 = inve/igation to ! ,(fice ( ! ,m$ical ,inspector1 ! ,(fice ( ,inspector ,g5]al1 or o!r inve/igative entity1 z appropriate1 if ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y has reason to believe ! :i/lebl[] disclosure is evid5ce ( a violation ( a provision ( law1 mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse ( au?ority1 or a sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? & safety4 7,e7 ,receiv+ & ref]r+ disclosures f ! ,special ,c\nsel = inve/igation to ! ,m$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[] disclosures1 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 employee1 if ! allegation involves retaliation aga9/ an employee = mak+ a :i/lebl[] disclosure4 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[] disclosures4 7#c7 ,9 any case 9 :i* ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y receives a :i/lebl[] disclosure 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$]al law4 7d7 ,/aff & res\rces ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y has su* /aff1 res\rces1 & access to in=mation z may be necess>y to c>ry out ! functions ( ! ,(fice4 7e7 ,relation to ,(fice ( ,g5]al ,c\nsel ,! ,(fice %all n be e/abli%$ z an elem5t ( ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel & ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y may n report to ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel4 7f7 ,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 7g7 ,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[] disclosure4 7#c7 ,! t]m :i/lebl[] disclosure 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 #ajb4 ,protection ( :i/lebl[]s 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by-- 7#a7 /rik+ sections #gca1 #gcb1 #gcd1 #gce1 & #gcf2 7#b7 by r$esignat+ section #gcc z section #gca2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new sections3 #gcb4 ,protection ( :i/lebl[]s z crit]ia 9 evaluation ( sup]visors 7a7 ,developm5t & use ( crit]ia requir$ ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection1 %all develop crit]ia t-- 7#a7 ! ,secret>y %all use z a critical elem5t 9 any evaluation ( ! p]=mance ( a sup]visory employee2 & 7#b7 promotes ! protection ( :i/lebl[]s4 7b7 ,pr9ciples = protection ( :i/lebl[]s ,! crit]ia requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include pr9ciples = ! protection ( :i/lebl[]s1 su* z ! degree to :i* sup]visory employees respond con/ructively :5 employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t report conc]ns1 take responsible action to resolve su* conc]ns1 & fo/] an environm5t 9 :i* employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t feel com=table report+ conc]ns to sup]visory employees or to ! appropriate au?orities4 7c7 ,sup]visory employee & :i/lebl[] def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]ms sup]visory employee & :i/lebl[] h ! mean+s giv5 su* t]ms 9 section #cbc ( ?is title4 #gcc4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] disclosures 7a7 ,tra9+ ,n less frequ5tly ?an once e two ye>s1 ! ,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 provide to ea* employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] disclosures1 includ+-- 7#a7 an explanation ( ea* me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] disclosure2 7#b7 ! "r ( ! employee to petition ,congress reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] disclosure 9 accordance ) section #gbaa ( title #e2 7#c7 an explanation t ! employee may n be prosecut$ or repris$ aga9/ = disclos+ in=mation to ,congress1 ! ,inspector ,g5]al1 or ano!r inve/igatory ag5cy 9 in/ances :]e su* disclosure is p]mitt$ by law1 includ+ "u sections #egja1 #egje1 & #ggcb ( ?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#d7 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#e7 ! "r ( contractors to be protect$ f reprisal = ! disclosure ( c]ta9 in=mation "u section #dgje or #dgab ( title #da4 7b7 ,mann] tra9+ is provid$ ,! ,secret>y %all ensure1 to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 t tra9+ provid$ "u subsection 7a7 is provid$ 9 p]son4 7c7 ,c]tification ,n less frequ5tly ?an once e two ye>s1 ! ,secret>y %all provide tra9+ on m]it sy/em protection 9 a mann] t ! ,special ,c\nsel c]tifies z be+ satisfactory4 7d7 ,publication ,! ,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 & display prom95tly at ea* facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! rights ( an employee to make a :i/lebl[] disclosure1 includ+ ! in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#e7 ( subsection 7a74 7e7 ,:i/lebl[] disclosure def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] disclosure has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc ( ?is title4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ ! items relat+ to sections #gca ?r\gh #gcf2 & 7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new items3 #gca4 ,adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions relat+ to :i/lebl[] compla9ts4#gcb4 ,protection ( :i/lebl[]s z crit]ia 9 evaluation ( sup]visors4#gcc4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] disclosures4 4 7c7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts ,section #gca ( su* title1 z r$esignat$ by subsection 7a77#b71 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by /rik+ subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7,a7 mak+ a :i/lebl[] disclosure to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection1 ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or ,congress2 2 & 7ii7 by r$esignat+ subp>agraphs 7,c7 ?r\gh 7,f7 z subp>agraphs 7,b7 ?r\gh 7,e71 respectively2 & 7iii7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 z r$esignat$ by clause 7ii71 by /rik+ compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gcb or ) & ins]t+ disclosure made to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection12 & 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by /rik+ ?r\gh 7,f7 & ins]t+ ?r\gh 7,e72 & 7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7d7 ,:i/lebl[] disclosure def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] disclosure has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc7;g7 ( ?is title4 4 #ajc4 ,report on me?ods us$ to inve/igate employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,report requir$ ,n lat] ?an #edj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection %all submit to ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate1 & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on me?ods us$ to inve/igate employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & :e!r su* me?ods are us$ to retaliate aga9/ :i/lebl[]s4 7b7 ,cont5ts ,! report requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,an assessm5t ( ! use ( adm9i/rative inve/igation bo>ds1 pe] review1 se>*es ( m$ical records1 & o!r me?ods = inve/igat+ employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,a det]m9ation ( :e!r & to :at degree ! me?ods describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 are be+ us$ to retaliate aga9/ :i/lebl[]s4 7#c7 ,recomm5dations = legislative or adm9i/rative action to implem5t safegu>ds to prev5t ! retaliation describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b74 7c7 ,:i/lebl[] def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #aja4 ,,ii ,acc\ntability ( s5ior executives1 sup]visors1 & o!r employees #bja4 ,improv$ au?orities ( ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to improve acc\ntability ( s5ior executives 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gac ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #gac4 ,s5ior executives3 removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,au?ority 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may1 z provid$ 9 ?is section1 reprim& or susp5d1 involunt>ily reassign1 demote1 or remove a cov]$ individual f a s5ior executive position at ! ,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! misconduct or p]=mance ( ! cov]$ individual w>rants su* action4 7#b7 ,if ! ,secret>y s removes su* an individual1 ! ,secret>y may remove ! individual f ! civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9 section #baja ( title #e74 7b7 ,rights & proc$ures 7#a7 ,a cov]$ individual :o is ! subject ( an action "u subsection 7a7 is entitl$ to-- 7,a7 advance notice ( ! action2 7,b7 be repres5t$ by an attorney or o!r repres5tative ( ! cov]$ individual's *oice2 & 7,c7 grieve ! action 9 accordance ) an int]nal grievance process t ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection1 %all e/abli% = purposes ( ?is subsection4 7#b7 7,a7 ,! aggregate p]iod = notice1 response1 & decision on an action "u subsection 7a7 may n exce$ #ae bus9ess days4 7,b7 ,! p]iod = ! response ( a cov]$ individual to a notice "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 ( an action "u subsection 7a7 %all be #g bus9ess days4 7,c7 ,a decision "u ?is p>agraph on an action "u subsection 7a7 %all be issu$ n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] notice ( ! action is provid$ to ! cov]$ individual "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a74 ,! decision %all be 9 writ+1 & %all include ! specific reasons !re= & a file conta9+ all evid5ce 9 support ( ! propos$ action4 7#c7 7,a7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! grievance process e/abli%$ "u p>agraph 7#a77;,c7 takes few] ?an #ba days4 7,b7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t grievances "u ?is subsection are review$ only by employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#d7 ,a decision "u p>agraph 7#b7 t is n griev$1 & a grievance decision "u p>agraph 7#c71 %all be f9al & conclusive4 7#e7 ,a cov]$ individual adv]sely affect$ by a decision "u p>agraph 7#b7 t is n griev$1 or by a grievance decision "u p>agraph 7#c71 may obta9 judicial review ( su* decision4 7#f7 ,9 any case 9 :i* judicial review is s\ght "u p>agraph 7#e71 ! c\rt %all review ! record & may set aside any ,dep>tm5t action f\nd to be-- 7,a7 arbitr>y1 caprici\s1 an abuse ( discretion1 or o!rwise n 9 accordance ) a provision ( law2 7,b7 obta9$ )\t proc$ures requir$ by a provision ( law hav+ be5 foll[$2 or 7,c7 unsupport$ by sub/antial evid5ce4 7c7 ,relation to o!r provisions ( law ,section #ceib7;b77#a7 ( title #e & ! proc$ures "u section #gedc7;b7 ( su* title d n apply to an action "u subsection 7a74 7d7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ individual means-- 7,a7 a c>e] appo9tee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a77#d7 ( title #e72 or 7,b7 any individual :o occupies an adm9i/rative or executive position & :o 0 appo9t$ "u section #gcjf7;a7 or section #gdja7a7 ( ?is title4 7#b7 ,! t]m misconduct includes neglect ( duty1 malfeasance1 or failure to accept a direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a position 9 a transf] ( function4 7#c7 ,! t]m s5ior executive position means-- 7,a7 ) respect to a c>e] appo9tee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e71 a ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice