200.21a—The Ethics Counsel.
(a)
The Ethics Counsel within the Office of the General Counsel of the Commission shall oversee compliance with subpart M of this part and 5 CFR part 2635. When appropriate and subject to the authority of, and in consultation with, the Inspector General, the Ethics Counsel shall inquire into alleged violations of subparts C, F, and M of this part, and 5 CFR part 2635.
(b)
Subject to the oversight of the General Counsel or his or her delegate, the Ethics Counsel shall:
(2)
Refer matters involving management questions to Division Directors, Office Heads, or Regional Directors, and matters involving alleged or apparent employee misconduct to the Office of the Inspector General, except for matters involving alleged professional misconduct ultimately referable to state professional boards or societies.
(3)
Refer complaints that appear to involve a violation of Federal criminal statutes, and do not appear to be frivolous, to the Inspector General for referral to the Department of Justice under 28 U.S.C. 535.
(4)
Act as liaison with the Office of the Inspector General on matters that the Ethics Counsel has referred to that Office, and with state or local authorities on matters that, on occasion, the Ethics Counsel may refer to them.
(6)
Provide advice, counseling, interpretations, and opinions with respect to subparts C, F, and M of this part, and 5 CFR part 2635.
(7)
Oversee investigations and refer findings of professional misconduct to state professional boards or societies.