NEI 03-01 [Revision 4] 

Nuclear Power Plant

Access Authorization 

Program 

July 2014 
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NEI 03-01 [Revision 4] 

Nuclear Energy Institute 

Nuclear Power Plant

Access Authorization 

Program 

July 2014 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

This document, NEI 03-01, Nuclear Power Plant Access Authorization Program, was developed 

by members of the NEI Advisory Task Force after the AA CM Order was issued in 2003. This 

document has served as the cornerstone document for the industry and this revision incorporates 

regulatory changes and industry experiences since Revision 1 was issued in April 2004. The 

industry professionals identified below, experts on access authorization programs, drawing upon 

practical lessons learned during the application of the previous requirements provided valuable 

insights to update the program. The changes provide a more efficient and effective program. 

NEI also wishes to acknowledge the extensive review and comment by those industry 

representatives who shaped the final form of this document: 

 David J. Bonthron (Florida Power & Light Company) 

 Randall D. Cleveland (Nuclear Management Company, LLC) 

 Peter J. Defilippi (Westinghouse Electric Company) 

 Nickolas J. DiPietro (FirstEnergy Corporation) 

 Sandra D. Downes, CartwrightDownes, Inc. 

 Peter R. Fowler (Duke Energy) 

 Sandra M. Francis (Duke Energy) 

 George Fricks (South Carolina Electric & Gas) 

 Lori S. Hayes (Progress Energy) 

 Lisa H. Matula, (STP Nuclear Operating Company) 

 John A. Nielsen, (INPO) 

 Susan C. Techau (Exelon Corporation) 

 Kay E. Wallace (Tennessee Valley Authority) 

 Glenn A. Wilson (Dominion Generation) 

 Maudester Woodard-Hall (STP Nuclear Operating Company)

UNOTICE

Neither NEI, nor any of its employees, members, supporting organizations, contractors, or 

consultants make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assume any legal responsibility for the 

accuracy or completeness of, or assume any liability for damages resulting from any use of, any 

information apparatus, methods, or process disclosed in this report or that such may not 

infringe privately owned rights. 
NEI 03-01 (Revision 4) 

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

NEI 03-01, Nuclear Power Plant Access Authorization Program, provides standard industry 

criteria for implementing the Access Authorization Rule and to establish consistency in access 

authorization programs throughout the industry in the implementation of the Nuclear Regulatory 

Commission (NRC)-issued Order for Compensatory Measures Related to Access Authorization. 

With a decade of experience with previous NEI guidelines, several lessons have been 

incorporated to maintain the industry programs that provide high assurance that only trustworthy 

and reliable people will be allowed into protected areas of nuclear power plants. 

These updated performance criteria are consistent with most current industry practices and have 

the potential for increased program efficiency. Additionally, NEI 03-01 is organized to facilitate 

the sharing of access data among authorized entities through the Personnel Access Data System. 

NEI 03-01, Revision 3, incorporates NRC access authorization requirements defined in 10 CFR 

73.56, Personnel Access Authorization Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants, and Regulatory 

Guide 5.77, Insider Mitigation Program and implements licensee security plan access 

authorization commitments. Separately, licensees are committed through the PADS Participation 

Agreement to follow NEI 03-01 Revision 3 as it is a PADS series document defined within the 

agreement. 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... i 

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1

2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE .............................................................................................. 3

3 RESPONSIBILITY ....................................................................................................... 4

4 DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS...................................................................................... 5

5 INDIVIDUALS SUBJECT TO THE ACCESS AUTHORIZATION AND FITNESS-FOR-DUTY 

PROGRAM ............................................................................................................... 12

6 PROGRAM ELEMENTS ............................................................................................. 14

6.1 REVIEWING OFFICIAL ..................................................................................................15

6.1.1 PDI That Has Not Been Reviewed ..............................................................17

6.1.2 Request for Access After a First Confirmed Positive Drug or Alcohol 

Test Result .....................................................................................................17

6.1.3 Request for Access After a 5-Year FFD Denial of Authorization ............18

6.1.4 Other FFD PDI Within the Past 5 Years ....................................................20

6.1.5 Maintaining Individuals Certified UAA or Granted UA with FFD PDI .20

6.1.6 Follow-Up Testing, Treatment Plans and Determinations of Fitness from 

Another FFD Program .................................................................................21

6.1.7 Determination of Fitness ..............................................................................21

6.1.8 Minimum Sanctions ......................................................................................23

6.2 INITIAL UAA AND UA ..................................................................................................24

6.3 UPDATED UAA AND UA ...............................................................................................26

6.4 REINSTATEMENT UAA (31 TO 365 DAYS) AND UA .....................................................28

6.5 REINSTATEMENT UAA (30 DAYS OR LESS) AND UA ...................................................31

6.6 MAINTAINING UAA/UA ...............................................................................................33

6.6.1 Maintaining UAA Elements Current ..........................................................33

6.6.2 To Maintain UAA Current ..........................................................................34

6.6.3 To Grant UA to an Individual with Current UAA ....................................34

6.6.4 To Maintain UA Current .............................................................................35

6.6.5 Maintaining UAA/UA with PDI ..................................................................35

6.7 GRANTING UAA/UA AFTER A FIRST CONFIRMED DRUG OR ALCOHOL TEST RESULT 

OR A 5-YEAR DENIAL OF UAA/UA ..............................................................................35

6.8 LICENSEE-APPROVED PROGRAMS ...............................................................................35

7 INVESTIGATION ELEMENTS..................................................................................... 37

7.1 CONSENT AND ADVISEMENTS .......................................................................................37
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7.2 PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE (PHQ) ............................................................39

7.3 VERIFICATION OF TRUE IDENTITY ..............................................................................39

7.4 EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT HISTORY .................................................................40

7.4.1 Employment/Unemployment Verification ..................................................40

7.4.2 Best Effort ......................................................................................................43

7.4.3 Military Service as Employment .................................................................45

7.4.4 Education In Lieu of Employment ..............................................................47

7.5 CREDIT CHECK .............................................................................................................49

7.6 CHARACTER AND REPUTATION ....................................................................................50

7.7 CRIMINAL HISTORY INQUIRY ......................................................................................51

7.8 PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................52

7.8.1 Elements of Initial or Updated UAA Psychological Assessment ..............52

7.8.2 Psychological Reassessments .......................................................................54

8 FITNESS-FOR-DUTY PROGRAM ............................................................................... 56

8.1 SUITABLE INQUIRY QUESTIONS ...................................................................................56

8.2 SELF-DISCLOSURE QUESTIONS ....................................................................................56

8.3 RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAM ..................................................57

8.4 FOLLOW-UP TESTING AND TREATMENT PLANS .........................................................58

9 REINVESTIGATIONS ................................................................................................ 59

10 BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION .................................................................................. 60

10.1 BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION TRAINING ......................................................................61

10.2 LEGAL ACTION REPORTING ........................................................................................62

10.3 ANNUAL SUPERVISOR REVIEW ....................................................................................63

10.4 UNFAVORABLE EMPLOYMENT TERMINATIONS ..........................................................64

11 OTHER REQUIRED BACKGROUND SCREENING ..................................................... 65

11.1 BI SCREENERS ..............................................................................................................65

11.2 PERSONNEL PROCESSING APPLICATIONS ....................................................................66

11.3 FITNESS-FOR-DUTY PROGRAM PERSONNEL ...............................................................67

12 LICENSEE SHARED INFORMATION ......................................................................... 68

12.1 INDIVIDUALS GRANTED UNESCORTED ACCESS ...........................................................69

12.2 REQUEST FOR ACCESS IS WITHDRAWN .......................................................................70

12.3 INDIVIDUAL WITHDRAWS CONSENT ............................................................................71

12.4 INDIVIDUAL IN A DENIED STATUS ................................................................................72
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12.4.1 Prior to July 7, 2003 ......................................................................................72

12.4.2 After July 7, 2003 ..........................................................................................73

12.4.3 Individuals with an NRC-Mandated 5-Year Denial Due To FFD 

Violation .........................................................................................................73

12.4.4 Individuals with an NRC-Mandated Permanent Denial Due To FFD 

Violation .........................................................................................................73

12.5 INDIVIDUAL IN A FITNESS-FOR-DUTY FOLLOW-UP OR TREATMENT PROGRAM .......74

12.6 UAA/UA-DENIAL REVIEW PROCESS ..........................................................................74

12.7 LICENSEE REVIEW PROCESS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WHOSE CURRENT UAA/UA IS 

REVOKED OR UNFAVORABLY TERMINATED ...............................................................75

12.8 INDIVIDUALS CURRENTLY DENIED ACCESS ................................................................76

12.9 PROGRAM RELIABILITY ...............................................................................................77

12.10 BACKUP OR MANUAL PROCESS FOR SHARING INFORMATION ..................................78

13 AUDITS ..................................................................................................................... 79

13.1 LICENSEE PROGRAM AUDITS .......................................................................................80

13.2 LICENSEE-APPROVED C/V SCREENING, BACKGROUND SCREENING COMPANY AND 

FFD PROGRAMS ...........................................................................................................81

13.3 C/V INTERNAL AUDIT AND C/V AUDIT OF SUBCONTRACTORS ..................................81

14 RECORDS AND PROTECTION OF INFORMATION .................................................... 83

FIGURE 14-1—TABLE OF PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ACCESS DATA .................................84

15 RECORDS RETENTION ............................................................................................. 86

APPENDIX A – REFERENCES ........................................................................................ A-1

APPENDIX B – NEI FORM COMPONENTS ..................................................................... B-1

APPENDIX C – RESOLVING UNCLASSIFIABLE FINGERPRINTS ................................... C-1
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NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ACCESS AUTHORIZATION PROGRAM 

1 INTRODUCTION 

a. This document, Nuclear Power Plant Access Authorization Program, hereinafter referred 

to as NEI 03-01, has been designed to integrate the performance requirements contained 

within 10 CFR § 73.56, Personnel Access Authorization Requirements for Nuclear Power 

Plants (Appendix A, Reference A.1) and the criminal history checks of 10 CFR § 73.57, 

Requirements for Criminal History Checks of Individuals Granted Unescorted Access to 

a Nuclear Power Facility or Access to Safeguards Information by Power Reactor 

Licensees, and to establish consistency in access authorization (AA) programs throughout 

the nuclear power industry. 

b. In addition, this document supports the establishment, implementation and maintenance 

of a fitness-for-duty (FFD) authorization (FFDA) as required by 10 CFR 26. 

c. Revision 1 to this document incorporated the NRC’s Order for Compensatory Measures 

Related to Access, EA-02-261, Issued January 7, 2003 and NRC Implementing Guidance 

for Access Authorization (Enclosure 4 to EA-02-261 dated January 7, 2003). The 

document was quite detailed and was relied on for developing the elements of this 

program specified in Revision 1. Only the non-safeguarded portions of the NRC guidance 

were included within NEI 03-01 and it was intended for use by both licensees and 

contractor/vendors. Supplement 1 to this document provided additional criteria, at the 

Safeguards level, for licensees. Additional requirements from Design Basis Threat for 

Radiological Sabotage for Operating Power Reactors (DBT), (NRC Order-03-086 dated 

April 29, 2003) were included within Revision 1 as well. 

d. Revision 2 to this document incorporated certain performance requirements defined 

within 10 CFR 26 that relate to the administration of the personnel access authorization 

requirements. NEI 03-01 incorporates within the definitions of unescorted access 

authorization (UAA) and unescorted access (UA) the concept and requirements of 

“Authorization” as defined in 10 CFR 26.5, hereinafter referred to as FFDA. This 

document provides a process and delineates criteria for certifying and maintaining an 

individual’s UAA and/or UA consistent with the requirements of Subpart C, 10 CFR 26. 

In addition, UAA (including specified elements of “Authorization”) requirements for 

licensee-approved contractor/vendor programs are defined. Finally, program information 

that must be shared with other licensees is also specified within this document. 

e. Previous to NEI 03-01, industry guidance focused on the granting of UA to the protected 

area. However, there are individuals who do not have UA but are in positions of 

trustworthiness and reliability subject to the requirements of 10 CFR § 73.56 and/or 10 

CFR 26. This document provides a method of establishing and maintaining UAA 

independent of physical plant access. 

f. If a licensee or C/V believes there is a conflict between the requirements of this 

document and regulations or orders, NEI should be immediately informed to enable NEI 
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to consult with the NRC and thereby maintain consistent interpretation of requirements 

throughout the industry. 

g. Industry forms referenced throughout this document are contained in a separate document 

NEI 08-06, Nuclear Power Plant Access Authorization and Fitness-for-Duty Forms. 

Appendix B describes the minimum content of the forms. 

h. Revision 3 to this document includes the requirements as specified in 10 CFR 73.56 as 

published on Month, Day, Year. 

i. This document contains cross-references to other NEI documents i.e., NEI 03-04, 

Guidelines for Plant Access Training, which implement certain 10 CFR 26 requirements. 

Such references are incorporated to aid the industry in implementing NRC requirements. 

The referenced documents have not been reviewed nor endorsed by the NRC. 
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2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE 

a. The purpose of the program is to provide high assurance that individuals, as identified in 

Section 5, are trustworthy and reliable, such that they do not constitute an unreasonable 

risk to public health and safety or the common defense and security, including the 

potential to commit radiological sabotage 

b. In addition, a licensee’s access authorization program, fitness-for-duty program, and 

behavior observation program (BOP) as discussed within this document provide the 

framework for addressing the insider threat. The program oversees and monitors the 

initial and continuing trustworthiness and reliability of individuals certified UAA, 

granted UA or maintaining UAA/UA to a protected or vital area Once an individual has 

been granted UA to protected and vital areas of a power reactor facility, preventing an 

adverse event becomes dependent on either detecting the insider through one of these 

programs or by denying the undetected insider the opportunity to commit the act by other 

means, such as physical or cyber protective security measures. 

c. This document is applicable to commercial nuclear power plants and other NRC-licensed 

facilities that commit to the requirements of 10 CFR 26 and 10 CFR 73.56 as described in 

this document. The term “nuclear power plant” when specified within this document then 

includes other NRC-licensed facilities meeting the 10 CFR 26 and 10 CFR 73.56 

requirements. The document has been designed to provide a standard industry approach 

in the collection of information used to evaluate the trustworthiness and reliability of 

personnel for whom UA to the protected area has been requested and other individuals 

supporting the UAA/UA and FFD programs. This standard approach ensures consistent 

application of regulations and is fundamental to the sharing of access data within the 

industry. All UAA/UA and FFD information shared with other licensees shall be 

developed in accordance with regulatory requirements using the criteria in this document. 

d. The licensee may accept, in part or whole, an access authorization program implemented 

by a C/V to satisfy appropriate elements of the licensee’s access authorization program. 

Only a licensee shall grant an individual UA. Licensees shall certify individuals’ UAA 

and are responsible to maintain, deny, terminate, or withdraw UAA. A C/V may maintain 

an individual’s UAA under a licensee-approved C/V program 

e. NEI 03-01 Revision 3 is a Personnel Access Data System (PADS) manual as described in 

the Agreement of Participation in the Personnel Access Data System hereinafter referred 

to as the PADS Participation Agreement. Licensees are committed as an industry to 

follow the requirements specified in NEI 03-01 through the PADS Participation 

Agreement. In addition, by incorporating NEI 03-01, Revision 3, in the Physical Security 

Plan, each licensee acknowledges that the requirements in NEI 03-01 are enforceable in 

the same manner as are NRC rules and regulations. 

f. Revision 3 must be implemented by [insert date]. All elements completed and 

maintained under prior versions of NEI 03-01 remain valid. 
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3 RESPONSIBILITY 

a. Each licensee is responsible for determining whether to certify UAA and to grant UA at 

its facilities. In making this determination, a licensee may rely on program elements 

completed by another licensee or licensee-approved C/V program. 

b. Once an UAA element is complete, a licensee or licensee-approved C/V may maintain an 

employee’s UAA element as authorized herein. 

c. Once all elements are completed and UAA is authorized by a licensee, a licenseeapproved C/V may maintain an employee’s UAA as authorized herein. 

d. Each licensee approving a C/V program will ensure the latest revision of this document 

has been provided to each of its C/Vs for use and require that the criteria herein be met. 

Audits are used to assure that licensee-approved C/V UAA programs, supporting the 

granting of UA to the protected area, meet regulatory requirements. Licensees are 

responsible for ensuring that program deficiencies are corrected. 
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4 DEFINITIONS & ACRONYMS 

NOTE: Any term appearing in this document that is not defined in this document but 

defined in regulation i.e., 10 CFR 26, 10 CFR 73.56. etc., has the meaning specified in the 

regulation. In addition, some definitions have deliberately been reduced from the scope permitted in 

regulation.

10 CFR—Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations

AA CM—Nuclear Regulatory Commission-issued Order for Compensatory Measures 

Related to Access Authorization, dated January 7, 2003

Access-denied—The clearance condition where an individual is not considered trustworthy 

and reliable based upon the licensee reviewing official’s evaluation of potentially

disqualifying information.

Administrative withdrawal of UAA/UA—A process to temporarily withhold UAA/UA 

from an individual while action is taken to complete or update an element of the UAA 

requirements. 

Adulterated specimen—A urine specimen that has been altered, as evidenced by test results 

showing either a substance that is not a normal constituent of urine or showing an 

abnormal concentration of an endogenous substance. 

Annual—A twelve (12) month cycle 

Background Investigation (BI)—Information from all BI elements to be collectively 

evaluated by the reviewing official pursuant to a determination of trustworthiness and 

reliability of an individual. Depending upon the BI period, the BI elements may include 

any or all of the following: verification of true identity, employment verification with 

suitable inquiry (includes education in lieu of employment and military service as 

employment), a credit check, and character and reputation determination.

Behavioral Observation Program (BOP)—A program that meets requirements of both the 

access authorization and fitness-for-duty programs. Personnel are trained to report legal 

actions; to possess certain knowledge and abilities (K&A’s) related to drugs and alcohol 

and the recognition of behaviors adverse to the safe operation and security of the facility 

by observing the behavior of others in the workplace and detecting and reporting aberrant 

behavior or changes in behavior that might adversely impact an individual’s 

trustworthiness or reliability, and undergo an annual supervisory review. 

Best effort—Documented actions taken and information obtained by a licensee, C/V or their 

authorized agents, from an acceptable alternate or secondary source that provides a 

licensee or C/V with sufficient employment or education information upon which a 

trustworthiness and reliability determination can be made. 

Business Day—Normally, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, however, may 

include Saturdays and/or Sundays for purposes of sharing data when UAA/UA decisions 

are made on a Saturday or Sunday and for making notifications whenever day of 

discovery requirements are initiated on a Saturday or Sunday. 
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Collection site—A designated place where individuals present themselves for the purpose of 

providing a specimen of their urine, oral fluids, and/or breath to be analyzed for the 

presence of drugs or alcohol. 

Collector—A person who is trained in the collection procedures of 10 CFR 26 subpart E, 

instructs and assists a specimen donor at a collection site, and receives and makes an 

initial examination of the specimen(s) provided by the donor. 

Contractor/vendor (C/V)—Any company or any individual not employed by a licensee 

who is formally approved by a licensee to satisfy elements of the access authorization 

and/or FFD program, is providing work or services to a licensee either by contract, 

purchase order, oral agreement, or other arrangement that supports UAA/UA or FFDrelated requirements.

Critical Group—Individuals: 

1. who have extensive knowledge of defensive strategies and design and/or 

implementation of the plant’

s defense strategies. The positions include: 

a. Site security supervisors, 

b. Site security managers, 

c. Security training instructors, 

d. Corporate security managers; 

2. in a position to grant an applicant unescorted access or unescorted access authorization, 

including site access authorization managers; 

3. assigned a duty to search for contraband or other items that could be used to commit 

radiological sabotage (i.e., weapons, explosives, incendiary devices); 

4. who have access, extensive knowledge, or administrative control over plant digital 

computer and communication systems and networks as identified in 10 CRR 73.54, 

plant network system administrators and IT personnel who are responsible for 

securing plant networks; 

5. qualified for and assigned duties as: armed security officers, armed responders, alarm 

station operators, response team leaders, and armorers as defined in the licensee’s 

Physical Security Plan; and reactor operators, senior reactor operators and non-licensed 

operators. Non-licensed operators include those individuals responsible for the 

operation of plant systems and components, as directed by a reactor operator or senior 

reactor operator. A non-licensed operator also includes individuals who monitor plant 

instrumentation and equipment and principally perform their duties outside of the 

control room. 

Determination of fitness—A process entered to evaluate an individual when there are 

indications that the individual may be in violation of the licensee or C/V’s FFD policy or 

is otherwise unable to safely and competently perform his or her duties. 

Donor—The individual from whom a specimen is collected. 

Employment Action—A change in job responsibilities or removal from a job, or the 

employer-mandated implementation of a plan for substance abuse treatment in order to 

avoid a change in or removal from a job, or any military non-judicial punishment because 

of the individual’s use of drugs or alcohol. 
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Employment/Unemployment history verification—A verification of specified periods of 

employment, military service as employment, education in lieu of employment and 

unemployment on a best effort basis from information provided or claimed by the 

individual on their personal history questionnaire. 

Fitness-for-Duty (FFD) Authorization (FFDA)—A term commensurate with 

“Authorization” as defined in 10 CFR 26.5. An element of UAA that identifies the status 

of an individual’s required fitness-for-duty elements, which are then evaluated by a 

reviewing official to determine whether the individual is trustworthy, reliable and fit for 

duty. The required elements for FFDA are: consent, suitable inquiry (including education 

in lieu of employment and military service as employment); self-disclosure; pre-access 

drug and alcohol testing; training in the required FFD K&A’s, FFD and BOP); being 

subject to both licensee-approved BOP and drug and a alcohol testing program. 

Formal Action—The initiation of any UAA/UA element by a licensee at the licensee 

facility. 

Illegal drug—Any drug that is included in Schedules I to V of section 202 of the Controlled 

Substances Act [21 U.S.C. 812], but not when used pursuant to a valid prescription or 

when used as otherwise authorized by law. 

Initial Unescorted Access Authorization—An access category used to identify persons in 

the process of obtaining UA at a nuclear power plant for the first time, or after a lapsed 

clearance beyond the established 3-year cutoff, or after last UAA/UA was denied or 

terminated unfavorably as defined in Section 6.2. 

Insider—A person who has been granted UAA/UA under the requirements of 10 CFR 73.56 

or has the ability to access information systems that: (1) connect to systems that connect 

to plant operating systems or (2) contain sensitive information that could benefit an 

insider. 

Knowledgeable and Practiced (K&P)—An individual audit team member who has current 

or previous access authorization program experience and who is responsible for 

validating that overall program performance is meeting the objective of screening 

individuals to provide high assurance that individuals are trustworthy and reliable to have 

or maintain UAA/UA. 

Legal action—A formal action taken by a law enforcement authority or court of law, 

including being held, detained, taken into custody, charged, arrested, indicted, fined,

forfeited bond, cited, or convicted for a violation of any law, regulation or ordinance this 

includes felony, misdemeanor, serious traffic offenses, serious civil charges or military 

charges but does not include minor misdemeanors such as parking tickets or minor civil 

actions such as zoning violations or minor traffic violations such as moving violations 

when the individual was not taking physically taken into custody, and includes the mandated 

implementation of a plan for treatment or mitigation in order to avoid a permanent record 

of an arrest or conviction in response to the following activities: 

(1) The use, sale or possession of illegal drugs; 

(2) The abuse of legal drugs or alcohol; or 

(3) The refusal to take a drug or alcohol test. 
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Medical Review Officer (MRO)—A licensed physician who is responsible for receiving 

laboratory results generated by a 10 CFR 26 drug testing program and who has the 

appropriate medical training to properly interpret and evaluate an individual’s drug and 

validity test results together with his or her medical history and any other relevant 

biomedical information. 

Need-to-know—Term used to refer to the requirement that, in order to gain access to 

personal information collected in fitness-for-duty and access authorization programs, an 

individual must require such access in order to perform his or her job and is authorized 

access to the information under the provisions of 10 CFR 26, 10 CFR 73.56 or 10 CFR 

73.57. An individual’s privacy rights under state and federal law continue to be 

protected. 

NEI—Nuclear Energy Institute 

Nominal—The limited flexibility that is permitted in meeting a scheduled due date for 

completing a recurrent activity that is required under this part, such as the nominal annual 

(12-month) frequency required for FFD refresher training in 10 CFR 26.29(c)(2) and the 

nominal annual (12-month) frequency required for certain audits in 10 CFR 26.41(c)(1). 

Completing a recurrent activity at a nominal frequency means that the activity may be 

completed within a period that is 25 percent longer or shorter than the period required in 

this part. The next scheduled due date would be no later than the current scheduled due 

date plus the required frequency for completing the activity. 

