Laws and Regulations

The Principles of Ethical Conduct were established by Executive Order 12674, modified by Executive Order 12731 (See Related Links Below), 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.

Revised Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has amended the HHS supplemental regulations found at 5 CFR Part 5501 (See Related Links Below.) These regulations supplement the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 CFR 2635). The revised regulations specify several changes for FDA employees. The revised supplemental regulations became effective Aug. 31, 2005. This is an unofficial compilation of the new rule.

Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch
The Standards (See Related Links Below) 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.

 United States Code, Title 18 (See Related Links Below) 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.

Digest of Criminal Statutes Related to Ethics
A one-page summary of the criminal conflict of interest statutes under Title 18, U.S.C. that deal specifically with ethics.( See Related Links Below)

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These regulations were superceded in 1992 by the Office of Government Ethics "Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch."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. (See Related Links Below)