position 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 su* section72 & 7,b7 ) respect to a cov]$ individual appo9t$ "u section #gcjf7;a7 or section #gdja7a7 ( ?is title1 an adm9i/rative or executive position4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #gdfa7;c77#a7 ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ employees 9 s5ior executive positions 7z def9$ 9 section #gac7;d7 ( ?is title7 & be=e int]ns4 7c7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gac & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #gac4 ,s5ior executives3 removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 4 #bjb4 ,improv$ au?orities ( ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to improve acc\ntability ( employees 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gac ! foll[+ new section3 #gad4 ,employees3 removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,9 g5]al 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may remove1 demote1 or susp5d a cov]$ individual :o is an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y det]m9es ! p]=mance or misconduct ( ! cov]$ individual w>rants su* removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion4 7#b7 ,if ! ,secret>y s removes1 demotes1 or susp5ds su* a cov]$ individual1 ! ,secret>y may-- 7,a7 remove ! cov]$ individual f ! civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9 section #baja ( title #e72 7,b7 demote ! cov]$ individual by means ( a r$uction 9 grade = :i* ! cov]$ individual is qualifi$1 t ! ,secret>y det]m9es is appropriate1 & t r$uces ! annual rate ( pay ( ! cov]$ individual2 or 7,c7 susp5d ! cov]$ individual4 7b7 ,pay ( c]ta9 demot$ individuals 7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 any cov]$ individual subject to a demotion "u subsection 7a77#b7 %all1 beg9n+ on ! date ( su* demotion1 receive ! annual rate ( pay applicable to su* grade4 7#b7 7,a7 ,a cov]$ individual s demot$ may n be plac$ on adm9i/rative leave dur+ ! p]iod dur+ :i* an appeal 7if any7 "u ?is section is ongo+1 & may only receive pay if ! cov]$ individual reports = duty or is approv$ to use accru$ unus$ annual1 sick1 family m$ical1 milit>y1 or c\rt leave4 7,b7 ,if a cov]$ individual s demot$ does n report = duty or receive approval to use accru$ unus$ leave1 su* cov]$ individual %all n receive pay or o!r b5efits pursuant to subsection 7d77#e74 7c7 ,proc$ure 7#a7 7,a7 ,! aggregate p]iod = notice1 response1 & f9al decision 9 a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section may n exce$ #ae bus9ess days4 7,b7 ,! p]iod = ! response ( a cov]$ individual to a notice ( a propos$ removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section %all be #g bus9ess days4 7,c7 ,p>agraph 7#c7 ( subsection 7b7 ( section #geac ( title #e %all apply ) respect to a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section4 7,d7 ,! proc$ures 9 ?is subsection %all sup]s$e any collective b>ga9+ agreem5t to ! ext5t t su* agreem5t is inconsi/5t ) su* proc$ures4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all issue a f9al decision ) respect to a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice1 includ+ a file conta9+ all ! evid5ce 9 support ( ! propos$ action1 to ! cov]$ individual ( ! removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion4 ,! decision %all be 9 writ+ & %all include ! specific reasons !re=4 7#c7 ,! proc$ures "u *apt] #dc ( title #e %all n apply to a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section4 7#d7 7,a7 ,subject to subp>agraph 7,b7 & subsection 7d71 any removal or demotion "u ?is section1 & any susp5sion ( m ?an #ad days "u ?is section1 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 :i* %all ref] su* appeal to an adm9i/rative judge pursuant to section #ggja7;b77#a7 ( title #e4 7,b7 ,an appeal "u subp>agraph 7,a7 ( a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion may only be made if su* appeal is made n lat] ?an #aj bus9ess days aft] ! date ( su* removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion4 7d7 ,exp$it$ review 7#a7 ,^u receipt ( an appeal "u subsection 7c77#d77;,a71 ! adm9i/rative judge %all exp$ite any su* appeal "u section #ggja7;b77#a7 ( title #e &1 9 any su* case1 %all issue a f9al & complete decision n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4 7#b7 7,a7 ,not)/&+ section #ggja7;c77#a77;,b7 ( title #e1 ! adm9i/rative judge %all uphold ! decision ( ! ,secret>y to remove1 demote1 or susp5d an employee "u subsection 7a7 if ! decision is support$ by sub/antial evid5ce4 7,b7 ,if ! decision ( ! ,secret>y is support$ by sub/antial evid5ce1 ! adm9i/rative judge %all n mitigate ! p5alty prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#c7 ,! decision ( ! adm9i/rative judge "u p>agraph 7#a7 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d4 7#d7 ,9 any case 9 :i* ! adm9i/rative judge _c issue a decision 9 accordance ) ! #ahj-;day requirem5t "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all1 n lat] ?an #ad bus9ess days aft] ! expiration ( ! #ahj-;day p]iod1 submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t expla9s ! reasons :y a decision 0 n issu$ 9 accordance ) su* requirem5t4 7#e7 7,a7 ,a decision ( ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u p>agraph 7#c7 may be appeal$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,f$]al ,circuit pursuant to section #ggjc ( title #e4 7,b7 ,any decision by su* ,c\rt %all be 9 compliance ) section #gdfb7;f77#b7 ( ?is title4 7#f7 ,! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d may n /ay any removal or demotion "u ?is section1 except z provid$ 9 section #abad7;b7 ( title #e4 7#g7 ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* a cov]$ individual appeals a removal f ! civil s]vice "u subsection 7c7 & end+ on ! date t ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,f$]al ,circuit issues a f9al decision on su* appeal1 su* cov]$ individual may n receive any pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits relat$ to ! employm5t ( ! individual by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#h7 ,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$4 7#i7 ,if an employee prevails on appeal "u ?is section1 ! employee %all be entitl$ to backpay 7z provid$ 9 section #eeif ( title #e74 7#aj7 ,if an employee :o is subject to a collective b>ga9+ agreem5t *ooses to grieve an action tak5 "u ?is section ?r\gh a grievance proc$ure provid$ "u ! collective b>ga9+ agreem5t1 ! timel9es & proc$ures set =? 9 subsection 7c7 & ?is subsection %all apply4 7e7 ,:i/lebl[] protection 7#a7 ,9 ! case ( a cov]$ 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 remove1 demote1 or susp5d su* cov]$ individual "u subsection 7a7 )\t ! approval ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u section #abad7;f7 ( title #e4 7#b7 ,9 ! case ( a cov]$ individual :o has made a :i/lebl[] disclosure to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection1 ! ,secret>y may n remove1 demote1 or susp5d su* cov]$ individual "u subsection 7a7 until-- 7,a7 9 ! case 9 :i* ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y det]m9es to ref] ! :i/lebl[] disclosure "u section #cbc7;c77#a77;,d7 ( ?is title to an (fice or o!r inve/igative entity1 a f9al decision ) respect to ! :i/lebl[] disclosure has be5 made by su* (fice or o!r inve/igative entity2 or 7,b7 9 ! case 9 :i* ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y det]m9es n to ! ref] ! :i/lebl[] disclosure "u su* section1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y makes su* det]m9ation4 7f7 ,t]m9ation ( inve/igations by ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel 7#a7 ,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 7#b7 ,su* /atem5t may n be admissible z evid5ce 9 any judicial or adm9i/rative proce$+ )\t ! cons5t ( su* employee or =m] employee4 7g7 ,vacancies ,9 ! case ( a cov]$ individual :o is remov$ or demot$ "u subsection 7a71 to ! maximum ext5t feasible1 ! ,secret>y %all fill ! vacancy aris+ z a result ( su* removal or demotion4 7h7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ individual means an individual occupy+ a position at ! ,dep>tm5t1 b does n include-- 7,a7 an individual occupy+ a s5ior executive position 7z def9$ 9 section #gac7;d7 ( ?is title72 7,b7 an individual appo9t$ pursuant to sections #gcjf1 #gdja7a71 or #gdje ( ?is title2 7,c7 an individual :o has n complet$ a probation>y or trial p]iod2 or 7,d7 a political appo9tee4 7#b7 ,! t]m susp5d means ! plac+ ( an employee1 = discipl9>y reasons1 9 a tempor>y /atus )\t duties & pay = a p]iod 9 excess ( #ad days4 7#c7 ,! t]m grade has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #geaa7;a7 ( title #e4 7#d7 ,! t]m misconduct includes neglect ( duty1 malfeasance1 or failure to accept a direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a position 9 a transf] ( function4 7#e7 ,! 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*$ule ,c ( subp>t ,c ( "p #bac ( title #e1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations1 or successor regulation4 7#f7 ,! t]m :i/lebl[] disclosure has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc7;g7 ( ?is title4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical & con=m+ am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,cl]ical ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gac ! foll[+ new item3 #gad4 ,employees3 removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 4 7#b7 ,con=m+ ,section #dcjc7;f7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by /rik+ or at ! end2 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ 1 or2 & 7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 any removal or demotion "u section #gad ( title #ch4 4 #bjc4 ,r$uction ( b5efits = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( b5efits 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gai4 ,r$uction ( b5efits ( employees convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( annuity = remov$ employee 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t remov$ f a position = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gai or #gdfa ( ?is title 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 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! individual is convict$ ( a felony 7& ! conviction is f9al7 t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! position2 & 7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 & 7ii7 an opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord] by n lat] ?an t5 bus9ess days foll[+ receipt ( su* notice2 & 7,c7 ! ,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7i7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual responds "u subp>agraph 7,b77ii71 n lat] ?