NRC—Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ)—Information provided in a written statement by an 

individual applying for UAA that provides the personal information required to assist in 

processing UAA/UA elements. 

Personal Information—All information, unique to an individual, that is collected or 

developed during the implementation of the UAA or FFD program requirements. 

Potentially Disqualifying Information (PDI)—Any derogatory information (e.g., 

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, 

discrepancies between information disclosed and developed) that is required to be 

evaluated against a licensee or C/V’s adjudication criteria. A subset of PDI is FFD PDI 

(the 10 CFR 26 acronym equivalent is PDFFDI, Potentially Disqualifying Fitness-forDuty Information) and includes information demonstrating that an individual has— 

1. Violated a licensee’s or approved C/V’s FFD policy; 

2. Had authorization denied or terminated unfavorably from or made ineligible for UA 

to any nuclear facility, Technical Support Center (TSC) or Emergency Operations 

Facility (EOF) for a violation of a fitness-for-duty program, falsification of 

employment or self-disclosure statement, the sale, use or possession of illegal drugs 

or the consumption of alcohol within a protected area of a nuclear power plant; 

3. Used, sold, or possessed illegal drugs; 
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4. Abused legal drugs or alcohol; 

5. Subverted or attempted to subvert a drug or alcohol testing program; 

6. Refused to take a drug or alcohol test; 

7. Been subjected to a plan for substance abuse treatment (except for self-referral); or 

8. Had legal action or employment action taken for alcohol or drug use. 

Protected area—An area encompassed by physical barriers and to which access is 

controlled in accordance with 10 CFR 73. 

Reinstatement of Unescorted Access Authorization—An UAA that has been reestablished 

within 365 days consistent with UAA requirements specified in Sections 6.4 and 6.5. 

Reinvestigation—A periodic inquiry or assessment conducted to ensure that individuals 

continue to meet UAA/UA or FFD program suitability requirements as defined in 

Section 9. 

Reviewing official—The licensee or, if applicable, C/V persons designated by their company 

to be responsible for reviewing and evaluating all data collected about an individual, 

including potentially disqualifying information, in order to determine whether the 

individual may be certified UAA by a licensee or C/V, or granted UA by a licensee. 

Self-disclosure—An individual applying for UAA is required to report criminal and FFD 

personal information in a PHQ that is verified during the suitable inquiry portion of the 

BI and evaluated relative to the individual’s trustworthiness, reliability and fitness-forduty. And, as required while in a behavioral observation program, the individual is 

required to report all legal actions at the time of occurrence. 

Semi-structured Interview—An interview with an individual applying for UAA or a person 

maintaining UAA, conducted by a psychiatrist or a licensed psychologist with clinical 

experience as required by applicable state requirements, containing questions determined 

appropriate by the interviewing psychiatrist or licensed psychologist which vary the focus 

and content of the interview, depending on the written assessment, the observations of the 

interviewer, and the interviewee’s responses to questions. The semi-structured interview 

may contain any other evaluative measure determined appropriate by the psychiatrist or 

licensed psychologist. 

Substituted specimen—A specimen with creatinine and specific gravity values that are so 

diminished or so divergent that they are not consistent with normal human physiology. 

Subversion and subvert the testing process—A willful act to avoid being tested or to bring 

about an inaccurate drug or alcohol test result for oneself or others at any stage of the 

testing process (including selection and notification of individuals for testing, specimen 

collection, specimen analysis, and test result reporting), and adulterating, substituting, or 

otherwise causing a specimen to provide an inaccurate test result. 
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Suitable Inquiry (SI)—A check of self-disclosed FFD information through the conduct of 

an employment and education history verification that ascertains on a best-effort basis: 

1. the reason for termination, 

2. eligibility for rehire, and 

3. other information that could reflect on the individual’s fitness to be certified UAA, 

granted UA or approved for FFDA including an inquiry of previous employers and/or 

educational institutions to determine if the individual has, in the past: 

a. violated a licensee or employer’s fitness-for-duty policy; 

b. been denied or terminated unfavorably at any nuclear power plant for any reason, 

including fitness for duty; 

c. used, sold or possessed illegal drugs; 

d. abused legal drugs or alcohol; 

e. refused to take a drug or alcohol test; 

f. subverted or attempted to subvert a drug or alcohol testing program; 

g. been subject to a plan (except self-referral) for treating substance abuse; 

h. been subject to a law enforcement authority or court of law action for alcohol or 

drug use related to any of the following: 

(1.) The use, sale or possession of illegal drugs 

(2.) The abuse of legal drugs or alcohol; or 

i. been subject to employment action taken for alcohol or drug abuse involving any 

of the following: 

(1.) A change in job responsibilities or removal from a job or 

(2.) Mandated implementation of a plan for substance abuse treatment in order 

to avoid a change in or removal from a job. 

Terminated favorably—The UAA/UA that has been terminated because it is no longer 

required. The individual was determined to be trustworthy and reliable and fit for duty 

up to the point in time that the termination occurred. 

Terminated unfavorably—The UAA/UA that has been terminated because the licensee has 

determined that the individual cannot be considered trustworthy and/or reliable to hold 

UAA/UA, is unfit for duty, or has violated an access authorization or FFD policy. 

Unescorted Access Authorization (UAA)—Certification and status in the access 

authorization process that the individual satisfactorily completed all required elements as 

specified in Section 6 (including the FFDA elements: consent, self-disclosure, suitability 

inquiry and drug and alcohol testing elements defined in 10 CFR 26, being subject to a 

BOP and training in the FFD K&A’s),which were evaluated by a licensee reviewing 

official who then made a favorable determination relative to the individual’s 

trustworthiness, reliability and fitness-for-duty. 
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Unescorted Access (UA)—Granted to an individual after satisfactorily completing all 

regulatory requirements for UAA and FFDA, and the individual has completed plant 

access training; is subjected to a behavioral observation program; is placed in a random 

drug and alcohol testing program; and is provided the physical means to gain UA to the 

protected area. 

Updated Unescorted Access Authorization—An UAA/UA that has been restored after 

authorization was terminated under favorable conditions during a period greater than 365 

days but less than 3 years prior to restoration as specified in Section 6.3. 
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5 INDIVIDUALS SUBJECT TO THE ACCESS AUTHORIZATION AND FITNESSFOR-DUTY PROGRAM 

a. The following individuals are subject to the access authorization program and must be 

screened in accordance with applicable sections of this document. 

1. Any individual to whom a licensee intends to grant UA to nuclear power plant 

protected or vital areas or any individual for whom a licensee intends to certify UAA; 

2. Any individual whose duties and responsibilities permit the individual to take actions 

by electronic means, either on site or remotely, that could adversely impact the 

licensee’s operational safety, security, or emergency response capabilities. 

3. Any individual who has responsibilities for implementing a licensee’s protective 

strategy, including but not limited to, armed security force officer, alarm station 

operators, and tactical response team leaders; 

4. The licensee’s or C/V access program’s reviewing official. 

5. All persons who are required by a licensee to physically report to the licensee’s 

Technical Support Center or Emergency Operations Facility as specified within 

licensee emergency plans and procedures; 

6. Background investigation screener personnel responsible to control, collect and 

process information that will be used by the licensee reviewing official to make 

access determinations as defined in Section 11.1; 

7. Personnel who evaluate information for the purpose of processing individuals for 

UAA/UA who has unfettered access to the file and records of person applying for or 

holding UAA/UA or who is responsible for data management upon which UAA/UA 

decisions may be based as defined in Section 11.2; and 

8. FFD program personnel; 

(a.) who are involved in the day-to-day operation of the program; 

(b.) who can link test results with the individual who was tested before an FFD 

policy violation determination is made, including, but not limited to the MRO; 

(c.) who make determinations of fitness; 

(d.) who make authorization decisions; 

(e.) who are involved in selecting or notifying individuals for testing; and 

(f.) who are involved in the collection or on-site testing of specimens. 

9. At the licensee’s discretion, other individuals, including employees of a contractor or 

a vendor who are designated in access authorization program procedures are subject 

to an access authorization program. 

b. Licensees shall grant UA to all individuals who have been certified by the NRC, in 

writing, as suitable for such access. Such individuals are not required to be entered into 

the industry information-sharing mechanism described in Section 12. However, the NRC 

periodically dispatches NRC-contracted personnel to a licensee facility specifically 

requesting the licensee to conduct a UAA/UA element. In such cases, the NRC specifies 

what elements of UAA/UA need to be accomplished by the licensee. The licensee must 

perform the requested element(s), and enter the resulting data into the industry datasharing mechanism.
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c. If an individual’s most recent UAA/UA is denied or terminated unfavorably, the licensee 

must limit the individual’s access. Licensees shall not permit the individual to enter any 

nuclear power plant protected or vital area, under escort or otherwise, or take actions by 

electronic means that could impact the licensee’s operational safety, security, or 

emergency response capabilities or their facilities, under supervision or otherwise until 

the individual is deemed trustworthy and reliable in accordance with the requirements of 

Section 6.” 

d. In addition, if a licensee is aware of information about an individual that characterizes 

him or her as untrustworthy or unreliable for UAA/UA under their program, the licensee 

reviewing official shall evaluate the information and determine whether to allow 

UAA/UA to that individual. 

CAUTION: If an individual is identified as having either an access-denied status in the 

information-sharing mechanism defined in Section 12, or an access authorization status 

other than favorably terminated, licensees must limit the individual’s access. Licensees 

shall not permit the individual to enter any nuclear power plant protected area or vital 

area, under escort or otherwise, or take actions by electronic means that could impact the 

licensee’s operational safety, security, or emergency response capabilities or their 

facilities, under supervision or otherwise, except upon completion of the initial UAA 

process. 
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6 PROGRAM ELEMENTS 

a. The requirements for UAA are separated into the following authorization categories: 

1. initial UAA; 

2. updated UAA; and 

3. reinstatement of UAA. 

b. The determining factor that differentiates the use of any of these categories is: 

1. whether the individual has previously held UAA; 

2. the lapsed time (the total number of days that the individual’s authorization is 

interrupted to include the day after the individual’s last period of authorization was 

terminated and the intervening days until the day upon which the individual applies 

for UAA/UA); and 

3. whether or not the UAA/UA has been terminated favorably. 

c. Once certified UAA, the individual may be maintained in a UAA-certified status ready to 

be granted UA as defined in Section 6.6.2. 

d. Licensees and C/Vs may rely upon the information that other licensees and C/V’s 

who are subject to 10 CFR 73.56 have: 

1. gathered about individuals who have previously applied for UAA/UA and 

2. developed about individuals during periods in which the individuals maintained 

unescorted access or unescorted access authorization status. 

NOTE: Individuals granted UAA/UA in accordance with grandfather provisions, Section 

6.6, NEI 03-01 Revision 1 and Revision Original as well as a predecessor document, US 

NRC Regulatory Guide 5.66, Access Authorization Program For Nuclear Power Plants, 

Section 11.0, Appendix A, NUMARC 89-01, Industry Guidelines for Nuclear Power 

Plant Access Authorization Programs, are not required to be re-screened to meet the 

requirements of Sections 6.2-6.5 unless a break in the UAA/UA occurs. However, 

reinvestigations, psychological re-assessments and annual supervisory reviews are 

required in accordance with Sections 7.8.2, 9 and 10 within the specified frequency in 

order to maintain UAA/UA. 

e. UAA elements completed prior to certifying UAA or granting UA may be maintained 

(see Sections 6.6.1 and 7) indefinitely for an individual covered by a BOP. Additional 

drug and alcohol testing is not required if the individual was subject to a random drug and 

alcohol testing program throughout the period since previous negative test results were 

received. 

f. Licensees or C/Vs may maintain the results and collected supporting data of their access 

authorization program elements as defined in Section 7.c as valid for no more than 30 

calendar days. 

g. For individuals whose last UAA/UA was terminated unfavorably, whose UAA/UA was 

suspended due to violation of a FFD program policy or whose last UAA/UA or request 
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for UAA/UA was denied, the individual’s trustworthiness and reliability must be reestablished through the conduct of program elements necessary to establish an initial 

UAA including the actions contained within Sections 6.1.2, through 6.1.7, as applicable. 

h. Licensees who are seeking to grant UA or certify UAA to an individual who is subject to 

another NRC-approved access authorization program or another access authorization 

program that complies with the requirements contained within this document may rely on 

those documented access authorization programs or access authorization program 

elements to comply with the requirements. 

i. The licensee who is seeking to certify UAA or grant UA is required to document that the 

program elements to be accepted have been maintained consistent with the requirements 

of this section by the other access authorization program. 

j. All operating US nuclear power plants and certain other licensees that collect data under 

requirements equal to or greater than requirements for operating power reactors are 

committed to the requirements contained within this document and therefore, are able to 

share and rely upon information that has been collected and evaluated in accordance with 

the requirements of this program. 

k. Licensees who are seeking to certify UAA and/or grant UA relying upon FFD 

Authorization elements to an individual who has been subject to an FFD program under 

10 CFR 26 subpart K, (Construction) may not rely on that 10 CFR 26 subpart K program 

or its program elements to meet the requirements of NEI 03-01, except if the 10 CFR 26 

subpart K program or program element(s) of the FFD program for construction satisfy the 

applicable requirements specified in Section 6.2-6.6 of this document. 

l. If an individual who has UAA/UA status is not subject to an access authorization 

program that meets the requirements as defined in this section for more than 30 

continuous days, then the licensee shall terminate the individual’

s UAA/UA status. 

6.1 REVIEWING OFFICIAL

a. The licensee or as applicable, approved C/V, is required to designate in writing one or 

more individuals as a reviewing official to make access determinations relative to an 

individual’s, trustworthiness and reliability and fitness for duty. The designated 

reviewing official must have a demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of the access 

authorization program, applicable FFD program requirements and the insider 

mitigation program impacting an individual’s access authorization. 

b. In every case, the reviewing official shall evaluate trustworthiness and reliability and 

consider the potential insider threat based on an accumulation of information 

including PDI, BOP data, and/or any subsequent determination of fitness. This 

information must support a trustworthiness and reliability determination prior to the 

licensee certifying UAA or granting UA or allowing maintenance of UAA/UA or a 

FFD Authorization. The individual must be informed of the basis for any denial of 

UAA/UA. Items to evaluate include: 

1. The self-disclosed and BI-developed activities of the individual; 

2. The consistency and completeness of self-disclosed and BI-developed 

information; 
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3. Results of true identity verification of the individual, such as comparing PHQ data 

to BI-developed information, credit report, validation of the SSN, criminal history 

check results or other data sources; and 

4. The reason for inconsistencies detected through review of collected information, 

i.e., intentional, innocent, or an oversight. Willful or intentional acts of omission 

or untruthfulness would be grounds for denial of UAA/UA. 

c. Whenever an individual who is granted UA is subsequently terminated unfavorably, 

the organization responsible for controlling access to the PA must be notified prior to 

or simultaneous with the unfavorable termination. 

d. The individual must be notified in writing that any document submitted by the 

individual as part of the UAA/UA process must contain accurate, complete and 

truthful information, and the consequences for failure to do so. 

e. The following actions related to providing and sharing the personal information 

required are sufficient cause for denial or unfavorable termination of UAA/UA: 

1. Refusal to provide written consent for the suitable inquiry; 

2. Refusal to provide, or the falsification of any personal information including, but 

not limited to, the failure to report any previous denial or unfavorable termination 

of authorization; 

3. Refusal to provide written consent for the sharing of personal information with 

other licensees or C/Vs; and 

4. Failure to report any legal actions. 

f. The licensee reviewing official may determine that UAA/UA shall be denied or 

terminated at any time based on disqualifying information even if all information 

required has not been provided. However, UAA may not be certified and/or UA may 

not be granted until all UAA or UA elements are completed and have been favorably 

evaluated by the licensee reviewing official. However, the reviewing official may 

deny or terminate unescorted access or unescorted access authorization of any 

individual based on disqualifying information even if not all the information required 

by this section has been collected or evaluated. 

g. The reviewing official shall complete an evaluation of the information obtained from 

the reinvestigation’s criminal history update and credit history reevaluation, within 30 

calendar days of initiating either one of these elements. 

h. The results of the criminal history update, credit history re-evaluation, psychological 

re-assessment, if required and the supervisory review and interview, must support a 

reviewing official’s determination of the individual’s continued trustworthiness and 

reliability. 

i. If the criminal history update, credit history re-evaluation, psychological reassessment, if required, and supervisory review and interview, if applicable, have not 

been completed and the information evaluated by the reviewing official within the 

required 3 year period, 5-year period, or more frequently, as applicable, or within the 

time period specified in the licensee’s Physical Security Plan, the reviewing official 

shall administratively withdraw the individual’s UAA/UA until these requirements 

have been met. 
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j. If an individual who has UAA/UA status is not subject to an access authorization 

program that meets the requirements of this part for more than 30 continuous days, 

then the reviewing official shall terminate the individual’s UAA/UA status and the 

individual shall meet the requirements in 6.2-6.6, as applicable, to regain UAA/UA. 

6.1.1 PDI That Has Not Been Reviewed 

If PDI is disclosed or discovered and has not been reviewed and favorably resolved by a 

previous licensee, the discovering reviewing official shall suspend the individual’s 

UAA/UA until the PDI has been reviewed and resolved favorably. 

6.1.2 Request for Access After a First Confirmed Positive Drug or Alcohol Test Result 

a. For a request for access after a first confirmed positive drug or alcohol test result 

perform the following actions: 

1. Obtain and review a self-disclosure and employment history from the individual 

that addresses the shortest of the following periods: 

(a.) since the individual’s eighteenth birthday; 

(b.) within the past 5 years; or 

(c.) since the individual’s last period of UAA was terminated. 

2. Verify that the self-disclosure does not contain any previously undisclosed FFD 

PDI before certifying UAA or granting UA; 

b. Complete an SI with every employer the individual claims to have been employed 

during the period addressed in the employment history including the employer by 

whom the individual claims to have been employed on the day before he or she 

completed the employment history and obtain and review any records that other 

licensees or entities may have developed related to the unfavorable termination or 

denial of authorization. 

1. The licensee or C/V may rely upon information-sharing system data that 

documents a prior review of FFD PDI. 

2. For information contained within the industry data–sharing system, the two-year 

expansion of the employment check SI scope is not required. 

c. Ensure that a professional appropriately qualified to make determinations of fitness, 

as specified in 10 CFR 26.189, conducts a determination of fitness and indicates that 

the individual is fit to safely and competently perform his or her duties. 

1. If the individual’s UAA/UA was denied or terminated unfavorably for a first 

confirmed positive drug or alcohol test result, ensure that clinically appropriate 

treatment plans and follow-up testing are developed by a professional 

appropriately qualified to make determinations of fitness, as specified in 10 CFR 

26.189, before granting authorization. 
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2. Subsequent to certifying UAA or granting UA, verify that the individual is in 

compliance with, and successfully completes, any follow-up testing and treatment 

plans. 

d. Within 10 business days before certifying UAA or granting UA: 

1. perform a pre-access alcohol test; 

2. collect a specimen for drug testing under direct observation; 

3. ensure that the individual is subject to random testing thereafter; and 

4. verify that the pre-access drug and alcohol test results are negative before 

certifying UAA or granting UA. 

e. If the individual’s UAA/UA was denied or terminated unfavorably for a first 

confirmed positive drug or alcohol test result and a licensee or C/V certifies UAA 

and/or grants UA to the individual, ensure that: 

1. the individual is subject to unannounced testing (both random and follow-up tests 

satisfy this requirement); 

2. all tests must have negative results; 

3. this testing must be conducted at least quarterly for 3 calendar years after the date 

the individual is certified UAA and or granted UA, with a minimum of 15 tests 

distributed over the 3-year period, except as follows: 

(a.) If the individual does not continuously hold UAA/UA during the 3-year 

period, the licensee or approved C/V shall ensure that at least one 

unannounced test is conducted in any quarter during which the individual 

holds authorization; 

(b.) If the 15 tests are not completed within the 3-year period specified in this 

paragraph due to periods during which the individual does not hold 

UAA/UA, the testing program may be extended up to 5 calendar years to 

complete the 15 tests; or 

(c.) If the individual does not hold UAA/UA during the 5-year period a 

sufficient number of times or for sufficient periods of time to complete the 

15 tests required, the licensee shall ensure that a professional appropriately 

qualified to make determinations of fitness, as specified in 10 CFR 26.189, 

conducts a determination of fitness to assess whether further follow-up 

testing is required and implement the appropriately qualified professional’s 

recommendations. 

f. Verify that any drug and alcohol tests required, and any other drug and alcohol tests 

that are conducted since UAA/UA was terminated or denied, yield results indicating 

no further drug abuse, as determined by the MRO after review, or alcohol abuse, as 

determined by the result of confirmatory alcohol testing. 

6.1.3 Request for Access After a 5-Year FFD Denial of Authorization 

a. For a request for access after a 5-year denial of authorization conduct an initial 

authorization investigation and include the following: 
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1. Obtain and review a self-disclosure and employment history from the individual 

that addresses the 5-year period prior to certifying UAA or granting UA ensuring 

that the self-disclosure does not contain any previously undisclosed FFD PDI 

before granting UAA/UA; 

2. Complete a SI with every employer by whom the individual claims to have been 

employed during the period addressed in the employment history including the 

employer by whom the individual claims to have been employed on the day 

before he or she completed the employment history and obtain and review any 

records that other licensees or entities may have developed related to the 

unfavorable termination or denial of authorization. 

(a.) The licensee or C/V may rely upon information-sharing system data that 

documents a prior review of FFD PDI. 

(b.) For those incidents documented within the industry data-sharing 

mechanism, the two-year expansion of the employment check inquiry scope 

is not required. 

3. Verify that the individual has abstained from substance abuse for at least the past 

5 years; 

b. Ensure that an professional appropriately qualified to make determinations of fitness, 

as specified in 10 CFR 26.189, conducts a determination of fitness and indicates that 

the individual is fit to safely and competently perform his or her duties. 

1. Ensure that any recommendations for treatment and follow-up testing from the 

appropriately qualified professional’s determination of fitness are initiated before 

granting authorization. 

2. Subsequent to certifying UAA or granting UA, verify that the individual is in 

compliance with, and successfully completes, any follow-up testing and treatment 

plans. 

c. Within 10 business days before certifying UAA or granting UA: 

1. perform a pre-access alcohol test; 

2. collect a specimen for drug testing under direct observation; 

3. ensure that the individual is subject to random testing thereafter; and 

4. verify that the pre-access drug and alcohol test results are negative before granting 

UA. 

d. Verify that any drug and alcohol tests required, and any other drug and alcohol tests 

that are conducted since UAA/UA was terminated or denied, yield results indicating 

no further drug abuse after review, as determined by the MRO after review, or 

alcohol abuse, as determined by the result of confirmatory alcohol testing. 
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6.1.4 Other FFD PDI Within the Past 5 Years 

a. For other FFD PDI within the past 5 years and prior to certifying UAA or granting 

UA: 

1. Obtain and review a self-disclosure and employment history that addresses the 

shortest of the following periods: 

(a.) the past 5 years; 

(b.) since the individual’s eighteenth birthday; or 

(c.) since the individual’s last period of UAA/UA was terminated. 

2. Verify that the self-disclosure does not contain any previously undisclosed FFD 

PDI before granting UAA/UA. 

b. Complete a SI with every employer by whom the individual claims to have been 

employed during the period addressed in the employment history. 

1. If the individual held UAA/UA within the past 5 years, obtain and review any 

records that other licensees or entities that are subject to 10 CFR 26 may have 

developed with regard to FFD PDI about the individual from the past 5 years. 

2. The licensee or C/V may rely upon information-sharing system data that 

documents a prior review of FFD PDI. 

3. For those documented incidents the two-year expansion of the employment check 

inquiry scope is not required. 

c. If the reviewing official determines that a determination of fitness is required, verify 

that a professional appropriately qualified to make determinations of fitness, as 

specified in 10 CFR 26.189, has indicated that the individual is fit to safely and 

competently perform his or her duties. 

d. Ensure that the individual is in compliance with, or has completed, any plans for 

treatment and drug and alcohol testing from the determination of fitness, which may 

include the collection of a urine specimen under direct observation. 

e. Verify that: 

1. the results of pre-access drug and alcohol tests are negative before certifying 

UAA or granting UA, and 

2. that the individual is subject to random testing after the specimens have been 

collected for pre-access testing and thereafter. 

6.1.5 Maintaining Individuals Certified UAA or Granted UA with FFD PDI 

a. For individuals certified UAA or granted UA with FFD PDI: 

1. Ensure that the licensee’s reviewing official completes a review of the 

circumstances associated with the information. 

