Are YOU a Whistleblower?
Many members of the NIH
community have contacted HonestDoctor.org
to express their desire to report knowledge
of waste, fraud and abuse in their Institute.
All have spoken of their fear of reprisal
in light of the retribution exacted by NIH
against NIAID whistleblower, Dr. Jonathan
Fishbein. HonestDoctor.org advises that
before you make your disclosures to anyone
consult with an attorney and know your rights!
You are not alone. There are many individuals
and organizations available to assist you.
Remember, you have a legal
duty under (45 CFR Part 73, Subpart M) to
report misconduct when you see it or experience
it. The NIH Policy Manual Chapter 1754 specifically
states:
“All
NIH employees have a responsibility to
assist in efforts to combat fraud, waste,
and abuse in all NIH programs and have
the responsibility to report such matters
to the appropriate official…”
Congress has heard the
allegations of scientific and professional
misconduct streaming out of NIH and the
FDA in recent months and has vowed to act.
Members have promised new legislation in
the new session that will strengthen the
Whistleblower Protection Act and make it
easier for the grievances of federal employees
to be heard and acted upon. But reform is
only possible if you lend your support to
this effort!
Whether in clinical trials,
basic research or patient care, faithfulness
to the medical mission must remain the paramount
concern of every NIH employee. Sadly, for
some in positions of authority at NIH, leadership
has become a path for self-promotion. The
rules and regulations which exist to protect
the safety and welfare of patients and employees
alike have been willfully twisted or ignored.
The cost of this behavior has been high.
Not only have individuals suffered, but
so has the credibility and work product
of one of America’s premier research
institutions.
We are confident that the
trail being blazed by Dr. Fishbein will
result in justice, not only for him, but
for the scores of others who have been wronged
by a corrupt system and an NIH leadership
blind to the needs of its 22,000 employees.
Our goal is simple -- to help create a more
ethical, responsive and respectful work
environment for all those drawn to NIH and
its mission of public service.
Contact the National Whistleblower
Center at www.whistleblowers.org
should you desire confidential assistance
in how to make your disclosure. Join with
us and the countless others at NIH who wish
to bring constructive change to a great
institution and restore public confidence
in its noble work.
Remember, anger without
action will never bring change.
Join the fight for reform!
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