JUSTICE FINALIZES RULE ON TORT LIABILITY OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.

The Justice Department published its final rule Dec. 23 on tort protections of federal employees and certain non-federal employees who are sued for an act or omission while acting within the scope of their employment.

Noting that it had received no comments on the proposed rule published Oct. 22, 2002, the Federal Register notice says the department was finalizing the proposed rule without change and it would become effective Jan. 22.

The notice says the final rule conforms department regulations with provisions of the Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act, which extended immunity from liability for money damages to federal employees for all common law torts committed within the scope of their employment.

In addition, the rule extends immunity protection to certain non-federal employees, such as agencies, organizations and individuals participating in the manufacture, distribution and administration of the swine flu vaccine, fiduciaries of the Federal Retirement Thrift Savings Fund, atomic weapon testing contractors, and individuals enrolled in national volunteer programs like the Peace Corps and the Job Corps.