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  1. Ethics

Ethics Laws and Regulations

The Principles of Ethical Conduct were established by Executive Order 12674, modified by Executive Order 12731, as basic principles regarding the conduct of federal employees. It is important that federal employees observe these principles in order to promote confidence in the integrity of the federal government.

United States Code, Title 18 contains the criminal conflict of interest statutes applicable to employees in the executive branch of the government. Included in Title 18 is a prohibition against solicitation or receipt of bribes; a prohibition against acting as an agent or attorney before the government; post-employment restrictions; a prohibition against participating in matters affecting personal financial interest; and a prohibition against receiving supplementation of salary as compensation for government service.

Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch
The Standards were developed by the Office of Government Ethics and set forth the basic obligation of public service. The standards contain regulations regarding matters such as conflicting financial interests, impartiality in performing official duties, and misuse of position.

HHS Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct
On February 3, 2005, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) amended the Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct (5 CFR 5501) and Supplemental Financial Disclosure Requirements section (5 CFR 5502), both effective on that date. On August 31, 2005, HHS published the Final Rule for both sections.

Department of Health and Human Services--Standards of Conduct
These regulations were superceded in 1992 by the Office of Government Ethics "Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch." However, certain portions of the HHS Standards of Conduct remain applicable. This link contains the remaining relevant portions of 45 CFR Part 73.

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