All actions brought against MDHS under the provisions of this policy may be instituted in the Circuit Court. In such action, the employee shall prove by a preponderance of the evidence that, but for his providing information or testimony to a state investigative body prior to occurrence of the dismissal or any adverse action, his dismissal or any adverse action taken against him would not have occurred.
Employees of Mississippi state agencies who are eligible to do so are required to utilize the grievance process as provided in the Mississippi State Employee Handbook prior to initiating any action under this policy.
18 Miss. Code. R. 4-1.4