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ ! response ( ! individual2 or 7ii7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice to ! individual "u subp>agraph 7,b77i74 7#b7 ,any individual ) respect to :om an annuity is r$uc$ "u ?is subsection may appeal ! r$uction to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t pursuant to su* regulations z ! ,director may prescribe = purposes ( ?is subsection4 7b7 ,r$uction ( annuity = retir$ employee 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual :o is remov$ = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gai or #gdfa ( ?is title 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 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t individual is convict$ ( a felony 7& ! conviction is f9al7 t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! position2 & 7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 7ii7 opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord] by n lat] ?an t5 bus9ess days foll[+ receipt ( su* notice2 & 7,c7 ! ,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7i7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual responds "u subp>agraph 7,b77ii71 n lat] ?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ ! response ( ! individual2 or 7ii7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice to ! individual "u subp>agraph 7,b77i74 7#b7 ,^u ! issuance ( an ord] by ! ,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! individual %all h an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t be=e ! date t is sev5 bus9ess days aft] ! date ( su* issuance4 7#c7 ,! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t %all make a f9al decision ) respect to an appeal "u p>agraph 7#b7 )9 #cj bus9ess days ( receiv+ ! appeal4 7c7 ,adm9i/rative requirem5ts ,n lat] ?an #cg bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y issues a f9al ord] "u subsection 7a7 or 7b7 ) respect to an individual1 ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t %all recalculate ! annuity ( ! individual4 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 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,director ( ! ,(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 7#b7 ,regulations prescrib$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %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 = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gai or #gdfa ( ?is title 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$ f or leaves a position ( employm5t at ! ,dep>tm5t prior to ! issuance ( a f9al decision ) respect to su* action4 7#b7 ,! t]m lump-sum cr$it has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7h7 or section #hdja7ai7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 7#c7 ,! t]m s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7ab7 or section #hdja7bf7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gag ! foll[+ new item3 #gai4 ,r$uction ( b5efits ( employees convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes4 4 7b7 ,application ,section #gai ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a77#a71 %all apply to any action ( removal ( an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs "u section #gai or #gdfa ( su* title or any o!r provision ( law1 comm5c+ on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #bjd4 ,au?ority to rec\p bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #bjc1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gba4 ,rec\pm5t ( bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,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 t ! individual engag$ 9 misconduct or poor p]=mance prior to paym5t ( ! aw>d or bonus1 & t su* aw>d or bonus w\ld n h be5 paid1 9 :ole or 9 "p1 _h ! misconduct or poor p]=mance be5 kn[n prior to paym5t2 & 7#b7 be=e su* repaym5t1 ! employee is af=d$-- 7,a7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 & 7,b7 an opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord] by n lat] ?an #aj bus9ess days aft] ! receipt ( su* notice2 & 7#c7 ! ,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7,a7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual responds "u p>agraph 7#b77;,b71 n lat] ?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ ! response ( ! individual2 or 7,b7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice to ! individual "u p>agraph 7#b77;,a74 7b7 ,appeal ( ord] ( ,secret>y 7#a7 ,^u ! issuance ( an ord] by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 ) respect to an individual1 ! individual %all h an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t be=e ! date t is sev5 bus9ess days aft] ! date ( su* issuance4 7#b7 ,! ,director %all make a f9al decision ) respect to an appeal "u p>agraph 7#a7 )9 #cj bus9ess days aft] receiv+ su* appeal4 7c7 ,appeal ( f9al decision on appeal ( ord] ,an individual may appeal a f9al decision on an appeal "u subsection 7b7 to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja ( title #e4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt]1 z am5d$ by section #bjc7;a77#b71 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gai ! foll[+ new item3 #gba4 ,rec\pm5t ( bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #gba ( 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 #bje4 ,au?ority to rec\p relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #bjd1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gbc4 ,rec\pm5t ( relocation exp5ses paid on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,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 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 relocation exp5ses 7 paid foll[+ an act ( fraud or malfeasance t influ5c$ ! au?orization ( ! relocation exp5ses2 7#b7 be=e su* repaym5t1 ! employee is af=d$-- 7,a7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 & 7,b7 an opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord] n lat] ?an t5 bus9ess days foll[+ ! receipt ( su* notice2 & 7#c7 ! ,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7,a7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual responds "u p>agraph 7#b77;,b71 n lat] ?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ ! response ( ! individual2 or 7,b7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice to ! individual "u p>agraph 7#b77;,a74 7b7 ,appeal ( ord] ( ,secret>y 7#a7 ,^u ! issuance ( an ord] by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 ) respect to an individual1 ! individual %all h an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t be=e ! date t is sev5 bus9ess days aft] ! date ( su* issuance4 7#b7 ,! ,director %all make a f9al decision ) respect to an appeal "u p>agraph 7#a7 )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal4 7c7 ,appeal ( f9al decision on appeal ( ord] ,an individual may appeal a f9al decision on an appeal "u subsection 7b7 to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u section #ggja ( title #e4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gba1 z add$ by section #bjd7;b71 ! foll[+ new item3 #gbc4 ,rec\pm5t ( relocation exp5ses paid on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #gbc ( 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 #bjf4 ,"t p]iod = response to notice ( adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions ,section #gca7;a77#b77;,b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z r$esignat$ by section #ajb7;a77#b71 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 clause 7i71 by /rik+ #ad days & ins]t+ #aj days2 & 7#b7 9 clause 7ii71 by /rik+ #ad-;day p]iod & ins]t+ #aj-;day p]iod4 #bjg4 ,direct hir+ au?ority = m$ical c5t] directors & ,,visn directors 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gdja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#d7 ,directors ( m$ical c5t]s & directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks ) demon/rat$ ability 9 ! m$ical pr(ession1 9 heal? c>e adm9i/ration1 or 9 heal? c>e fiscal managem5t4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #gdjd7;a77#a7 ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ & #gdja7d7 aft] #gcjf4 #bjh4 ,"t p]iods = review ( adv]se actions ) respect to c]ta9 employees 7a7 ,physicians1 d5ti/s1 podiatri/s1 *iropractors1 optometri/s1 regi/]$ nurses1 physician assi/ants1 & exp&$-function d5tal auxili>ies ,p>agraph 7#b7 ( section #gdfa7;b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7#b7 ,9 any case o!r ?an a case describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 t involves or includes a "q ( pr(essional conduct or compet5ce 9 :i* a major adv]se action 0 n tak51 su* an appeal %all be made ?r\gh ,dep>tm5t grievance proc$ures "u section #gdfc ( ?is title4 4 7b7 ,major adv]se actions involv+ pr(essional conduct or compet5ce ,section #gdfb7;b7 ( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 9 ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a71 by ins]t+ 1 )9 ! aggregate "t p]iod specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#e77;,a71 aft] is entitl$2 7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by /rik+ ,at lea/ #cj days advance writt5 notice & ins]t+ ,advance writt5 notice2 7ii7 by /rik+ & a /atem5t & ins]t+ a /atem5t2 & 7iii7 by ins]t+ & a file conta9+ all ! evid5ce 9 support ( ea* *>ge1 aft] ) respect to ea* *>ge12 & 7,c7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by /rik+ ,a reasonable "t1 b n less ?an sev5 days & ins]t+ ,! opportunity1 )9 ! "t p]iod provid$ = 9 p>agraph 7#d77;,a72 7#b7 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#c7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new p>agraph 7#c73 7#c7 ,aft] consid]+ ! employee's answ]1 if any1 & )9 ! "t p]iod provid$ = 9 p>agraph 7#e77;,b71 ! decid+ (ficial %all r5d] a decision on ! *>ges4 ,! decision %all be 9 writ+ & %all include ! specific reasons !re=4 2 7#c7 9 p>agraph 7#d7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ subp>agraph 7,a7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new subp>agraph 7,a73 7,a7 ,! p]iod = ! response ( an employee "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 to advance writt5 "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 %all be sev5 bus9ess days4 2 & 7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by /rik+ #cj days & ins]t+ sev5 bus9ess days2 & 7#d7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraphs3 7#e7 7,a7 ,! aggregate p]iod = ! resolution ( *>ges aga9/ an employee "u ?is subsection may n exce$ #ae bus9ess days4 7,b7 ,! decid+ (ficial %all r5d] a decision "u p>agraph 7#c7 on *>ges "u ?is subsection n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,"u ,secret>y provides notice on ! *>ges = purposes ( p>agraph 7#a77;,a74 7#f7 ,! proc$ures 9 ?is subsection %all sup]s$e any collective b>ga9+ agreem5t to ! ext5t t su* agreem5t is inconsi/5t ) su* proc$ures4 4 7c7 ,o!r adv]se actions ,section #gdfc7;c7 ( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ ! same notice & opportunity to answ] ) respect to ^? *>ges z provid$ 9 subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 ( section #gdfb7;b77#a7 ( ?is title & ins]t+ notice & an opportunity to answ] ) respect to ^? *>ges 9 accordance ) subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 ( section #gdfb7;b77#a7 ( ?is title1 b )9 ! "t p]iods specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#c72 