📜HHS Revises Standards of Conduct for Employees and Ethics
The Department of Health and Human Services (Department or HHS) is revising and reissuing the Standards of Conduct, a set of substantive and procedural rules relating to conduct and employee responsibilities that augment the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, the Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Supplemental Financial Disclosure Requirements for Employees of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Employee Responsibilities and Conduct Regulation, and the Executive Branch Financial Disclosure regulations. The Department is removing provisions that have been superseded by these regulations or are otherwise obsolete or unnecessary to efficient administration. This final rule addresses conduct on Federal Government (Government) property and the use of Government funds or official information; restates existing standards for workplace courtesy; specifies rules for acceptance of gifts, travel, and employment from foreign governments and other non- Federal entities; provides notice of disciplinary actions available to address violations and prescribes the continuing employee obligation to report violations of rules or law to appropriate authorities. This revision adds a new section addressing Counter-Trafficking in Persons requirements in response to the Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022 (Pub. L. 117-348). The rule also continues and delineates restrictions on the political activity of commissioned officers of the United States Public Health Service, a category of employees not covered by the Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993, as amended.
Learn More📑Agency Request for Comments on Qualified Trust Model Certificates
After this second round notice, the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) plans to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) renew its approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of an existing information collection, consisting of twelve model certificates and model documents for qualified trusts.
Learn More📝Proposed Information Collection from the Department of Defense
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the OGC announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
Learn More📝Notice on Qualified Trust Model Certificates by OGE
After this first round notice and public comment period, the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) plans to request that the Office of Management and Budget (PMB) renew its approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act for an existing information collection consisting of twelve model certificates and model documents for qualified trusts.
Learn More📊SEC Rule 17j-1
The Securities and Exchange Commission has submitted a request for extending Rule 17j-1, addressing conflicts of interest among investment company personnel. The rule mandates specific procedures, including the adoption of codes of ethics, reporting obligations, and oversight measures aimed at protecting fund investors from potential abuses.
Learn More📈SEC Rule 204A-1
The SEC is seeking an extension for the information collection associated with Rule 204A-1, which requires investment advisers to implement and maintain a code of ethics governing the conduct of their staff and personal securities transactions. This includes safeguards for nonpublic information and reporting standards for potential violations.
Learn More📊SEC Proposed Collection for Rule 17j-1
The SEC is seeking comments on the proposed extension of Rule 17j-1, which governs conflicts of interest for investment company personnel. This rule requires investment organizations to implement ethical codes, report personal securities transactions, and maintain records to enhance regulatory compliance and oversight among Access Persons.
Learn More⚖️2025 Adjustments to Civil Monetary Penalties for Government Ethics
In accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, the U.S. Office of Government Ethics is issuing this final rule to make the 2025 annual adjustments to the Ethics in Government Act civil monetary penalties.
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