Procedures for the Handling of Retaliation Complaints Under the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act (CAARA)

This document provides the interim final text of regulations governing the anti-retaliation (whistleblower protection) provision of the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act (CAARA or the Act). This rule establishes procedures and timeframes for the handling of retaliation complaints under CAARA, including procedures and timeframes for complaints to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), investigations by OSHA, appeals of OSHA determinations to an administrative law judge (ALJ) for a hearing de novo, hearings by ALJs, review of ALJ decisions by the Administrative Review Board (ARB) (acting on behalf of the Secretary of Labor), and judicial review of the Secretary's decisions. It also sets forth the Secretary's interpretations of the CAARA anti-retaliation provision on certain matters.