ML20045E680
| ML20045E680 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 06/15/1993 |
| From: | Chilk S NRC OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY (SECY) |
| To: | Taylor J NRC OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR OPERATIONS (EDO) |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9307020312 | |
| Download: ML20045E680 (2) | |
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMpSION
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.0FFCE OF THE June 15, 1993 SECRETARY COMIS-93-005A MEMORANDUM FOR:
James M.
Taylor Executive Director for' Ope!ations-F FROM:
Samuel J.
Chilk, Secretar' C7
SUBJECT:
NRC ACTIONS VIS-A-VIS ALI GEilS The Commission has agreed that the staff should-begin'an examination of ways to improve the_ allegation handling process'.
The Commission is'particularly interested in. exploring whether; the Commission has taken;.all_the staps within~its authority.to create 'an atmosphere where: individuals with ' safety: concerns ; feel not_only free but comfortable in coming to the'NRC.: The commission also wants to be sure it -is : satisfied that -licensees understand their obligations to foster an environment where safety concerns are identified, _ brought' forward and acted upon
'without fear of retribution.
The staf f should be prepared to begin a_ reassessment of '. its program for allegation management and for-whistleblower protection following the" expected completion of theiIG report in mid-June.
You'should identify individuals!who.could serve on such a review group and assemble background materials 1that include legislation and regulations'en whictleblowers,-NRC' policies and practices, and the policy and practicos of other agencies that might be analogous.~ During the course of the reassessment the following should be taken into account..
1.
The IG's April 1992 report and the IG's upcomira report.
2.
How other federal' agencies handle allegations and provide encouragement to.whistleblowers.
3.
The staff may contact allegc.rs to obtain their.
perspectives, but the staff should talk-to allegers.in as public a way as possible, for example by7asking'for-9307020312 93061b
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written comments from allegers who have gone public, or from organizations which represent allegers frequently.
4.
Concerns have been raised about how the Department of-Labor handles allegers.
The staff should consult with DOL and make sure we understand how the Department handles them.
5.
OGC should be closely involved with the reassessment to assure that the reassessment is conducted with full knowledge of the NRC's authority.
6.
The reassessment and any recommendation that might arise out of the effort should be confined to'a study of programs and approaches for handling allegars within the existing statutory framework and not venture into recommending modification to the' current statutory framework.
7.
The reassessment should look at what additicnal means the Commission can use to provide protection to whistleblowers beyond that of taking enforcement actions under 10 CFR 50.7.
As noted above the Commission expects the IG's report to be issued in mid-June.
Following Commission review of the IG's report, additional questions and guidance may be forthcoming.
The review should proceed expeditiously, making an effort to respond with a report to the Commission by October 15, 1993.
(ELO)
(SECY Suspense: 10/15/93)
The Chairman Commissioner Rogers Commissioner Curtiss Commisnioner Remick Commissioner de Planque OGC OIG OCAA t
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