2. If the licensee reviewing official concludes that a determination of fitness is 

required, verify that a professional appropriately qualified to make determinations 
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of fitness, as specified in 10 CFR 26.189, has indicated that the individual is fit to 

safely and competently perform his or her duties. 

3. If the licensee reviewing official determines that maintaining the individual’s 

UAA/UA is warranted, implement any recommendations for treatment and 

follow-up drug and alcohol testing from the determination of fitness, which may 

include the collection of urine specimens under direct observation, and ensure that 

the individual complies with and successfully completes the treatment plans. 

6.1.6 Follow-Up Testing, Treatment Plans and Determinations of Fitness from Another 

FFD Program 

a. Follow-up testing, treatment plans and determinations of fitness from another FFD 

program may be accepted provided they were conducted under the FFD program of 

another licensee or approved C/V which satisfies 10 CFR 26. 

1. If an individual leaves the FFD program in which a treatment and follow-up 

testing plan was required and is certified for UAA or granted UA by the same or 

another licensee or C/V, the licensee who certifies UAA or grants UA to the 

individual shall ensure that any treatment and follow-up testing requirements are 

met, with accountability assumed by the certifying or granting licensee. 

2. If the previous licensee or approved C/V determined that the individual 

successfully completed any required treatment and follow-up testing, and the 

individual’s last period of UAA/UA was terminated favorably, the receiving 

licensee or entity may rely on the previous determination of fitness and no further 

review or follow-up is required. 

3. If it is impractical for the individual to comply with a treatment plan that was 

developed under another FFD program because of circumstances that are outside 

of the individual’s or licensee’s or other entity’s control (e.g., geographical 

distance, closure of a treatment facility), then the granting FFD program shall 

ensure that a professional appropriately qualified to make determinations of 

fitness, as specified in 10 CFR 26.189, develops a comparable treatment plan, 

with accountability for monitoring the individual’s compliance with the plan 

assumed by the granting licensee or C/V. 

6.1.7 Determination of Fitness 

a. A determination of fitness must be made by a licensed or certified professional (e.g., 

Substance Abuse Expert (SAE), MRO, psychologist, psychiatrist or physician, etc) 

who is appropriately qualified and has the necessary clinical expertise, as verified by 

the licensee or C/V to evaluate the specific fitness issues presented by the individual. 

b. A determination of fitness must be made in at least the following circumstances: 

1. when there is a basis for believing that the individual could be impaired while on 

duty, even though there is an acceptable medical explanation for a positive, 

adulterated, substituted, or invalid test result. Three other situations where there 

may be a basis for believing that the individual could be impaired while on duty 

require certain proactive determinations: 
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(a.) Unscheduled work: requires a determination of fitness by breath alcohol 

analysis or other means, if the called-in individual indicates that he or she 

has consumed alcohol within the 5 hours preceding the call-in; 

(b.) Work under a waiver: requires a supervisor to assess the individual face-toface to determine that there is reasonable assurance that the individual will 

be able to perform his or her duties; and, 

(c.) Self-declarations: requires a fatigue assessment. 

2. before making return-to-duty recommendations after an individual’s UAA/UA 

has been terminated unfavorably or denied under a licensee’s or C/V’s FFD 

policy; 

3. before an individual is certified UAA or granted UA when FFD PDI is identified 

within the past 5 years that has not previously been evaluated by another licensee 

or entity who is subject to 10 CFR 26; and 

4. when FFD PDI is otherwise identified and the licensee’s reviewing official 

concludes that a determination of fitness is warranted. 

c. A determination of fitness that is conducted “for cause,” that is in response to an 

individual’s observed behavior or physical condition must be conducted through faceto-face interaction between the subject individual and the professional making the 

determination. Electronic means of communication may not be used. 

1. If there is no conclusive evidence of an FFD policy violation or a significant basis 

for concern that the individual may be impaired while on duty, then the individual 

must be determined to be fit for duty. 

2. If there is no conclusive evidence of an FFD policy violation but there is a 

significant basis for concern that the individual may be impaired while on duty, 

then the subject individual must be determined to be unfit for duty. 

(a.) This result does not constitute a violation of the licensee’s or C/V’s FFD 

policy, and no sanctions may be imposed. 

(b.) The professional who made the determination of fitness shall consult with 

the licensee’s or C/V’s management personnel to identify the actions 

required to ensure that any possible limiting condition does not represent a 

threat to workplace or public health and safety. 

(c.) Licensee or C/V management personnel shall implement the required 

actions. 

(d.) When appropriate, the subject individual may also be referred to the EAP. 

d. The individual, licensees or approved C/Vs may not seek a second determination of 

fitness if a determination of fitness as required by 10 CFR 26, has already been 

performed by a qualified professional employed by or under contract to the licensee 

or C/V. After the initial determination of fitness has been made, the professional may 

modify his or her evaluation and recommendations based on new or additional 

information from other sources including, but not limited to, the subject individual, 

another licensee or entity, or staff of an education or treatment program. Unless the 

professional who made the initial determination of fitness is no longer employed by 
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or under contract to the licensee or C/V, only that professional is authorized to 

modify the evaluation and recommendations. When reasonably practicable, licensees 

and approved C/Vs shall assist in arranging for consultation between the new 

professional and the professional who is no longer employed by or under contract to 

the licensee or C/V, to ensure continuity and consistency in the recommendations and 

their implementation. 

6.1.8 Minimum Sanctions 

a. Except where explicitly excluded by Commission regulation, violations recorded in 

accordance with 10 CFR 26, dated June 7, 1989 requirements and licensee programs 

implementing the 10 CFR 26 performance requirements, must be considered when 

determining sanctions under subsequent versions of 10 CFR 26. 

b. The following minimal sanctions shall be imposed when an individual has violated 

the drug and alcohol provisions of an FFD policy: 

1. Any act or attempted act to subvert the testing process, including, but not limited 

to, refusing to provide a specimen and providing or attempting to provide a 

substituted or adulterated specimen, for any test must result in the immediate 

unfavorable termination of the individual’s UAA/UA and permanent denial of 

UAA/UA thereafter. 

2. Any individual who is determined to have been involved in the sale, use, or 

possession of illegal drugs or the consumption of alcohol within a protected area 

of any nuclear power plant, or while performing the duties that require the 

individual to be subject to 10 CFR 26 shall immediately have his or her UAA/UA 

unfavorably terminated and denied for a minimum of 5 years from the date of the 

unfavorable termination of UAA/UA. 

3. Any individual who resigns or withdraws his or her application for authorization 

before UAA/UA is terminated or denied for a first violation of the FFD policy 

involving a confirmed positive drug or alcohol test result shall immediately have 

his or her UAA/UA denied for a minimum of 5 years from the date of termination 

or denial. If an individual resigns or withdraws his or her application for 

UAA/UA before his or her UAA/UA is terminated or denied for any violation of 

the FFD policy, the licensee shall record the resignation or withdrawal, the nature 

of the violation, and the minimum sanction that would have been required under 

this section had the individual not resigned or withdrawn his or her application for 

UAA/UA. 

4. Lacking any other evidence to indicate the use, sale, or possession of illegal drugs 

or consumption of alcohol on-site, a confirmed positive drug or alcohol test result 

must be presumed to be an indication of off-site drug or alcohol use in violation 

of the FFD policy. 

(a.) The first violation of the FFD policy involving a confirmed positive drug or 

alcohol test result must, at a minimum, result in the immediate unfavorable 

termination of the individual’s UAA/UA for at least 14 days. 
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(b.) Any subsequent confirmed positive drug or alcohol test result, including 

during an assessment or treatment period, must result in the denial of 

UAA/UA for a minimum of 5 years from the date of denial. 

5. Paragraph 4 of this section does not apply to the misuse of prescription and overthe-counter drugs, except if the MRO determines that misuse of the prescription 

or over-the-counter drug represents substance abuse. Sanctions for misuse of 

prescription and over-the-counter drugs must be sufficient to deter misuse of 

those substances. 

6. For individuals whose authorization was denied for 5 years, any subsequent 

violation of the drug and alcohol provisions of an FFD policy must immediately 

result in permanent denial of UAA/UA. 

7. Certain limitations on the use of sanctions as prescribed by 10 CFR 26.75 (h) and 

(i) are contained within the licensee or C/V’s FFD program procedures. 

8. See additional reviewing official criteria in the Safeguards Supplement to this 

document that is provided to licensees by separate means. 

6.2 INITIAL UAA AND UA 

a. Initial UAA elements must be completed prior to certifying UAA or granting UA to 

an individual: 

1. who has never held UAA or has not held UAA within the last 3 years, but whose 

last period of UAA/UA was terminated favorably; 

2. whose last UAA/UA was terminated unfavorably; or 

3. whose last UAA/UA or request for UAA/UA was denied, 

b. Each individual applying for initial UAA will undergo a BI for the past 3 years (or 

since the eighteenth birthday if the individual is younger than twenty-one years of 

age) and as specified in Section 7 for specific elements specified below. 

c. The following elements, as appropriate, must be completed and approved by the 

reviewing official prior to the licensee authorization of UAA and/or the granting of 

UA: 

NOTE: FFDA elements required under 10 CFR 26, are identified with an asterisk (*). 

1. The following documents are completed and signed by the individual and 

provided to the licensee, an approved C/V or their authorized agent: 

(a.) *Consent; 

(b.) PHQ; and 

(c.) *Self-disclosure of FFD PDI and legal actions. 

2. Verify the true identity of the individual, to include demographic information. 

3. Verify the previous 3-year employment/unemployment history (including 

education or military service in lieu of employment) as follows: 

(a.) For the most recent year preceding the application: 
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i. Verify every claimed employment (regardless of the length) including: 

A. the employer by whom the individual claims to have been employed 

on the day before he or she completes the employment history and 

B. education or military service in lieu of employment as described in 

Sections 7.4.3 and 7.4.4. 

ii. *Conduct a SI, on a best effort basis, on every claimed employment as 

specified in Section 6.2.c.3.(a)(i). 

iii. Verify each unemployment period of 30 days or more. 

iv. No SI is required during the checks of unemployment periods. 

(b.) For the remaining 2 years of the required 3-year period: 

i. Verify the longest claimed period of employment (including selfemployment) in any calendar month and 

ii. * Conduct a SI, on a best effort basis, on every claimed employment as 

specified in Section 6.2.c.3.(b)(i). 

iii. Verify each period of unemployment of 30 days or more. 

iv. No SI is required during the checks of unemployment periods. 

v. If an individual claims two employments of the same length in the same 

month, only one needs to be selected for verification and SI. 

vi. If equal periods of employment and unemployment are claimed, verify the 

employment and conduct the SI. 

(c.) *If FFD PDI is identified within the last 5 years prior to certifying UAA and 

it has not been reviewed and favorably resolved by a previous licensee or 

C/V, the scope of the suitable inquiry must be expanded to include an 

additional 2-year period, for a total of 5 years, and cover every period of 

claimed employment. 

i. The licensee or C/V may rely upon information-sharing system data that 

documents a prior review of FFD PDI. 

ii. For incidents documented in the industry data-sharing system, licensees 

must obtain and review any records that other licensees or C/V’s may have 

developed related to the FFD PDI. 

4. Complete an evaluation of the individual’s credit history, for the extent of the 

credit history disclosed by a national credit reporting agency. 

5. Verify character and reputation of the individual through contact with at least two 

developed references. 

6. Conduct an FBI criminal history inquiry, and perform an evaluation of all 

information returned. 

7. Conduct a psychological assessment. 

8. * For an individual applying for UAA after the first violation of an FFD policy 

involving a confirmed positive drug or alcohol test result, or for an individual 

whose UAA was denied for 5 years, the licensee shall follow the processes 
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described in Section 6.1.2 and/or 6.1.3 and, as appropriate, Sections 6.1.6 and 

6.1.7 in order to grant and subsequently maintain the individual’s UAA. 

9. *Verify that the individual: 

(a.) successfully completed BOP training; 

(b.) successfully completed training on the K&A’s required by 10 CFR 26; and 

(c.) is aware of legal action reporting responsibilities. 

10. *If an individual is applying for UAA and FFD PDI is detected, the licensee shall 

follow the process described in Section 6.1.4 and Sections 6.1.6 and 6.1.7 as 

appropriate in order to grant and subsequently maintain the individual’s 

authorization. 

11. *Conduct a pre-access drug and alcohol test (The test must be conducted within 

the 30-day period preceding the certifying of UAA or the granting of UA. 

However, no drug or alcohol test is required if the individual previously held 

UAA/UA, was subject to a drug and alcohol testing program that includes 

random testing and a BOP that includes legal action reporting beginning on the 

date the drug and alcohol testing was conducted through the date the 

individual is granted authorization). 

12. *Ensure the individual is placed in the licensee drug and alcohol testing program 

including random, post-event, for-cause and follow-up testing. 

13. Prior to granting UA: 

(a.) Verify receipt of a request for UA; and 

(b.) Verify that the individual successfully completes Plant Access Training 

(PAT) as defined in NEI 03-04, Guidelines for Plant Access Training. 

14. *In every case, the licensee reviewing official shall conduct an evaluation based 

on an accumulation of information which supports a favorable determination that 

the individual is trustworthy and reliable, prior to certifying UAA or granting UA. 

6.3 UPDATED UAA AND UA 

a. An updated UAA BI is required prior to certifying UAA and/or granting UA for an 

individual who last held UAA/UA that was terminated under favorable conditions 

more than 365 days, but less than 3 years, from the date of application for UAA/UA. 

b. The following elements, as appropriate, must be completed and approved by the 

licensee reviewing official for the authorization of UAA and/or the granting of UA: 

NOTE: FFDA elements required under 10 CFR 26, are identified with an asterisk (*). 

1. The following documents are completed and signed by the individual and 

provided to the licensee, an approved C/V or their authorized agent: 

(a.) *Consent; 

(b.) PHQ; and 

(c.) *Self-disclosure of FFD PDI and legal actions. 
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2. Verify the true identity of the individual, to include demographic information; 

3. Verify the employment/unemployment history (including education or military 

service in lieu of employment) since last UAA/UA as follows: 

(a.) For the most recent year preceding the application: 

i. Verify every claimed employment (regardless of the length) including: 

A. the employer by whom the individual claims to have been employed 

on the day before he or she completes the employment history and 

B. military service or education in lieu of employment as described in 

Sections 7.4.3 and 7.4.4; 

ii. Conduct a SI, on a best effort basis, on every claimed employment as 

specified in Section 6.3.b.3.(a)(i); and 

iii. Verify each unemployment period of 30 days or more (no SI is required 

during checks of unemployment periods). 

(b.) For the remaining period of time:

i. Verify the longest claimed employment (including self-employment) in 

any calendar month and 

ii. * Conduct a SI, on a best effort basis, on every claimed employment as 

specified in Section 6.3.b.3.(b)(i); 

iii. Verify each period of unemployment of 30 days or more (no suitable 

inquiry is required during checks of unemployment periods); 

iv. If an individual claims two employments of the same length in the same 

month, only one needs to be selected for verification and SI; and 

v. If equal periods of employment and unemployment are claimed, verify the 

employment and conduct the SI. 

(c.) *If FFD PDI is identified since the last period of UAA/UA, and it has not 

been reviewed and favorably resolved by a previous licensee or C/V, the 

scope of the suitable inquiry must be expanded to include the period since 

the last period of UAA was terminated, and cover every period of claimed 

employment. 

i. The licensee or C/V may rely upon information-sharing system data that 

documents a prior review of FFD PDI. 

ii. For incidents documented in the industry data-sharing system since the 

last period of UAA was terminated or previously reviewed by a licensee, 

licensees must obtain and review any records that other licensees or C/V’s 

may have developed related to the FFD PDI. 

4. Complete an evaluation of the individual’s credit history for the extent of the 

credit history disclosed by a national credit reporting agency. 

5. Verify character and reputation of the individual through contact at least two 

developed references. 
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6. Conduct an FBI criminal history inquiry, and perform an evaluation of all 

information returned. 

7. Conduct a psychological assessment. 

8. *If an individual is applying for UAA and FFD PDI is detected, the licensee shall 

follow the process described in Section 6.1.4 and Sections 6.1.6 and 6.1.7 as 

appropriate in order to grant and subsequently maintain the individual’s 

authorization. 

9. *Verify that the individual successfully completed BOP training, and training on 

the K&A’s required by 10 CFR 26, and is aware of legal action reporting 

responsibilities. 

10. *Conduct a pre-access drug and alcohol testing (The test must be conducted 

within the 30-day period preceding the certifying of UAA or the granting of UA. 

However, no drug or alcohol test is required if the individual previously held 

UAA/UA, was subject to a drug and alcohol testing program that includes 

random testing and a BOP that includes legal action reporting beginning on the 

date the drug and alcohol testing was conducted through the date the 

individual is granted authorization.); 

11. *Ensure the individual is placed in the licensee drug and alcohol testing program 

including random, post-event, for-cause and follow-up testing. 

12. Prior to granting UA: 

(a.) Verify receipt of a request for UA; and 

(b.) Verify that the individual successfully completes PAT; 

13. *In every case, the licensee reviewing official shall conduct an evaluation based 

on an accumulation of information which supports a determination that the 

individual is trustworthy and reliable, prior to certifying UAA or granting UA. 

6.4 REINSTATEMENT UAA (31 TO 365 DAYS) AND UA 

a. A reinstatement UAA is required for individuals who last held UAA which was 

terminated under favorable conditions within the past 31 to 365 days. 

b. The following elements must be completed prior to certifying UAA: 

NOTE: FFDA elements required under 10 CFR 26, are identified with an asterisk (*). 

1. The following documents are completed and signed by the individual and 

provided to the licensee, an approved C/V or their authorized agent: 

(a.) *Consent; 

(b.) PHQ; and 

(c.) *Self-disclosure of FFD PDI and legal actions. 

2. Verify the true identity of the individual, including demographic information. 

3. *The self-disclosed activities shall be evaluated prior to reinstatement and 

determined not to have the potential to negatively affect the individual’s 

trustworthiness or reliability. 
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4. *If FFD PDI is identified that has not been reviewed and favorably resolved by a 

previous licensee or C/V, a SI must be conducted to include all claimed 

employments since UAA was terminated. 

(a.) The licensee or C/V may rely upon information-sharing system data that 

documents a prior review of FFD PDI. 

(b.) For incidents documented in the industry data-sharing system since the last 

period of UAA was terminated or previously reviewed by a licensee, 

licensees must obtain and review any records that other licensees or C/V’s 

may have developed related to the FFD PDI. 

5. *Collect a specimen for drug testing and verify that the results of the pre-access 

alcohol test are negative within the 30-day period before certifying UAA or 

granting UA, and ensure that the individual is made subject to random drug and 

alcohol testing with the following qualifications (No drug or alcohol test is 

required if the individual previously held UAA/UA, was subject to a drug and 

alcohol testing program that includes random testing and a BOP that includes 

legal action reporting beginning on the date the drug and alcohol testing was 

conducted through the date the individual is granted authorization): 

6. *Ensure the individual is placed in the licensee drug and alcohol testing program 

including random, post-event, for-cause and follow-up testing. 

7. *Verify that the individual successfully completed BOP training, and training on 

the K&A’s required by 10 CFR 26, and is aware of legal action reporting 

responsibilities. 

8. *If an individual is applying for UAA and FFD PDI is detected, the licensee shall 

follow the process described in Section 6.1.4 and Sections 6.1.6 and 6.1.7 as 

appropriate in order to grant and subsequently maintain the individual’s 

authorization. 

9. Prior to granting UA: 

(a.) Verify receipt of a request for UA; and 

(b.) Verify that the individual successfully completes PAT. 

10. *In every case, the licensee reviewing official shall conduct an evaluation based 

on an accumulation of information which supports a determination that the 

individual is trustworthy and reliable, prior to certifying UAA or granting UA. 

c. The following elements may be completed after the granting of UA within the 

designated timeframes. 

1. *Verify the employment/unemployment history and conduct a SI (including the 

employer by whom the individual claims to have been employed on the day 

before he or she completes the employment history and including education or 

military service in lieu of employment as described in Sections 7.4.3 and 7.4.4) 

since last UAA/UA as follows: 

(a.) Within 5 business days of granting UA: 
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i. Verify the longest claimed period of employment in each calendar month 

on a best effort basis, if the individual claims employment during the 

given calendar month. 

ii. *Complete a SI on the longest claimed employment as specified in 

6.4.c.1.(a)(i), 

iii. Verify unemployment periods of 30 days or more(no SI is required during 

checks of unemployment periods). 

(b.) The objective is to have completed the SI’s and employment verifications 

within 5 business days of granting UA. However, the individual’s UA may 

be maintained an additional 5 business days under the following conditions: 

i. Non-completion is beyond the control of the licensee, and 

ii. The licensee is not aware of any FFD PDI occurring the previous 5 years 

not previously reviewed by a licensee. 

(c.) The licensee shall administratively withdraw UAA/UA if the SI and 

employment verifications have not been fulfilled at the conclusion of the 

extension period. 

2. Verify that pre-access drug test results are negative within 5 business days of 

specimen collection. In the event the drug test results have not been returned 

within 5 business days of specimen collection, the licensee shall administratively 

withdraw UA until the drug test results are confirmed. 

CAUTION: If a licensee administratively withdraws an individual’s UAA/UA 

because properly conducted drug test results are not known or the results of a 

properly conducted suitable inquiry cannot be obtained within the prescribed time 

limits: 

 The licensee shall record this administrative action to withdraw the individual’s 

UAA/UA with other licensees. 

 The licensee shall not record the administrative action to withdraw UAA/UA as a 

denial or an unfavorable termination; 

 The licensee may not disclose the administrative action in response to a suitable 

inquiry, a background investigation conducted under the provisions of Sections 

6.2-6.5, or any other inquiry or investigation; 

 The individual shall not be required to disclose the administrative action in 

response to requests for self-disclosure of PDI, except if the individual’s 

UAA/UA was subsequently denied or terminated unfavorably by a licensee; and 

 Immediately on receipt of negative test results or obtaining the SI, the licensee 

shall ensure that any matter that could link the individual to the temporary 

administrative action is eliminated from the donor’s personnel record and other 

records. 

3. *In the event that information relative to a SI, employment verification or the 

results of a pre-access drug test are other than negative, the licensee reviewing 
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official shall conduct an evaluation based on an accumulation of information 

which supports a determination that the individual is trustworthy and reliable, 

prior to certifying UAA or granting UA. 

6.5 REINSTATEMENT UAA (30 DAYS OR LESS) AND UA 

a. A reinstatement authorization is completed, for individuals who last held UAA/UA 

that was terminated under favorable conditions within the past 30 days. 

b. The following elements, as appropriate, must be completed and approved by the 

licensee reviewing official for the certification of UAA and/or the granting of UA: 

NOTE: FFDA elements required under 10 CFR 26, are identified with an asterisk (*). 

1. The following documents are completed and signed by the individual and 

provided to the licensee, an approved C/V or their authorized agent: 

(a.) *Consent; 

(b.) PHQ; and 

(c.) *Self-disclosure of FFD PDI and legal actions, if required. (No selfdisclosure is required if the individual was subject to a BOP, throughout the 

period of interruption.) 

2. Verify the true identity of the individual, to include demographic information. 

3. *If FFD PDI is identified that has not been reviewed and favorably resolved by a 

previous licensee or C/V, a suitable inquiry must be conducted to include all 

claimed employments since the last favorably terminated UAA/UA. 

(a.) The licensee or C/V may rely upon information-sharing system data that 

documents a prior review of FFD PDI. 

(b.) For incidents documented in the industry data-sharing system since the last 

period of UAA was terminated or previously reviewed by a licensee, 

licensees must obtain and review any records that other licensees or C/V’s 

may have developed related to the FFD PDI. 

4. *The licensee or C/V need not conduct pre-access testing before certifying UAA 

or granting UA to an individual whose UAA or UA has been interrupted for 5 or 

fewer days. In addition, the licensee or C/V need not conduct pre-access testing if 

the individual has been subject to a drug and alcohol testing program that includes 

random testing and a BOP that includes legal action reporting from the date the 

individual’s last UAA or UA was terminated through the date the individual is 

certified UAA or granted UA. However, if the individual has not been covered by 

a BOP and a drug and alcohol testing program that includes random testing from 

6 to 30 days following the individual’s last period of UAA, the licensee shall: 

(a.) *subject the individual to random selection for pre-access drug and alcohol 

testing at a one-time probability that is equal to or greater than the normal 
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testing rate specified in 10 CFR 26. 31 (d)(2)(vii) calculated for a 30-day 

period. 

i. If the individual is selected for testing, perform the test for alcohol and 

collect a specimen for drug testing; 

ii. verify that the results of the alcohol test are negative before certifying 

UAA or granting UA; 

iii. Ensure that the individual is subject to drug and alcohol testing at the time 

he or she is certified for UAA or granted UA including random, postevent, for-cause and follow-up testing with the following qualifications; 

A. Verify that pre-access drug test results are negative within 5 business 

days of specimen collection. 

