• Frequently Asked Questions

  HHS 520 Form FAQs

  These FAQS are for reference. Please contact your specific OPDIV/STAFFDIV/non-HHS ethics department for guidance.

  Who is required to submit form HHS-520, “Request for Approval of Outside Activity”?

  Any officer seeking to engage in any of the outside activities for which advance administrative approval is required.

  Do I need to submit form HHS-520 if the activity is unpaid?

  Yes, if you plan to participate in any outside activity, a HHS-520 should be submitted to your OPDIV/STAFFDIV/non-HHS ethics department.

  Which outside activities require advance administrative approval?

  It is a case-by-case basis. An officer cannot undertake an outside activity that conflicts with the officer’s official duties. A summary of the applicable law can be found on form HHS-520, Section IV “Supervisor Review”.

  Are there any activities that do not need prior approval?

  You do not need prior approval if you are participating in the activities of a political, religious, social, fraternal, or recreational organization, unless the position requires the provision of professional services or the activity is performed for compensation other than the reimbursement of expenses. For example, you can be an active member, including board or committee service, for your child’s sports team or school, or your church, temple, or mosque without approval.

  The ethics officers may exempt other activities, therefore the best course of action is to contact your ethics officer directly.

  Where is the form HHS-520 located?

  Form HHS-520 can be found here under the heading “Outside Activities”.

  How do officers submit form HHS-520?

  Officers submit form HHS-520 to their OPDIV/STAFFDIV/non-HHS ethics department. He or she will review outside activity requests and financial disclosure reports of employees, as required, for possible conflicts of interest and/or other ethics concerns.

  Once the form is approved by their ethics department, officers must upload the approved form into their eOPF via eDOC-U.

  Where in eDOC-U do officers upload HHS-520?

  Once in eDOC-U, officers must select the following options:

  • Document category: eOPF
  • Document Type: HHS-520 – Request for Approval of Outside Activity
  • Document Date: (Signature date of final approving official)

  How often are officers required to recertify?

  Form HHS-520 should be resubmitted annually and/or in the event the outside activity has changed. If you are submitting a recertification for the same activity, then a HHS-521 should be submitted.
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