<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">TITLE I—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">EMPLOYEES GENERALLY </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101" styleType="OLC" role="definitions"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="101">SEC. 101. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s1212">5 U.S.C. 1212 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DEFINITIONS. </heading> <chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">In this title—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">agency</term>”—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">except as provided in subparagraph (B), means an entity that is an agency, as defined under section 2302 of title 5, United States Code, without regard to whether one or more portions of title 5 of the United States Code are inapplicable to the entity; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">does not include any entity that is an element of the intelligence community, as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4));</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">employee</term>” means an employee (as defined in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code) of an agency; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">personnel action</term>” has the meaning given that term under section 2302 of title 5, United States Code.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s102" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="102">SEC. 102. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">STAYS; PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s102/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Request by Special Counsel.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1214(b)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease2"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">“(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">If the Merit Systems Protection Board grants a stay under this subsection, the head of the agency employing the employee shall give priority to a request for a transfer submitted by the employee.”</content> </subparagraph></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s102/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Probationary Employees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1221 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="k">“(k) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">If the Merit Systems Protection Board grants a stay to an employee in probationary status under subsection (c), the head of the agency employing the employee shall give priority to a request for a transfer submitted by the employee.”</content> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s102/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Study Regarding Retaliation Against Probationary Employees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives a report discussing retaliation against employees in probationary status.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s103" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="103">SEC. 103. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICES. </heading> <chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s103/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (12), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or</quotedText>” at the end;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s103/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (13), by striking the period at the end and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">; or</quotedText>”; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s103/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after paragraph (13) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="14">“(14) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">access the medical record of another employee or an applicant for employment as a part of, or otherwise in furtherance of, any conduct described in paragraphs (1) through (13).”</content> </paragraph></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s104" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="104">SEC. 104. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DISCIPLINE OF SUPERVISORS BASED ON RETALIATION AGAINST WHISTLEBLOWERS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s104/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="7515">“SEC. 7515. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s7515">5 U.S.C. 7515</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Discipline of supervisors based on retaliation against whistleblowers </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">“(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Definitions.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this section—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">agency</term>’—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">except as provided in subparagraph (B), means an entity that is an agency, as defined under section 2302, without regard to whether any other provision of this chapter is applicable to the entity; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">does not include any entity that is an element of the intelligence community, as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4));</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">prohibited personnel action</term>’ means taking or failing to take an action in violation of paragraph (8), (9), or (14) of section 2302(b) against an employee of an agency; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">supervisor</term>’ means an employee who would be a supervisor, as defined under section 7103(a), if the entity employing the employee was an agency.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">“(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Proposed Disciplinary Actions.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">If the head of the agency employing a supervisor, an administrative law judge, the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Special Counsel, a judge of the United States, or the Inspector General of the agency employing a supervisor determines that the supervisor has committed a prohibited personnel action, the head of the agency employing the supervisor, in accordance with the procedures required under paragraph (2)—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">for the first prohibited personnel action committed by a supervisor—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall propose suspending the supervisor for a period of not less than 3 days; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">may, in addition to a suspension described in clause (i), propose any other action, including a reduction in grade or pay, that the head of the agency determines appropriate; and</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">for the second prohibited personnel action committed by a supervisor, shall propose removing the supervisor.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Procedures.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Notice.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">A supervisor against whom an action is proposed to be taken under paragraph (1) is entitled to written notice—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">stating the specific reasons for the proposed action; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">informing the supervisor of the right of the supervisor to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for the proposed action.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Answer and evidence.—</heading> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A supervisor who is notified under subparagraph (A) that the supervisor is the subject of a proposed action under paragraph (1) is entitled to 14 days following such notification to answer and furnish evidence in support of the answer.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">No evidence furnished; insufficient evidence.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">After the end of the 14-day period described in clause (i), if a supervisor does not furnish evidence as described in clause (i) or if the head of the agency determines that such evidence is not sufficient to reverse the proposed action, the head of the agency shall carry out the action.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">“(C) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Scope of procedures.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">An action carried out under this section—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">except as provided in clause (ii), shall be subject to the same requirements and procedures (including regarding appeals) as an action under section 7503, 7513, or 7543; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall not be subject to—</chapeau> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">“(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 7503(b);</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">“(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and subsection (c) of section 7513; or</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="III">“(III) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and subsection (c) of section 7543.</content> </subclause> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Delegation.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Except as provided in paragraph (B), the head of an agency may delegate any authority or responsibility under this subsection.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Nondelegability of determination regarding prohibited personnel action.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">If the head of an agency is responsible for determining whether a supervisor has committed a prohibited personnel action for purposes of paragraph (1), the head of the agency may not delegate that responsibility.”</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> </section></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s104/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s7501">5 U.S.C. 7501</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and Conforming Amendment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The table of sections for subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <toc style="-uslm-dtd:toc"> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“7515.