7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 9 ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a71 by ins]t+ 1 )9 ! aggregate "t p]iod specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#c77;,a71 aft] is entitl$2 7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 by /rik+ an advance writt5 notice & ins]t+ writt5 notice2 & 7,c7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by /rik+ a reasonable "t & ins]t+ "t to answ]2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph 7#c73 7#c7 7,a7 ,! aggregate p]iod = ! resolution ( *>ges aga9/ an employee "u p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 may n exce$ #ae bus9ess days4 7,b7 ,! p]iod = ! response ( an employee "u p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b77;,b7 to writt5 notice ( *>ges "u p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b77;,a71 z applicable1 %all be sev5 bus9ess days4 7,c7 ,! decid+ (ficial %all r5d] a decision on *>ges "u p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] notice is provid$ on ! *>ges = purposes ( p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b77;,a71 z applicable4 4 #bji4 ,improvem5t ( tra9+ = sup]visors 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all provide to ea* employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o is employ$ z a sup]visor p]iodic tra9+ on ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! rights ( :i/lebl[]s & h[ to address a report by an employee ( a ho/ile "w environm5t1 reprisal1 or h>assm5t4 7#b7 ,h[ to effectively motivate1 manage1 & rew>d ! employees :o report to ! sup]visor4 7#c7 ,h[ to effectively manage employees :o are p]=m+ at an unacceptable level & access assi/ance f ! human res\rces (fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t & ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel ( ! ,dep>tm5t ) respect to ^? employees4 7b7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,sup]visor ,! t]m sup]visor has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #gajc7;a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#b7 ,:i/lebl[] ,! t]m :i/lebl[] has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc7;g7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #aja4 #baj4 ,assessm5t & report on effect on s5ior executives at ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all-- 7#a7 measure & assess ! effect ( ! enactm5t ( ?is title on ! morale1 engagem5t1 hir+1 promotion1 ret5tion1 discipl9e1 & productivity ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 & 7#b7 submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! measurem5t & assessm5t c>ri$ out "u p>agraph 7#a74 7b7 ,elem5ts ,! assessm5t requir$ by subsection 7a77#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,) respect to engagem5t1 tr5ds 9 morale ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions & individuals aspir+ to s5ior executive positions4 7#b7 ,) respect to promotions-- 7,a7 :e!r ! ,dep>tm5t is exp]i5c+ an increase or decrease 9 ! numb] ( employees p>ticipat+ 9 lead]%ip developm5t & c&idate developm5t programs ) ! int5tion ( becom+ c&idates = s5ior executive positions2 & 7,b7 tr5ds 9 applications to s5ior executive positions )9 ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,) respect to ret5tion-- 7,a7 tr5ds 9 retirem5t rates ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,b7 tr5ds 9 quit rates ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,c7 rates ( transf] (-- 7i7 individuals f o!r ,f$]al ag5cies into s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 7ii7 individuals f s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t to o!r ,f$]al ag5cies2 & 7,d7 tr5ds 9 total loss rates by job function4 7#d7 ,) respect to discipl9>y processes-- 7,a7 reg>d+ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t :o are ! subject ( discipl9>y action-- 7i7 ! l5g? ( ! discipl9>y process 9 days = su* individuals bo? be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & "u ! provisions ( ?is ,act describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#a72 & 7ii7 ! ext5t to :i* appeals by su* individuals are upheld "u su* provisions z comp>$ to be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act2 7,b7 ! compon5ts or (fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t :i* exp]i5ce ! greate/ numb] ( propos$ adv]se actions aga9/ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions & compon5ts & (fices :i* exp]i5ce ! lea/ relative to ! size ( ! compon5ts or (fices' total numb] ( s5ior executive positions2 7,c7 ! t5ure ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions :o are ! subject ( discipl9>y action2 7,d7 :e!r ! individuals 9 s5ior executive positions :o are ! subject ( discipl9>y action h previ\sly be5 discipl9$2 & 7,e7 ! numb] ( in/ances ( discipl9>y action tak5 by ! ,secret>y aga9/ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t z comp>$ to gov]nm5twide discipl9e aga9/ individuals 9 ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice positions 7z def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code7 z a p]c5tage ( ! total numb] ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t & ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice positions 7z s def9$74 7#e7 ,) respect to hir+-- 7,a7 ! degree to :i* ! skills ( newly hir$ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t are appropriate ) respect to ! ne$s ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,b7 ! types ( s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t mo/ commonly fill$ "u ! au?orities 9 ! provisions describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#a72 7,c7 ! numb] ( s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t fill$ by hires outside ( ! ,dep>tm5t comp>$ to hires f )9 ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,d7 ! l5g? ( "t to fill a s5ior executive position at ! ,dep>tm5t & = a new hire to beg9 work+ 9 a new s5ior executive position2 7,e7 ! mission-critical defici5cies fill$ by newly hir$ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions & ! connection betwe5 mission-critical defici5cies fill$ "u ! provisions describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 & annual p]=mance ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,f7 ! satisfaction ( applicants = s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t ) ! hir+ process1 includ+ ! cl>ity ( job ann\ncem5ts1 reasons = )drawal ( applications1 communication reg>d+ /atus ( applications1 & timel9ess ( hir+ decision2 & 7,g7 ! satisfaction ( newly hir$ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t ) ! hir+ process & ! process ( jo9+ & becom+ ori5t$ ) ! ,dep>tm5t4 7c7 ,s5ior executive position def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m s5ior executive position has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #gac ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 #baa4 ,measurem5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs discipl9>y process outcomes & effectiv5ess 7a7 ,measur+ & collect+ 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all measure & collect in=mation on ! outcomes ( discipl9>y actions c>ri$ out by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs dur+ ! ?ree-ye> p]iod end+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & ! effectiv5ess ( su* actions4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,9 measur+ & collect+ pursuant to p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all measure & collect in=mation reg>d+ ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! av]age "t f ! initiation ( an adv]se action aga9/ an employee at ! ,dep>tm5t to ! f9al resolution ( t action4 7,b7 ,! numb] ( di/9ct /eps & levels ( review )9 ! ,dep>tm5t involv$ 9 ! discipl9>y process & ! av]age l5g? ( "t requir$ to complete ^! /eps4 7,c7 ,! rate ( use ( alt]nate discipl9>y proc$ures comp>$ to traditional discipl9>y proc$ures & ! frequ5cy ) :i* employees :o are subject to alt]native discipl9>y proc$ures commit additional (f5ses4 7,d7 ,! numb] ( appeals f adv]se actions fil$ aga9/ employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! numb] ( appeals upheld1 & ! reasons = :i* ! appeals 7 upheld4 7,e7 ,! use ( paid adm9i/rative leave dur+ ! discipl9>y process & ! l5g? ( su* leave4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an ,decemb] #ca1 #bjag1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! appropriate committees ( ,congress a report on ! discipl9>y proc$ures & actions ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,cont5ts ,! report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! in=mation collect$ "u subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! measurem5t & collection c>ri$ out "u subsection 7a74 7,c7 ,an analysis ( ! discipl9>y proc$ures & actions ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,d7 ,sugge/ions = improv+ ! discipl9>y proc$ures & actions ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,e7 ,su* o!r matt]s z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#c7 ,appropriate committees ( ,congress ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m appropriate committees ( ,congress means-- 7,a7 ! ,committee on ,appropriations & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate2 & 7,b7 ! ,committee on ,appropriations & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection ,act ( #bjag4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4,,title ,i--,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection,sec4 #aja4 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection4,sec4 #ajb4 ,protection ( :i/lebl[]s 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #ajc4 ,report on me?ods us$ to inve/igate employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,,title ,,ii--,acc\ntability ( s5ior executives1 sup]visors1 & o!r employees,sec4 #bja4 ,improv$ au?orities ( ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to improve acc\ntability ( s5ior executives4,sec4 #bjb4 ,improv$ au?orities ( ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to improve acc\ntability ( employees4,sec4 #bjc4 ,r$uction ( b5efits = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes4,sec4 #bjd4 ,au?ority to rec\p bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bje4 ,au?ority to rec\p relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #bjf4 ,"t p]iod = response to notice ( adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions4,sec4 #bjg4 ,direct hir+ au?ority = m$ical c5t] directors & ,,visn directors4,sec4 #bjh4 ,"t p]iods = review ( adv]se actions ) respect to c]ta9 employees4,sec4 #bji4 ,improvem5t ( tra9+ = sup]visors4,sec4 #baj4 ,assessm5t & report on effect on s5ior executives at ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #baa4 ,measurem5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs discipl9>y process outcomes & effectiv5ess4 ,i ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection #aja4 ,e/abli%m5t ( ,(fice ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,*apt] #c ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/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[] disclosures4 7,d7 ,ref]r+ :i/lebl[] disclosures receiv$ "u subp>agraph 7,c7 = inve/igation to ! ,(fice ( ! ,m$ical ,inspector1 ! ,(fice ( ,inspector ,g5]al1 or o!r inve/igative entity1 z appropriate1 if ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y has reason to believe ! :i/lebl[] disclosure is evid5ce ( a violation ( a provision ( law1 mismanagem5t1 gross wa/e ( funds1 abuse ( au?ority1 or a sub/antial & specific dang] to public heal? or safety4 7,e7 ,receiv+ & ref]r+ disclosures f ! ,special ,c\nsel = inve/igation to ! ,m$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[] disclosures1 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 employee1 if ! allegation involves retaliation aga9/ an employee = mak+ a :i/lebl[] disclosure4 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[] disclosures4 7#c7 ,9 any case 9 :i* ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y receives a :i/lebl[] disclosure 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$]al law4 7d7 ,/aff & res\rces ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y has su* /aff1 res\rces1 & access to in=mation z may be necess>y to c>ry out ! functions ( ! ,(fice4 7e7 ,relation to ,(fice ( ,g5]al ,c\nsel ,! ,(fice %all n be e/abli%$ z an elem5t ( ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel & ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y may n report to ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel4 7f7 ,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 7g7 ,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[] disclosure4 7#c7 ,! t]m :i/lebl[] disclosure 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 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 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 #ajb4 ,protection ( :i/lebl[]s 9 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,ii ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by-- 7#a7 /rik+ sections #gca1 #gcb1 #gcd1 #gce1 & #gcf2 7#b7 by r$esignat+ section #gcc z section #gca2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new sections3 #gcb4 ,protection ( :i/lebl[]s z crit]ia 9 evaluation ( sup]visors 7a7 ,developm5t & use ( crit]ia requir$ ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection1 %all develop crit]ia t-- 7#a7 ! ,secret>y %all use z a critical elem5t 9 any evaluation ( ! p]=mance ( a sup]visory employee2 & 7#b7 promotes ! protection ( :i/lebl[]s4 7b7 ,pr9ciples = protection ( :i/lebl[]s ,! crit]ia requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include pr9ciples = ! protection ( :i/lebl[]s1 su* z ! degree to :i* sup]visory employees respond con/ructively :5 employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t report conc]ns1 take responsible action to resolve su* conc]ns1 & fo/] an environm5t 9 :i* employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t feel com=table report+ conc]ns to sup]visory employees or to ! appropriate au?orities4 7c7 ,sup]visory employee & :i/lebl[] def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]ms sup]visory employee & :i/lebl[] h ! mean+s giv5 su* t]ms 9 section #cbc ( ?is title4 #gcc4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] disclosures 7a7 ,tra9+ ,n less frequ5tly ?an once e two ye>s1 ! ,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 provide to ea* employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] disclosures1 includ+-- 7#a7 an explanation ( ea* me?od e/abli%$ by law 9 :i* an employee may file a :i/lebl[] disclosure2 7#b7 ! "r ( ! employee to petition ,congress reg>d+ a :i/lebl[] disclosure 9 accordance ) section #gbaa ( title #e2 7#c7 an explanation t ! employee may n be prosecut$ or repris$ aga9/ = disclos+ in=mation to ,congress1 ! ,inspector ,g5]al1 or ano!r inve/igatory ag5cy 9 in/ances :]e su* disclosure is p]mitt$ by law1 includ+ "u sections #egja1 #egje1 & #ggcb ( ?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#d7 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#e7 ! "r ( contractors to be protect$ f reprisal = ! disclosure ( c]ta9 in=mation "u section #dgje or #dgab ( title #da4 7b7 ,mann] tra9+ is provid$ ,! ,secret>y %all ensure1 to ! maximum ext5t practicable1 t tra9+ provid$ "u subsection 7a7 is provid$ 9 p]son4 7c7 ,c]tification ,n less frequ5tly ?an once e two ye>s1 ! ,secret>y %all provide tra9+ on m]it sy/em protection 9 a mann] t ! ,special ,c\nsel c]tifies z be+ satisfactory4 7d7 ,publication ,! ,secret>y %all publi% on ! ,int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 & display prom95tly at ea* facility ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! rights ( an employee to make a :i/lebl[] disclosure1 includ+ ! in=mation describ$ 9 p>agraphs 7#a7 ?r\gh 7#e7 ( subsection 7a74 7e7 ,:i/lebl[] disclosure def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] disclosure has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc ( ?is title4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5ts ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+ ! items relat+ to sections #gca ?r\gh #gcf2 & 7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new items3 #gca4 ,adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions relat+ to :i/lebl[] compla9ts4#gcb4 ,protection ( :i/lebl[]s z crit]ia 9 evaluation ( sup]visors4#gcc4 ,tra9+ reg>d+ :i/lebl[] disclosures4 4 7c7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts ,section #gca ( su* title1 z r$esignat$ by subsection 7a77#b71 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7c7-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#a7-- 7i7 by /rik+ subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3 7,a7 mak+ a :i/lebl[] disclosure to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection1 ! ,inspector ,g5]al ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,special ,c\nsel1 or ,congress2 2 & 7ii7 by r$esignat+ subp>agraphs 7,c7 ?r\gh 7,f7 z subp>agraphs 7,b7 ?r\gh 7,e71 respectively2 & 7iii7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 z r$esignat$ by clause 7ii71 by /rik+ compla9t 9 accordance ) section #gcb or ) & ins]t+ disclosure made to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection12 & 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by /rik+ ?r\gh 7,f7 & ins]t+ ?r\gh 7,e72 & 7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subsection3 7d7 ,:i/lebl[] disclosure def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] disclosure has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc7;g7 ( ?is title4 4 #ajc4 ,report on me?ods us$ to inve/igate employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,report requir$ ,n lat] ?an #edj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection %all submit to ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs1 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate1 & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on me?ods us$ to inve/igate employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & :e!r su* me?ods are us$ to retaliate aga9/ :i/lebl[]s4 7b7 ,cont5ts ,! report requir$ by subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,an assessm5t ( ! use ( adm9i/rative inve/igation bo>ds1 pe] review1 se>*es ( m$ical records1 & o!r me?ods = inve/igat+ employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,a det]m9ation ( :e!r & to :at degree ! me?ods describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 are be+ us$ to retaliate aga9/ :i/lebl[]s4 7#c7 ,recomm5dations = legislative or adm9i/rative action to implem5t safegu>ds to prev5t ! retaliation describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#b74 7c7 ,:i/lebl[] def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m :i/lebl[] has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #aja4 ,,ii ,acc\ntability ( s5ior executives1 sup]visors1 & o!r employees #bja4 ,improv$ au?orities ( ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to improve acc\ntability ( s5ior executives 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gac ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 #gac4 ,s5ior executives3 removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,au?ority 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may1 z provid$ 9 ?is section1 reprim& or susp5d1 involunt>ily reassign1 demote1 or remove a cov]$ individual f a s5ior executive position at ! ,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! misconduct or p]=mance ( ! cov]$ individual w>rants su* action4 7#b7 ,if ! ,secret>y s removes su* an individual1 ! ,secret>y may remove ! individual f ! civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9 section #baja ( title #e74 7b7 ,rights & proc$ures 7#a7 ,a cov]$ individual :o is ! subject ( an action "u subsection 7a7 is entitl$ to-- 7,a7 advance notice ( ! action & a file conta9+ all evid5ce 9 support ( ! propos$ action2 7,b7 be repres5t$ by an attorney or o!r repres5tative ( ! cov]$ individual's *oice2 & 7,c7 grieve ! action 9 accordance ) an int]nal grievance process t ! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection1 %all e/abli% = purposes ( ?is subsection4 7#b7 7,a7 ,! aggregate p]iod = notice1 response1 & decision on an action "u subsection 7a7 may n exce$ #ae bus9ess days4 7,b7 ,! p]iod = ! response ( a cov]$ individual to a notice "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 ( an action "u subsection 7a7 %all be #g bus9ess days4 7,c7 ,a decision "u ?is p>agraph on an action "u subsection 7a7 %all be issu$ n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] notice ( ! action is provid$ to ! cov]$ individual "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a74 ,! decision %all be 9 writ+1 & %all include ! specific reasons !re=4 7#c7 ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! grievance process e/abli%$ "u p>agraph 7#a77;,c7 takes few] ?an #ba days4 7#d7 ,a decision "u p>agraph 7#b7 t is n griev$1 & a grievance decision "u p>agraph 7#c71 %all be f9al & conclusive4 7#e7 ,a cov]$ individual adv]sely affect$ by a decision "u p>agraph 7#b7 t is n griev$1 or by a grievance decision "u p>agraph 7#c71 may obta9 judicial review ( su* decision4 7#f7 ,9 any case 9 :i* judicial review is s\ght "u p>agraph 7#e71 ! c\rt %all review ! record & may set aside any ,dep>tm5t action f\nd to be-- 7,a7 arbitr>y1 caprici\s1 an abuse ( discretion1 or o!rwise n 9 accordance ) a provision ( law2 7,b7 obta9$ )\t proc$ures requir$ by a provision ( law hav+ be5 foll[$2 or 7,c7 unsupport$ by sub/antial evid5ce4 7c7 ,relation to o!r provisions ( law ,section #ceib7;b77#a7 ( title #e & ! proc$ures "u section #gedc7;b7 ( su* title d n apply to an action "u subsection 7a74 7d7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ individual means-- 7,a7 a c>e] appo9tee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a77#d7 ( title #e72 or 7,b7 any individual :o occupies an adm9i/rative or executive position & :o 0 appo9t$ "u section #gcjf7;a71 section #gdja7a71 or section #gdja7d7 ( ?is title4 7#b7 ,! t]m misconduct includes neglect ( duty1 malfeasance1 or failure to accept a direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a position 9 a transf] ( function4 7#c7 ,! t]m s5ior executive position means-- 7,a7 ) respect to a c>e] appo9tee 7z t t]m is def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e71 a ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice position 7z su* t]m is def9$ 9 su* section72 & 7,b7 ) respect to a cov]$ individual appo9t$ "u section #gcjf7;a7 or section #gdja7a7 ( ?is title1 an adm9i/rative or executive position4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5t ,section #gdfa7;c77#a7 ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ employees 9 s5ior executive positions 7z def9$ 9 section #gac7;d7 ( ?is title7 & be=e int]ns4 7c7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( su* title is am5d$ by /rik+ ! item relat+ to section #gac & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new item3 #gac4 ,s5ior executives3 removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 4 #bjb4 ,improv$ au?orities ( ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to improve acc\ntability ( employees 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] section #gac ! foll[+ new section3 #gad4 ,employees3 removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct 7a7 ,9 g5]al 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may remove1 demote1 or susp5d a cov]$ individual :o is an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t if ! ,secret>y det]m9es ! p]=mance or misconduct ( ! cov]$ individual w>rants su* removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion4 7#b7 ,if ! ,secret>y s removes1 demotes1 or susp5ds su* a cov]$ individual1 ! ,secret>y may-- 7,a7 remove ! cov]$ individual f ! civil s]vice 7z def9$ 9 section #baja ( title #e72 7,b7 demote ! cov]$ individual by means ( a r$uction 9 grade = :i* ! cov]$ individual is qualifi$1 t ! ,secret>y det]m9es is appropriate1 & t r$uces ! annual rate ( pay ( ! cov]$ individual2 or 7,c7 susp5d ! cov]$ individual4 7b7 ,pay ( c]ta9 demot$ individuals 7#a7 ,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 any cov]$ individual subject to a demotion "u subsection 7a77#b7 %all1 beg9n+ on ! date ( su* demotion1 receive ! annual rate ( pay applicable to su* grade4 7#b7 7,a7 ,a cov]$ individual s demot$ may n be plac$ on adm9i/rative leave dur+ ! p]iod dur+ :i* an appeal 7if any7 "u ?is section is ongo+1 & may only receive pay if ! cov]$ individual reports = duty or is approv$ to use accru$ unus$ annual1 sick1 family m$ical1 milit>y1 or c\rt leave4 7,b7 ,if a cov]$ individual s demot$ does n report = duty or receive approval to use accru$ unus$ leave1 su* cov]$ individual %all n receive pay or o!r b5efits pursuant to subsection 7d77#e74 7c7 ,proc$ure 7#a7 7,a7 ,! aggregate p]iod = notice1 response1 & f9al decision 9 a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section may n exce$ #ae bus9ess days4 7,b7 ,! p]iod = ! response ( a cov]$ individual to a notice ( a propos$ removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section %all be #g bus9ess days4 7,c7 ,p>agraph 7#c7 ( subsection 7b7 ( section #geac ( title #e %all apply ) respect to a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section4 7,d7 ,! proc$ures 9 ?is subsection %all sup]s$e any collective b>ga9+ agreem5t to ! ext5t t su* agreem5t is inconsi/5t ) su* proc$ures4 7#b7 ,! ,secret>y %all issue a f9al decision ) respect to a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice1 includ+ a file conta9+ all ! evid5ce 9 support ( ! propos$ action1 to ! cov]$ individual ( ! removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion4 ,! decision %all be 9 writ+ & %all include ! specific reasons !re=4 7#c7 ,! proc$ures "u *apt] #dc ( title #e %all n apply to a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion "u ?is section4 7#d7 7,a7 ,subject to subp>agraph 7,b7 & subsection 7d71 any removal or demotion "u ?is section1 & any susp5sion ( m ?an #ad days "u ?is section1 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d1 :i* %all ref] su* appeal to an adm9i/rative judge pursuant to section #ggja7;b77#a7 ( title #e4 7,b7 ,an appeal "u subp>agraph 7,a7 ( a removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion may only be made if su* appeal is made n lat] ?an #aj bus9ess days aft] ! date ( su* removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion4 7d7 ,exp$it$ review 7#a7 ,^u receipt ( an appeal "u subsection 7c77#d77;,a71 ! adm9i/rative judge %all exp$ite any su* appeal "u section #ggja7;b77#a7 ( title #e &1 9 any su* case1 %all issue a f9al & complete decision n lat] ?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( ! appeal4 7#b7 7,a7 ,not)/&+ section #ggja7;c77#a77;,b7 ( title #e1 ! adm9i/rative judge %all uphold ! decision ( ! ,secret>y to remove1 demote1 or susp5d an employee "u subsection 7a7 if ! decision is support$ by sub/antial evid5ce4 7,b7 ,not)/&+ title #e or any o!r provision ( law1 if ! decision ( ! ,secret>y is support$ by sub/antial evid5ce1 ! adm9i/rative judge %all n mitigate ! p5alty prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#c7 7,a7 ,! decision ( ! adm9i/rative judge "u p>agraph 7#a7 may be appeal$ to ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d4 7,b7 ,not)/&+ section #ggja7;c77#a77;,b7 ( title #e1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all uphold ! decision ( ! ,secret>y to remove1 demote1 or susp5d an employee "u subsection 7a7 if ! decision is support$ by sub/antial evid5ce4 7,c7 ,not)/&+ title #e or any o!r provision ( law1 if ! decision ( ! ,secret>y is support$ by sub/antial evid5ce1 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all n mitigate ! p5alty prescrib$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#d7 ,9 any case 9 :i* ! adm9i/rative judge _c issue a decision 9 accordance ) ! #ahj-;day requirem5t "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d %all1 n lat] ?an #ad bus9ess days aft] ! expiration ( ! #ahj-;day p]iod1 submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report t expla9s ! reasons :y a decision 0 n issu$ 9 accordance ) su* requirem5t4 7#e7 7,a7 ,a decision ( ! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d "u p>agraph 7#c7 may be appeal$ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,f$]al ,circuit pursuant to section #ggjc ( title #e or to any c\rt ( appeals ( compet5t jurisdiction pursuant to subsection 7b77#a77;,b7 ( su* section4 7,b7 ,any decision by su* ,c\rt %all be 9 compliance ) section #gdfb7;f77#b7 ( ?is title4 7#f7 ,! ,m]it ,sy/ems ,protection ,bo>d may n /ay any removal or demotion "u ?is section1 except z provid$ 9 section #abad7;b7 ( title #e4 7#g7 ,dur+ ! p]iod beg9n+ on ! date on :i* a cov]$ individual appeals a removal f ! civil s]vice "u subsection 7c7 & end+ on ! date t ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,f$]al ,circuit issues a f9al decision on su* appeal1 su* cov]$ individual may n receive any pay1 aw>ds1 bonuses1 inc5tives1 all[ances1 diff]5tials1 /ud5t loan repaym5ts1 special paym5ts1 or b5efits relat$ to ! employm5t ( ! individual by ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#h7 ,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$4 7#i7 ,if an employee prevails on appeal "u ?is section1 ! employee %all be entitl$ to backpay 7z provid$ 9 section #eeif ( title #e74 7#aj7 ,if an employee :o is subject to a collective b>ga9+ agreem5t *ooses to grieve an action tak5 "u ?is section ?r\gh a grievance proc$ure provid$ "u ! collective b>ga9+ agreem5t1 ! timel9es & proc$ures set =? 9 subsection 7c7 & ?is subsection %all apply4 7e7 ,:i/lebl[] protection 7#a7 ,9 ! case ( a cov]$ 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 remove1 demote1 or susp5d su* cov]$ individual "u subsection 7a7 )\t ! approval ( ! ,special ,c\nsel "u section #abad7;f7 ( title #e4 7#b7 ,9 ! case ( a cov]$ individual :o has made a :i/lebl[] disclosure to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acc\ntability & ,:i/lebl[] ,protection1 ! ,secret>y may n remove1 demote1 or susp5d su* cov]$ individual "u subsection 7a7 until-- 7,a7 9 ! case 9 :i* ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y det]m9es to ref] ! :i/lebl[] disclosure "u section #cbc7;c77#a77;,d7 ( ?is title to an (fice or o!r inve/igative entity1 a f9al decision ) respect to ! :i/lebl[] disclosure has be5 made by su* (fice or o!r inve/igative entity2 or 7,b7 9 ! case 9 :i* ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y det]m9es n to ! ref] ! :i/lebl[] disclosure "u su* section1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y makes su* det]m9ation4 7f7 ,t]m9ation ( inve/igations by ,(fice ( ,special ,c\nsel 7#a7 ,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 7#b7 ,su* /atem5t may n be admissible z evid5ce 9 any judicial or adm9i/rative proce$+ )\t ! cons5t ( su* employee or =m] employee4 7g7 ,vacancies ,9 ! case ( a cov]$ individual :o is remov$ or demot$ "u subsection 7a71 to ! maximum ext5t feasible1 ! ,secret>y %all fill ! vacancy aris+ z a result ( su* removal or demotion4 7h7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m cov]$ individual means an individual occupy+ a position at ! ,dep>tm5t1 b does n include-- 7,a7 an individual occupy+ a s5ior executive position 7z def9$ 9 section #gac7;d7 ( ?is title72 7,b7 an individual appo9t$ pursuant to sections #gcjf1 #gdja7a71 #gdja7d71 or #gdje ( ?is title2 7,c7 an individual :o has n complet$ a probation>y or trial p]iod2 or 7,d7 a political appo9tee4 7#b7 ,! t]m susp5d means ! plac+ ( an employee1 = discipl9>y reasons1 9 a tempor>y /atus )\t duties & pay = a p]iod 9 excess ( #ad days4 7#c7 ,! t]m grade has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #geaa7;a7 ( title #e4 7#d7 ,! t]m misconduct includes neglect ( duty1 malfeasance1 or failure to accept a direct$ reassignm5t or to accompany a position 9 a transf] ( function4 7#e7 ,! 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*$ule ,c ( subp>t ,c ( "p #bac ( title #e1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations1 or successor regulation4 7#f7 ,! t]m :i/lebl[] disclosure has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc7;g7 ( ?is title4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical & con=m+ am5dm5ts 7#a7 ,cl]ical ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gac ! foll[+ new item3 #gad4 ,employees3 removal1 demotion1 or susp5sion bas$ on p]=mance or misconduct4 4 7#b7 ,con=m+ ,section #dcjc7;f7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$-- 7,a7 9 p>agraph 7#b71 by /rik+ or at ! end2 7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#c71 by /rik+ ! p]iod at ! end & ins]t+ 1 or2 & 7,c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 7#d7 any removal or demotion "u section #gad ( title #ch4 4 #bjc4 ,r$uction ( b5efits = ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs employees convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( b5efits 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gai4 ,r$uction ( b5efits ( employees convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes 7a7 ,r$uction ( annuity = remov$ employee 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t remov$ f a position = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gac1 #gad1 or #gdfa ( ?is title 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 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t ! individual is convict$ ( a felony 7& ! conviction is f9al7 t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! position2 & 7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 & 7ii7 an opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord] by n lat] ?an t5 bus9ess days foll[+ receipt ( su* notice2 & 7,c7 ! ,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7i7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual responds "u subp>agraph 7,b77ii71 n lat] ?