; and (2) the term suspend means the placing of any employee, for misconduct or poor performance, in a temporary status without duties. 7552. Immediate suspension for misconduct or poor performance (a) Under regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management, the head of an agency may suspend (with or without pay) an employee of such agency if the head determines that the misconduct or performance of the employee warrants such suspension. The period of any such suspension shall be determined by the head. (b) An employee who is suspended under subsection (a) is entitled, after suspension, to— (1) a written notice, not later than 10 days after the first day of such suspension, stating the specific reasons for the suspension; (2) a reasonable time, but not less than 10 days, to answer orally and in writing and to furnish affidavits and other documentary evidence in support of the answer; (3) be represented by an attorney or other representative