### Question
What does appointing authority mean?


### Answer
**Appointing authority** has the following meaning in *5 U.S.C. § 9201*:

> an employee in the executive branch of the Government of the United States that has authority to make appointments to positions in the civil service

#### Citation:
  - *5 U.S.C. § 9201*
  - Heading: **PART III-EMPLOYEES > Subpart H-Access to Criminal History Record Information > CHAPTER 92-PROHIBITION ON CRIMINAL HISTORY INQUIRIES PRIOR TO CONDITIONAL OFFER**