B. In the event the pre-access drug test results have not been returned 

within 5 business days of specimen collection, the licensee shall 

administratively withdraw UA until the drug test results are confirmed; 

CAUTION: If a licensee administratively withdraws an individual’s UAA/UA 

because properly conducted drug test results are not known or the results of a 

properly conducted suitable inquiry cannot be obtained within the prescribed time 

limits: 

 The licensee shall record this administrative action to withdraw the individual’s 

UAA/UA with other licensees. 

 The licensee shall not record the administrative action to withdraw UAA/UA as a 

denial or an unfavorable termination; 

 The licensee may not disclose the administrative action in response to a suitable 

inquiry, a background investigation conducted under the provisions of Sections 

6.2-6.5, or any other inquiry or investigation; 

 The individual shall not be required to disclose the administrative action in 

response to requests for self-disclosure of PDI, except if the individual’s 

UAA/UA was subsequently denied or terminated unfavorably by a licensee; and 

 Immediately on receipt of negative test results or obtaining the SI, the licensee 

shall ensure that any matter that could link the individual to the temporary 

administrative action is eliminated from the donor’s personnel record and other 

records. 

(b.) *If not selected for a pre-access drug and alcohol test, the licensee or C/V 

need not perform a pre-access drug and alcohol test but must ensure that the 

individual is made subject to drug and alcohol testing including random, 

post-event, for-cause and follow-up testing. 

5. Verify that the individual successfully completed BOP training, and training on 

the K&A’s required by 10 CFR 26, and is aware of legal action reporting 

responsibilities. 

6. *If an individual is applying for UAA and FFD PDI is detected, the licensee shall 

follow the process described in Section 6.1.4 and Sections 6.1.6 and 6.1.7, as 
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appropriate, in order to grant and subsequently maintain the individual’s 

authorization. 

7. *Prior to granting UA: 

(a.) *If a pre-access drug and alcohol test is required, verify that the test results 

are negative (No drug or alcohol test is required if the individual previously 

held UAA/UA, was subject to a drug and alcohol testing program that 

includes random testing and a BOP that includes legal action reporting 

beginning on the date the drug and alcohol testing was conducted through 

the date the individual is granted authorization). 

(b.) *Ensure the individual is placed in the licensee drug and alcohol testing 

program including random, post-event, for-cause and follow-up testing. 

(c.) Verify that the individual successfully completes PAT. 

8. *In every case, the licensee reviewing official shall conduct an evaluation based 

on an accumulation of information which supports a determination that the 

individual is trustworthy and reliable, prior to certifying UAA or granting UA. 

c. UAA/UA can be authorized simultaneously at multiple licensee facilities. 

d. If an individual has UAA/UA at another licensee or approved C/V program, it is only 

necessary to verify true identity and obtain appropriate consent before granting UA. 

6.6 MAINTAINING UAA/UA 

a. UAA is maintained for an individual as long as: 

1. the applicable elements in Sections 6.6.1 through 6.6.5 are current and 

2. the individual complies with the licensee or C/V’s policies and procedures. 

b. If the interruption is greater than 30 days but less than 365 days, UAA is made 

current as specified in Section 6.4; if the interruption is greater than 365 days/less 

than 3 years use Section 6.3; and if the interruption is greater than 3 years, then use 

Section 6.2. 

c. Coverage by a BOP includes the requirement that an individual: 

1. report legal actions; 

2. complete initial and periodic refresher training on their responsibilities for 

remaining trustworthy and reliable; and 

3. undergoes an annual supervisory review, as discussed in Section 10. 

NOTE: FFDA elements required under 10 CFR 26, are identified with an asterisk (*). 

6.6.1 Maintaining UAA Elements Current 

a. To maintain the psychological, criminal history, and background investigation 

(except suitable inquiry) elements current, the individual must: 

1. be subject to a BOP; 
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2. * maintained current BOP training and the training for the K&A’s; and 

3. have had applicable periodic reinvestigations and psychological assessments 

conducted as defined and within established time frames. 

b. *To maintain the alcohol/drug testing elements current, the individual must: 

1. be subject to a BOP; 

2. maintained current BOP training and the training for the K&A’s; and 

3. be subject to the drug and alcohol testing program including random, post-event, 

for-cause and follow-up testing. 

c. *Self-disclosure/suitable inquiry: 

1. Prior to the initial granting of UAA, the individual must: 

(a.) be subject to a BOP; 

(b.) maintained current BOP training and the training for the K&A’s; and 

(c.) be subject to the drug and alcohol testing program including random, postevent, for-cause and follow-up testing. 

2. Following the favorable termination of UAA, the individual must: 

(a.) be under a BOP (including being aware of legal action-reporting 

requirements); and 

(b.) be maintained current BOP training and the training for the K&A’s. 

6.6.2 To Maintain UAA Current 

a. Obtain consent when individual travels between different licensee companies; 

b. Verify the true identity of the individual, to include demographic information if the 

individual is moving between licensee companies; 

c. *Ensure the individual is under a BOP and that there have been no breaks of greater 

than 30 days; 

d. *Ensure the individual is subject to the drug and alcohol testing program including 

random, post-event, for cause and follow-up testing; 

e. *Ensure the individual complies with the license's, or C/V’s access authorization 

program policies and procedures to which he or she is subject, including the legal 

actions reporting responsibility as well as FFD program policies and procedures; 

f. *Ensure the individual completes periodic BOP, K&A and PAT training 

requirements; and 

g. Ensure the individual has applicable periodic reinvestigations, psychological 

assessments and annual supervisory reviews conducted as defined and within 

established time frames. 

6.6.3 To Grant UA to an Individual with Current UAA 

a. Verify receipt of a request for UA; and 

b. Verify completion of PAT and FFD training is current. 
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6.6.4 To Maintain UA Current 

a. Obtain consent when individual travels between different licensee companies; 

b. Verify the true identity of the individual, to include demographic information if the 

individual is moving between licensee companies; 

c. *Ensure the individual is under a BOP; 

d. *Ensure the individual is subject to the drug and alcohol testing program including 

follow-up, for-cause, post-event and random testing; 

e. *Ensure the individual complies with the license's, or C/V’s access authorization 

program policies and procedures to which he or she is subject, including the legal 

actions reporting responsibility as well as FFD policies and procedures; 

f. *Ensure the individual completes periodic BOP, K&A and PAT training 

requirements; and 

g. Ensure the individual has applicable periodic reinvestigations, psychological 

assessments and annual supervisory reviews conducted as defined and within 

established time frames. 

6.6.5 Maintaining UAA/UA with PDI 

a. In order to maintain UAA/UA when FFD PDI information is disclosed or discovered, 

the licensee shall take applicable actions as defined in Section 6.1.5. 

b. Subsequent to certifying UAA or granting UA, a licensee or C/V may develop 

information that questions the continued trustworthiness and reliability of the 

individual. 

1. Such PDI developed by or provided to a licensee or C/V shall be promptly (on the 

day of discovery) reported to each licensee where UAA/UA is active; 

2. The licensee shall deny or unfavorably terminate the individual’s UAA/UA on the 

day that the licensee receives the information or implements an applicable process 

as defined in Section 6.1.5 to maintain the individual’s UAA/UA; and 

3. Make a determination as to whether the person continues to be trustworthy and 

reliable. 

6.7 GRANTING UAA/UA AFTER A FIRST CONFIRMED DRUG OR ALCOHOL TEST RESULT 

OR A 5-YEAR DENIAL OF UAA/UA 

a. To grant UAA/UA to an individual after a first confirmed positive drug or alcohol 

result or after a 5-year denial of authorization, the licensee shall take actions as 

defined in Section 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 respectively. 

6.8 LICENSEE-APPROVED PROGRAMS

a. The licensee may accept, in whole or in part, the results of the UAA and/or FFD 

program conducted by another licensee or an approved C/V, provided that the 

program elements have been maintained and meet the requirements of the criteria as 

described in Section 6.2-6.6 of this document and that appropriate records are made 

available upon request for auditing by the licensee or its designated representatives 

and representatives of the NRC. 
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b. The C/V program features do not abrogate the licensee’s ultimate responsibility for 

assuring that individuals granted UA to the protected area meet regulatory 

requirements. 

c. In conjunction with the request for UAA/UA at a licensee facility, C/Vs shall report 

all PDI disclosed or discovered during the conduct of an initial UAA/UA to the first 

receiving licensee. 

d. If, during the conduct of an updated or reinstatement UAA/UA, PDI, not previously 

known to a licensee, is disclosed or discovered by the C/V, the PDI shall be reported 

to the licensee with the request for UAA/UA. 

e. While the individual holds UAA/UA, all PDI, disclosed or discovered, shall be 

reported, on the day of discovery, to the licensee(s) where the individual holds an 

active UAA/UA. 

f. PDI disclosed or discovered subsequent to the termination of UAA/UA that would 

have affected a period of UAA/UA shall be reported to the affected licensee(s) upon 

on the day of discovery. 

g. If a C/V’s FFD program denies or unfavorably terminates an FFD Authorization of an 

individual who has been granted UAA/UA, the C/V must notify, on the day of 

discovery, all licensee(s) where UAA/UA, is active. 

h. The licensee shall deny or unfavorably terminate the individual’s UAA/UA on the 

day that the licensee receives the information from the C/V or implements an 

applicable process as defined in Section 6.1.5 to maintain the individual’s UAA/UA. 
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7 INVESTIGATION ELEMENTS 

a. Investigation elements shall be conducted as discussed in this section. 

b. The investigation period is through the date on which the individual applies for UA as 

documented by the date on which the PHQ is signed by the individual. 

c. If the investigation is not completed within 30 days of the application date and the 

individual is not covered by a BOP and training: 

1. the individual must provide supplemental PHQ information, to include the time 

period in excess of 30 days; 

2. additional employment/unemployment periods meeting the criteria set forth within 

Section 6 shall be investigated; and, 

3. the reviewing official must consider any new self-disclosure information. 

d. A licensee or C/V is not authorized to withhold from law enforcement officials evidence 

of criminal conduct detected during collection and verification of elements specified in 

this section. 

7.1 CONSENT AND ADVISEMENTS

a. No element of the UAA/UA program may be initiated without the knowledge and 

written consent of the individual applying for UAA/UA. The individual applying for 

UAA/UA shall be informed in writing: 

1. the types of records that may be produced and retained; 

2. where such records are normally maintained; 

3. the duration such records are to be retained; 

4. of his or her right to review the results of the developed information, and to assure 

its accuracy and completeness; 

5. that the following actions related to providing and sharing the personal 

information under this section are sufficient cause for denial or unfavorable 

termination of UAA/UA status; 

(a.) refusal to provide signed consent for the BI which includes the SI; 

(b.) refusal to provide, or the falsification of, any personal history information 

required under this section, including the failure to report any previous 

denial or unfavorable termination of UAA/UA; 

(c.) refusal to provide signed consent for the sharing of personal information 

with other licensees or C/Vs; and 

(d.) failure to report any legal actions specified in Section 8.2. 

6. the right to correct any incorrect or incomplete information; and 

7. authorization to share personal information developed during the application for 

UAA/UA with entities having a need-to-know the information in order to perform 

their assigned responsibilities. 
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b. The individual has the right to challenge any PDI but does not have the right to know 

who provided and confirmed the PDI. 

1. PDI obtained from confidential/unnamed sources must be adjudicated by the 

reviewing official as defined in Section 6.1 and the result documented. 

2. PDI from confidential/unnamed sources must be corroborated before the PDI can 

be used to deny access. 

3. The individual shall be informed that the results of the investigation will be 

accessible for use in all power reactor licensee UAA/UA programs. 

c. In addition, the individual shall be informed that he/she may withdraw consent at 

anytime and advised of the following: 

1. Withdrawal of his or her consent will withdraw the individual’s current 

application for access authorization under the licensee or C/V’s access 

authorization program; and 

2. Other licensees shall have access to information documenting the withdrawal 

through the information-sharing mechanism for their access determination of that 

individual. Additionally, the C/Vs and other entities may have the same access to 

the information, if such information is necessary for assisting in complying with 

requirements set forth in this document. 

3. The withdrawal must be in writing and signed by the individual. When 

withdrawal of consent is made, no new processing may be initiated; however, 

steps in progress must be completed and documented. 

d. The elements of the PADS consent form, taken directly from the PADS participation 

agreement, shall be included as part of the licensee or C/V’s consent process. Sample 

consent forms are contained in NEI 08-06 and the minimum form criteria are defined 

in Appendix B. 

e. When any licensee or C/V’s (including the licensee and C/V’s authorized agents) 

UAA/UA program is legitimately seeking the information required for a UAA/UA 

decision, and has obtained a signed release from the subject individual authorizing the 

disclosure of such information, a licensee or C/V shall make available the UAA/UA 

information requested including information upon which a denial or unfavorable 

termination of UAA/UA was based. 

f. If an individual withdraws his or her consent, the licensee or C/V may not initiate any 

elements of the UAA process specified in this document that were not in progress at 

the time the individual withdrew his or her consent, but shall complete and document 

any elements that were in progress at the time consent is withdrawn. 

g. Licensees or C/V’s shall collect and maintain: 

1. the individual's application for UAA/UA; 

2. the individual’s withdrawal of consent for the background investigation; 

3. the reason given by the individual for the withdrawal; and 

4. any pertinent information collected from the background investigation elements 

that were completed. 
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7.2 PERSONAL HISTORY QUESTIONNAIRE (PHQ) 

a. Each individual applying for UAA/UA shall be required to: 

1. complete a PHQ designed to gather the personal information for the period 

needed to complete the BI and SI elements. Sample PHQs are contained in NEI 

08-06 and the minimum form criteria are defined in Appendix B; 

2. provide a self-disclosure of criminal history since the eighteenth birthday or since 

the last UAA period if terminated favorably within the past 3 years. For the 

period specified in Section 6.2 or 6.3, the individual must include a detailed 

description of each legal action; and 

3. provide a self-disclosure in accordance with Section 8.2. 

b. In making a trustworthiness or reliability determination the willful omission, 

deception or falsification of information submitted by the individual shall be 

considered as defined in Section 6.1. 

c. Individuals applying for UAA/UA shall be clearly informed of the potential 

consequences of not providing complete and accurate information in their PHQ. 

NOTE: Licensees and C/Vs shall not require an individual to disclose an administrative 

withdrawal of UAA/UA unless the individual’s UAA/UA is in an administratively 

withdrawn state at the time he or she is seeking UAA/UA, or the individual’s UAA/UA 

was subsequently denied or terminated unfavorably by a licensee or C/V. 

7.3 VERIFICATION OF TRUE IDENTITY

a. The verification of true identity is to assure that the individual being processed for 

UAA/UA, in accordance with Sections 6.2-6.6, is, in fact, the person he or she 

purports to be. The licensee or C/V shall verify identity by: 

1. comparing a valid (not expired) official photo identification (e.g., driver’s license; 

passport; government identification; State, Province, or country issued certificate 

of birth; etc.) with physical characteristics of the individual; and 

2. validating, through cross-referencing of BI-developed information e.g. fingerprint 

results or other means that the SSN that the individual has provided is his or hers; 

3. determining whether the results of the fingerprint check confirm the individual’s 

claimed identity, if such results are available; 

4. in the case of foreign nationals, validate the claimed non-immigration status that 

the individual has provided is correct. 

b. The licensee or approved C/V may utilize its own company-issued ID to verify true 

identity during the conduct of 3 or 5 year reinvestigations provided the identification 

was issued in accordance with the requirements set forth in 10 CFR 73.56(d)(3). 

c. During the verification of true identity, the licensee may be required to take additional 

actions as described in the Safeguard Supplement to this document. 
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7.4 EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT HISTORY

7.4.1 Employment/Unemployment Verification 

a. Verify employment/unemployment history for the past 3-year period, since age 18, or 

since the date UAA/UA was last favorably terminated, whichever is shorter. The 

licensee or C/V may obtain information and documents by electronic means, 

including, but not limited to, telephone, facsimile, or e-mail. The licensee or C/V 

shall make a record of the contents of telephone calls and shall retain that record, and 

any documents or electronic files obtained electronically, in accordance with Section 

15. 

b. The verification shall be conducted as follows: 

1. For initial UAA, the licensee or C/V shall: 

(a.) verify every employment period (regardless of length) or unemployment 

period of 30 days or more for the most recent year preceding the application; 

(b.) verify the longest claimed period of employment for each month during 

years 2-3, as appropriate; and 

(c.) conduct a SI as specified in Section 7.4.1.d, 7.4.3.a or 7.4.4.a as appropriate 

for the time period specified in Section 6.2. 

2. For updated UAA (> than 365 days but < 3 years) the licensee or C/V shall: 

(a.) verify every employment period (regardless of length) or unemployment 

period of 30 days or more for the most recent year; 

(b.) verify the longest claimed period of employment for each month during 

years 2-3, as appropriate, preceding the application; and 

(c.) conduct a suitable inquiry as specified in Section 7.4.1.d, 7.4.3.a or 7.4.4.a 

as appropriate for the time period specified in Section 6.3. 

3. For Reinstatement UAA (31-365 days), the licensee or C/V shall: 

(a.) verify the longest claimed period of employment in each calendar month 

and/or verify unemployment periods of 30 days or more; 

i. If an individual claims two employments of the same length in the same 

month, only one needs to be selected for verification, 

ii. If equal periods of employment and unemployment are claimed, verify the 

employment period, and 

(b.) conduct a suitable inquiry as specified in Section 7.4.1.d, 7.4.3.a or 7.4.4.a 

as appropriate, for the time period specified in Section 6.4. 

4. For periods when the individual claimed he/she was on active military duty or 

enrolled as a student in lieu of employment, the licensee or C/V shall verify 

military service as employment, or education in lieu of employment utilizing the 

questions contained in Sections 7.4.3 and 7.4.4, as appropriate. 
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c. Verify the length and nature of employment through contacts with previous 

employers on a best effort basis. The purpose of the verification is to achieve an 

accumulation of information which supports a determination that the individual is 

trustworthy and reliable by having the various aspects of the employment relationship 

investigated. The following information must be developed to the best of the source’s 

ability and documented in the background investigation report: 

1. inclusive dates of employment period(s); 

2. for employments other than self-employment: 

(a.) under what conditions the individual left the employment; 

(b.) reason for termination; and 

(c.) eligibility for rehire, (this criterion is not applicable if the worker is still 

employed by the employer listed on the application for UAA when that 

application was completed); and 

3. any disciplinary history or other information that could impact the 

trustworthiness/reliability decision for UAA. 

4. periods of self-employment may be verified by any reasonable method, usually 

one of the following: 

(a.) self-employment tax records, 

(b.) bookkeeper, accountant, or attorney, 

(c.) client(s), 

(d.) employee(s), 

(e.) reference(s), or 

(f.) co-worker(s) 

(g.) relatives may be used after the other methods, a through f above, have been 

unsuccessful in providing the information needed to verify the selfemployment claim. The specifics of the effort conducted in a through f 

must have been documented, prior to using relatives. 

d. Conduct a SI of employers by for the appropriate timeframe, as specified below and 

ask the employer the following questions: 

 For an initial UAA, as defined in Section 6.2, verify any claimed employment 

history and conduct an SI covering the past 3-year period or since age 18, 

whichever is shorter; 

 For an updated UAA, as defined in Section 6.3 verify applicable claimed 

employment history and conduct an SI covering the time period since the last 

favorably terminated UAA or since age 18, whichever is shorter; or 

 For reinstatement UAA, as defined in Section 6.4, verify applicable claimed 

employment history and conduct an SI covering the time period since the last 

favorably terminated UAA or since age 18, whichever is shorter. 
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While employed with ______Name of Company____ has the individual: 

1. violated a licensee or employer’s fitness-for-duty policy? 

2. been denied or terminated unfavorably from any place of employment or nuclear 

power plant for any reason, including fitness-for-duty policy violation or been 

unfavorably terminated from any employment for any fitness-for-duty reason? 

3. used, sold or possessed illegal drugs? 

4. abused legal drugs or alcohol? 

5. refused to take a drug or alcohol test? 

6. subverted or attempted to subvert a drug or alcohol testing program? 

7. been subject to a plan (except self-referral) for treating substance abuse? 

8. been subject to a law enforcement authority or court of law action for alcohol or 

drug use related to any of the following: 

(a.) The use, sale or possession of illegal drugs? 

(b.) The abuse of legal drugs or alcohol? or 

(c.) The refusal to take a drug or alcohol test? 

9. been subject to employment action taken for alcohol or drug abuse involving any 

of the following: 

(a.) A change in job responsibilities or removal from a job? or 

(b.) Mandated implementation of a plan for substance abuse treatment in order 

to avoid a change in or removal from a job? 

e. Verify activities during periods of unemployment of 30 days or more through 

references or relatives. SI questions need not be asked. 

f. If a company, employer or educational institution provides a confirmation of 

employment that includes the time period of the employment or education institution 

provides a confirmation of enrollment that includes the time period of enrollment 

(7.4.1.c.1) and the company, employer or educational institution has answered all 

questions (7.4.1.c.2 & 3 and 7.4.1.d.1-9) in accordance with its policy on providing 

information, the response received from the employer or education institution shall 

satisfy the employment verification and SI requirement if the information gained 

supports a positive determination of trustworthiness and reliability. All questions 

must be asked, all responses from a company, employer, or educational institution 

must be documented in the BI report and the BI report must include the name and 

telephone number of the individual providing the information. 

NOTE: A positive determination of trustworthiness and reliability is made when all BI 

elements are reviewed in context with licensee criteria and support certifying UAA or 

granting UA. 
NEI 03-01 (Revision 4) 

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43 

g. If a company, employer or education institution does not meet the 

employment/educational verification requirements described in the Section 7.4.1.f, an 

alternate source must be contacted and a best effort attempt made in accordance with 

Section 7.4.2. All questions must be asked, all responses from an alternate source 

must be documented in the BI report and the BI report must include the name and 

telephone number of the individual providing the information. 

7.4.2 Best Effort 

a. Best effort is satisfied under the following conditions, provided that the licensee has 

developed sufficient information upon which a trustworthiness and reliability 

determination can be made: 

1. A company, previous employer or educational institution to which a request for 

information has been directed refuses to provide information and this refusal is 

documented in the licensee or C/V’s record documenting the individual’s BI. 

2. A company, previous employer or educational institution to which a request for 

information has been directed indicates an inability or unwillingness to provide 

the requested information or fails to respond within 3 business days and this is 

reflected in the licensee or C/V’s record documenting the individual’s BI. 

3. In the event of 1 or 2 above, the licensee or C/V shall document the refusal or 

unwillingness in the record of investigation and obtain a confirmation of 

employment or educational enrollment and attendance from at least one alternate 

source that has not been used previously by the licensee or C/V to obtain 

information about the individual’s character, with related employment and SI 

questions answered to the best of the ability of the alternate source. Alternate 

sources may include but are not limited to: 

(a.) Co-workers, 

(b.) Supervisors, or 

(c.) References (those individuals not have been previously used as a developed 

reference on the current application). 

4. If the licensee or, C/V uses an alternate source because the requested information 

is not obtained within 3 business days of the initial request to the company 

employer, or educational institution, the licensee need not delay granting an 

individual UAA/UA however the licensee or C/V shall evaluate and document the 

response at the time it is received. 

5. If a source (company, employer or educational institution) is unable to or refuses 

to provide requested information and a request for information has been initiated 

and documented and an alternative source (co-worker, supervisor or reference) 

cannot be located, one of the following secondary sources provided by the 

individual or agent of the individual may be used to develop the length and/or 

nature of claimed employment or enrollment: 

(a.) pay stubs, 

(b.) W2 form, 
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(c.) wage & benefit statement, 

(d.) educational institution transcripts, 

(e.) business records confirming periods of employment or enrollment, or 

(f.) union contribution records used in determination of employee retirement 

benefits. 

6. When a company, previous employer or education institution repeatedly refuses 

to provide or has a policy of not providing requested information, licensees or 

C/Vs are not required to continuously contact that company, previous employer or 

educational institution provided that the refusal is documented and maintained in 

the licensee, C/V or BI screening company files. As an option to repeatedly 

contacting an uncooperative employer or education institution, the licensee or 

C/V may develop, or authorize a BI screening company to develop, a log of 

companies, employers and educational institutions refusing to provide 

information. If the log is developed it must be maintained and documented as 

follows: 

(a.) Company, Employer and Educational Institution Policy for Verification 

Refusals 

i. In order to develop the length and nature of claimed employments and/or 

education, best effort contact must be made with each company, employer 

and/or educational institution. 

ii. Initial contact with a company, employer or educational institution to 

verify its policy, is required to be documented. 

