; and (2) during which the employee would otherwise be in a duty status. 742. Limitations on use of official time for certain purposes and individuals (a) Political activities and lobbying Notwithstanding section 7131 of title 5, an employee of the Department may not use official time to carry out political activities or activities relating to lobbying. (b) Prohibition on use of official time by certain employees A physician, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, or optometrist employed by the Department may not use official time for any purpose. (c) Direct patient care An employee of the Department not covered by subsection (b) may spend no more than 25 percent of the time such employee would otherwise be in a duty status on official time if such employee— (1) is involved with direct patient care