Outside Activities
Approval. Officers should request approval of Outside Activities via the HHS-520 and such requests should undergo the same ethics analysis as those of other employees. The appropriate use of government resources is outlined in the DCP annual memorandum regarding the Standards of Conduct (2). There is some latitude for the limited use of government resources for Outside Activities, but their use must be approved by the supervisor in advance. Each officer should send a copy of the approved HHS-520 the CDC Ethics Office at MS E-53.
CC Associations. Officers are encouraged to participate in CC professional associations such as serving as an association officer. However, association activities should be performed as Outside Activities since the associations are separate and apart from the Department and have legislative and lobbying components. Typically, participation in these organizations is not considered part of an officer's duty assignment, but supervisors have the discretion to grant administrative leave for attendance at a CC professional association meeting, for example.
Federal Funds. Officers cannot have any other Federal Government component contribute to his/her CO salary, e.g., serve as a contractor to the VA. Some organizations, such as a clinic, may receive Federal funds through Medicare or Medicaid. Officers may participate in outside activities with such clinics, provided they do not personally receive Medicare or Medicaid funds.
Station vs. Annual Leave. Annual Leave must be used for compensated Outside Activities; Station Leave may not be used. At the discretion of the supervisor, Station Leave may be used for uncompensated Outside Activities that may support the mission of the Public Health Service, e.g., attending a professional meeting.
Terminal Leave. While on Terminal Leave, an officer may conduct an outside activity. Like other outside activities, these will continue to require the usual advance approval via the HHS 520 form. If an officer accepts a Civil Service position outside DHHS, which will be performed while on Terminal Leave, the officer must ensure that the activity is approved by submitting the HHS 520 “Request for Approval of Outside Activity” through the CDC Ethics Office. Though this activity technically does not meet the definition of an outside activity (an outside activity for a CO is an activity with a non-government entity. Also, a CO may not be paid from other Government funds on an outside activity), this form is used to document the activity. This situation is the only exception to the outside activity request rule. If an officer accepts a HHS civil service position and takes terminal leave, no HHS 520 is required by the CDC Ethics Office. This is one situation where the officer is exempted from the Dual Compensation prohibitions. Other outside activities continue to require the usual advance approval via the HHS 520 form. See also the following section on "Post Employment" regarding an Outside Activity with a foreign government.