(b.) If a company, employer or educational institution refuses to provide 

information, or has a policy of not providing information then the licensee, 

C/V or BI screening company must document in a log the following 

information: 

i. entity name and address, 

ii. entity contact name and title, 

iii. entity policy on verification request, 

iv. refusal to verify reason, 

v. date of contact, 

vi. quarterly re-verification date and verification status, and 

vii. entity removal date. 

(c.) If the initial contact with a company, employer or education institution to 

verify information results in a refusal and is documented, an alternate source 

for verification is required to complete the best effort. Subsequent requests 

for information to the same company, employer or education institution are 

not required. Alternate-source verification may be immediately conducted in 

lieu of contacting that company, employer or education institution to 

complete the best effort process indefinitely, as long as the refusal is reverified on a quarterly basis. 
NEI 03-01 (Revision 4) 

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(d.) Maintenance of Company, Employer and Educational Institution Policy for 

Verification Refusals 

i. On a quarterly basis the licensee, C/V or if authorized, BI screening 

company must re-verify the previously documented company, employer or 

education institution’s refusal or policy of not providing information and 

document in the log the company, employer or education institution’s 

current policy. For the purpose of determining the quarterly re-verification 

date requirement, quarterly is defined as once in each calendar quarter and 

within 60 to 120 days from the previous verification date. If the company, 

employer or educational Institution is no longer to be used, then document 

the removal date on the log by lining-out the name of the company and 

annotate time/date and initials of the individual making the line-out. 

ii. A licensee or approved C/V may maintain or authorize a BI screening 

company to maintain a log of companies, employers or educational 

institutions that refuse or have a policy of providing no information, to 

enable the licensee to use an alternate source as defined in 1 and 2 of this 

section to develop the length and/or nature of claimed employment(s) 

and/or education. The licensee or C/V must explicitly define the process 

for maintaining and using the log and shall approve the logs developed by 

their BI Screening companies. As a minimum the process shall: 

A. define how companies, employers or educational institutions will be 

added to, maintained on and removed from the list; 

B. require, prior to being added to the list, verification and documentation 

of each entity’s refusal or policy of providing no information; and 

C. require, prior to use, verification that the entity’s refusal or policy of 

not providing information has been updated quarterly. 

b. If an alternate source is used because a company, employer or educational institution 

information is not forthcoming within 3 business days, no additional time is required 

to wait for any employer response. 

c. If a company, employer or educational institution responds after the 3 business day 

period, the information received must be evaluated by the licensee as defined in 

Section 6.1. 

7.4.3 Military Service as Employment 

NOTE: For individuals applying for UAA/UA, it is not necessary to check military 

service if the individual served in the Reserves or National Guard, unless the individual 

served on active-duty beyond the annual reserve active-duty requirements as his/her 

employment. 

a. Conduct an SI of the active military service period for the appropriate timeframe, as 

specified below, by contacting the last duty station and asking the military source the 

following questions: 
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 For an initial UAA, as defined in Section 6.2, the past 3-year period or since age 

18, whichever is shorter; 

 For an updated UAA, as defined in Section 6.3 the period since the last favorably 

terminated UAA, or since age 18, whichever is shorter; or 

 For reinstatement UAA, as defined in Section 6.4, since the last favorably 

terminated UAA or since age 18, whichever is shorter. 

1. What are the inclusive dates of the individual’s military service? 

2. Under what conditions (characterization of service e.g. honorable, etc.) did the 

individual separate from the military? What was the reason for separation? Would 

the individual be eligible to serve again? 

3. While on military duty, did the individual ever receive a court-martial or nonjudicial punishment? If so, for what reason? 

While serving with the ____Enter Branch of Service____ had the individual: 

4. violated a licensee, employer, or the military’s fitness-for-duty policy? 

5. been denied or terminated unfavorably from any nuclear power plant for any 

reason, including fitness for duty policy violations, or been discharged from any 

military assignment for any fitness–for-duty reason? 

6. used, sold or possessed illegal drugs? 

7. abused legal drugs or alcohol? 

8. refused to take a drug or alcohol test? 

9. subverted or attempted to subvert a drug or alcohol testing program? 

10. been subject to a plan (except self-referral) for treating substance abuse? 

11. been subject to a law enforcement authority or court of law action for alcohol or 

drug use related to any of the following: 

(a.) The use, sale or possession of illegal drugs? 

(b.) The abuse of legal drugs or alcohol? or 

(c.) The refusal to take a drug or alcohol test? 

12. been subject to employment action taken for alcohol or drug abuse involving any 

of the following: 

(a.) A change in job responsibilities or removal from a job? or 

(b.) Mandated implementation of a plan for substance abuse treatment in order 

to avoid a change in or removal from a job? 

b. The licensee or C/V must request a hand carried copy of the DD Form 214 (or 

equivalent for foreign military service), to be presented by the veteran, which on its 

face appears legitimate. 

1. A hand carried copy of the DD Form 214, when received, reviewed and 

determined not to contain PDI that would affect the individual’s trustworthiness 

and reliability, may be used to complete the military service as employment 

requirement. 
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2. The DD Form 214 and SI information must be reviewed by the reviewing official 

and compared to information provided by the individual on the PHQ. If there is 

no PDI that would affect the individual’s trustworthiness and reliability, the 

individual may be certified UAA and/or granted UA. 

c. If the individual cannot provide the requested DD Form 214 but the SI has been 

completed and there is no PDI that would affect the individual’s trustworthiness or 

reliability, the individual may be certified UAA and/or granted UA if the information 

gained supports a positive determination of trustworthiness and reliability. Where the 

individual cannot provide the DD Form 214, a copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 (or 

equivalent), must be requested from a custodian of military records, to complete the 

military service as employment requirement. 

NOTE: A positive determination of trustworthiness and reliability is made when all BI 

elements are reviewed in context with licensee criteria and support certifying UAA or 

granting UA. 

d. If the reviewing official determines the hand carried copy of the DD Form 214 (or 

equivalent) appears to have been altered in any way, the licensee shall withhold 

UAA/UA. The licensee must contact the custodian of military records and request a 

certified copy of the veteran’s DD Form 214 (or equivalent). 

e. If the DD Form 214 is received from the custodian of military records, the reviewing 

official must evaluate the information on the DD Form 214 to determine if the 

information gained continues to support a positive determination of trustworthiness 

and reliability and whether or not the individual’s UAA/UA should be maintained. 

f. Criteria for obtaining a DD Form 214, using Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining 

to Military Records, are on-line and are also included in NEI 08-06. If the 

individual’s discharge, based on the DD Form 214, was an involuntary separation or 

other than honorable discharge, further investigation is required. 

g. In addition to verification of military service, all employments, including part-time 

employments and education in lieu of employment, must be verified for the most 

recent year for all initial and updated authorizations. 

7.4.4 Education In Lieu of Employment 

a. Conduct a SI of an educational institution for the appropriate timeframe as specified 

below and ask the educational source the following questions: 

 For an initial UAA, as defined in Section 6.2, verify education history and 

conduct an SI, including information that the individual was registered for the 

classes and received grades that indicate that the individual actively participated 

in the educational process during the claimed period, in lieu of employment 

during the past 5-year period, or since age 18, whichever is shorter; 

 For an updated UAA, as defined in Section 6.3 verify education history and 

conduct an SI history including information that the individual was registered for 

the classes and received grades that indicate that the individual actively 

participated in the educational process during the claimed period, in lieu of 
NEI 03-01 (Revision 4) 

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employment since age 18 or since the last favorably terminated UAA, whichever 

is shorter; or 

 For reinstatement UAA, as defined in Section 6.4, verify education history and 

conduct an SI including information that the individual was registered for the 

classes and received grades that indicate that the individual actively participated 

in the educational process during the claimed period, in lieu of employment since 

age 18 or since the last favorably terminated UAA, whichever is shorter. 

1. What are the inclusive dates of attendance that the individual was registered for 

classes and received grades at the educational institution? 

2. Under what conditions did the individual leave the educational institution? Would 

the individual be eligible to enroll again? 

3. Did the individual ever receive any non-academic discipline? If so, for what 

reason? 

While attending ____Enter Name of Institution____ had the individual: 

4. violated an educational institution’s fitness-for-duty policy? 

5. been denied or terminated unfavorably from any nuclear power plant for any 

reason, including fitness for duty policy violations, or been removed from an 

educational Institution for any fitness-for-duty reason? 

6. used, sold or possessed illegal drugs? 

7. abused legal drugs or alcohol? 

8. refused to take a drug or alcohol test? 

9. subverted or attempted to subvert a drug or alcohol testing program? 

10. been subject to a plan (except self-referral) for treating substance abuse? 

11. been subject to a law enforcement authority or court of law action for alcohol or 

drug use related to any of the following: 

(a.) The use, sale or possession of illegal drugs? 

(b.) The abuse of legal drugs or alcohol? or 

(c.) The refusal to take a drug or alcohol test? 

12. been subject to educational institution action taken for alcohol or drug abuse 

involving any of the following: 

(a.) A change in job responsibilities or removal from a job? or 

(b.) Mandated implementation of a plan for substance abuse treatment in order 

to avoid a change in or removal from a job? 

b. If the educational institution will not release the requested information as specified in 

Section 7.1.4.f, this refusal shall be documented and an alternate source may be used 

to confirm educational institution enrollment and attendance. 

c. A hand carried copy of the individual’s official transcript from the educational 

institution that contains the dates of attendance, courses attempted and grades will 

serve to verify the registration for classes, receipt of grades and that the individual 

participated in the educational process. 
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d. If the reviewing official determines the hand carried copy of the transcript appears to 

have been altered in any way, the licensee shall withhold UAA until an official copy 

of the individual’s transcript can be obtained from the educational institution and 

reviewed. 

e. In addition, all employments, including part-time employments, must be verified for 

the most recent year for all initial and updated authorizations as defined in Section 6.2 

and 6.3. 

7.5 CREDIT CHECK

a. A credit history check provides information to be used with other BI information in 

the reviewing official’s evaluation of an individual’s reliability and trustworthiness. 

Credit checks are typically conducted through a United States (US) national creditreporting agency and reviewed for the duration of history provided. For US credit 

agencies, the report must contain an inquiry to detect potential fraud or misuse of 

social security numbers, or other financial identifiers. 

b. The information provided on a credit history may cover a different period than that 

specified for the BI. This means that for whatever period is reflected in the national 

credit reporting agency’s report, the interval is sufficient, but the entire period 

reported on the credit history must be evaluated. 

c. Data produced in the credit report shall be compared to information offered in the 

individual’s PHQ to further corroborate employment and residence periods reported 

by the individual. 

d. For US Citizens and for foreign nationals working in the US who have established 

credit in the US within the past seven years conduct a credit check through a United 

States (US) national credit-reporting agency and review the information returned for 

the duration of history provided. For US credit agencies, the report must contain an 

inquiry to detect potential fraud or misuse of social security numbers, or other 

financial identifiers. 

1. Licensees or C/Vs shall ensure the information provided by the credit reporting 

agency or source is consistent with the data provided by the individual. 

2. In cases where a discrepancy exists, further evaluation is required. Poor 

repayment data alone would typically not be disqualifying. However, when 

considered in context, or with the other information, if there are indications of a 

potential lack of integrity such that trustworthiness and reliability cannot be 

assured, then the individual’s UAA/UA application shall be reviewed by the 

reviewing official against the safeguards supplement and the criteria specified in 

Section 6.1. 

e. For individuals including foreign national and United States citizens who have 

resided outside the United States and do not have established credit history that 

covers at least the most recent seven years in the United States, the licensee or C/V 

must document all attempts to obtain information regarding the individual's credit 

history and financial responsibility from some relevant entity located in that other 

country or countries. 
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7.6 CHARACTER AND REPUTATION

a. The character and reputation of an individual is ascertained by conducting reference 

checks with co-workers, neighbors, or friends. 

1. To ensure that a broad overview of the period under investigation is covered, 

persons used to verify employment/unemployment information cannot be used as 

a character reference for purposes of this check. 

2. Individuals listed in the reference section of the PHQ shall not be used as 

developed references. 

b. The reference checks focus on emotional stability, trustworthiness and reliability and 

are conducted as follows: 

1. The individual’s reputation for emotional stability, reliability and trustworthiness 

is examined through interview with at least two developed references; 

(a.) These references are typically developed through contact with one or more 

of the references listed by the individual. 

(b.) Developed references can be established using information provided on the 

PHQ, past or present employers, schools, neighborhoods, co-workers, clubs, 

churches, etc. 

2. An individual used as a developed reference cannot: 

(a.) be listed in the reference section of the PHQ; 

(b.) be a known close relative (i.e., spouse, parent, sibling or child) of the 

individual applying for UAA/UA; and 

(c.) live in the same permanent household as the individual applying for 

UAA/UA, a listed reference or another developed reference at the time the 

application for UAA/UA is made. 

3. Knowledge of the individual over the entire 3-year retrospective period is not 

necessary either individually or collectively. 

(a.) The reference’s (individual or collective) association with the individual 

should be substantive enough to be able to provide meaningful information. 

(b.) At a minimum, the reference will have known the individual for not less 

than 6 months, and had at least one contact with the individual in the last 6 

months. 

4. Records of developed reference checks need to include: 

(a.) the name of the reference; 

(b.) sufficient information to determine that the developed reference does not 

reside with individual; 
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(c.) the length of time known, 

(d.) the frequency and type of association; 

(e.) any adverse or discrepant information; 

(f.) last date of the contact; 

(g.) a statement as to whether or not the reference(s) reside in the same 

household as the individual applying for UAA/UA or sufficient information 

so as to differentiate the address of the developed and listed references from 

that of the applicant at the time of the application; 

(h.) the name of the investigator conducting the interview; and 

(i.) the name and phone number of the source used to obtain the developed 

reference’s name. The development of a personal reference through the use 

of non-person (sources such as Internet Directories, etc), must be fully 

explained in the BI record. 

5. References are to be questioned regarding whether they are aware of issues 

relating to or indications by the individual of the following: 

(a.) behavioral/psychological problems; 

(b.) unlawful/criminal activities; 

(c.) illegal use, sale, or possession of a controlled substance; 

(d.) abuse of alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter drugs; 

(e.) susceptibility to coercion or bribery; and 

(f.) any other conduct relating to an assessment of potential untrustworthiness 

and/or unreliability. 

7.7 CRIMINAL HISTORY INQUIRY

NOTE: Only licensee employees assigned to process UAA/UA applications as identified 

in Table 14-1 (AA-Column), Table of Persons Authorized to Access Data, may access or 

review FBI CHRI. The licensee process must preclude other individuals from accessing, 

reviewing and disseminating the FBI CHRI. 

a. The licensee is required to evaluate criminal history record information (CHRI) 

pertaining to an individual applying for UAA/UA as defined in Section 6.2, 6.3 and 9, 

and as required by 10 CFR 73.57. The CHRI check is used as an evaluative measure 

to assist in the determination of whether the individual has a record of criminal 

activity that may adversely impact on his or her trustworthiness and reliability. 

b. CHRI evaluations shall be documented to include the decision-making basis. 

c. If information discovered by a C/V is different than originally claimed by an 

individual applying for UAA/UA, the investigation results shall be provided to the 

licensee prior to or at the time UAA/UA is requested. 

d. Licensees need not fingerprint official US government personnel who can be verified 

to have “Q” or “L” clearances or have another active government granted security 

clearances, (such as Top Secret, Secret or Confidential). 
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1. Clearance confirmations shall be received from the sponsoring agency i.e., NRC, 

or facility and not hand carried by the individual applying for UAA/UA. 

2. Verification of these active clearances may also be used in lieu of the FBI CHRI 

for reinvestigation. 

e. In the event FBI CHRI results cannot be obtained due to unclassifiable fingerprints, 

licensees shall implement the process defined within Appendix C. 

f. An FBI CHRI need not be conducted for initial or updated authorizations, as defined 

in Sections 6.2 and 6.3 respectively, if completed within the past 365 days, or if the 

individual meets the requirements of Section 6.6.1.a. 

g. Additional criteria for reviewing officials are provided in the Safeguards Supplement 

to this document. 

7.8 PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

a. The licensee or C/V shall require an individual applying for initial or updated 

UAA/UA, as defined in Sections 6.2 and 6.3 respectively, to undergo a 

professionally-accepted standardized psychological assessment, that provides 

information to identify indications of disturbances in personality or psychopathology 

and to assist in evaluating the possible adverse impact of any noted psychological 

characteristics on the individual’s trustworthiness and reliability. 

b. The assessment shall: 

1. be conducted in accordance with the applicable ethical principles for conducting 

such assessments established by the American Psychological Association or 

American Psychiatric Association; 

2. be conducted by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist with the appropriate clinical 

training and experience; and 

3. include an evaluation to determine the presence of any mental or physical 

condition which may cause a significant defect in the trustworthiness, reliability 

or judgment of the individual, including that which may result from the use of 

illegal drugs, the abuse of prescribed or over-the-counter medications, or the use 

of alcohol habitually to excess. 

c. Psychological assessments must also be conducted prior to an individual being 

qualified and assigned duties to the critical group and periodically thereafter. 

7.8.1 Elements of Initial or Updated UAA Psychological Assessment 

a. There are 3 elements that may be part of the psychological assessment: 

1. The administration and interpretation of a standardized, objective, professionallyaccepted written psychological test that provides information to identify 

indications of disturbances in personality or psychopathology that may have 

adverse implications for an individual’s trustworthiness and reliability; 
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(a.) The standardized, objective, professionally-accepted written psychological 

test must be used for the critical group and may be used for initial and 

updated UAA. 

(b.) When administered, the written psychological test must be proctored. 

(c.) Appropriately tailored, predetermined thresholds for each scale must be 

applied in interpreting the results of the psychological test to determine 

whether an individual shall be interviewed by a licensed psychiatrist or 

psychologist. 

(d.) Except in the case of critical group members, when accurate results would 

be hindered by a language or cultural barrier, a clinical interview may be 

conducted in lieu of a standardized, objective, professionally-accepted 

written psychological test. 

(e.) In instances when test scores are outside of the predetermined cut-off scores 

and require a clinical interview, the licensee or C/V must: 

i. provide to the psychiatrist or licensed psychologist with any available FFD 

PDI developed during the conduct of the BI; 

ii. the assessment shall have the additional focus of careful consideration of 

the psychopathy of the interviewee; and 

iii. psychiatrists or licensed psychologists must carefully apply procedures of 

evaluation assessment and diagnosis derived from scientific research. 

(f.) In the course of conducting a psychological assessment for UAA/UA, if the 

licensed psychologist or psychiatrist identifies or discovers any information, 

including a medical condition, that could adversely impact the individual’

s 

fitness for duty or trustworthiness and reliability, the licensee, or C/V shall 

ensure that the psychologist or psychiatrist contact appropriate medical 

personnel to obtain further information as need for a determination. 

2. A clinical interview by a psychiatrist or licensed psychologist: 

(a.) is required: 

i. if an individual’s scores on the psychological test are outside of the 

predetermined cut-off scores or identify indications of disturbances in 

personality or psychopathology that may have implications for an 

individual’s trustworthiness and reliability; 

ii. for the critical group; and 

iii. for individuals applying for UAA/UA who did not receive a written 

screening test. 

(b.) shall be conducted in a semi-structured manner and include the recognition 

of medical conditions that could result in impaired judgment; 

(c.) are completed under professionally accepted conditions, not necessarily in a 

physical face-to-face situation; and 

(d.) the result of the interview is documented and includes the date, results, 

name and qualification of the individual conducting the interview. 
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(e.) For the critical group, if an Annual Supervisory Review has been conducted 

and changes to behavior have been noted, the review shall be considered by 

the interviewing psychiatrist or licensed psychologist as one measure of the 

assessment. 

3. A medical evaluation. 

(a.) Any individual identified as a candidate for further medical review shall be 

referred to a physician, which may be the MRO, for further medical 

assessment. 

(b.) Prior to a medical assessment, the physician practitioner shall review a 

current job task analysis or position description for the person being 

interviewed and the most recently completed Annual Supervisory Review 

when changes to behavior have been noted, if applicable. 

(c.) A review of the individual’s prescribed medications shall be conducted to 

ensure these medications do not impair the person’s judgment to the extent 

that trustworthiness and reliability are jeopardized. 

b. The results of the evaluation and the psychiatrist or licensed psychologist’s 

recommendation shall be provided to the licensee’s or C/V’s reviewing official. 

c. In addition, if the licensee or C/V develops other relevant information the licensee or 

C/V may require a clinical interview to assess whether the individual would be 

considered trustworthy and reliable. 

d. No minimum period is specified for a re-examination after an unfavorable 

psychological assessment. The judgment of the licensed psychologist or psychiatrist 

shall be the determining factor. 

e. If the interview is conducted as part of an professional appropriately qualified to 

make determinations of fitness, as specified in 10 CFR 26.189, neither the individual, 

the licensee nor the C/V may seek a second determination of fitness if the 

determination of fitness has already been performed by a qualified professional 

employed by or on contract to the licensee or C/V. 

f. Except for individuals assigned to the critical group, this element is valid indefinitely 

for UAA/UA if the individual is under a BOP and meets the requirements of Section 

6.6.1.a. Otherwise after 365 days a new psychological assessment must be conducted. 

7.8.2 Psychological Reassessments 

a. For the critical group personnel, licensees shall conduct psychological reassessment 

at intervals not to exceed 5 years. This includes: 

1. any individuals who have extensive knowledge in defensive strategies and 

designing and/or implementation of the plant’s defense strategies II; 

2. any individuals who have a position to grant an individual UA or certify an 

individual UAA; 

3. any individuals assigned a duty to search for contraband (weapons, explosives, 

incendiary devices); 
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4. any individuals who manage and maintain security computer systems and 

networks; and 

5. any individuals who secure the plant networks or have extensive knowledge of the 

plant networks and have administrative control over the plant networks. 

b. The psychological reassessment shall be conducted using the assessment process 

described in Section 7.8.1 of this document. 

c. If the licensed psychologist or psychiatrist identifies or discovers any information, 

including a medical condition, that could adversely impact the fitness for duty or 

trustworthiness and reliability of those individuals who are currently granted 

UAA/UA status, he or she shall inform: 

1. the reviewing official of the discovery within 24 hours of the discovery and 

2. the medical personnel designated in the site implementing procedures, who shall 

ensure that an appropriate evaluation of the possible medical condition is 

conducted under the requirements of 10 CFR 26. 

d. Individuals in the critical group with UAA/UA who do not satisfy the 5-year 

psychological reassessment requirements must be reassigned to non-critical group 

work or they shall have UA administratively withdrawn until the psychological 

reassessment has been completed. 

e. The reviewing official shall complete an evaluation of the information obtained from 

the criminal history update and credit history (See Section 9), the psychological 

assessment, and the supervisory interview (See Section 10.3 f) within 30 calendar 

days of initiating any one of these elements. 

f. If potentially disqualifying information is discovered during any psychological 

reassessment, the licensee reviewing official shall evaluate the information in 

accordance with Section 6.1 and the Safeguards Supplement. 
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8 FITNESS-FOR-DUTY PROGRAM 

a. The FFD program shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR 26. 

b. FFD training of all individuals is defined in NEI 03-04, Guidelines for Plant Access 

Training, Appendix A, Reference B4, and may be accepted by other licensee’s and 

C/V’s. 

8.1 SUITABLE INQUIRY QUESTIONS

a. SI questions required to be asked of employers, the military and educational 

institutions are contained within the respective employment check as described in 

Sections 7.4.1, 7.4.3 or 7.4.4. 

8.2 SELF-DISCLOSURE QUESTIONS

a. In addition to completing the criminal history self-disclosure defined in Section 7.2, 

the individual must self-disclose FFD history. 

b. The self-disclosure must be conducted for the appropriate period specified below. The 

individual shall answer the following ten questions. 

 For an initial UAA/UA the timeframe “Since your 18th birthday” or “within the 

previous five (5) years,” which ever period is shorter, or 

 For updated or reinstated UAA/UA the timeframe “Since your last UAA/UA if 

favorably terminated within the past 3 years:” 

Have you: 

1. violated a licensee or employer’s fitness-for-duty policy? 

2. been denied or had unescorted access authorization terminated unfavorably at any 

place of employment or at any nuclear power plant for any reason including 

fitness for duty policy violation or been unfavorably terminated form any 

employment for fitness-for-duty reason? 

3. used, sold or possessed illegal drugs? 

4. abused legal drugs or alcohol? 

5. ever subverted or attempted to subvert a drug or alcohol testing program? 