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ ! response ( ! individual2 or 7ii7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice to ! individual "u subp>agraph 7,b77i74 7#b7 ,any individual ) respect to :om an annuity is r$uc$ "u ?is subsection may appeal ! r$uction to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t pursuant to su* regulations z ! ,director may prescribe = purposes ( ?is subsection4 7b7 ,r$uction ( annuity = retir$ employee 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y may ord] t ! cov]$ s]vice ( an individual :o ! ,secret>y proposes to remove = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gac1 #gad1 or #gdfa ( ?is title 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 ! ,secret>y det]m9es t individual is convict$ ( a felony 7& ! conviction is f9al7 t influ5c$ ! individual's p]=mance :ile employ$ 9 ! position2 & 7,b7 be=e su* ord] is made1 ! individual is af=d$-- 7i7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 7ii7 opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord] by n lat] ?an t5 bus9ess days foll[+ receipt ( su* notice2 & 7,c7 ! ,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7i7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual responds "u subp>agraph 7,b77ii71 n lat] ?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ ! response ( ! individual2 or 7ii7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice to ! individual "u subp>agraph 7,b77i74 7#b7 ,^u ! issuance ( an ord] by ! ,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! individual %all h an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t be=e ! date t is sev5 bus9ess days aft] ! date ( su* issuance4 7#c7 ,! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t %all make a f9al decision ) respect to an appeal "u p>agraph 7#b7 )9 #cj bus9ess days ( receiv+ ! appeal4 7c7 ,adm9i/rative requirem5ts ,n lat] ?an #cg bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y issues a f9al ord] "u subsection 7a7 or 7b7 ) respect to an individual1 ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t %all recalculate ! annuity ( ! individual4 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 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y1 9 consultation ) ! ,director ( ! ,(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 7#b7 ,regulations prescrib$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %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 = p]=mance or misconduct "u section #gai or #gdfa ( ?is title 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$ f or leaves a position ( employm5t at ! ,dep>tm5t prior to ! issuance ( a f9al decision ) respect to su* action4 7#b7 ,! t]m lump-sum cr$it has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7h7 or section #hdja7ai7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 7#c7 ,! t]m s]vice has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #hcca7ab7 or section #hdja7bf7 ( title #e1 z ! case may be4 4 7#b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #g ( su* title is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gag ! foll[+ new item3 #gai4 ,r$uction ( b5efits ( employees convict$ ( c]ta9 crimes4 4 7b7 ,application ,section #gai ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a77#a71 %all apply to any action ( removal ( an employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs "u section #gai or #gdfa ( su* title or any o!r provision ( law1 comm5c+ on or aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act4 #bjd4 ,au?ority to rec\p bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #bjc1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gba4 ,rec\pm5t ( bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,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 t ! individual engag$ 9 misconduct or poor p]=mance prior to paym5t ( ! aw>d or bonus1 & t su* aw>d or bonus w\ld n h be5 paid1 9 :ole or 9 "p1 _h ! misconduct or poor p]=mance be5 kn[n prior to paym5t2 & 7#b7 be=e su* repaym5t1 ! employee is af=d$-- 7,a7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 & 7,b7 an opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord] by n lat] ?an #aj bus9ess days aft] ! receipt ( su* notice2 & 7#c7 ! ,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7,a7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual responds "u p>agraph 7#b77;,b71 n lat] ?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ ! response ( ! individual2 or 7,b7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice to ! individual "u p>agraph 7#b77;,a74 7b7 ,appeal ( ord] ( ,secret>y 7#a7 ,^u ! issuance ( an ord] by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 ) respect to an individual1 ! individual %all h an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t be=e ! date t is sev5 bus9ess days aft] ! date ( su* issuance4 7#b7 ,! ,director %all make a f9al decision ) respect to an appeal "u p>agraph 7#a7 )9 #cj bus9ess days aft] receiv+ su* appeal4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt]1 z am5d$ by section #bjc7;a77#b71 is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gai ! foll[+ new item3 #gba4 ,rec\pm5t ( bonuses or aw>ds paid to employees ( ,dep>tm5t4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #gba ( 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 #bje4 ,au?ority to rec\p relocation exp5ses paid to or on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,i ( *apt] #g ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z am5d$ by section #bjd1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #gbc4 ,rec\pm5t ( relocation exp5ses paid on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,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 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 relocation exp5ses 7 paid foll[+ an act ( fraud or malfeasance t influ5c$ ! au?orization ( ! relocation exp5ses2 7#b7 be=e su* repaym5t1 ! employee is af=d$-- 7,a7 notice ( ! propos$ ord]2 & 7,b7 an opportunity to respond to ! propos$ ord] n lat] ?an t5 bus9ess days foll[+ ! receipt ( su* notice2 & 7#c7 ! ,secret>y issues ! ord]-- 7,a7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual responds "u p>agraph 7#b77;,b71 n lat] ?an five bus9ess days aft] receiv+ ! response ( ! individual2 or 7,b7 9 ! case ( a propos$ ord] to :i* an individual does n respond1 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,secret>y provides notice to ! individual "u p>agraph 7#b77;,a74 7b7 ,appeal ( ord] ( ,secret>y 7#a7 ,^u ! issuance ( an ord] by ! ,secret>y "u subsection 7a7 ) respect to an individual1 ! individual %all h an opportunity to appeal ! ord] to ! ,director ( ! ,(fice ( ,p]sonnel ,managem5t be=e ! date t is sev5 bus9ess days aft] ! date ( su* issuance4 7#b7 ,! ,director %all make a f9al decision ) respect to an appeal "u p>agraph 7#a7 )9 #cj days aft] receiv+ su* appeal4 4 7b7 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( su* *apt] is fur!r am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] ! item relat+ to section #gba1 z add$ by section #bjd7;b71 ! foll[+ new item3 #gbc4 ,rec\pm5t ( relocation exp5ses paid on behalf ( employees ( ,dep>tm5t4 4 7c7 ,effective date ,section #gbc ( 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 #bjf4 ,"t p]iod = response to notice ( adv]se actions aga9/ sup]visory employees :o commit prohibit$ p]sonnel actions ,section #gca7;a77#b77;,b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z r$esignat$ by section #ajb7;a77#b71 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 clause 7i71 by /rik+ #ad days & ins]t+ #aj days2 & 7#b7 9 clause 7ii71 by /rik+ #ad-;day p]iod & ins]t+ #aj-;day p]iod4 #bjg4 ,direct hir+ au?ority = m$ical c5t] directors & ,,visn directors 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,section #gdja ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#d7 ,directors ( m$ical c5t]s & directors ( ,vet]ans ,integrat$ ,s]vice ,networks ) demon/rat$ ability 9 ! m$ical pr(ession1 9 heal? c>e adm9i/ration1 or 9 heal? c>e fiscal managem5t4 4 7b7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts ,section #gdjd7;a77#a7 ( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 by ins]t+ 7,a7 be=e ,! annual2 & 7#b7 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 z designat$ by p>agraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by ins]t+ & #gdja7d7 aft] #gcjf2 & 7,b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new subp>agraph3 7,b7 ,section #ecgg ( title #e %all apply to a position "u section #gdja7d7 ( ?is title z if su* position 7 includ$ 9 ! def9ition ( position 9 section #ecgg7;a7 ( title #e4 4 #bjh4 ,"t p]iods = review ( adv]se actions ) respect to c]ta9 employees 7a7 ,physicians1 d5ti/s1 podiatri/s1 *iropractors1 optometri/s1 regi/]$ nurses1 physician assi/ants1 & exp&$-function d5tal auxili>ies ,p>agraph 7#b7 ( section #gdfa7;b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ to read z foll[s3 7#b7 ,9 any case o!r ?an a case describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 t involves or includes a "q ( pr(essional conduct or compet5ce 9 :i* a major adv]se action 0 n tak51 su* an appeal %all be made ?r\gh ,dep>tm5t grievance proc$ures "u section #gdfc ( ?is title4 4 7b7 ,major adv]se actions involv+ pr(essional conduct or compet5ce ,section #gdfb7;b7 ( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 9 ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a71 by ins]t+ 1 )9 ! aggregate "t p]iod specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#e77;,a71 aft] is entitl$2 7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,a7-- 7i7 by /rik+ ,at lea/ #cj days advance writt5 notice & ins]t+ ,advance writt5 notice2 7ii7 by /rik+ & a /atem5t & ins]t+ a /atem5t2 & 7iii7 by ins]t+ & a file conta9+ all ! evid5ce 9 support ( ea* *>ge1 aft] ) respect to ea* *>ge12 & 7,c7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by /rik+ ,a reasonable "t1 b n less ?an sev5 days & ins]t+ ,! opportunity1 )9 ! "t p]iod provid$ = 9 p>agraph 7#d77;,a72 7#b7 