Improving Accountability and Whistleblower Protection at the VA
May 2, 2017
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Apr 27, 2017
Published on: May 2, 2017
May 2, 2017
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Apr 27, 2017
Published on: May 2, 2017
Summary
Creates a new office at the Department of Veterans Affairs to hold employees responsible and protect those who report problems.
What problem does this solve?
Some employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs were not doing their jobs well, and people who reported problems were not protected. This order creates a special office to handle these issues, making it easier to discipline bad employees and protect good ones who speak up.
What does this order do?
Reference
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Section:
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Establishing a VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.
New accountability office created
Establishes the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Establishing a VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.
New leadership position
Appoints a Special Assistant to serve as the Executive Director of the new office, who will report directly to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Strengthens employee discipline
Helps the Secretary use all available powers to discipline or fire any VA manager or employee who has failed to carry out their duties.
Protects whistleblowers
Works to protect employees from punishment when they lawfully report wrongdoing within the VA.
Identifies barriers to firing employees
Finds laws that prevent the Secretary from firing employees who have put a veteran's health or safety at risk and reports them for possible legislative changes.
Who does this affect?
- Department of Veterans Affairs employees
- Veterans
- Government whistleblowers
What is the real world impact?
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Improves veteran services
Creates a dedicated office to address employee misconduct and protect whistleblowers, aiming to improve the quality of care and service that veterans receive from the VA.
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Addresses public criticism of the VA
Responds to public reports of poor performance and misconduct within the VA by creating a visible and direct way to handle accountability issues.
When does this start?
This order sets a specific deadline for the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a new office.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Establishing a VA Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.
Establishment of new office
The Secretary must create the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection within 45 days of April 27, 2017.