Fact Check: "Federal employees can be placed on administrative leave during investigations."
What We Know
Federal employees can indeed be placed on administrative leave during investigations. This practice has been codified in the regulations established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under the Administrative Leave Act. The final rule, which was published after an eight-year delay, clarifies that federal employees can be placed on paid administrative leave while under investigation, but it also sets limits on the duration of such leave. Specifically, the new regulations cap the amount of administrative leave to 10 days per year, with the possibility of extending it up to 90 days in certain cases, provided that agencies consider alternative actions before extending the leave (Federal News Network).
The Administrative Leave Act was initially passed as part of the fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act due to concerns about the costs associated with employees being placed on administrative leave for extended periods. Prior to the final rule, there were no clear limits, leading to instances where employees were placed on leave for months or even years (Federal News Network).
Analysis
The claim that federal employees can be placed on administrative leave during investigations is supported by the recent final rule issued by OPM. The rule not only confirms the practice but also aims to regulate it more strictly to prevent abuse. The OPM's final rule is a response to long-standing issues regarding the indefinite placement of employees on leave without clear guidelines, which had been a concern for many years (Federal News Network).
The reliability of the source is strong, as it comes from a reputable news outlet focused on federal workforce issues. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the legislative background, the implications of the new regulations, and the concerns raised by advocacy groups regarding the previous lack of oversight. The information is corroborated by the legislative history and the context of the Administrative Leave Act, which adds to its credibility.
However, it is important to note that while the regulations now impose limits on the duration of administrative leave, the practice itself is still permitted under specific circumstances. This nuance is crucial in understanding the full scope of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that federal employees can be placed on administrative leave during investigations is accurate. The recent final rule by OPM confirms this practice while also implementing necessary regulations to prevent indefinite leave and ensure that such leave is used appropriately. The establishment of a cap on the duration of administrative leave is a significant step towards better governance and accountability in the federal workforce.
