Public Law 115–73: To 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.Public Law73Public Law 115–73131 Stat. 12352017-10-262017-10-26United States Government Publishing OfficeNational Archives and Records AdministrationOffice of the Federal Registertext/xmlENPursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.GPO Locator to USLM Converter 4.15.31;Stage2.202507022026-01-02115publicPUBLIC LAW 115–73—OCT. 26, 2017131 STAT. 1235Public Law115–73115th CongressAn 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.
Oct. 26, 2017
[S. 585]
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.(a)
5 USC 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. TITLE I—Sec. 101. Sec. 102. Sec. 103. Sec. 104. Sec. 105. Sec. 106. Sec. 107. TITLE II—Sec. 201. Sec. 202. Sec. 203. Sec. 204. <num value="I">TITLE I—</num><heading>EMPLOYEES GENERALLY</heading>
<section id="d129024e200" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s101" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="101">SEC. 101. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x945615a2-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s1212">5 USC 1212 note</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading>DEFINITIONS.</heading><chapeau class="indentUp0 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="x94563cb3-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"> In this title—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94563cb4-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s101/1" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau>the term “<term>agency</term>”—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y94563cb5-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s101/1/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>except as provided in subparagraph (B), means an entity that is an agency, as defined under <ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">section 2302 of title 5, United States Code</ref>, without regard to whether one or more portions of <ref href="/us/usc/t5">title 5 of the United States Code</ref> are inapplicable to the entity; and</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y94563cb6-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s101/1/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>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 (<ref href="/us/usc/t50/s3003/4">50 U.S.C. 3003(4)</ref>);<page identifier="/us/stat/131/1236">131 STAT. 1236</page></content></subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94563cb7-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s101/2" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>the term “<term>employee</term>” means an employee (as defined in <ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2105">section 2105 of title 5, United States Code</ref>) of an agency; and</content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94563cb8-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s101/3" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">(3) </num><content>the term “<term>personnel action</term>” has the meaning given that term under <ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">section 2302 of title 5, United States Code</ref>.</content></paragraph>
</section>
<section id="d129024e258" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s102" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="102">SEC. 102. </num><heading>STAYS; PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y945663c9-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s102/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Request by Special Counsel</inline>.—</heading><content><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s1214/b/1">Section 1214(b)(1) of title 5, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><subparagraph class="indentUp0 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y945663ca-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="E">“(E) </num><content>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 class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y945663cb-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s102/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Probationary Employees</inline>.—</heading><content><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s1221">Section 1221 of title 5, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94568adc-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="k">“(k) </num><content>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 class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94568add-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s102/c" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">(c) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94568ade-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Reports.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Study Regarding Retaliation Against Probationary Employees</inline>.—</heading><content>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 id="d129024e325" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s103" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="103">SEC. 103. </num><heading>PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICES.</heading><chapeau class="indentUp0 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="x9456b1ef-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"> <ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302/b">Section 2302(b) of title 5, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9456b1f0-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s103/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>in paragraph (12), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>or</quotedText>” at the end;</content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9456b1f1-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s103/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>in paragraph (13), by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> the period at the end and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>; or</quotedText>”; and</content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9456b1f2-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s103/3" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">(3) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> after paragraph (13) the following:<quotedContent><paragraph class="indentUp0 fontsize10" id="y9456b1f3-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="14">“(14) </num><content>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 id="d129024e375" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s104" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="104">SEC. 104. </num><heading>DISCIPLINE OF SUPERVISORS BASED ON RETALIATION AGAINST WHISTLEBLOWERS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94570014-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s104/a" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In General</inline>.—</heading><content><ref href="/us/usc/t5/ch75/schII">Subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y94579c55-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658164"><num class="fontsize12" value="7515">“§ 7515.</num><heading class="fontsize12"><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94579c56-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s7515">5 USC 7515</ref>.</p></sidenote> Discipline of supervisors based on retaliation against whistleblowers</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94579c57-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Definitions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>In this section—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c58-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><chapeau>the term ‘<term>agency</term>’—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c59-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y94579c5a-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>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 (<ref href="/us/usc/t50/s3003/4">50 U.S.C. 3003(4)</ref>);</content></subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c5b-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>the term ‘<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<page identifier="/us/stat/131/1237">131 STAT. 1237</page></content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c5c-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>the term ‘<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 class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94579c5d-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94579c5e-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Determinations.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Proposed Disciplinary Actions</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c5f-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>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 class="fontsize10" id="y94579c60-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><chapeau>for the first prohibited personnel action committed by a supervisor—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y94579c61-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94579c62-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><content>shall propose suspending the supervisor for a period of not less than 3 days; and</content></clause>