</designator><label> Discipline of supervisors based on retaliation against whistleblowers.”</label></referenceItem> </toc></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="105">SEC. 105. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s1212">5 U.S.C. 1212 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SUICIDE BY EMPLOYEES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Referral.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of an agency shall refer to the Special Counsel, along with any information known to the agency regarding the circumstances described in paragraphs (2) and (3), any instance in which the head of the agency has credible information indicating—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an employee of the agency committed suicide;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">prior to the death of the employee, the employee made any disclosure of information which reasonably evidences—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; and</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">after a disclosure described in paragraph (2), a personnel action was taken against the employee.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Office of Special Counsel Review.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">For any referral to the Special Counsel under subsection (a), the Special Counsel shall—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">examine whether any personnel action was taken because of any disclosure of information described in subsection (a)(2); and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">take any action the Special Counsel determines appropriate under subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 5, United States Code.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Permission of Next of Kin.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of the agency shall only make a referral under subsection (a) regarding an employee after receiving written permission from the next of kin, as such term is defined in section 6381 of title 5, United States Code, of the employee.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s106" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="106">SEC. 106. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2301">5 U.S.C. 2301 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORS. </heading> <chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">In consultation with the Special Counsel and the Inspector General of the agency (or senior ethics official of the agency for an agency without an Inspector General), the head of each agency shall provide training regarding how to respond to complaints alleging a violation of whistleblower protections (as defined in section 2307 of title 5, United States Code, as added by section 107) available to employees of the agency—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s106/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">to employees appointed to supervisory positions in the agency who have not previously served as a supervisor; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s106/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">on an annual basis, to all employees of the agency serving in a supervisory position.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="107">SEC. 107. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">INFORMATION ON WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Existing Provision.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking subsection (c); and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and conforming amendments.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 4505a(b)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 5755(b)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 110(b)(2) of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (5 U.S.C. 2302 note) is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(f)(1) or (2)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(e)(1) or (2)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/D" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1217(d)(3) of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (22 U.S.C. 3657(d)(3)) is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/E" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1233(b) of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (22 U.S.C. 3673(b)) is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Provision of Information.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2307">“SEC. 2307. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2307">5 U.S.C. 2307</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Information on whistleblower protections </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">“(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Definitions.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this section—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">agency</term>’—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">except as provided in subparagraph (B), has the meaning given that term in section 2302; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">does not include any entity that is an element of the intelligence community, as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4));</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">new employee</term>’ means an individual—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">appointed to a position as an employee of an agency on or after the date of enactment of the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">who has not previously served as an employee; and</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">whistleblower protections</term>’ means the protections against and remedies for a prohibited personnel practice described in paragraph (8), subparagraph (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (9), or paragraph (14) of section 2302(b).</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">“(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Responsibilities of Head of Agency.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of each agency shall be responsible for the prevention of prohibited personnel practices, for the compliance with and enforcement of applicable civil service laws, rules, and regulations, and other aspects of personnel management, and for ensuring (in consultation with the Special Counsel and the Inspector General of the agency) that employees of the agency are informed of the rights and remedies available to them under this chapter and chapter 12, including—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">information regarding whistleblower protections available to new employees during the probationary period;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the role of the Office of Special Counsel and the Merit Systems Protection Board with regard to whistleblower protections; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">how to make a lawful disclosure of information that is specifically required by law or Executive order to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs to the Special Counsel, the Inspector General of an agency, Congress, or other agency employee designated to receive such disclosures.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">“(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Timing.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of each agency shall ensure that the information required to be provided under subsection (b) is provided to each new employee of the agency not later than 6 months after the date the new employee begins performing service as an employee.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">“(d) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Information Online.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of each agency shall make available information regarding whistleblower protections applicable to employees of the agency on the public website of the agency, and on any online portal that is made available only to employees of the agency if one exists.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="e">“(e) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Delegees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any employee to whom the head of an agency delegates authority for personnel management, or for any aspect thereof, shall, within the limits of the scope of the delegation, be responsible for the activities described in subsection (b).”</content> </subsection> </section></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and Conforming Amendment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The table of sections for chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <toc style="-uslm-dtd:toc"> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“2307.</designator><label> Information on whistleblower protections.”</label></referenceItem> </toc></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> </section>

AN ACTTo provide greater whistleblower protections for Federal employees, increased awareness of Federal whistleblower protections, and increased accountability and required discipline for Federal supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers, and for other purposes.Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) [5 U.S.C. 101 note] Short Title.—This Act may be cited as the “Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017”. (b) Table of Contents.—The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. TITLE I—EMPLOYEES GENERALLY Sec. 101. Definitions. Sec. 102. Stays; probationary employees. Sec. 103. Prohibited personnel practices. Sec. 104. Discipline of supervisors based on retaliation against whistleblowers. Sec. 105. Suicide by employees. Sec. 106. Training for supervisors. Sec. 107. Information on whistleblower protections. TITLE II—DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES Sec. 201. Prevention of unauthorized access to medical records of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 202. Outreach on availability of mental health services available to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 203. Protocols to address threats against employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 204. Comptroller General of the United States study on accountability of chiefs of police of Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.