6. refused to take a drug or alcohol test? 

7. been subject to a plan (except self-referral) for treating substance abuse? 

8. been subject to a law enforcement authority or court of law action for alcohol or 

drug use related to any of the following: 

(a.) The use, sale or possession of illegal drugs? 

(b.) The abuse of legal drugs or alcohol? or 

(c.) The refusal to take a drug or alcohol test? 

9. been subject to employment action taken for alcohol or drug abuse involving any 

of the following: 
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(a.) A change in job responsibilities or removal from a job? or 

(b.) Mandated implementation of a plan for substance abuse treatment in order 

to avoid a change in or removal from a job? 

10. Are you currently in a fitness-for-duty follow-up testing program? 

c. The individual shall address the specific type, duration, and resolution of any matter 

disclosed, including, but not limited to, the reason(s) for any unfavorable termination 

or denial of authorization. 

8.3 RANDOM DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING PROGRAM

a. When a pre-access drug and alcohol sample is collected for initial, updated, or 

reinstated authorization, the individual shall be placed in an approved random testing 

program. 

b. A random drug and alcohol testing program must: 

1. be administered in a manner that provides reasonable assurance that individuals 

are unable to predict the time periods during which specimens will be collected. 

At a minimum, the FFD program shall: 

(a.) take reasonable steps to either conceal from the workforce that collections 

will be performed during a scheduled collection period or create the 

appearance that specimens are being collected during a portion of each day 

on at least 4 days in each calendar week at each site. The portions of each 

day and the days of the week must vary in a manner that cannot be predicted 

by donors; and 

(b.) collect specimens on an unpredictable schedule, including weekends, 

backshifts, and holidays, and at various times during a shift; 

2. at a minimum, be administered by the FFD program on a nominal weekly 

frequency; 

3. Require individuals who are selected for random testing to report to the collection 

site as soon as reasonably practicable after notification, within the time period 

specified in the FFD program policy; 

4. If the individual’s UAA/UA is terminated prior to conducting the random test, the 

individual may be excused. This may occur whenever a worker is selected for 

random testing but due to the timing of notification the individual terminates and 

departs the site before the notification is made; 

5. Ensure that all individuals in the population subject to testing have an equal 

probability of being selected and tested; 

6. Require that individuals who are off site when selected for testing, or who are on 

site and are not reasonably available for testing when selected, shall be tested at 

the earliest reasonable and practical opportunity when both the donor and 

collectors are available to collect specimens for testing and without prior 

notification to the individual that he or she has been selected for testing; 
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7. Provide that an individual completing a test is immediately eligible for another 

unannounced test; and 

8. Ensure that the sampling process used to select individuals for random testing 

provides that the number of random tests performed annually is equal to at least 

50 percent of the population that is subject to the FFD program. 

c. Individuals who require pre-access testing, but were covered by a BOP and had 

negative test results within the last 30 days that meet the testing requirements of 10 

CFR 26, shall be placed in the random testing program when the licensee takes the 

first formal action to grant the individual UAA/UA at the licensee’s in-processing 

facility. 

8.4 FOLLOW-UP TESTING AND TREATMENT PLANS

a. Individuals are required to be placed into a follow-up treatment plan: 

1. If the individual’s UAA/UA was denied or terminated unfavorably for a first 

confirmed positive drug or alcohol test result. The licensee or C/V must; 

(a.) ensure that clinically appropriate treatment and follow-up testing plans have 

been developed by an appropriately qualified professional, before certifying 

UAA or granting UA and 

(b.) ensure that the industry information-sharing mechanism is updated as 

defined in Section 12. 

2. If the individual was subject to a 5-year denial of UAA/UA, the licensee must: 

(a.) ensure that any recommendations for treatment and follow-up testing from a 

professional appropriately qualified to make determinations of fitness, as 

specified in 10 CFR 26.189, are initiated before certifying UAA or granting 

UA; 

(b.) ensure that the industry information-sharing mechanism is updated as 

defined in Section 12; and 

(c.) verify that the individual is compliance with and successfully completes and 

follow-up testing and treatment plans. 
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9 REINVESTIGATIONS 

NOTE: Only licensee employees assigned to process UAA/UA applications may access 

or review FBI CHRI. The licensee process must preclude other individuals from 

accessing, reviewing and disseminating the FBI CHRI.

CAUTION: Submissions of fingerprints for reinvestigations should be handled 

separately from investigations for outage staffing, to preclude inadvertent outage staffing 

delays. 

a. The requirements of this section apply to all individuals with UAA/UA. Individuals that 

have UAA/UA that do not satisfy the reinvestigation requirements shall have UAA/UA 

administratively withdrawn until the reinvestigation has been completed. 

b. All personnel holding UAA/UA must have a reinvestigation completed at intervals not to 

exceed 5 years. 

c. Reinvestigation for an individual in the critical group shall be completed at an interval 

not to exceed 3 years. Individuals in the critical group with UAA/UA that do not satisfy 

the 3-year reinvestigation requirements must be reassigned to non-critical group work or 

they shall have UAA/UA administratively withdrawn until the reinvestigation has been 

completed. 

d. A new Consent form to screen and a new federal Fair Credit Reporting Act Disclosure 

and Authorization Statement form must be completed prior to accomplishing a 

reinvestigation. 

e. The reinvestigation conducted includes a review of CHRI obtained as provided in 10 

CFR 73.57 or as the Commission may require. The licensee reviewing official shall 

compare CHRI with the access authorization records of the person named in the record, 

to ensure the person has complied with self-reporting requirements. 

f. Licensees shall obtain a credit history and review the history for the period provided. 

g. The start of the interval for the next reinvestigation shall be the date the licensee 

reviewing official completed a concurrent review of both the credit history and criminal 

history. To provide for reasonable consistency of the time frame under review and for 

ease of tracking purposes, receipt of both the credit history and the criminal history 

elements and the licensee reviewing official’s review must be conducted within 30 days 

of each other. 

h. The results of the criminal history update, credit history re-evaluation, psychological 

reassessment and supervisory interview must be reviewed by the licensee reviewing 

official. If PDI is discovered during any reinvestigation review the information must be 

evaluated by the licensee reviewing official as defined in Section 6.1. 

i. If the criminal history update and credit history re-evaluation have not been completed 

and the information evaluated by the licensee reviewing official within the required 5-

year period, or within the time period specified in the licensee Physical Security Plan the 

licensee shall administratively withdraw the individual’s UAA/UA until these 

requirements have been met. 

j. Additional criteria applicable to reinvestigations are contained in the Safeguards 

Supplement to this Document. 
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10BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION 

a. The licensee’s or C/V’s licensee-approved BOP plays a significant role in determining 

continued trustworthiness and reliability of covered individuals. 

1. The objective of the BOP is: 

(a.) to detect and report behaviors that may indicate possible use, sale or possession 

of illegal drugs, use or possession of alcohol on site or while on duty; or 

impairment from fatigue or any cause that, if left unattended, may constitute a 

risk to public health and safety or the common defense and security including a 

potential threat to commit radiological sabotage; 

(b.) to report and evaluate legal actions taken by a law enforcement authority or 

court of law to which the individual has been subject that could result in 

incarceration or a court order or that requires a court appearance, including but 

not limited to an arrest, an indictment, the filing of charges, or a conviction, but 

excluding minor traffic violations such as parking or speeding tickets; and 

(c.) to detect and report other behavior that may constitute an unreasonable risk to 

the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security, 

including a potential threat to commit radiological sabotage. This includes 

behavior instances addressed in the licensee or C/V disciplinary process leading 

to unfavorable termination or resignation in lieu of termination. 

2. Although the BOP is the primary methodology for determining continued 

trustworthiness and reliability, clinical interviews may be used to provide added 

assurance. 

3. All reports under the BOP program must be provided to the licensee or C/V’s 

reviewing official. 

b. The following individuals are subject to BOP: 

1. Any individual to whom a licensee intends to grant UA to nuclear power plant 

protected or vital areas or any individual for whom a licensee intends to certify UAA; 

2. Any individual who is required by the licensee to physically report to the licensee 

Technical Support Center (TSC) or Emergency Operations Facility (EOF) as 

specified in the licensee emergency plan and procedures; 

3. Any individual whose duties and responsibilities permit the individual to take actions 

by electronic means, either on site or remotely, that could adversely impact the licensee’s 

operational safety, security, or emergency response capabilities; 

4. Any individual who has responsibilities for implementing a licensee’

s protective 

strategy, including, but not limited to, armed security force officers, alarm station 

operators, and tactical response team leaders; 

5. The licensee access authorization program reviewing official or contractor or vendor 

access authorization program reviewers; and 
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6. Other individuals, at the licensee’

s discretion, including employees of a contractor or a 

vendor who are designated in access authorization program procedures, are subject to 

an access authorization program that meets the requirements of this section. 

c. Personnel subject to a BOP are responsible for: 

1. observing personnel for behavior traits and patterns that may reflect adversely on 

their trustworthiness or reliability; 

2. awareness of behaviors that might be adverse to safe operation or security of the 

facility; 

3. reporting observed behaviors of individuals that may adversely affect the safety or 

security of a licensee’s facility, or that may constitute an unreasonable risk to the 

public health and safety or the common defense and security including a potential 

threat to commit radiological sabotage; and 

4. reporting those observations to appropriate licensee or C/V management in 

accordance with the licensee’s or C/V’s procedures. 

d. The recipient or appropriate licensee or C/V management shall ensure that the licensee’s 

or C/V’s reviewing official is formally made aware of the observations. 

e. The reviewing official is required to review the facts of the reported observation in 

accordance with Section 6.1.b in order to determine whether or not to continue the 

UAA/UA. 

f. If the reviewing official has a reason to believe that the reported individual's trustworthiness 

or reliability is questionable, the reviewing official shall either administratively withdraw 

or terminate the individual's unescorted access unescorted access or unescorted access 

authorization while completing the re-evaluation or an investigation. 

g. To maintain UAA/UA, individuals are covered by a BOP and are required to comply 

with FFD program policies and procedures. 

h. Integral to the program is training and a comprehensive examination of all employees, 

management oversight of employee behavior, an Annual Supervisory Review by the 

assigned supervisor and the individual’s reporting of legal actions. 

i. BOP training is required of all individuals identified in Section 10.b1-3 above, including 

comprehensive examination requirements, conducted by licensee’s and C/V’s is defined 

in NEI 03-04, Guidelines for Plant Access Training, Appendix A, Reference B4, and may 

be accepted by other licensee’s and C/V’s. 

10.1 BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION TRAINING

a. The licensee and if appropriate C/V, must develop a training program that results in 

reasonable assurance that licensee and C/V personnel have sufficient awareness and 

sensitivity to detect degradation in performance which may be the result of being 

under the influence of any substance, legal or illegal, physical or mental impairment 

which in any way may adversely affect their ability to safely and competently 

perform their duties. 

b. The training program shall address the knowledge and abilities necessary to detect 

behavior or activities that have the potential to constitute an unreasonable risk to the 

public health and safety and common defense and security, including the potential to 
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commit radiological sabotage and communicate the requirement of promptly 

reporting noticeable changes in behavior, activities or FFD concerns about other 

individuals to the licensee or C/V’s management-designated personnel for appropriate 

evaluation and action in accordance with regulatory requirements and the licenseeapproved FFD policy. 

c. The training program must also provide for instruction in techniques related to 

recognition of behaviors adverse to the safe operation and security of the facility, 

(e.g., unusual interest in or predisposition towards security or operations activities 

outside the scope of one’s normal work assignments, or frequent unexplained absence 

from work assignments.) 

d. Behavioral observation must be performed by individuals who are trained to detect 

behaviors that may indicate possible use, sale, or possession of illegal drugs; use or 

possession of alcohol on site or while on duty; or impairment from fatigue or any 

cause that, if left unattended, may constitute a risk to public health and safety. 

e. All individuals will be trained to the same level on their behavioral observation 

responsibilities. 

f. All individuals identified in Section 10.b shall undergo initial BOP training. The 

initial training shall include a comprehensive examination addressing the 

requirements of Section 10.a.1 (a)-(c). BOP Refresher training shall be completed on 

a nominal annual basis and shall be documented as required by licensee or C/V 

procedures. In lieu of refresher training a comprehensive examination may be 

administered. 

g. Remedial training and re-testing are required for individuals who fail to satisfactorily 

complete the comprehensive examination. 

h. Initial and refresher training may be delivered using a variety of media (including, but 

not limited to, classroom lectures, required reading, video, or computer-based training 

systems). The licensee or C/V shall monitor the completion of training. 

10.2 LEGAL ACTION REPORTING

a. A legal action reporting program must be established that: 

1. requires individuals with UAA/UA to report any legal actions; 

2. notifies individual in writing of his or her responsibility to make this report and to 

whom; and 

3. provides sufficient guidance in the written notification so that an individual’s 

reporting responsibility is clear; including a warning that failure to report as 

required could result in the denial or unfavorable termination of UAA/UA. 

Individuals are responsible for complying with the written notification. 

b. The legal action reporting program shall require an individual to report any legal 

actions that occur in the timeframe between the signing the PHQ and the certifying of 

UAA or granting of UA. 

1. Legal actions that have been reported by the individual shall be documented and 

retained with the UAA/UA records on which the initial UAA/UA decision was 

based. 
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2. The legal action information received must be evaluated by the reviewing official 

as defined in Section 6.1. 

c. The recipient of the legal action report shall, if other than the reviewing official, 

promptly convey the report to the reviewing official. 

d. On the day that the report is received, the reviewing official shall evaluate the 

circumstances related to the reported legal action(s) and re-determine the reported 

individual's UAA/UA status in accordance with Section 6.1. 

10.3 ANNUAL SUPERVISOR REVIEW

a. An Annual Supervisory Review shall be conducted on a nominal annual basis for 

each individual certified UAA or granted UA for a period of at least 365 consecutive 

days. 

1. Annual Supervisory Reviews are not required for an individual where UAA/UA is 

terminated or administratively withdrawn prior to the completion of the 

continuous 365-day period. 

2. The status of Annual Supervisory Reviews is not required to be provided to other 

licensees through the process discussed in Section 12 of this document. 

b. The Annual Supervisory Review shall be conducted by the individual’s immediate 

supervisor, as defined in the licensee’s or approved C/V’s BOP procedures. The 

review shall be based on interactions with the individual over the review period. The 

review shall include: 

1. a description of any condition that may have resulted in the employee acting or 

behaving in an unconventional manner, including discipline and actions taken; 

2. any circumstances which may indicate the need to refer the employee for 

additional medical or psychological review; and 

3. any information developed over the review period regarding the behavioral 

characteristics of the employee supervised. This information would typically 

include behavioral norm deviations which have been reported to the supervisor 

through implementation of the BOP, as well as those behavioral norm deviations 

personally observed by the supervisor. 

c. When PDI is identified, the Annual Supervisory Review shall be evaluated by an 

access authorization program reviewing official to determine if additional action is 

required concerning the individual’s trustworthiness, reliability, and fitness-for-duty. 

d. The completed review shall be included as part of the licensee or C/V’s access 

authorization files and retained in accordance with Section 15. 

e. If a supervisory review is not completed as required, UAA/UA shall be 

administratively withdrawn until all requirements are satisfied. 

f. If the supervisor does not have the frequent interaction with the individual throughout 

the review period needed to form an informed and reasonable opinion regarding the 

individual's behavior, trustworthiness, and reliability, the individual is also subject to 
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a supervisory interview in accordance with the requirements of the licensee's or C/V’s 

BOP. 

10.4 UNFAVORABLE EMPLOYMENT TERMINATIONS

a. For any person certified UAA or granted UA, the licensee or C/V must have a process 

that requires the licensee reviewing official to review the facts involved in an 

unfavorable employment termination or resignation in lieu of termination. 

b. The licensee review process shall apply the safeguards supplement when determining 

whether or not the behavior cited as the reason for unfavorable termination or 

resignation in lieu of termination by an employer may also make the individual 

untrustworthy or unreliable and therefore ineligible to continue to hold UAA/UA. 

c. If the individual’s UAA/UA is denied or terminated unfavorably, the licensee must 

notify any other licensee at which the individual holds active UAA/UA. 
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11 OTHER REQUIRED BACKGROUND SCREENING 

a. BI screening is required of certain personnel other than individuals applying for 

UAA/UA, including certain: 

1. BI screening company personnel; 

2. Personnel who are assigned to process UAA/UA applications; and 

3. FFD personnel. 

b. Licensees and C/Vs shall ensure that any individual who collects, processes or evaluates 

personal information for the purpose of processing applications for UAA/UA, including 

but not limited to a psychologist or psychiatrist who conducts psychological assessments; 

has access to the files, records, and personal information associated with individuals who 

have applied for UAA/UA or is responsible for managing any databases that contain such 

files, records, and personal information has been determined to be trustworthy and 

reliable, as follows: 

1. The individual is subject to an access authorization program defined in this document; 

or 

2. The licensee or C/V determines that the individual is trustworthy and reliable based 

upon an evaluation that meets the requirements of Sections 11.1 and 11.2 and either a 

local criminal history review and evaluation as specified in Section 11/1 and 11.2 or a 

criminal history check that meets the requirements of Section 7.7. 

11.1 BI SCREENERS

a. Licensees and C/Vs who use persons not directly under their control to collect and 

process information that will be used by the reviewing official to make 

trustworthiness and reliability determinations must be known to be trustworthy and 

reliable. This includes persons responsible for data management for C/Vs and 

subcontractors. 

b. The requirements are to be included in the contract for the work and a minimum 

include: 

1. consent; 

2. verification of the individual’s true identity as specified in Section 7.3; 

3. a credit history review and evaluation; 

4. an employment/unemployment history review and evaluation covering the past 3 

years; 

5. an evaluation of character and reputation through the interview of two developed 

references; and 

6. a local criminal history review and evaluation based on information obtained from 

an appropriate State court or agency or the county, borough or parish court agency 

in which the individual is a permanent resident. 
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(a.) If an FBI CHRI is conducted in accordance with Section 7.7, a local 

criminal history check is not required. 

(b.) However, if personnel will not hold UAA/UA or have access to Safeguards 

Information, an FBI criminal records check may not be conducted and the 

local criminal records check must include the location of the individual’s 

permanent residence. 

c. If an individual covered by this section is determined to have left the employment of 

the of the BI screening company for a period of less than 365 days, then returns to 

these covered job duties, the BI screening company shall ascertain activities and 

conduct an employment/unemployment check on a best effort basis of the individual 

during for the period of employment interruption in order to assure continued 

trustworthiness and reliability. 

d. Individuals returning after a lapsed period greater than 365 days shall be required to 

undergo screening as defined in elements 1-6 above. 

11.2 PERSONNEL PROCESSING APPLICATIONS

a. An individual not already covered by the access authorization program shall meet the 

licensee or C/V standards for trustworthiness and reliability acceptable for the access 

authorization program. This includes those individuals who: 

1. evaluate personal information for the purpose of processing individuals for 

UAA/UA including but not limited to a psychologist or psychiatrist who conducts 

psychological assessments;

2. have unfettered access to the files and records of persons applying for or holding 

UAA/UA; or 

3. are responsible for data management upon which UAA/UA decisions may be 

based. 

b. For individuals not covered by a licensee or approved C/V UAA/UA program, 

sufficient background information shall be collected and adjudicated by the employer 

to provide reasonable assurance that the individual is trustworthy and reliable to 

perform duties related to proper handling of information, records and databases 

entrusted to him or her. The program must include the following elements: 

1. Consent for the investigations as specified in Section 7.1; 

2. Evaluation of a completed Personal History Questionnaire (Initial) as specified in 

Section 7.2; 

3. Verification of true identity as specified in Section 7.3; 

4. Employment/unemployment history verification as specified in Section 7.4; 

5. Credit checks and evaluation as specified in Section 7.5; 

6. Character and reputation evaluation as specified in Section 7.6; 

7. Conduct and evaluate a local criminal history check that includes the individual’s 

permanent residence. If an FBI CHRI is conducted in accordance with Section 

7.7, a local criminal history check is not required. However, if personnel will not 

hold UAA/UA or have access to Safeguards Information, an FBI criminal records 
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check may not be conducted and the local criminal records check must include the 

location of the individual’s permanent residence; and 

8. Psychological assessment as specified in Section 7.8. 

c. If an individual covered by this section is determined to have left the employment of 

the licensee or approved C/V company for a period of less than 365 days, then returns 

to these covered job duties, the licensee or approved C/V company shall ascertain 

activities and complete the requirements of Section 7.4, Employment/Unemployment 

history verification for the individual during the period of interruption of employment 

in order to assure continued trustworthiness and reliability. 

d. Individuals returning after a lapsed period greater than 365 days shall be required to 

undergo screening as defined in elements 1-8 above, back to the date the individual 

left the company. 

11.3 FITNESS-FOR-DUTY PROGRAM PERSONNEL

a. Licensees and approved C/Vs shall complete appropriate BI, credit and criminal 

history checks, and psychological assessments of FFD program personnel before 

assignment to tasks directly associated with administration of the FFD program. 

b. The BI, credit and criminal history checks, and psychological assessments that are 

conducted to certify UAA or grant UA to individuals under a nuclear power plant 

licensee’s UAA/UA program are acceptable to meet the requirements of this 

paragraph. 

c. The credit and criminal history checks and psychological assessments must be 

updated nominally every 5 years. 

d. If FFD personnel are not processed through the Access Authorization Program and 

will not hold UAA/UA or have access to Safeguards Information, an FBI criminal 

records check may not be conducted and the local criminal records check must be 

conducted that includes the location of the individual’s permanent residence. 
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12LICENSEE SHARED INFORMATION 

a. The NRC requires that key access authorization and fitness-for-duty program information 

be accessible by other power reactor licensees. However, this requirement extends to 

other entities committed to 10 CFR 73.56, 10 CFR 26, and NEI 03-01 who agree to 

participate in the industry information-sharing program. This section defines the 

minimum elements that must be made available by licensees or other entities to meet 

requirements. The industry database may require additional information to facilitate data 

management and audit requirements. 

b. Licensees and C/Vs who have been authorized to add or manipulate data in an 

information sharing mechanism shall ensure that data linked to the information about 

individuals who have applied for UAA/UA, which is specified in the licensee’s access 

authorization program documents, are retained in an information-sharing mechanism. 

c. If the shared information used for determining an individual’s trustworthiness and 

reliability changes or new or additional information is developed about the individual, the 

licensees or C/Vs that acquire this information shall correct or augment the data 

contained in the information-sharing mechanism. 

d. If the changed, additional or developed information has implications for adversely 

affecting an individual’s trustworthiness and reliability, the licensee or C/V who 

discovered or obtained the new, additional or changed information, shall, on the day of 

discovery, inform the reviewing official of any licensee access authorization program 

under which the individual is maintaining his or her UAA/UA status of the updated 

information. 

e. The receiving reviewing official shall evaluate the information and take appropriate 

actions, which may include denial or unfavorable termination of UAA/UA. 

f. If the information-sharing mechanism is unavailable and a notification of change or 

updated information is required, licensees and C/Vs shall take manual actions to ensure 

that the information is shared, and update the data in the information-sharing mechanism 

as soon as reasonably possible. 

g. Records maintained in the database must be available for NRC review. 

NOTE: Data pertaining to NRC employees is not required to be entered into the 

industry’s information-sharing mechanism. Data pertaining to NRC contractors is 

required to be entered into the industry’s information-sharing mechanism because 

licensees are frequently required to augment previous performed data elements in making 

a UAA/UA current for the NRC contractor. 

h. When an individual applies for UAA /UA there are four possible outcomes: 

1. The individual is found to be trustworthy, reliable and fit-for-duty and certified UAA 

or granted UA. 

2. The individual withdraws his or her request for UAA/UA. Since applications are 

frequently submitted well in advance of an anticipated work period, cases develop 

where the individual no longer has a work-related need for UAA/UA. Although the 

individual has not withdrawn consent, there is no need to continue the BI. 
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3. The individual withdraws consent to complete the BI. This is also considered a 

withdrawal of the request for UAA/UA. 

4. The individual’s UAA/UA is denied in accordance with licensee program 

requirements. 

i. For any entry the following minimum identification information shall be provided: 

1. name—last name, first name, middle name; 

2. identification number—US SSN if assigned; 

3. date of birth; and 

4. citizenship. 