<clause class="fontsize10" id="y94579c63-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y94579c64-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>for the second prohibited personnel action committed by a supervisor, shall propose removing the supervisor.</content></subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c65-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Procedures</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c66-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Notice</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>A supervisor against whom an action is proposed to be taken under paragraph (1) is entitled to written notice—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y94579c67-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>stating the specific reasons for the proposed action; and</content></clause>
<clause class="fontsize10" id="y94579c68-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y94579c69-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94579c6a-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Time period.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Answer and evidence</inline>.—</heading><clause class="fontsize10" id="y94579c6b-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y94579c6c-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">No evidence furnished; insufficient evidence</inline>.—</heading><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y94579c6d-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">“(C) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Scope of procedures</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>An action carried out under this section—</chapeau><clause class="fontsize10" id="y94579c6e-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="i">“(i) </num><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y94579c6f-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658126"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="ii">“(ii) </num><chapeau>shall not be subject to—</chapeau><subclause class="fontsize10" id="y94579c70-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658128"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="I">“(I) </num><content>paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 7503(b);</content></subclause>
<subclause class="fontsize10" id="y94579c71-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658128"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="II">“(II) </num><content>paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and subsection (c) of section 7513; or</content></subclause>
<subclause class="fontsize10" id="y94579c72-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658128"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="III">“(III) </num><content>paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) and subsection (c) of section 7543.<page identifier="/us/stat/131/1238">131 STAT. 1238</page></content></subclause>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c73-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Delegation</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c74-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><content>Except as provided in paragraph (B), the head of an agency may delegate any authority or responsibility under this subsection.</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y94579c75-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Nondelegability of determination regarding prohibited personnel action</inline>.—</heading><content>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 class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94579c76-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s104/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Technical and Conforming Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of sections for <ref href="/us/usc/t5/ch75/schII">subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code</ref>,<sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94579c77-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s7501">5 USC 7501</ref> prec.<?GPOvSpace 04?></p></sidenote> <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><toc>
<referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242">
<designator>“7515. </designator>
<label>Discipline of supervisors based on retaliation against whistleblowers.”.</label>
</referenceItem></toc>
</quotedContent></content></subsection>
</section>
<section id="d129024e650" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="105">SEC. 105. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94579c78-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s1212">5 USC 1212 note</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading>SUICIDE BY EMPLOYEES.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y9457ea99-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105/a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Referral</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>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 information indicating—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9457ea9a-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105/a/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>an employee of the agency committed suicide;</content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9457ea9b-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105/a/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><chapeau>prior to the death of the employee, the employee made any disclosure of information which reasonably evidences—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9457ea9c-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105/a/2/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>any violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9457ea9d-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105/a/2/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y9457ea9e-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105/a/3" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">(3) </num><content>after a disclosure described in paragraph (2), a personnel action was taken against the employee.</content></paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y9457ea9f-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105/b" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Office of Special Counsel Review</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>For any referral to the Special Counsel under subsection (a), the Special Counsel shall—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9457eaa0-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105/b/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>examine whether any personnel action was taken because of any disclosure of information described in subsection (a)(2); and</content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9457eaa1-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s105/b/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>take any action the Special Counsel determines appropriate under <ref href="/us/usc/t5/ch12/schII">subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 5, United States Code</ref>.</content></paragraph>
</subsection>
</section>