<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">TITLE I—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">EMPLOYEES GENERALLY </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101" styleType="OLC" role="definitions"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="101">SEC. 101. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s1212">5 U.S.C. 1212 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DEFINITIONS. </heading> <chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">In this title—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">agency</term>”—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">except as provided in subparagraph (B), means an entity that is an agency, as defined under section 2302 of title 5, United States Code, without regard to whether one or more portions of title 5 of the United States Code are inapplicable to the entity; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">does not include any entity that is an element of the intelligence community, as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4));</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">employee</term>” means an employee (as defined in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code) of an agency; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s101/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">personnel action</term>” has the meaning given that term under section 2302 of title 5, United States Code.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s102" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="102">SEC. 102. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">STAYS; PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s102/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Request by Special Counsel.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1214(b)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC" class="leftIndentDecrease2"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">“(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">If the Merit Systems Protection Board grants a stay under this subsection, the head of the agency employing the employee shall give priority to a request for a transfer submitted by the employee.”</content> </subparagraph></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s102/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Probationary Employees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1221 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="k">“(k) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">If the Merit Systems Protection Board grants a stay to an employee in probationary status under subsection (c), the head of the agency employing the employee shall give priority to a request for a transfer submitted by the employee.”</content> </subsection></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s102/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Study Regarding Retaliation Against Probationary Employees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives a report discussing retaliation against employees in probationary status.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s103" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="103">SEC. 103. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICES. </heading> <chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s103/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (12), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">or</quotedText>” at the end;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s103/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (13), by striking the period at the end and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">; or</quotedText>”; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s103/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after paragraph (13) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="14">“(14) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">access the medical record of another employee or an applicant for employment as a part of, or otherwise in furtherance of, any conduct described in paragraphs (1) through (13).”</content> </paragraph></quotedContent>.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s104" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="104">SEC. 104. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DISCIPLINE OF SUPERVISORS BASED ON RETALIATION AGAINST WHISTLEBLOWERS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s104/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="7515">“SEC. 7515. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s7515">5 U.S.C. 7515</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Discipline of supervisors based on retaliation against whistleblowers </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">“(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Definitions.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this section—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">agency</term>’—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">except as provided in subparagraph (B), means an entity that is an agency, as defined under section 2302, without regard to whether any other provision of this chapter is applicable to the entity; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">does not include any entity that is an element of the intelligence community, as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4));</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">prohibited personnel action</term>’ means taking or failing to take an action in violation of paragraph (8), (9), or (14) of section 2302(b) against an employee of an agency; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">supervisor</term>’ means an employee who would be a supervisor, as defined under section 7103(a), if the entity employing the employee was an agency.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">“(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Proposed Disciplinary Actions.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">If the head of the agency employing a supervisor, an administrative law judge, the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Special Counsel, a judge of the United States, or the Inspector General of the agency employing a supervisor determines that the supervisor has committed a prohibited personnel action, the head of the agency employing the supervisor, in accordance with the procedures required under paragraph (2)—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">for the first prohibited personnel action committed by a supervisor—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall propose suspending the supervisor for a period of not less than 3 days; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">may, in addition to a suspension described in clause (i), propose any other action, including a reduction in grade or pay, that the head of the agency determines appropriate; and</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">for the second prohibited personnel action committed by a supervisor, shall propose removing the supervisor.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Procedures.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Notice.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">A supervisor against whom an action is proposed to be taken under paragraph (1) is entitled to written notice—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">stating the specific reasons for the proposed action; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">informing the supervisor of the right of the supervisor to review the material which is relied on to support the reasons for the proposed action.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Answer and evidence.—</heading> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A supervisor who is notified under subparagraph (A) that the supervisor is the subject of a proposed action under paragraph (1) is entitled to 14 days following such notification to answer and furnish evidence in support of the answer.</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">No evidence furnished; insufficient evidence.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">After the end of the 14-day period described in clause (i), if a supervisor does not furnish evidence as described in clause (i) or if the head of the agency determines that such evidence is not sufficient to reverse the proposed action, the head of the agency shall carry out the action.