Severe forms of trafficking in persons (i.e., human trafficking), as defined in § 73.102, is a public health issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities. Human trafficking for labor or commercial sex are federal crimes and include punishment up to life in prison (18 U.S.C. chapter 77). All Department employees are prohibited from engaging in severe forms of trafficking in persons during duty and non-duty hours.

(a) HHS plays a vital role in efforts to counter trafficking in persons worldwide and federal law requires that all federal employees be sensitized to human trafficking and have the tools necessary to prevent, recognize and address human trafficking offenses. All Department employees are required to complete HHS-prescribed training.

(1) All Department employees of record on the effective date of this part will complete initial training to raise overall awareness of human trafficking and its various manifestations, including labor and sex trafficking, and to inform employees of their obligations under this subpart.

(2) All Department employees hired after the effective date of this part must complete initial human trafficking training within 90 days of appointment.

(3) All Department employees must complete refresher human trafficking training every two years.

(b) Supervisors are required ensure that subordinates complete all required training. Employees who fail to complete required training may be deemed in violation of this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action as addressed in subpart F of this part.

All Department employees must report to the HHS Office of the Inspector General and agency trafficking in persons point of contact any suspected cases of severe forms of trafficking in persons and any suspected misconduct, waste, fraud, or abuse relating to severe forms of trafficking in persons (e.g., procuring a commercial sex act, using forced labor, denying access to immigration documents, using misleading recruitment of employees) that involve:

(a) HHS personnel; or

(b) HHS programs or other efforts funded by HHS or programs that involve HHS personnel; or

(c) The Department's contractors, sub-awardees, grantees, or cooperative agreement recipients. Employees who fail to report actual or suspected severe trafficking in persons cases may be deemed in violation of this policy and may be subject to disciplinary action as addressed in subpart F of this part.