12.1 INDIVIDUALS GRANTED UNESCORTED ACCESS

a. Licensees shall ensure that those who formally apply for UAA/UA are included in the 

established method. 

b. At a minimum, licensees shall ensure all transaction and decision date values required 

to support an UA decision for all persons who hold UAA, are included in the method 

and identifiable by any licensee. 

c. The most recent data that provides the basis for the current authorization needs to be 

provided. The information to be shared includes: 

1. date current UAA/UA granted; 

2. employer; 

3. date psychological evaluation completed; 

4. date CHRI received (the date the CHRI is reviewed and approved); 

5. date of FFD chemical sample collected and reason for test; 

6. date BI and suitable inquiry completed; 

7. licensee providing the information; 

8. company holding the supporting records, if not the licensee; 

9. whether additional information is held by the licensee; 

10. follow-up information; begin date, estimated end date frequency of testing, and 

number of tests required; and 

11. whether the individual is participating in a treatment plan. 

d. For individuals granted UAA/UA after July 7, 2003 , the information to be shared 

includes: 

1. date UA granted; 

2. employer; 

3. citizenship; 

4. date psychological evaluation completed; 

5. date CHRI received, (the date the CHRI is reviewed and approved); 

6. date of FFD chemical sample collected and reason for test; 

7. date of completion of Plant Access Training and BOP training and other training 

as defined in NEI 03-04; 

8. date UAA completed; 
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9. licensee providing the information; 

10. company holding the supporting records, if not the licensee; 

11. whether additional information is held by the licensee; and 

12. follow-up information; begin date, estimated end date frequency of testing, and 

number of tests required. 

e. For individuals whose UAA/UA is terminated, the information to be shared includes: 

1. date UAA/UA terminated; 

2. whether UAA/UA terminated favorably or unfavorably; and 

3. whether additional information is held by the licensee. 

f. Licensees shall ensure the demographic information of any person formally applying 

for UAA/UA to a licensee facility, is added to or updated in the method. 

g. Demographic data for individuals granted UA after July 7, 2003 includes: 

1. current address; 

2. height; 

3. weight; 

4. eye color; 

5. hair color; 

6. gender; and 

7. place of birth (city, US state or province, and country if not US). 

12.2 REQUEST FOR ACCESS IS WITHDRAWN

a. In some cases, a request for access is withdrawn before the BI is completed because 

the individual no longer needs UAA/UA. This may result from a variety of reasons, 

such as changes in work assignment or the expected job being completed. This 

should not be confused with a withdrawal of consent discussed in Section 12.3. 

1. If the individual no longer needs access, the BI does not need to be continued. 

2. No information is required to be shared if the request for access is withdrawn 

before any BI element was completed and no PDI is discovered. 

b. However, if the request for access is withdrawn after screening elements are 

completed but prior to reviewing official’s determination, the information collected 

on those elements initiated prior to the withdrawal must be specified in the datasharing mechanism, along with the demographic data. 

1. If a specimen has been provided for drug testing, it will be processed, the results 

reviewed by the licensee’s MRO, an appropriate determination made relative to 

the test results, and documented appropriately within the industry data-sharing 

mechanism. 

2. If potentially disqualifying information was developed, the information must be 

adjudicated and the results shared. 
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c. The evaluation of specific PDI pertaining to persons that have not formally applied 

for UAA/UA is not permitted. 

d. In the event that the individual leaves the licensee’s control prior to adjudication of 

PDI, an “Admin Data” entry and the company holding the “Admin Data” must be 

listed. 

CAUTION: If a licensee administratively withdraws an individual’s UAA/UA status 

caused by a delay in completing any portion of the background investigation or for a 

licensee initiated evaluation, or re-evaluation that is not under the individual’s control, 

the licensee shall record this administrative action to withdraw the individual’s UAA/UA 

in the information sharing mechanism. 

 Licensees shall not document this administrative withdrawal as denial or unfavorable 

termination and shall not respond to a suitable inquiry conducted under the provisions 

of 10 CFR 26, a BI conducted, or any other inquiry or investigation as denial nor 

unfavorable termination. 

 Immediately upon favorable completion of the BI element that caused the 

administrative withdrawal, the licensee shall ensure that any matter that could link the 

individual to the administrative action is eliminated from the subject individual's 

access authorization or personnel record and other records, except if a review of the 

information obtained or developed causes the reviewing official to unfavorably 

terminate or deny the individual’s UAA/UA. 

12.3 INDIVIDUAL WITHDRAWS CONSENT

NOTE: Licensees must document and maintain, within the licensee’s records, the reason 

for withdrawal of consent. 

a. For an individual withdrawing consent, the only information to be shared is: 

1. date consent withdrawn and 

2. company holding the withdrawal request 

b. If an individual withdraws his or her consent, the licensee or C/V may not initiate any 

elements of the UAA process specified in this document that were not in progress at 

the time the individual withdrew his or her consent, but shall complete and document 

any elements that were in progress at the time consent is withdrawn. 

c. The licensee or C/V shall record: 

1. the status of the individual’s application for UAA/UA; 

2. his or her withdrawal of consent; the reason given by the individual for the 

withdrawal, if any; and 

3. any pertinent information gathered from the elements that were completed (e.g., 

the conduct of a pre-access drug tests, information obtained from the suitable 

inquiry, etc. 
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d. The licensee to whom the individual has applied for UAA/UA shall inform the 

individual that: 

1. withdrawal of his or her consent will withdraw the individual’s current 

application for UAA/UA under the licensee’s FFD program; and 

2. other licensees and entities will have access to information documenting the 

withdrawal as a result of the information sharing that is required under 10 CFR 

26. 

e. The licensees and approved C/Vs shall inform, in writing, any individual who is 

applying for UAA/UA that the following actions related to providing and sharing the 

personal information are sufficient cause for denial or unfavorable termination of 

UAA/UA: 

1. refusal to provide written consent for the suitable inquiry; 

2. refusal to provide or the falsification of any personal information required under 

10 CFR 26, including, but not limited to, the failure to report any previous denial 

or unfavorable termination of UAA/UA; 

3. refusal to provide written consent for the sharing of personal information with 

other licensees or C/Vs required under 10 CFR 26; and 

4. failure to report any legal actions. 

12.4 INDIVIDUAL IN A DENIED STATUS

a. Licensees shall ensure those persons denied UA since January 1, 1997, are 

identifiable by other licensees through the established methods. 

b. Licensees shall ensure that any pertinent information regarding a denial of UAA/UA 

to any person since January 1, 1997, has been identified and is recorded. 

c. Access-denial may occur as a result of the pre-access BI or when an individual’s 

UAA/UA is terminated unfavorably. Access-denial may also occur for an individual 

who is found to not be trustworthy and reliable, or has violated a FFD policy while in 

a BOP or in a random drug and alcohol testing program used to maintain UAA/UA or 

FFD elements current. 

12.4.1 Prior to July 7, 2003 

a. For an individual denied UAA/UA prior to July 7, 2003, a consent form is not 

required for a licensee to share denial information. 

b. In addition, the failure of a licensee to obtain consent prior to the denial of UAA/UA 

shall not reduce the requirement to share the denial data with other licensees or C/V 

companies. This includes an individual who has had UAA/UA restored after 

completing rehabilitation or other appropriate corrective action after an access-denial. 

c. Information to be shared includes: 

1. date UA denied and 

2. company holding the “additional information” 
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d. If an individual’s access was restored at some later date, licensees shall ensure that 

the most current UA information is also listed. This information is needed to clearly 

establish those individuals in a currently access-denied status. 

12.4.2 After July 7, 2003 

a. For individuals denied access after July 7, 2003, information to be shared is: 

1. date access denied; 

2. UA terminated unfavorably if individual held UA; 

3. company holding “additional information;” and 

4. notification of all other licensees at which UA is actively held. 

b. In addition, the failure of a licensee to obtain consent prior to the denial of UAA/UA 

shall not reduce the requirement to share the denial data with other licensees or C/V 

companies. This includes an individual who has had UAA/UA restored after 

completing rehabilitation or other appropriate corrective action after an access-denial. 

c. An individual currently denied access is not allowed in the protected area except 

under conditions specified in Section 12.7 in this document. 

12.4.3 Individuals with an NRC-Mandated 5-Year Denial Due To FFD Violation 

NOTE: Further applications for UAA/UA cannot be recorded in the information-sharing 

mechanism until after the 5-Year denial date has elapsed. 

a. For individuals with a 5-Year Denial due to a FFD violation, enter the following: 

1. the Basis For Action as NRC-mandated “5-Year Denial” and 

2. the date of the 5-year denial 

12.4.4 Individuals with an NRC-Mandated Permanent Denial Due To FFD Violation 

NOTE: Future applications for UAA/UA cannot be recorded in the information-sharing 

mechanism. 

a. For individuals with an NRC-mandated permanent denial due a FFD violation, enter 

the following: 

1. the Basis For Action as “Permanent Denial” and 

2. the date of the permanent denial 

b. If a C/V’s FFD program denies or unfavorably terminates an individual who has been 

granted UAA/UA the C/V must notify any licensee(s) where UAA/UA is active. The 

licensee must deny the individual’s UAA/UA on the day of notification. 
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12.5 INDIVIDUAL IN A FITNESS-FOR-DUTY FOLLOW-UP OR TREATMENT PROGRAM

a. Licensees shall include the follow-up information regarding all persons in a UAA/UA 

status, including the date the follow-up commenced and the date the follow-up is 

expected to end. 

b. Information required includes: 

1. date action taken; 

2. follow-up information: to include the follow-up period begin date, estimated end 

date, frequency of testing, number of tests required; 

3. whether the individual is participating in a treatment plan; 

4. that “additional information” recorded on SEC5 is held by the licensee; and 

5. company holding the “additional information.” 

12.6 UAA/UA-DENIAL REVIEW PROCESS

a. The licensee shall include a description of the UAA/UA denial process to be used in 

the procedure that implements the UAA/UA denial review process requirement and 

the procedure must reflect that the determination from this access-denial review is 

final. 

1. Additionally, procedures must include provisions for the review, at the request of 

the affected individual, of a denial or unfavorable termination of unescorted 

access or unescorted access authorization that may adversely affect employment. 

2. Licensees shall not grant UAA/UA, or permit the individual to maintain UAA/UA 

during the review process. 

3. All information pertaining to a denial or unfavorable termination of the 

individual’

s UAA/UA shall be promptly provided, upon receipt of a written request 

by the subject individual or his or her designated representative as designated in 

writing. The licensee may redact the information to be released to prevent the 

disclosure of personal privacy information pertaining to another individual, 

including the name of the source of the information. 

4. Licensee programs are not intended to modify, subjugate, or abrogate any review 

rights that currently exist for C/V employees with their respective employers. 

However, in all cases, the decision whether to grant or deny UAA/UA to an 

individual at a licensee’s facility is that licensee’s decision to make, regardless of 

whether the individual satisfies some other C/V or licensee UAA/UA program 

requirements. 

b. The licensee shall have a review process that provides an individual whose UAA/UA 

is denied with an opportunity to: 

1. be provided the basis for denial or revocation of UAA/UA; 

2. have the opportunity to respond and provide any additional relevant information; 

3. be provided the opportunity to have the decision, together with any additional 

information, objectively reviewed by management level employee of the licensee 
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who is designated by the licensee to review UAA/UA denials. The licensee 

management level employees must hold position titles that are equivalent to or 

senior to the individual who made the initial decision to deny or terminate 

unfavorably UAA/UA, may not be members of the AA or FFD program staff, and 

must conduct an impartial and independent internal management review of the 

UAA/UA denial or termination decision; and 

4. The UAA/UA decision of the licensee’s initial reviewer or, if applicable, the 

decision from the licensee internal management review process is final, shall be 

the exclusive means by which UAA/UA decisions may be reviewed, and may not 

be reviewed or overturned by any third party. 

c. If the review finds in favor of the individual, the licensee shall update the relevant 

records to reflect the outcome of the review and delete or correct all information the 

review found to be inaccurate. 

d. When a C/V is administering an access authorization program on which licensees and 

other entities rely, and the C/V determines that its employee, subcontractor no longer 

meets the access authorization elements after UAA/UA has been granted by a 

licensee company, the C/V shall notify the licensee granting UAA/UA and provide all 

relevant information to the licensee. The licensees that granted UAA/UA must review 

the information, and if a denial of UAA/UA is warranted, provide the individual a 

review process. 

12.7 LICENSEE REVIEW PROCESS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WHOSE CURRENT UAA/UA IS 

REVOKED OR UNFAVORABLY TERMINATED

a. For an individual who was certified UAA or granted UA at the time of the denial and 

whose denial review was upheld, the individual may request the following additional 

review process. 

b. If requested by an individual whose current UAA/UA has been revoked, who is 

determined to no longer be trustworthy and reliable and subsequently denied 

UAA/UA, the individual, subject to the following restrictions, will be afforded an 

additional review process. The following conditions are excluded from the review 

process: 

1. This process is not available for FFD/Medical issues. 

2. This process is not applicable to individuals whose UAA/UA is suspended 

pending investigation (e.g., placed on administrative hold, etc.). 

3. This process will not be used for individuals who are incarcerated. 

4. This process is not available to persons convicted of a felony offense for which 

the denial was based. 

c. The review process: 

1. Will consist of a 3-person panel including a licensee-designated representative, a 

representative for the individual requesting the review, and an independent third 

party appeal reviewer. NEI will meet with representatives from labor and will 

select an independent third party appeal reviewer that can be used nationally for 
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all individuals whose current UAA/UA is revoked or unfavorably terminated. As 

an alternative, the independent third party appeal reviewer can be jointly selected 

by the licensee and the individual (or the individual’s representative). 

2. The independent third party appeal reviewer must: 

a. be knowledgeable of NRC access regulations and NEI 03-01; 

b. successfully complete a background investigation greater than or equal to 

unescorted access authorization; and 

c. successfully complete Reviewing Official training from NEI on relevant NEI 

guidance documents, the applicable regulatory provisions and the licensee 

review criteria. 

3. The panel will review the licensee denial review process and decision and make a 

recommendation to the licensee by majority vote. The decision of the panel will 

be reviewed by the licensee and accepted as binding as long as the decision does 

not violate regulatory requirements. 

a. The panel may receive presentations of information which may include 

written or oral position statements on behalf of the individual and the licensee. 

b. The panel members will hold a conference call or meet in person, or a 

combination to discuss the positions, the need for additional information, and 

to make a recommendation to the licensee. 

c. The licensee and the individual or his or her representatives may participate in 

a conference call or meeting with the Panel and present each party’s position 

and answer questions. 

d. The parties are not permitted to direct and cross-examine witnesses. 

e. The panel may ask additional questions at any time. 

4. The individual and the licensee equally share all costs associated with the conduct 

of a review discussed in this section. 

5. The licensee shall update the relevant records to reflect the outcome of the review 

and delete or correct all information the review found to be inaccurate. 

6. The decision from the licensee review process is final, shall be the exclusive 

means by which individual UAA/UA decisions may be reviewed, and may not be 

reviewed or overturned by any third party. 

12.8 INDIVIDUALS CURRENTLY DENIED ACCESS

a. Except for emergency conditions e.g., ambulance, fire, law enforcement response, 

etc., and NRC employees all visitors will be checked against the industry’s database 

to ensure that they are not currently denied access. The check for each visitor will be 

performed at least once daily (00:01-24:00 hours) prior to the worker’s first daily 

entry into the protected area. 

b. Persons currently denied UAA/UA at a licensee facility will not be allowed in the 

protected area of any licensee facility, except under the following conditions: 
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1. The denying licensee reviews its UAA/UA denial and determines after further 

review, that an UAA/UA would now be appropriate; 

2. Another licensee reviews the conditions under which the denying licensee made 

the denial decision, and determines the individual is now trustworthy and reliable 

and fit for duty, and that UAA/UA would be appropriate at the current licensee 

site; 

3. If an individual is identified as having an access-denied status in the informationsharing mechanism defined in Section 12, the licensees shall not permit the 

individual to enter any nuclear power plant protected area or vital area under 

escort. If the individual is identified as having either an access authorization status 

other than favorably terminated (excluding a denial) as the most current industry 

status, the licensee must limit the individual’s access until the licensee reviewing 

official evaluates the circumstances and determined that such access is warranted; 

or 

4. If a licensee is aware of information about an individual that characterizes the 

individual as untrustworthy or unreliable for UA under their program, the licensee 

reviewing official shall evaluate the information and determine whether to allow 

escorted access to that individual. 

12.9 PROGRAM RELIABILITY

a. Licensees shall ensure that any violation of a 10 CFR 26 program element at one 

licensee or C/V is identifiable to all licensees, to the extent that, at the time of the 

discovery, persons holding UA who were the subject of, or included in, any program 

element violation at any licensee or C/V, are identified by that licensee. This 

information must also be provided to any licensee where that person holds UA. 

b. Licensees and C/V’s shall ensure that only correct and complete information about 

individuals is retained and shared with other licensees and entities. If, for any reason, 

the shared information used for determining an individual’s eligibility for UAA/UA 

changes or new information is developed about the individual, licensees and other 

entities shall correct or augment the shared information contained in the records. If 

the changed or developed information has implications for adversely affecting an 

individual’s eligibility for authorization, a licensee and C/V who has discovered the 

incorrect information, or develops new information, shall inform the reviewing 

official of any licensee under which the individual is maintaining authorization of the 

updated information on the day of discovery. The licensee reviewing official shall 

evaluate the information and take appropriate actions, which may include denial or 

unfavorable termination of the individual’s authorization. 

c. This requirement applies to both the access authorization and fitness-for-duty 

elements of the program. If issues arise that affect the BI of an individual, or group of 

individuals, the licensee shall take appropriate action in a timely manner to correct the 

deficiency. This may require withdrawing UAA/UA or correcting some investigation 

element. The intent of this section is to ensure that when this is necessary, other 

licensees relying on the shared information are also informed so they can take 

appropriate action. Correcting the shared information ensures that future UAA/UA 

decisions are based on valid information. 
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12.10 BACKUP OR MANUAL PROCESS FOR SHARING INFORMATION

a. In case of a failure of the industry electronic database, a backup process of manual 

information exchange is available for the short-term use. A sample Transfer Form is 

provided within NEI 08-06. When the manual process is used, information shall be 

entered in the database within the required timeframes after the database is restored. 

b. This manual process can also be used to share or get information with facilities 

outside the scope of this document such as decommissioned plants. Licensees using 

this process shall ensure that any screening information received from these facilities 

meets regulatory requirements before entering the information into the industry 

database. 
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13AUDITS 

a. Each licensee shall be responsible for the continuing effectiveness of the access 

authorization program, including access authorization program elements that are provided 

by the C/Vs, and the access authorization programs of any the C/Vs that are accepted by 

the licensee. Audits are required to be conducted of licensee’s and C/V’s UAA/UA and 

FFD programs and specified subcontractors, must focus on the effectiveness of the access 

authorization program or program element(s), as appropriate and any corrective actions 

taken to correct nonconformances are verified as being effective. Audits performed by 

other licensees may be relied upon for acceptance of results and associated evaluation, 

provided the scope of the audit meets regulatory requirements. Licensees relying on audit 

results must obtain and review a copy of the audit report, to include findings and 

corrective actions, and shall retain said records of evaluation for a minimum of 3 years. 

In addition, a licensee-approved C/V may rely on licensee conducted audits of a 

background screener or subcontractor provided the licensee, in advance, agrees to cover 

the scope of the C/V program. 

b. Licensees may jointly conduct or accept audits of the C/Vs that were conducted by other 

licensees, if the audit addresses the scope of services obtained from the C/V. In addition, 

the C/V may jointly conduct audits, or may accept audits of its subcontractors that were 

conducted by licensees or other C/Vs who are subject to this section, if the audit 

addresses the scope of services obtained from the subcontractor. 

c. The results of the audits, along with any recommendations, must be documented in the 

site corrective action program and reported to senior management having responsibility 

in the area audited and to management responsible for the access authorization program. 

Each audit report must identify conditions that are adverse to the proper performance of 

the access authorization program, the cause of the condition(s), and, when appropriate, 

recommended corrective actions, and corrective actions taken. The licensee or C/V shall 

review the audit findings and take any additional corrective actions, to include re-auditing 

of the deficient areas where indicated, to preclude, within reason, repetition of the 

condition. The resolution of the audit findings and corrective actions must be 

documented. 

d. Licensees and C/Vs shall review audit records and reports to identify any areas that were 

not covered by the shared or accepted audit. If the program elements and services upon 

which the licensee or C/V relies were not addressed in the shared audit, additional 

measures shall be taken to ensure the elements or services are audited. 

e. If a shared audit addresses the required scope, sharing licensees and/or C/Vs need not reaudit the same contractor, vendor, or subcontractor for the same period of time. 

f. Each sharing licensee and C/V shall maintain a copy of the shared audit, including 

findings, recommendations, and corrective actions. 
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13.1 LICENSEE PROGRAM AUDITS

a. Audits of UAA/UA Program 

1. The initial audit of the licensee’s UAA/UA program and its conformance to this 

document must be made within 12 months of the effective date of implementation 

of this document or the access authorization program. 

2. Follow-up audits are nominally conducted at an interval of every 24 months. 

3. Licensees are responsible for determining the appropriate frequency, scope, and 

depth of additional auditing activities within the nominal 24-month period based 

on the review of program performance indicators, such as the frequency, nature, 

and severity of discovered problems, personnel or procedural changes, and 

previous audit findings. 

4. The individuals performing the audit of the access authorization program or 

program element(s) shall be independent from both the subject access 

authorization programs’ management and from personnel who are directly 

responsible for implementing the access authorization program or program 

elements being audited and are required to conduct an audit that covers the full 

scope of the access authorization program. 

5. The audit team must also include a person who has experience in the access 

authorization program administration. 

6. A member of the audit team shall be a person knowledgeable and practiced 

(K&P) in access authorization program administration and shall be responsible for 

validating that overall program performance is meeting the objective of screening 

individuals to provide high assurance that individuals are trustworthy and reliable 

to have or maintain UAA/UA. 

7. The audit report must be provided to licensee management and include any 

findings and corrective actions. 

b. Audits of the FFD Program 

1. An audit of the licensee’s FFD program shall be conducted on a nominal 24 

month frequency and must focus on the effectiveness of the FFD program or 

program element(s), as appropriate. 

2. The audit must be conducted by an individual who is qualified as an audit team 

leader in accordance with the licensee’s quality assurance plan and is 

knowledgeable of the subject(s) being audited. 

3. The individuals performing the audit of the FFD program or program element(s) 

shall be independent from both the subject FFD program’s management and from 

personnel who are directly responsible for implementing the FFD program. 

4. The audit report must be provided to licensee management and include any 

findings and corrective actions. 
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13.2 LICENSEE-APPROVED C/V SCREENING, BACKGROUND SCREENING COMPANY AND FFD

PROGRAMS

a. Licensee contracts with C/Vs must reserve the licensee’s right to audit the C/V and 

the C/V’s subcontractors providing access authorization program services at any time, 

including at unannounced times, as well as to review all information and 

documentation that is reasonably relevant to the performance of the program. 

b. Licensee contracts with the C/Vs, and C/V’s contracts with subcontractors, must also 

require that the licensee shall be provided access to and be permitted to take away 

copies of any documents or data that may be needed to assure that the C/V and its 

subcontractors are performing their functions properly and that staff and procedures 

meet applicable requirements. 

c. The licensee or its designated representative shall conduct audits of its approved 

C/V’s UAA or FFD programs, background screening companies and other service 

providers e.g., psychologists or psychiatrist who are off site or are not under the direct 

daily supervision or observation of the licensee’s personnel to ensure compliance with 

criteria specified in this document. The audits must be conducted on a nominal 12 

month frequency. 

d. Licensees and C/Vs are responsible for determining the appropriate frequency, scope, 

and depth of additional auditing activities within the nominal 12-month period based 

on the review of program performance indicators, such as the frequency, nature, and 

severity of discovered problems, personnel or procedural changes, and previous audit 

findings. 

e. A member of the audit team shall be a K&P in access authorization and shall be 

responsible for validating that overall program performance is meeting the objective 

of screening individuals to provide high assurance that individuals are trustworthy 

and reliable to have or maintain UAA/UA. 

f. If the audit includes a C/V FFD program, a member of the team must be 

knowledgeable in FFD program implementation. 

