Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2015

Bill 114 s 2127, also known as the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2015, is a piece of legislation that aims to protect whistleblowers in the federal government. The bill is named after Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick, a Department of Veterans Affairs psychologist who committed suicide after facing retaliation for reporting concerns about patient care.

The main purpose of the bill is to strengthen protections for federal employees who report waste, fraud, and abuse within their agencies. It expands protections for whistleblowers by prohibiting agencies from taking retaliatory actions against employees who disclose information about wrongdoing. The bill also establishes a Whistleblower Ombudsman to educate employees about their rights and provide assistance to those who have faced retaliation.

Additionally, the bill requires agencies to conduct training programs for employees on whistleblower protections and establishes a process for investigating and resolving complaints of retaliation. It also allows whistleblowers to seek compensatory damages if they have been retaliated against. Overall, the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2015 aims to encourage federal employees to come forward with information about misconduct without fear of reprisal. It seeks to promote transparency and accountability within the federal government by protecting those who speak out against wrongdoing.