Federal Employee Hatch Act
Federal employees are subject to the Hatch Act. This act limits certain political activities of federal employees to maintain a nonpartisan federal workforce. In the context of advocating for policies impacting psychologists, it's important to understand the Hatch Act's implications.
While the Hatch Act restricts partisan political activities, it does not prevent federal employees from engaging in advocacy related to their professional duties and the conditions of their employment. This includes:
- Advocating for improved patient care: Federal employees can advocate for policies that directly affect their ability to provide quality mental health services, such as ensuring adequate private spaces for therapy sessions or maintaining telehealth flexibility.
- Communicating with professional organizations: Employees can participate in activities of professional organizations like the APA, including sharing their experiences and contributing to advocacy efforts.
- Discussing workplace conditions: Employees have the right to discuss and raise concerns about workplace conditions that impact their ability to perform their duties ethically and effectively.