As a Federal employee, you may not use your position for your own private gain, nor for the private gain of others. But being a Federal employee also does not infringe on your Constitutional right of free speech. Therefore, it is important to understand when it is appropriate to use your NIH title and affiliation and when it is not. The following information will help you determine when an official recommendation may be appropriate and when you could recommend only in a personal capacity. If you have specific questions, please contact your Deputy Ethics Counselor or Ethics Coordinator in your IC's Ethics Office.
- Updated, Letters in Support of Visa Actions (OIR, 6/07)
- Letters in Support of Visa Actions (OIR, 3/05)
- Letters of Recommendation: Use of Official Title or Stationery (4/4/05)
- Misuse of Federal Position to Help Another Person Get a Job (OGE explanation of considerations prior to writing a letter or helping a person obtain private sector employment)
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9/5/08