Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO)
Professional Liability - FAQ's
- What is the meaning of the term professional liability insurance?
- Which employees are eligible for reimbursement?
- Who is a Supervisor?
- Who is a Management Official?
- Who is a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO)?
- What is the maximum amount of reimbursement?
- How should an employee apply for reimbursement?
- What is the responsibility of the local Finance office?
- How long does it take to receive payment?
- Which insurance company does VA recommend for enrollment in PLI?
Answers
1. What is the meaning of the term professional liability insurance?
Professional liability insurance provides "coverage for (A) legal liability for damages due to injuries to other persons, damage to their property, or other damage or loss to such other persons (including the expenses of litigation and settlement) resulting from or arising out of any tortuous act, error, or omission of the covered individual (whether common law, statutory or constitutional) while in the performance of such individual's official duties as a qualified employee; and (B) the cost of legal representation for the covered individual in connection with any administrative or judicial proceeding (including any investigation or disciplinary proceeding) relating to any act, error, or omission of the covered individual while in the performance of such individual's official duties as a qualified employee, and other legal costs and fees relating to any such administrative or judicial proceeding." (Public Law 104-208)
2. Which employees are eligible for reimbursement?
Supervisors, Management Officials, and Law Enforcement Officers are eligible for reimbursement.
3. Who is a Supervisor?
"Supervisor" is defined as "an individual employed by an agency having authority in the interest of the agency to hire, direct, assign, promote, reward, transfer, furlough, layoff, recall, suspend, discipline, or remove employees, to adjust their grievances, or to effectively recommend such action, if the exercise of the authority is not merely routine or clerical in nature but requires the consistent exercise of independent judgment, except that, with respect to any unit which includes firefighters or nurses, the term ''supervisor'' includes only those individuals who devote a preponderance of their employment time to exercising such authority." (5 U.S.C. 7103.10)
4. Who is a Management Official?
"Management Official" means, "an individual employed by an agency in a position the duties and responsibilities of which require or authorize the individual to formulate, determine, or influence the policies of the agency." (5 U.S.C. 7103.11)
5. Who is a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO)?
"Law Enforcement Officer" means "an employee, the duties of whose position are primarily the investigation, apprehension, or detention of individuals suspected or convicted of offenses against the criminal laws of the United States, including an employee engaged in this activity who is transferred to a supervisory or administrative position." (5 U.S.C. 8331.20)
6. What is the maximum amount of reimbursement?
VA has authorized the reimbursement to qualified employees of one-half the cost of their PLI premiums, up to but not to exceed, $150 per calendar year.
7. How should an employee apply for reimbursement?
To apply for reimbursement, an employee must:
- Obtain and complete a Standard Form 1034, Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other than Personal which can be obtained from the local Finance office, or under Programs, JetForm 5, or on GSA's Web site;
- Provide a copy of the insurance premium notice, or proof of payment, (such as a copy of the cancelled check or receipt); and
- Submit the above information to their supervisor for approval and certification, which is then forwarded to the local Finance office for processing.
8. What is the responsibility of the local Finance office?
The responsibility of the local Finance office is to process the approved Standard Form (SF) 1034, Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other than Personal. The local Finance office will process payments through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The Finance office requires employees to establish a vendor identification code for travel or miscellaneous reimbursements. Therefore, each employee needs to complete the SF 3881, ACH Vendor/Miscellaneous Payment Enrollment Form. This form is faxed to the Vendorizing Section located at the Financial Service Center (FSC) in Austin, TX. Once the vendor identification code is processed and established in the Financial Management System (FMS), the employee will receive reimbursement in their personal checking or savings account.
9. How long does it take to receive payment?
Reimbursements are processed by the local Finance office through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) within 2-3 business days after receipt of the completed and approved Standard Form 1034, Public Voucher for Purchases and Services Other than Personal.
10. Which insurance company does VA recommend for enrollment in PLI?
VA does not provide a list of nor endorse any insurance company. This program merely provides for the reimbursement to eligible employees of one-half the annual premium (not to exceed $150 annually). Employees must obtain their own PLI policy.
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