(a) HHS may settle a research misconduct proceeding at any time it determines that settlement is in the best interests of the Federal Government and the public health or welfare.

(b) Settlement agreements are publicly available, regardless of whether ORI made a finding of research misconduct.

(c) A settlement agreement precludes the respondent from contesting any ORI findings of research misconduct, HHS administrative actions, or ORI's jurisdiction in handling the research misconduct proceeding.