USA Patriot Act (E-63)
Original Implementation: October 17, 2002
Last Revision: April 17, 2012
The USA Patriot Act, otherwise known as Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT ACT) makes it unlawful for certain individuals to work with specific biological agents, toxins and delivery systems.
SFA has a small number of faculty, staff and graduate assistant positions that are affected by compliance with this act. For those hired prior to the act and affected by this compliance, the hazardous materials officer will identify and document compliance. Employees with access to the select agents are to be investigated by the federal government. The hazardous materials officer shall submit the employee's names to the US Department of Health and Human Services and the attorney general for investigation. Upon completion of the investigation, the attorney general will promptly notify the secretary and the secretary shall promptly inform SFA whether the employee is granted or denied access.
In order to respond to the requirement with respect to future job vacancies, the Human Resources selection procedure shall include a statement concerning the USA Patriot Act for restricted positions and instructions for compliance. When Human Resources receives a request to advertise a restricted position, additional screening questions will be required of applicants to determine if they meet minimum qualifications before they can be referred for the final hiring decision. The selected candidate will be required to complete a "Statement of Eligibility to Handle Select Biological Agents or Toxins" form. This form should satisfy and address the minimum qualifications and compliance for a final hiring decision or for a person already occupying a position prior to the act's inception.
For additional details on the USA Patriot Act refer to the Human Resources website for the USA Patriot Act - Frequently Asked Questions.
Cross Reference: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT ACT) and subsequent reauthorizations; Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002
Responsible for Implementation: President
Contact for Revision: Director of Human Resources
Forms: Statement of Eligibility to Handle Select Biological Agents or Toxins
Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs