State of California
   
   M E M O R A N D U M
   
   REFERENCE CODE:
   PML 97-002
   
   DATE:
   January 21, 1997
   
   TO:
   Personnel Officers
   Merit Award Administrators
   Employee Relations Officers
   
   FROM:
   Department of Personnel Administration
   Office of Administration
   
   SUBJECT:
   Merit Award Program Regulations
   
   
   CONTACT:
   Doris Dominey, Merit Award Program, Manager
   (916) 324-0520, Calnet 454-0520
   Office Vision: DPA (DSDOMINE)
   Internet: DSDOMINE@SMTP.DPA.CA.GOV
   
   On October 19, 1996, the Office of Administrative Law
   approved the regulatory action that allows state agencies
   to approve and authorize cash awards for employee
   suggestions, special acts, special services and superior
   accomplishments. These amendments are effective December
   1, 1996.  
   
   The Merit Award Program regulations are designed to
   clarify program definitions, the roles of departments,
   agencies, DPA and the Merit Award Board in processing
   suggestions and appeals submitted through the employee
   suggestion program.  The regulations also revise methods
   of calculating awards; and expand options available to
   departments for granting Superior Accomplishment awards;
   eligibility requirements for employees in Career Executive
   Assignments and exempt positions designated as
   "managerial".
   
   To ensure consistency in complying with Merit Award
   Program regulations for which DPA has oversight and
   responsibility, continuous training/networking meetings
   will be held at the Department of Personnel
   Administration.  You will be notified in advance of each
   meeting.
   
   Comments and questions regarding this revision should be
   addressed to Doris Dominey, Manager, Merit Award Program,
   Department of Personnel Administration, 1515 "S" Street,
   North Building, Suite 400, Sacramento, California 95814-
   7243, telephone (916) 324-0520, Calnet 454-0520, or fax
   (916) 327-0568.
   
   
   
   
   Melvin D. Turner, Chief
   Office of Administration
   
   Attachment will be mailed with hard copy of PML.