<section id="d129024e717" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s106" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="106">SEC. 106. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9457eaa2-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Consultation.</p><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9457eaa3-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2301">5 USC 2301 note</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading>TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORS.</heading><chapeau class="indentUp0 firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="x945811b4-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"> 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 <ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2307">section 2307 of title 5, United States Code</ref>, as added by section 107) available to employees of the agency—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y945811b5-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s106/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>to employees appointed to supervisory positions in the agency who have not previously served as a supervisor; and</content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y945811b6-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s106/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>on an annual basis, to all employees of the agency serving in a supervisory position.</content></paragraph>
</section>
<section id="d129024e744" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="107">SEC. 107. </num><heading>INFORMATION ON WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y9458adf7-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Existing Provision</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458adf8-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a/1" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">Section 2302 of title 5, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction>—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458adf9-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a/1/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> subsection (c); and<page identifier="/us/stat/131/1239">131 STAT. 1239</page></content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458adfa-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a/1/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>by <amendingAction type="redesignate">redesignating</amendingAction> subsections (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.</content></subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458adfb-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Technical and conforming amendments</inline>.—</heading><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458adfc-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/A" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s4505a/b/2">Section 4505a(b)(2) of title 5, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458adfd-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/B" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s5755/b/2">Section 5755(b)(2) of title 5, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458adfe-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/C" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">(C) </num><content>Section 110(b)(2) of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012 (<ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2302">5 U.S.C. 2302 note</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(f)(1) or (2)</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(e)(1) or (2)</quotedText>”.</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458adff-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/D" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="D">(D) </num><content>Section 1217(d)(3) of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (<ref href="/us/usc/t22/s3657/d/3">22 U.S.C. 3657(d)(3)</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458ae00-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/a/2/E" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="E">(E) </num><content>Section 1233(b) of the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (<ref href="/us/usc/t22/s3673/b">22 U.S.C. 3673(b)</ref>) <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="delete">striking</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(d)</quotedText>” and <amendingAction type="insert">inserting</amendingAction> “<quotedText>section 2302(c)</quotedText>”.</content></subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y9458ae01-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/b" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Provision of Information</inline>.—</heading><content><ref href="/us/usc/t5/ch23">Chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<quotedContent><section class="centered fontsize12" id="y9458fc22-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658164"><num class="fontsize12" value="2307">“§ 2307.</num><heading class="fontsize12"><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9458fc23-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t5/s2307">5 USC 2307</ref>.</p></sidenote> Information on whistleblower protections</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y9458fc24-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">“(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Definitions</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>In this section—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458fc25-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><chapeau>the term ‘<term>agency</term>’—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458fc26-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>except as provided in subparagraph (B), has the meaning given that term in section 2302; and</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458fc27-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>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 (<ref href="/us/usc/t50/s3003/4">50 U.S.C. 3003(4)</ref>);</content></subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458fc28-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><chapeau>the term ‘<term>new employee</term>’ means an individual—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9458fc29-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">“(A) </num><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y9459233a-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">“(B) </num><content>who has not previously served as an employee; and</content></subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9459233b-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>the term ‘<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 class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y9459233c-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">“(b) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9459233d-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Consultation.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Responsibilities of Head of Agency</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>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 class="fontsize10" id="y9459233e-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">“(1) </num><content>information regarding whistleblower protections available to new employees during the probationary period;</content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9459233f-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">“(2) </num><content>the role of the Office of Special Counsel and the Merit Systems Protection Board with regard to whistleblower protections; and</content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94592340-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="3">“(3) </num><content>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 <page identifier="/us/stat/131/1240">131 STAT. 1240</page>
