Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017

Bill 115 s 585, also known as the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017, is a piece of legislation that aims to protect whistleblowers in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill is named after Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick, a VA psychologist who tragically took his own life after facing retaliation for reporting concerns about patient care at the VA.

The main purpose of the bill is to strengthen protections for VA employees who report wrongdoing or misconduct within the department. It establishes a process for employees to report retaliation and seek recourse if they are retaliated against for blowing the whistle on issues such as patient safety, fraud, waste, and abuse.

The bill also requires the VA to provide training to employees on their rights as whistleblowers and the procedures for reporting misconduct. Additionally, it prohibits the VA from taking adverse actions against employees who report wrongdoing, such as demotions, suspensions, or terminations. Overall, the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 seeks to create a safer environment for VA employees to speak up about issues within the department without fear of retaliation. It aims to promote transparency and accountability within the VA and ensure that employees are able to report concerns without facing negative consequences.