HHS Instruction 752-2
Personnel Manual
HHS Transmittal 93.3 (7/13/93)
Subject: ALTERNATIVE DISCIPLINE
752-2-00 Purpose and Authority
752-2-10 Coverage
752-2-20 References
752-2-30 Policy
752-2-40 Methods of Implementation
Exhibit 752-2-A A Method of Alternative Discipline (AD) Implementation
Exhibit 752-2-B Other Methods of AD Implementation
752-2-00 PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY
This Instruction states the Department's policy and provides methods for implementing Alternative Discipline. The authority
for this Instruction is derived from the Code of Federal Regulations, 5 CFR Part 752, Adverse Actions, and from the Federal
Personnel Manual, Chapter 752, Adverse Actions.
752-2-10 COVERAGE
This Instruction covers all civilian employees in the Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) in the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). It does not cover the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
752-2-20 REFERENCES
5 U.S.C. Chapter 75 (statute--adverse actions)
5 CFR Part 752 (regulation--adverse actions)
Federal Personnel Manual, Chapter 752 (adverse actions)
Federal Personnel Manual Supplement 293-31 (records)
HHS Instruction 293-1 (records retention)
HHS Instruction 293-2 (official personnel folder)
HHS Instruction 751-1 (official reprimands)
HHS Instruction 752-1 (adverse actions)
HHS Instruction 792-2 (employee assistance program)
57 FR 48616, Oct 27, 1992 (HHS ADR Policy)
752-2-30 POLICY
It is the Department's policy to strongly encourage use of Alternative Discipline (AD) methods and mechanisms as
alternatives to traditional approaches to discipline. AD initiatives should be implemented consistent with the objectives of
reducing costs, delays, contentiousness, improving communications and interpersonal working relationships, correcting
behavior, and improving the efficiency of the service. An exception to this policy is when it is determined that the employee's
continued presence in the work place may pose a threat to the employee or others, result in loss of or damage to
Government property, or otherwise jeopardize legitimate Government interests.
752-2-40 METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION
This Instruction, in addition to stating policy on Alternative Discipline, provides guidance that describe a limited method of AD
implementation and other alternatives.
The AD procedures in Exhibit 752-2-A were developed by members of the Subcommittee on Alternative Discipline, which is a
subcommittee of the Intradepartmental Committee on Adverse Actions and Grievances. The Exhibit represents a first, limited
attempt to implement alternative dispute resolution in the area of discipline on a
Department-wide basis.
Organizations that have not yet developed AD programs are encouraged to do so. Exhibit 752-2-A provides guidance on how
to get started. Organizations that have already developed AD programs may wish to consider this method of implementation
also.
Exhibit 752-2-B provides short discussions prepared by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) relative to some AD
programs which other Federal agencies are experimenting and may be helpful in initiating other AD methods.
Responsible Office: Labor and Employee Relations Division, Office of Human Relations, Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Personnel Administration, HHS (202-690-5826)
HHS Exhibit 752-2-A "A Recommended First Step: Alternative Discipline"