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 class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94592341-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">“(c) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94592342-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Deadline.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Timing</inline>.—</heading><content>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 class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94592343-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="d">“(d) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Information Online</inline>.—</heading><content>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 class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94592344-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="e">“(e) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Delegees</inline>.—</heading><content>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 class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94592345-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tI/s107/c" role="instruction" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="c">(c) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Technical and Conforming Amendment</inline>.—</heading><content>The table of sections for <ref href="/us/usc/t5/ch23">chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code</ref>, <amendingAction type="amend">is amended</amendingAction> by <amendingAction type="add">adding</amendingAction> at the end the following:<?GPOvSpace 04?>
<quotedContent><toc>
<referenceItem role="section" style="-uslm-lc:I658242">
<designator>“2307. </designator>
<label>Information on whistleblower protections.”.</label>
</referenceItem></toc>
</quotedContent></content></subsection>
</section>
<num value="II">TITLE II—</num><heading>DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EMPLOYEES</heading>
<section id="d129024e1064" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="201">SEC. 201. </num><heading>PREVENTION OF UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO MEDICAL RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.</heading><subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y94599876-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="a">(a) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Development of Plan</inline>.—</heading><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y94599877-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94599878-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Deadline.</p></sidenote><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">In general</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y94599879-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/1/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y9459987a-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/1/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><content>submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the plan developed under subparagraph (A); and</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9459987b-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/1/C" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">(C) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9459987c-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Briefing.</p></sidenote><content>upon request, provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress with respect to the plan developed under subparagraph (A).</content></subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9459987d-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Elements</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:</chapeau><subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9459987e-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/A" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="A">(A) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9459987f-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Assessment.</p></sidenote><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y94599880-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/B" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="B">(B) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x94599881-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Lists.</p></sidenote><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y94599882-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/C" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="C">(C) </num><content>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 <page identifier="/us/stat/131/1241">131 STAT. 1241</page>
another employee of the Department without a specific need to access such records.</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9459bf93-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/D" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="D">(D) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9459bf94-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Regulations.</p></sidenote><content>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 class="fontsize10" id="y9459bf95-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/E" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="E">(E) </num><content>A proposed timetable for the implementation of such plan.</content></subparagraph>
<subparagraph class="fontsize10" id="y9459bf96-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/a/2/F" style="-uslm-lc:I658124"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="F">(F) </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9459bf97-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Estimate.</p></sidenote><content>An estimate of the costs associated with implementing such plan.</content></subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection class="firstIndent0 fontsize10" id="y9459bf98-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/b" role="definitions" style="-uslm-lc:I658120"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="b">(b) </num><heading class="fontsize10"><inline class="smallCaps">Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined</inline>.—</heading><chapeau>In this section, the term “<term>appropriate committees of Congress</term>” means—</chapeau><paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9459bf99-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/b/1" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="1">(1) </num><content>the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate; and</content></paragraph>
<paragraph class="fontsize10" id="y9459bf9a-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s201/b/2" style="-uslm-lc:I658122"><num class="fontsize10" style="-uslm-lc:emspace2" value="2">(2) </num><content>the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.</content></paragraph>
</subsection>
</section>
<section id="d129024e1182" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s202" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="202">SEC. 202. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9459bf9b-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t38/s703">38 USC 703 note</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading>OUTREACH ON AVAILABILITY OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.</heading><content style="-uslm-lc:I658120"> 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 id="d129024e1194" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s203" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="203">SEC. 203. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9459bf9c-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180"><ref href="/us/usc/t38/s703">38 USC 703 note</ref>.</p></sidenote><heading>PROTOCOLS TO ADDRESS THREATS AGAINST EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.</heading><content style="-uslm-lc:I658120"> 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 id="d129024e1206" identifier="/us/pl/115/73/tII/s204" style="-uslm-lc:I658143"><num class="fontsize12" value="204">SEC. 204. </num><sidenote><p class="leftAlign firstIndent0 fontsize8" id="x9459bf9d-e82c-11f0-a1e4-69761a48a15a" style="-uslm-lc:I658180">Assessment.</p></sidenote><heading>COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES STUDY ON ACCOUNTABILITY OF CHIEFS OF POLICE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTERS.</heading><content style="-uslm-lc:I658120"> The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to assess the reporting, staffing, accountability, and chain <page identifier="/us/stat/131/1242">131 STAT. 1242</page>
of command structure of the Department of Veterans Affairs police officers at medical centers of the Department.</content></section>
ApprovedOctober 26, 2017.LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 585:SENATE REPORTS: ┐No. 115–44 (Comm. on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs).
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 163 (2017):