According to OPM Executive Director Isidro K. Seman, there are medical professionals and other CHC personnel who are no longer supposed to receive their housing allowance because the length of their employment has already exceeded five years.
OPM policy states that “any housing benefit shall not exceed five consecutive years from the date of initial employment.”
The five-year term of the housing benefit started upon the implementation of the Excepted Service Personnel Regulation on Feb. 1, 2004.
In a meeting with Public Health officials last week, Seman informed them that the AGO assured him “there is room” in the existing regulation that may allow for the continuation of the benefit beyond the five-year term.
Some Public Health personnel said they would have to end their employment once they lose their housing benefit.
Seman said while they respect the existing rules, something must be done to address Public Health’s concerns.
“These are doctors and nurses whom the CNMI cannot afford to lose,” he said.
The affected health personnel, he added, continue to receive their housing allowance while Public Health and OPM are processing their employment papers.
According to Seman, there must be clear regulations in place to avoid ambiguities.
If legislation is needed then it might as well be done right away, he added.
Employees without dependents receive $600 in monthly housing allowance, while those with dependents get $800.