</content> </clause> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">“(C) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Scope of procedures.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">An action carried out under this section—</chapeau> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">except as provided in clause (ii), shall be subject to the same requirements and procedures (including regarding appeals) as an action under section 7503, 7513, or 7543; and</content> </clause> <clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">shall not be subject to—</chapeau> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">“(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 7503(b);</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">“(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and subsection (c) of section 7513; or</content> </subclause> <subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="III">“(III) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and subsection (c) of section 7543.</content> </subclause> </clause> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Delegation.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Except as provided in paragraph (B), the head of an agency may delegate any authority or responsibility under this subsection.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Nondelegability of determination regarding prohibited personnel action.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">If the head of an agency is responsible for determining whether a supervisor has committed a prohibited personnel action for purposes of paragraph (1), the head of the agency may not delegate that responsibility.”</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> </section></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s104/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s7501">5 U.S.C. 7501</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and Conforming Amendment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The table of sections for subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <toc style="-uslm-dtd:toc"> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“7515.</designator><label> Discipline of supervisors based on retaliation against whistleblowers.”</label></referenceItem> </toc></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="105">SEC. 105. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s1212">5 U.S.C. 1212 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">SUICIDE BY EMPLOYEES. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Referral.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of an agency shall refer to the Special Counsel, along with any information known to the agency regarding the circumstances described in paragraphs (2) and (3), any instance in which the head of the agency has credible information indicating—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an employee of the agency committed suicide;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">prior to the death of the employee, the employee made any disclosure of information which reasonably evidences—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">any violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; and</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/a/3" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">after a disclosure described in paragraph (2), a personnel action was taken against the employee.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Office of Special Counsel Review.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">For any referral to the Special Counsel under subsection (a), the Special Counsel shall—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">examine whether any personnel action was taken because of any disclosure of information described in subsection (a)(2); and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">take any action the Special Counsel determines appropriate under subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 5, United States Code.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s105/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Permission of Next of Kin.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of the agency shall only make a referral under subsection (a) regarding an employee after receiving written permission from the next of kin, as such term is defined in section 6381 of title 5, United States Code, of the employee.</content> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s106" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="106">SEC. 106. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2301">5 U.S.C. 2301 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORS. </heading> <chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">In consultation with the Special Counsel and the Inspector General of the agency (or senior ethics official of the agency for an agency without an Inspector General), the head of each agency shall provide training regarding how to respond to complaints alleging a violation of whistleblower protections (as defined in section 2307 of title 5, United States Code, as added by section 107) available to employees of the agency—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s106/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">to employees appointed to supervisory positions in the agency who have not previously served as a supervisor; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s106/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">on an annual basis, to all employees of the agency serving in a supervisory position.</content> </paragraph> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="107">SEC. 107. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">INFORMATION ON WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Existing Provision.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 2302 of title 5, United States Code, is amended—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by striking subsection (c); and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and conforming amendments.—</heading> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 4505a(b)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 5755(b)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 110(b)(2) of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (5 U.S.C. 2302 note) is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(f)(1) or (2)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(e)(1) or (2)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/D" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1217(d)(3) of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (22 U.S.C. 3657(d)(3)) is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/E" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 1233(b) of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (22 U.S.C. 3673(b)) is amended by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and inserting “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Provision of Information.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2307">“SEC. 2307. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2307">5 U.S.C. 2307</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Information on whistleblower protections </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">“(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Definitions.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this section—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">agency</term>’—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">except as provided in subparagraph (B), has the meaning given that term in section 2302; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">does not include any entity that is an element of the intelligence community, as defined in section 3(4) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4));</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">new employee</term>’ means an individual—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">appointed to a position as an employee of an agency on or after the date of enactment of the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017; and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">who has not previously served as an employee; and</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the term ‘<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">whistleblower protections</term>’ means the protections against and remedies for a prohibited personnel practice described in paragraph (8), subparagraph (A)(i), (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph (9), or paragraph (14) of section 2302(b).