The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is releasing draft qualification standards for professional occupations in the Medical and Healthcare Group, 0600 (https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/drafts/0600.pdf).  The drafts standards will update the occupational requirements for the following occupational series:

OPM is constantly engaged with developing and issuing minimum qualification standards, policies, and instructions. This includes updating qualification standards for currency, fairness, and appropriate alignment of degree definitions, certifications, registrations and/or licensures in order to keep pace with evolving types of work.

After issuance of the final qualification standards, agencies will use these revised standards to qualify candidates for positions in these series.  Therefore, we encourage all agencies to conduct a general review of the qualifications covered by these draft qualification standards and provide comments based on your applications of the draft standards by the date provided below.  We rely on agency human resources officials to ensure subject matter experts and program management officials are aware of the release of these draft standards and to seek their input.  We depend on your feedback to assist us in making the appropriate updates to ensure the final standards contain clear, accurate and complete occupational requirements that meet your needs.

In order to expedite the review of agency comments and to increase efficiency, OPM is piloting an automated comment tool or Access database to capture your responses.  Each agency will receive their individual Access database as an attachment with instructions that will be used to capture and record their responses.  By using the Access database, OPM will be able to compile and analyze your responses more efficiently. Instructions on accessing and using the automated database are attached.   We will also provide a virtual demonstration for agencies on using the automated database to submit comments after the release of the draft qualification standards. 

We are providing a 60-day comment period.  Each submission must cover your entire agency.  Therefore, departments and independent agencies must consolidate information from all of their components or bureaus before sending your electronic comments.  Please send your electronic comments as an email attachment to fedclass@opm.gov by November 27, 2015.

• If you have technical questions, or experience any technical difficulties using the automated comments database please email fedclass@opm.gov with the Subject line: “Access Technical Assistance.”

• If you have questions or would like to discuss the draft qualification standards, please contact Riconda Fortson at (757) 441-3224 or via email at riconda.fortson@opm.gov.

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