Upcoming Changes to NIH Harassment and Hostile Work Environment Reporting Requirements
https://www.littler.com/publication-press/publication/upcoming-changes-nih-harassment-and-hostile-work-environment-reporting
By Darren Gibson and Phil Lu on
July 6, 2022
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires recipient institutions—i.e., any entity receiving funding from the NIH—to have policies that foster a harassment-free environment. Recipient institutions are required to establish and maintain a clear code of conduct, ensure employee awareness of all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and codes of conduct, provide user-friendly reporting processes, protect employees from retaliation, investigate all allegations promptly, and inform the NIH of administrative actions that remove Senior or other Key personnel1 on an NIH award.2
As part of the NIH’s reporting requirements, the NIH recently updated its rules requiring recipient institutions to notify the NIH when changes occur to certain Senior or other Key personnel due to concerns about harassment, bullying, retaliation, or hostile conditions.
Existing pre-July 9, 2022 reporting requirements: Under the current rules, the NIH requires proactive notification of changes in Program Director (PD), Principal Investigator (PI), or other Senior/Key personnel.3 However, under the current rules, there is no set timeframe for the notification requirement. Such notification should include mention of any safety and/or work environment concerns including harassment, bullying, retaliation, or hostile working conditions. Administrative or disciplinary action against an employee can include limiting access to the institution’s facilities or resources and/or modifying employment or leave status during an investigation. Additionally, the organization must notify the NIH and seek approval for replacement(s) of individuals.
Post-July 9, 2022 reporting requirements: As of July 9, 2022, NIH policies and requirements are changing regarding the notification process.4 Recipient institutions are now required to notify NIH when a PD/PI, or other Senior/Key personnel in an NIH notice of award are either removed from their position or are disciplined by the recipient institution due to concerns about harassment, bullying, retaliation, or hostile working conditions. The new policies require the Authorized Organization Representative notify NIH within 30 days of the removal or disciplinary action through this dedicated web form. All required notifications must include, at a minimum:
(1) The name of the Authorized Organization Representative submitting the notification,
(2) The name of the individual of concern,
(3) A description of the concern(s),
(4) The action(s) taken, and
(5) Any anticipated impact on the NIH-funded award(s).
Finally, if an institution determines that the concerns shared with the NIH will impact the PD/PI or Senior/Key personnel’s ability to continue as the scientific lead of the project, the NIH will require approval for a replacement PD/PI or Senior/Key official.
Recommendations
It is important for all recipient institutions to maintain compliance with the new NIH reporting requirements, including the 30-day reporting deadline.
More information from NIH: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/policy/harassment/policy-requirement.htm