</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">“(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Responsibilities of Head of Agency.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of each agency shall be responsible for the prevention of prohibited personnel practices, for the compliance with and enforcement of applicable civil service laws, rules, and regulations, and other aspects of personnel management, and for ensuring (in consultation with the Special Counsel and the Inspector General of the agency) that employees of the agency are informed of the rights and remedies available to them under this chapter and chapter 12, including—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">information regarding whistleblower protections available to new employees during the probationary period;</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the role of the Office of Special Counsel and the Merit Systems Protection Board with regard to whistleblower protections; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">“(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">how to make a lawful disclosure of information that is specifically required by law or Executive order to be kept classified in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs to the Special Counsel, the Inspector General of an agency, Congress, or other agency employee designated to receive such disclosures.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">“(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Timing.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of each agency shall ensure that the information required to be provided under subsection (b) is provided to each new employee of the agency not later than 6 months after the date the new employee begins performing service as an employee.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="d">“(d) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Information Online.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The head of each agency shall make available information regarding whistleblower protections applicable to employees of the agency on the public website of the agency, and on any online portal that is made available only to employees of the agency if one exists.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="e">“(e) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Delegees.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any employee to whom the head of an agency delegates authority for personnel management, or for any aspect thereof, shall, within the limits of the scope of the delegation, be responsible for the activities described in subsection (b).”</content> </subsection> </section></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tI/s107/c" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Technical and Conforming Amendment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The table of sections for chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block"> <toc style="-uslm-dtd:toc"> <referenceItem style="-uslm-dtd:toc-entry" role="section"><designator>“2307.</designator><label> Information on whistleblower protections.”</label></referenceItem> </toc></quotedContent>.</content> </subsection> </section> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">TITLE II—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES </heading> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="201">SEC. 201. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PREVENTION OF UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. </heading> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Development of Plan.—</heading> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/1/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">develop a plan to prevent access to the medical records of employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs by employees of the Department who are not authorized to access such records;</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/1/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the plan developed under subparagraph (A); and</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/1/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">upon request, provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress with respect to the plan developed under subparagraph (A).</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Elements.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:</chapeau> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/A" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A detailed assessment of strategic goals of the Department for the prevention of unauthorized access to the medical records of employees of the Department.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/B" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A list of circumstances in which an employee of the Department who is not a health care provider or an assistant to a health care provider would be authorized to access the medical records of another employee of the Department.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/C" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Steps that the Secretary will take to acquire new or implement existing technology to prevent an employee of the Department from accessing the medical records of another employee of the Department without a specific need to access such records.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/D" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Steps the Secretary will take, including plans to issue new regulations, as necessary, to ensure that an employee of the Department may not access the medical records of another employee of the Department for the purpose of retrieving demographic information if that demographic information is available to the employee in another location or through another format.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/E" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">A proposed timetable for the implementation of such plan.</content> </subparagraph> <subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/F" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="F">(F) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">An estimate of the costs associated with implementing such plan.</content> </subparagraph> </paragraph> </subsection> <subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/b" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this section, the term “<term style="-uslm-dtd:term">appropriate committees of Congress</term>” means—</chapeau> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/b/1" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate; and</content> </paragraph> <paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s201/b/2" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.</content> </paragraph> </subsection> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s202" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="202">SEC. 202. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t38/s703">38 U.S.C. 703 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">OUTREACH ON AVAILABILITY OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct a program of outreach to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs to inform those employees of any mental health services, including telemedicine options, that are available to them.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s203" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="203">SEC. 203. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t38/s703">38 U.S.C. 703 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PROTOCOLS TO ADDRESS THREATS AGAINST EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure protocols are in effect to address threats from individuals receiving health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs directed towards employees of the Department who are providing such health care.</content> </section> <section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/73/tII/s204" styleType="OLC"> <num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="204">SEC. 204. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES STUDY ON ACCOUNTABILITY OF CHIEFS OF POLICE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTERS. </heading> <content style="-uslm-dtd:text" class="block">The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to assess the reporting, staffing, accountability, and chain of command structure of the Department of Veterans Affairs police officers at medical centers of the Department.</content> </section>