Agencies Granted Exception for Some Paper Records

On June 30, 2024, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) started accepting digital records only.

However, some agencies have been a bit slower in the process, and they are now getting an exception to still send in paper records.

In a bulletin, NARA announced a limited exception for sending employee personnel files and employee medical folders to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) via paper.

Under the exception, agencies can continue transferring official personnel folders (OPFs) until June 2025. 

Employee medical folders (EMFs) can continue to be transferred via paper until June 2027.

To use the exception, agencies must contact NPRC. Agencies that have already transitioned to fully digital OPMs and EMFs are not eligible for the exception.

The process has forced many agencies to start digitizing their paper records. Agencies were urged to reach out of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for guidance.

“[OPM] is undergoing a modernization process for OPFs and EMFs,” stated the bulletin. “They will offer solutions and services to help agencies manage OPFs and EMFs digitally throughout an employee’s federal career and after separation.” 

And earlier this month, NARA’s Director for Records Management Policy and Outreach Lisa Haralampus told a conference that the agency’s next step is to transition to a zero click process.

Zero click is an automated streamlining process that results in automatic record management.

“We want to explore automated approaches that relieve the traditional burden on the individual Federal employee,” said Haralampus. “That’s where we can see the benefits of this transition.”