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#c7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new p>agraph 7#c73 7#c7 ,aft] consid]+ ! employee's answ]1 if any1 & )9 ! "t p]iod provid$ = 9 p>agraph 7#e77;,b71 ! decid+ (ficial %all r5d] a decision on ! *>ges4 ,! decision %all be 9 writ+ & %all include ! specific reasons !re=4 2 7#c7 9 p>agraph 7#d7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ subp>agraph 7,a7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+ new subp>agraph 7,a73 7,a7 ,! p]iod = ! response ( an employee "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b7 to advance writt5 "u p>agraph 7#a77;,a7 %all be sev5 bus9ess days4 2 & 7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by /rik+ #cj days & ins]t+ sev5 bus9ess days2 & 7#d7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraphs3 7#e7 7,a7 ,! aggregate p]iod = ! resolution ( *>ges aga9/ an employee "u ?is subsection may n exce$ #ae bus9ess days4 7,b7 ,! decid+ (ficial %all r5d] a decision "u p>agraph 7#c7 on *>ges "u ?is subsection n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] ! ,"u ,secret>y provides notice on ! *>ges = purposes ( p>agraph 7#a77;,a74 7#f7 ,! proc$ures 9 ?is subsection %all sup]s$e any collective b>ga9+ agreem5t to ! ext5t t su* agreem5t is inconsi/5t ) su* proc$ures4 4 7c7 ,o!r adv]se actions ,section #gdfc7;c7 ( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ ! same notice & opportunity to answ] ) respect to ^? *>ges z provid$ 9 subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 ( section #gdfb7;b77#a7 ( ?is title & ins]t+ notice & an opportunity to answ] ) respect to ^? *>ges 9 accordance ) subp>agraphs 7,a7 & 7,b7 ( section #gdfb7;b77#a7 ( ?is title1 b )9 ! "t p]iods specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#c72 7#b7 9 p>agraph 7#b7-- 7,a7 9 ! matt] prec$+ subp>agraph 7,a71 by ins]t+ 1 )9 ! aggregate "t p]iod specifi$ 9 p>agraph 7#c77;,a71 aft] is entitl$2 7,b7 9 subp>agraph 7,a71 by /rik+ an advance writt5 notice & ins]t+ writt5 notice2 & 7,c7 9 subp>agraph 7,b71 by /rik+ a reasonable "t & ins]t+ "t to answ]2 & 7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph 7#c73 7#c7 7,a7 ,! aggregate p]iod = ! resolution ( *>ges aga9/ an employee "u p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 may n exce$ #ae bus9ess days4 7,b7 ,! p]iod = ! response ( an employee "u p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b77;,b7 to writt5 notice ( *>ges "u p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b77;,a71 z applicable1 %all be sev5 bus9ess days4 7,c7 ,! decid+ (ficial %all r5d] a decision on *>ges "u p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b7 n lat] ?an #ae bus9ess days aft] notice is provid$ on ! *>ges = purposes ( p>agraph 7#a7 or 7#b77;,a71 z applicable4 4 #bji4 ,improvem5t ( tra9+ = sup]visors 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all provide to ea* employee ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs :o is employ$ z a sup]visor p]iodic tra9+ on ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! rights ( :i/lebl[]s & h[ to address a report by an employee ( a ho/ile "w environm5t1 reprisal1 or h>assm5t4 7#b7 ,h[ to effectively motivate1 manage1 & rew>d ! employees :o report to ! sup]visor4 7#c7 ,h[ to effectively manage employees :o are p]=m+ at an unacceptable level & access assi/ance f ! human res\rces (fice ( ! ,dep>tm5t & ! ,(fice ( ! ,g5]al ,c\nsel ( ! ,dep>tm5t ) respect to ^? employees4 7b7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,sup]visor ,! t]m sup]visor has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #gajc7;a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#b7 ,:i/lebl[] ,! t]m :i/lebl[] has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #cbc7;g7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #aja4 #baj4 ,assessm5t & report on effect on s5ior executives at ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an two ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all-- 7#a7 measure & assess ! effect ( ! enactm5t ( ?is title on ! morale1 engagem5t1 hir+1 promotion1 ret5tion1 discipl9e1 & productivity ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs2 & 7#b7 submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! measurem5t & assessm5t c>ri$ out "u p>agraph 7#a74 7b7 ,elem5ts ,! assessm5t requir$ by subsection 7a77#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,) respect to engagem5t1 tr5ds 9 morale ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions & individuals aspir+ to s5ior executive positions4 7#b7 ,) respect to promotions-- 7,a7 :e!r ! ,dep>tm5t is exp]i5c+ an increase or decrease 9 ! numb] ( employees p>ticipat+ 9 lead]%ip developm5t & c&idate developm5t programs ) ! int5tion ( becom+ c&idates = s5ior executive positions2 & 7,b7 tr5ds 9 applications to s5ior executive positions )9 ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,) respect to ret5tion-- 7,a7 tr5ds 9 retirem5t rates ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,b7 tr5ds 9 quit rates ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,c7 rates ( transf] (-- 7i7 individuals f o!r ,f$]al ag5cies into s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t2 & 7ii7 individuals f s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t to o!r ,f$]al ag5cies2 & 7,d7 tr5ds 9 total loss rates by job function4 7#d7 ,) respect to discipl9>y processes-- 7,a7 reg>d+ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t :o are ! subject ( discipl9>y action-- 7i7 ! l5g? ( ! discipl9>y process 9 days = su* individuals bo? be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & "u ! provisions ( ?is ,act describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#a72 & 7ii7 ! ext5t to :i* appeals by su* individuals are upheld "u su* provisions z comp>$ to be=e ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act2 7,b7 ! compon5ts or (fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t :i* exp]i5ce ! greate/ numb] ( propos$ adv]se actions aga9/ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions & compon5ts & (fices :i* exp]i5ce ! lea/ relative to ! size ( ! compon5ts or (fices' total numb] ( s5ior executive positions2 7,c7 ! t5ure ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions :o are ! subject ( discipl9>y action2 7,d7 :e!r ! individuals 9 s5ior executive positions :o are ! subject ( discipl9>y action h previ\sly be5 discipl9$2 & 7,e7 ! numb] ( in/ances ( discipl9>y action tak5 by ! ,secret>y aga9/ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t z comp>$ to gov]nm5twide discipl9e aga9/ individuals 9 ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice positions 7z def9$ 9 section #cacb7;a7 ( title #e1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code7 z a p]c5tage ( ! total numb] ( individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t & ,s5ior ,executive ,s]vice positions 7z s def9$74 7#e7 ,) respect to hir+-- 7,a7 ! degree to :i* ! skills ( newly hir$ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t are appropriate ) respect to ! ne$s ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,b7 ! types ( s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t mo/ commonly fill$ "u ! au?orities 9 ! provisions describ$ 9 subsection 7a77#a72 7,c7 ! numb] ( s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t fill$ by hires outside ( ! ,dep>tm5t comp>$ to hires f )9 ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,d7 ! l5g? ( "t to fill a s5ior executive position at ! ,dep>tm5t & = a new hire to beg9 work+ 9 a new s5ior executive position2 7,e7 ! mission-critical defici5cies fill$ by newly hir$ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions & ! connection betwe5 mission-critical defici5cies fill$ "u ! provisions describ$ 9 subsection 7a7 & annual p]=mance ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7,f7 ! satisfaction ( applicants = s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t ) ! hir+ process1 includ+ ! cl>ity ( job ann\ncem5ts1 reasons = )drawal ( applications1 communication reg>d+ /atus ( applications1 & timel9ess ( hir+ decision2 & 7,g7 ! satisfaction ( newly hir$ individuals 9 s5ior executive positions at ! ,dep>tm5t ) ! hir+ process & ! process ( jo9+ & becom+ ori5t$ ) ! ,dep>tm5t4 7c7 ,s5ior executive position def9$ ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m s5ior executive position has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #gac ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 #baa4 ,measurem5t ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs discipl9>y process outcomes & effectiv5ess 7a7 ,measur+ & collect+ 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all measure & collect in=mation on ! outcomes ( discipl9>y actions c>ri$ out by ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs dur+ ! ?ree-ye> p]iod end+ on ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act & ! effectiv5ess ( su* actions4 7#b7 ,elem5ts ,9 measur+ & collect+ pursuant to p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,secret>y %all measure & collect in=mation reg>d+ ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! av]age "t f ! initiation ( an adv]se action aga9/ an employee at ! ,dep>tm5t to ! f9al resolution ( t action4 7,b7 ,! numb] ( di/9ct /eps & levels ( review )9 ! ,dep>tm5t involv$ 9 ! discipl9>y process & ! av]age l5g? ( "t requir$ to complete ^! /eps4 7,c7 ,! rate ( use ( alt]nate discipl9>y proc$ures comp>$ to traditional discipl9>y proc$ures & ! frequ5cy ) :i* employees :o are subject to alt]native discipl9>y proc$ures commit additional (f5ses4 7,d7 ,! numb] ( appeals f adv]se actions fil$ aga9/ employees ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! numb] ( appeals upheld1 & ! reasons = :i* ! appeals 7 upheld4 7,e7 ,! use ( paid adm9i/rative leave dur+ ! discipl9>y process & ! l5g? ( su* leave4 7b7 ,report 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an ,decemb] #ca1 #bjag1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! appropriate committees ( ,congress a report on ! discipl9>y proc$ures & actions ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,cont5ts ,! report submitt$ "u p>agraph 7#a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,! in=mation collect$ "u subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,! f9d+s ( ! ,secret>y ) respect to ! measurem5t & collection c>ri$ out "u subsection 7a74 7,c7 ,an analysis ( ! discipl9>y proc$ures & actions ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,d7 ,sugge/ions = improv+ ! discipl9>y proc$ures & actions ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,e7 ,su* o!r matt]s z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 7#c7 ,appropriate committees ( ,congress ,9 ?is subsection1 ! t]m appropriate committees ( ,congress means-- 7,a7 ! ,committee on ,appropriations & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate2 & 7,b7 ! ,committee on ,appropriations & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 ,may #bd1 #bjag,report$ ) an am5dm5t