ML24044A163
| ML24044A163 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/13/2024 |
| From: | Anthony Bowers NRC/NSIR/DPCP/RSB |
| To: | |
| References | |
| ML24044A156 | |
| Download: ML24044A163 (1) | |
Text
Access Authorization / Fitness For Duty Programs For U.S. Nuclear Power Plants Anthony Bowers, Chief Reactor Security Branch Division of Physical and Cyber Security Policy Office of Nuclear Security & Incident Response IBEW Nuclear Conference February 2024
Why are we here?
Reinforce importance of NRCs Access Authorization and Fitness for Duty Programs Increase awareness of NRCs requirements regarding use of social media Increase awareness of worker rights for denials or unfavorable termination of unescorted access
Access Authorization and Fitness for Duty Program Objectives Provide assurance that individuals are:
Trustworthy and
- reliable, Not under the influence of any substance that impairs their ability to safely and competently do their job, and Not an undue risk to public health and safety, and common defense and security.
Social Media NRC regulations do not specifically address social media information.
Licensees still must review and evaluate derogatory (disqualifying) information from any source if it raises questions about the trustworthiness, reliability, or fitness for duty of an individual.
- Applicants consent to information access such as:
- Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)
- Background investigation (e.g., criminal, credit, and employment history; character references)
- Drug and alcohol testing No expectation of privacy with respect to any publicly available information (e.g., social media)
Social Media
- Ongoing licensee monitoring of information Behavioral observation program (BOP) -
(see something say something)
Periodic background reinvestigations Self-reporting (e.g., arrests - DUI/domestic violence; not fit for duty)
Allegation(s)
What is derogatory information?
Unfavorable information from an employer, developed or disclosed criminal history, credit history such as but not limited to collection accounts, bankruptcies, tax liens, judgments, unfavorable reference information, evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, or discrepancies between information disclosed and developed.
Examples include:
Violated a licensees fitness for duty policy Used, sold, or possessed illegal drugs Abused legal drugs or alcohol Refused to take a drug or alcohol test
Example 1 - Vacation
- Working at a nuclear power plant (with unescorted access)
- You vacation in Amsterdam, post photos on Instagram https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/americas/weed-marijuana-us-holidays-states-where-cannabis-is-legal-la-portland-denver-seattle-amsterdam-a7324736.html (Getty) https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/amsterdam-cannabis-coffee-shops-covid/index.html (Pierre Crom/Getty Images)
Example 2 - Las Vegas
- Working at a nuclear power plant (with unescorted access)
- You and your friends get involved in an altercation at a bar and end up getting arrested.
Example 3 - Wakesurfing
- Working at a nuclear power plant (with unescorted access)
- You self-report a knee injury sustained during work. You and your doctor decide that you should be assigned to light duty.
Example 4 - Peaceful Protest
- Working at a nuclear power plant (with unescorted access)
- Individual attending a peaceful protest https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/09/04/39-photos-capture-americas-summer-of-violent-riots/#:~:text=Pablo%20Monsalve/VIEWpress/Getty%20Images) http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/1254300242
Example 5 - Driving Under the Influence
- Working at a nuclear power plant (with unescorted access)
- You are arrested and charged with DUI. At court, you plea to a lesser charge and pay the fine. You only self report the lesser charge in your PHQ.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Example 6 - Day at the Beach
- Working at a nuclear power plant (with unescorted access)
- You notify your supervisor that you are unable to come into work this weekend because your grandfather passed away. A co-worker sees a social media post of you on the beach with the caption, Thanks grandpa for the much-needed relaxing weekend.
Appeals for Denials or Unfavorable Termination of Unescorted Access Review procedure is required for denials or termination of unescorted access (10 CFR 73.56(l), 10 CFR 26.39)
Required written notification of denial and information on appeal process Required access to denial records based on written request of the individual or designated representative
Questions/Comments
Contacts Brad Baxter - Security Specialist - Access Authorization -
301-287-3615; brad.baxter@nrc.gov Mark Resner - Sr. Security Specialist - Access Authorization - 301-287-3680; mark.resner@nrc.gov Brian Zaleski - Sr. Access Authorization/Fitness for Duty Specialist - 301-287-0638; brian.zaleski@nrc.gov