13.3 C/V INTERNAL AUDIT AND C/V AUDIT OF SUBCONTRACTORS

a. Any access authorization program services that are provided to C/Vs by subcontractor 

personnel who are off site or are not under the direct daily supervision or observation 

of the C/V’s personnel must be audited by the licensee or C/V on a nominal 12-month 

frequency. 

b. C/V contracts with subcontractors must reserve the licensee’s and C/V’s right to audit 

the contractor’s or vendor’s subcontractors providing access authorization program 

services at any time, including at unannounced times, as well as to review all 

information and documentation that is reasonably relevant to the performance of the 

program. 

c. C/V contracts with subcontractors must also require that the licensee or C/V shall be 

provided access to and be permitted to take away copies of any documents or data 

that may be needed to assure that the contractor or vendor and its subcontractors are 

performing their functions properly and that staff and procedures meet applicable 

requirements. 
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d. Each licensee-approved C/V will conduct an audit of its own UAA and FFD 

programs on a nominal 12 month frequency, including its subcontractor(s) that 

conduct BI’s, drug and alcohol testing or psychological assessments. The audit must 

focus on the effectiveness of the access authorization program or program element(s), 

as appropriate. 

e. For C/V internal audits and audits of its subcontractors no K&P person is required. 
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14RECORDS AND PROTECTION OF INFORMATION 

a. Licensees and C/V’s shall ensure that only correct and complete information about 

individuals is retained and shared with other licensees and entities. If, for any reason, the 

shared information used for determining an individual’s eligibility for UAA/UA changes 

or new information is developed about the individual, licensees and C/V’s shall correct or 

augment the shared information contained in the records. If the changed or developed 

information has implications for adversely affecting an individual’s eligibility for 

UAA/UA, a licensee or C/V specified who has discovered the incorrect information, or 

develops new information, shall inform the reviewing official of any FFD program under 

which the individual is maintaining authorization of the updated information on the day 

of discovery. The reviewing official shall evaluate the information and take appropriate 

actions, which may include denial or unfavorable termination of the individual’s 

authorization. 

b. The records upon which UAA/UA is based or denied are not quality records (such as 

defined in ANSI N45.2.9) and therefore do not require the protection afforded quality 

records. 

c. Licensees, C/Vs and any individual or organization who collects and maintains personal 

information on behalf of a licensee or CV, shall establish, use, and maintain a system of 

files and procedures for the protection of the personal information including personal 

information stored in electronic format and for the secure storage and handling of the 

information collected. 

d. This information must not be disclosed to unauthorized persons. Licensees and C/Vs 

shall obtain signed consent from the subject individual that authorizes the disclosure of 

any information collected and maintained for purposes of granting UAA/UA before 

disclosing the information, except for disclosures to the individuals specified in the Table 

14-1, Table of Persons Authorized to Access Data below: 
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FIGURE 14-1—TABLE OF PERSONS AUTHORIZED TO ACCESS DATA

Type of Information 

Individual Seeking Access AA FFD 

1. Other licensees or C/Vs seeking the information as required for 

UAA/UA determinations 

X X 

2. NRC representatives performing assigned duties X X 

3. Appropriate law enforcement officials under court order X X 

4. The individual applying for UAA/UA or his or her representative 

who has been designated in writing 

X X 

5. Licensee or C/V representatives who have a need to have access to 

the information in performing assigned duties, including audits of 

licensee, contractor or vendor programs, except where specifically 

excluded by regulation 

X X 

6. Medical Review Officer X X 

7. Medical Review Officer Staff X 

8. Presiding officer in a judicial or administrative proceeding that is 

initiated by the subject individual 

X X 

9. Persons deciding matters under the review procedures X X 

10. Persons who have the authority to change personal data in 

electronic records 

X 

11. Other persons pursuant to court order X X 

e. Records may be stored and archived electronically, provided that the method used to 

create the electronic records meets the following criteria: 

1. Provides an accurate representation of the original records; 

2. Prevents unauthorized access to the records. 

3. Prevents the alteration of any archived information and/or data once it has been 

committed to storage; and 

4. Permits easy retrieval and recreation of the original records. 

f. For information stored or transmitted in electronic format, access to personal information 

will be controlled by: 

1. password protection to control access to personal data, 

2. data entry limited to each authorized individual’s area of competency, and 

3. procedural controls. 

g. When a record or electronic media meets the retention criteria of Section 15 and is 

determined to no longer be required, its disposal shall be in a fashion that prevents an 

unauthorized disclosure of the information. Methods include but are not limited to 

shredding, burning or pulverizing. 

h. A contract with any individual or organization who collects and maintains personal 

information that is relevant to an UAA/UA determination must require that such records 

be held in confidence, except as provided in Section 14.a & d. 
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i. Upon termination of a contract between the C/V and a licensee, the C/V shall provide the 

licensee with all records collected for the licensee. 
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15RECORDS RETENTION 

a. Licensees and C/Vs shall maintain the records that are required by the 10 CFR 73.56 and 

10 CFR 26 for the period specified by the appropriate regulation. If a retention period is 

not otherwise specified, these records must be retained until the NRC terminates the 

facility’s license, certificate, or other regulatory approval. Records must be retained for a 

designated period of time, as follows: 

1. The following documents or their equivalents must be retained by a licensee or C/V 

for a period of 5 years after favorable termination of UA by the licensee making the 

UA determination or until the completion of all related legal proceedings whichever 

is later: 

(a.) *NEI STD FORM 08-06-01, Consent; 

(b.) NEI STD FORM 08-06-03, Fair Credit Act Disclosure and Authorization 

Statement; 

(c.) NEI 08-06-04A-E, Personal History Questionnaires for Initial, Updated, 

Reinstated Authorizations and Reinvestigation including self-disclosure 

information; 

(d.) Background Investigation Records that record the conduct of: 

NOTE: FFDA elements required under 10 CFR 26, are identified with an asterisk (*). 

i. True identity verification; 

ii. *Employment/Unemployment History (including Military Service and/or 

education in lieu of employment), conduct of suitable inquiry, or conduct of 

best effort including verification of self-disclosure information 

iii. Credit history evaluation; 

iv. Verification of character and reputation; 

v. Conduct of FBI criminal History Check; 

vi. Completion of psychological assessment; 

vii. *Verification of a negative drug and alcohol test; 

viii. *Reviewing Official review; 

ix. *Verification of successful completion of BOP training and successful 

completion of the K&A’s specified in 10 CFR 26; 

(e.) *Records pertaining to the determination of a violation of the FFD policy and 

related management actions; 

(f.) Documentation of the granting, reinvestigation and termination of UAA/UA; 

and 

(g.) *Records of any determinations of fitness conducted in accordance with 10 CFR 

26.189, including any recommendations for treatment and follow-up testing 

plans. 

(h.) Records of Annual Supervisory Reviews. 
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2. All documents identified in Section 15.a.1.(a)-(g) or their equivalents after a denial or 

unfavorable termination of UAA/UA must be retained by a licensee making the 

denial or unfavorable termination of UAA/UA for 5 years or until all related legal 

proceedings have been concluded. 

3. All documents identified in Section 15.a.1.(a)-(g)or their equivalents after a 5 year or 

permanent denial of UAA/FFDA/UA must be retained by a licensee making the 

denial or unfavorable termination of UAA/FFDA/UA for 40 years or the NRC 

determines that the records are no longer needed. 

4. The following records must be maintained for 3 years: 

(a.) records of FFD training and examinations conducted under 10 CFR 26.29; and 

BOP training conducted under 10 CFR 73.56 (f)(2) and 

(b.) records of audits, audit findings, and corrective actions taken under 10 CFR 

26.41. 

5. Written agreements for the provider of services—Life of agreement plus 3 years or 

until completion of all proceedings related to a denial or unfavorable termination of 

unescorted access or unescorted access authorization that involved those services, 

whichever is later. 

6. Licensees and C/Vs shall retain records of the background investigations, 

psychological assessments, supervisory reviews, and behavior observation program 

actions related to access authorization program personnel conducted under paragraphs 

10 CFR 73.56(d) and (e), for the length of the individual’

s employment by or 

contractual relationship with the licensee or the C/V and three years after the 

termination of employment, or until the completion of any proceedings relating to the 

actions of such access authorization program personnel, whichever is later. 

7. Licensees & C/Vs who have been authorized to add or manipulate data that is shared 

with licensees subject to this section shall ensure that data linked to the information 

about individuals who have applied for unescorted access or unescorted access 

authorization, which is specified in the licensee’s access authorization program 

documents, is retained for the period specified within Sections 15.a.1-4. 
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[BLANK PAGE] 
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APPENDIX A – REFERENCES 

a. NRC Documents: 

1. Personnel Access Authorization Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants, 10 CFR 

73.56 

2. Fitness-for-Duty Program, 10 CFR 26. 

3. Deliberate Misconduct, 10 CFR 50.5. 

4. Requirements for Criminal History Checks of Individuals Granted Unescorted Access 

to a Nuclear Power Facility or Access to Safeguards Information by Power Reactor 

Licensees, 10 CFR 73.57. 

5. NRC Generic Letter 91-03, Reporting of Safeguards Events, dated March 6, 1991. 

b. Industry Documents: 

1. NEI 03-01, Nuclear Power Plant Access Authorization Program.

2. NEI 03-02, Access Authorization and Fitness-for-Duty Audit Program.

3. NEI 03-03, PADS Health Physics Standards and Procedures. 

4. NEI 03-04, PADS Guidelines for Plant Access Training.

5. NEI 03-05, PADS Operating Manual.

6. NEI 03-06, PADS Electronic System Technical Documentation.

7. NEI 08-06 Access Authorization and Fitness-for-Duty Program Forms.

c. Other Documents: 

1. ANSI N45.2.23-1978, Qualifications of Quality Assurance Program Audit Personnel 

for Nuclear Power Plants or ASME NQA-1-1994, Quality Assurance Requirements 

for Nuclear Facility Applications. 

2. ANSI N45.2.9-1979, Requirements for Collection, Storage, and Maintenance of 

Quality Assurance Records for Nuclear Power Plants. 

3. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), complete as of July 30, 2004, as found on the 

following web site: http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fcra.htm. 

4. American Nuclear Insurers (ANI), Engineering Inspection Criteria for Nuclear 

Liability Insurance, Section 2.0, General Employee Training. 

d. Superseded Documents: 

1. The following references are out of date or have been superseded by the 

implementation of NEI 03-01, Revision 1. 

(a.) NRC Regulatory Guide 5.66, Access Authorization Program for Nuclear Power 

Plants, dated June 1991, which endorsed and included as the Appendix, 

NUMARC 89-01, Industry Guidelines for Nuclear Power Plant Access 

Authorization Programs. 

(b.) NUMARC 91-03, Nuclear Power Plant Personnel Access Authorization Data 

Exchange Guidelines, dated October 1992. 
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(c.) NUMARC 1991, Houston Workshop Access Authorization Questions and 

Answers, dated May 26, 1992. 

(d.) NEI Issues and Responses, dated December 1994. 

(e.) NRC-issued Order for Compensatory Measures Related to Access 

Authorization, EA-02-261, dated January 7, 2003. (Attachment 2 is Safeguards 

Information) 

(f.) NRC issued Implementing Guidance for Access Authorization; Enclosure 4 to 

EA-02-261 dated January 7, 2003. (This document is Safeguards Information) 

(g.) Revision of NRC Enforcement Policy, FRN Vol. 67, No. 211 dated October 31, 

2002. 

 The Suitable Inquiry and pre-access testing program established by the AA 

CM obviates all the criteria in this policy except for the seven potentially 

disqualifying issues requiring self-disclosure. 

(h.) Access Authorization Program for Nuclear Power Plants, 10 CFR 73.56. 

 The program discussed in 73.56(c)(2) is superseded by the AA CM 

guidance. 

(i.) Requirements for Criminal History Checks of Individuals Granted Unescorted 

Access to a Nuclear Power Facility or Access to Safeguards Information by 

Power Reactor Licensees, 10 CFR 73.57. 

(j.) The program specified by AA CM Section B.1.2 supersedes the requirement of 

73.57(b). 

(k.) NRC NUREG 1385, Fitness-for-duty in the Nuclear Power Industry: Responses 

to Implementation Questions, dated October 1989. 

 Most of the answers in Sections 3, 6, and 7 are no longer valid and all 

responses need to be considered in light of AA CM requirements. 

(l.) NRC-issued Order EA-03-086 Design Basis Threat for Radiological Sabotage 

for Operating Power Reactors, dated April 29, 2003. (This document is 

Safeguards Information) 
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APPENDIX B – NEI FORM COMPONENTS 

a. The NEI forms, specified below, must contain the specified minimum components. The 

forms are contained within NEI 08-06 and are sample forms. As such, licensee forms 

must contain the minimum components but the precise format may be determined by the 

licensee. 

1. NEI STD FORM 08-06-01 Consent Form or equivalent, as a minimum, must contain 

the following components: 

(a.) That the individual provides a consent to obtain, retain and transfer information; 

(b.) That the individual understands that the licensee uses the Personal Access Data 

System (PADS) to share information, including withdrawal of consent; 

(c.) The types of personal information that may be shared or electronically 

transferred; 

(d.) That the individual authorizes the named organization to release information 

obtained as a result of an investigation and evaluation required for UAA; 

(e.) That the individual authorizes the named organization to enter data into PADS 

and to transfer information to other authorized users; 

(f.) That the information provided or obtained will be treated as confidential and 

disseminated on a need-to-know basis; 

(g.) That certain actions are sufficient cause for denial or unfavorable termination of 

UAA/UA; 

(h.) That the information will be maintained for a minimum of five (5) years; 

(i.) That the individual may review and obtain a copy of the information being 

maintained and provide information to correct any incorrect information; 

(j.) That the individual may withdraw consent at any time and that by doing so 

withdraws any request for UAA/UA; 

(k.) That the individual releases the named organization, PADS participants, NEI, 

and the officers, employees, representatives, agents and records custodians of 

labiality of the authorized receipt, disclosure or user of the information obtained 

pursuant the consent; 

(l.) That the consent does not affect the individual rights under Section 211 or the 

Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 or the individual ability to report potential 

safety concerns to the NRC; 

(m.) That the individual has not been forced to signed the consent; and 

(n.) The printed name and the identification number (social security number) of the 

individual, the individual’s signature and date of signature. 

2. NEI STD FORM 08-06-02, Agreement to Maintain as Confidential PADS and Other 

Access-Related Information must contain information: 

(a.) That the individual understands that PADS and the information contained 

therein is restricted to personnel with a need-to-know such information in order 

to perform their duties; 
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(b.) That by signing the agreement, the individual agrees to maintain the 

confidentiality of any information collected or evaluated in the UAA/UA 

process; 

(c.) That the individual acknowledges that PADS procedures require each applicant 

for UAA/UA to consent to the release, retention and transfer of information 

necessary to determine whether or not to grant UAA/UA; 

(d.) That the individual agrees to abide by PADS procedures specifically that the 

procedures prohibit the collecting data without a consent form; and 

(e.) The printed name and the identification number (social security number) of the 

individual, the individual’s signature and date of signature. 

3. NEI 08-06-03, Fair Credit Reporting Act Disclosure and Authorization Statement 

must contain information: 

(a.) That the named organization may obtain or have prepared a consumer report or 

investigative consumer report concerning past employments, military record, 

education, credit worthiness, credit standing, character, general reputation, 

personal characteristics criminal background record and mode of living; 

(b.) That upon submitting a written request that the individual will be provided the 

full information as to the nature and scope of investigation; 

(c.) That by signing the form that the named organization may obtain a investigative 

consumer report and permit the named organization to evaluate the results for 

purposes of obtaining UAA/UA; 

(d.) That the individual was provided a copy of his/her rights under the Fair Credit 

Reporting Act; and 

(e.) The printed name and the identification number (social security number) 

individual the individual’s signature and date of signature. 

4. A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act must contain the 

most current version as maintained by the US Federal Trade Commission. 

5. Process for Obtaining DD Form 214, Request Pertaining To Military Records. 

6. NEI STD FORM 08-06-04-A, Initial Authorization Personnel History Questionnaire 

(PHQ) and Self-Disclosure and NEI STD FORM 08-06-04-B, Updated Authorization 

Personnel History Questionnaire (PHQ) and Self-Disclosure must contain as a 

minimum: 

(a.) Name and SSN or other identification number of worker when not issued SSN; 

(b.) Individual demographics (date of birth, place of birth, alien immigration status, 

address, driver’s license information); 

(c.) Residence information; 

(d.) Reference information; 

(e.) Self-disclosure; 

(f.) Employment/Unemployment data (including reason for termination, eligibility 

for re-hire, and education and military information (character of service, reason 

for discharge, disciplinary actions) in lieu of employment); 

(g.) Credit information; 

(h.) Criminal history information; 
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(i.) Acknowledgement statement that the individual; 

i. Read, understands and acknowledges the purpose of the PHQ; 

ii. That the PHQ information is correct and accurate; 

iii. That the individual, once granted UAA/UA, has responsibility to report legal 

actions; 

iv. That the individual has the right to review the information developed to assure 

its accuracy and completeness; and 

v. That the information obtained during the conduct of the background 

investigation will be retained and made available to other nuclear power 

plants; and 

(j.) The printed name and the identification number (social security number) of the 

individual, the individual’s signature and date of signature. 

7. NEI STD FORM 08-06-04-C, Reinstatement (31 to 365 Days) Personnel History 

Questionnaire (PHQ) and Self-Disclosure must contain as a minimum: 

(a.) Name and SSN or other identification number of worker when not issued SSN; 

(b.) Individual demographics (date of birth, place of birth, alien immigration status, 

address, driver’s license information); 

(c.) Residence information; 

(d.) Self-disclosure; 

(e.) Employment/Unemployment data (including reason for termination, eligibility 

for re-hire), and education and military information (including character of 

service, reason for discharge, disciplinary actions) in lieu of employment); 

(f.) Criminal history information; and 

(g.) The printed name and the identification number (social security number) of the 

individual, the individual’s signature and date of signature. 

8. NEI STD FORM 08-06-04-D, Reinstatement (30 Days or Less) Personnel History 

Questionnaire (PHQ)—Reinstatement Authorization (30 Days or Less) must contain 

as a minimum: 

(a.) Name and SSN or other identification number of worker when not issued SSN; 

(b.) Individual demographics (date of birth, place of birth, alien immigration status, 

address, driver’s license information); 

(c.) Residence information; 

(d.) Self-disclosure; and 

(e.) The printed name and the identification number (social security number) of the 

individual, the individual’s signature and date of signature. 

9. NEI STD FORM 08-06-04-E, Reinvestigation Personnel History Questionnaire 

(PHQ) and Self-Disclosure must contain as a minimum: 

(a.) Name and SSN or other identification number of worker when not issued SSN; 

(b.) Individual demographics (date of birth, place of birth, alien immigration status, 

address, driver’s license information); 
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(c.) Residence information; and 

(d.) The printed name and the identification number (social security number) of the 

individual, the individual’s signature and date of signature. 

10. NEI STD FORM 08-06-05, Notification of Legal Action 

(a.) That the individual understands that he/she must report legal actions; 

(b.) The arrest is considered a legal action that requires a court appearance; 

(c.) That the failure to report a legal action may result in denial of UAA/UA and 

disciplinary action; and 

(d.) The printed name and the identification number (social security number) of the 

individual, the individual’s signature and date of signature. 

11. Behavior Observation Program (BOP)-Annual Supervisor Review form must: 

(a.) Identify the affected interval; 

(b.) Identify changes in behavior categories, if any; 

(c.) Contain the signature of the supervisor; and 

(d.) Contain the review by the reviewing official when PDI was identified. 

12. SAVE Visitor Consent—NEI STD FORM 08-06-08 Authorization for [Licensee 

Name] To Obtain Personal Information must contain the following information: 

(a.) That the individual understands that the licensee will obtain and use information 

provided to verify the individual’s alien immigration status through the 

Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 

(DHS-USCIS) Systematic Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program; 

(b.) That if the information cannot be verified that it may be necessary to obtain 

additional information including immigration documentation needed to 

complete a more thorough review of DHS-USCIS; 

(c.) That the individual may access information regarding him/herself by submitting 

a written request to DHS-USCIS; 

(d.) That the licensee will not disclose information to other persons or entities 

without prior written consent of DHS-USCIS; 

(e.) Signature, address, alien registration number, if appropriate, or passport number 

if appropriate; and 

(f.) A question asking the individual whether or not the individual is authorized to 

work in the United States. 
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APPENDIX C – RESOLVING UNCLASSIFIABLE FINGERPRINTS 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

The regulations requiring fingerprints are found in 10 CFR § 73.56, Personnel Access 

Authorization Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants, and the criminal history checks of 10 

CFR § 73.57 and other applicable Commission requirements such as an Order. Section 10 CFR 

73.57(a)(3)(b) states, “Except those listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, each licensee 

subject to the provisions of this section shall fingerprint each individual who is permitted 

unescorted access to the nuclear power facility or access to Safeguards Information.” NRC had 

to address the need for providing an alternate approach for fingerprints that are non-classifiable 

due to ‘occupational hands.” 

Section 652 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) amended Section 149 of the Atomic 

Energy Act, to state that the Commission shall require to be fingerprinted any individual who is 

permitted unescorted access to: a utilization facility; or radioactive material or other property 

subject to regulation by the Commission that the Commission determines to be of such 

significance to the public health and safety or the common defense and security as to warrant 

fingerprinting, or permitted access to safeguards information under section 147. 

The NRC staff identified a need for guidance on an alternative approach for processing nonclassifiable fingerprints on the basis of experience with reviewing electronically submitted 

fingerprint requests and answering questions from the nuclear power industry. The new 

electronic technology, except for one or two very high end imaging systems, require 

fundamentally sound mechanical skills to process fingerprints by a technician that closely match 

the mechanical skills required for rolling 'inked cards'. When a technician fails to apply these 

basic skills, the results are non-classifiable fingerprints. The FBI defined “non-classifiable 

fingerprints” as when the patterns of the ridges and valleys that make up the fingerprint are worn 

down, thus creating an image not discernable enough to provide sufficient data to accurately 

identify and locate the principal feature of the fingerprint (i.e., too low for classification). Under 

the current regulations, a licensee is burdened with submitting several electronic or hard copies 

of an individual’s fingerprints if the fingerprints are rejected by the FBI due to being nonclassifiable. 

The NRC has endorsed the most current version of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) “Nuclear 

Power Plant Access Authorization Program,” Supplemental 1, which specifies an alternative 

approach to which a licensee may submit a name check request only after the licensee has 

applied the measures discussed in the supplemental and has received a second rejection because 

of non-classifiable fingerprints. However, if the licensee receives fingerprints that were nonclassifiable after following the guidance, the licensee may follow an alternative approach as 

specified below to satisfy the requirements of Access Authorization Order No. EA-02-261. 
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The Alternate Approach for Identifying Non-classifiable Fingerprints 

Section 10 CFR 73.57(d)(1) states, ...“The licensee shall establish procedures to ensure that the 

quality of the fingerprints taken results in minimizing the rejection rate of fingerprint cards due 

to illegible or incomplete cards.” 

If additional fingerprint submissions are necessary, because of poor quality or rejection, the 

licensee may follow an alternate approach to allow the individual to complete the criminal 

history records check. 

Step 1: Receipt of four sets of non-classifiable fingerprints 

After four sets of non-classifiable fingerprints of an individual have been returned to a licensee, 

the licensee may submit a written request to use the alternative approach to the NRC Nuclear 

Security and Incident Response (NSIR), Access Authorization Program Manager. The request 

must include the site and/or licensee’s name, the applicant’s full name, the classification codes 

received, and the number of attempts made to verify identity. This request can be made 

electronically by sending an e-mail to: accessauthorization.resource@nrc.gov. 

Step 2: Submission of six hard copy sets of fingerprints 

After receiving NRC’s approval for using the alternate approach, the requestor shall submit six 

hard copy sets of inked fingerprint cards to the NRC with a single payment for processing. If the 

licensee receives identical error codes to those received for the four sets of non-classifiable 

fingerprints after submitting six hard copy sets of fingerprints, the licensee shall request 

permission from the NRC to verify identity using a name-based verification check. After NRC 

review, an e-mail will be sent to the requestor approving or denying the alternate approach. 

Step 3: Submission of justification for a name-based check 

The licensee shall address the following in the written request for a name-based check: 

a. Identify Subject: Request for an Alternate Approach for Fingerprint 

Submission. 

b. Specify Personnel: Individual’s full name and demographic information [last 

name, first name, middle initial, address, date of birth, city 

of birth, country of birth, social security number, 

citizenship, current residential telephone number (if 

available), licensed facility, and the applicant’s position 

within the company]. 

c. Provide justification for the request, including: 

1. Describe the steps taken (for example, discuss results and codes received 

regarding each of the four submissions and the results). 

2. Verify that the FBI guidance, “Taking Legible Fingerprints” 

(http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/takingfps.html) was followed. 
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3. Show good cause (for example, obtain a statement by an expert source or a law 

enforcement agency stating that the individual’s fingerprints meet the FBI's 

definition of non-classifiable fingerprints). 

4. Provide information on why the individual is requesting unescorted access (initial, 

update, reinvestigation, etc.). 

5. Confirm no disqualifying information since the last investigation or 

reinvestigation, if applicable. 

6. Document other background elements that provide high assurance that the person 

is trustworthy and reliable (for example, the Reviewing Official’s determination 

on the Personal History Questionnaire). 

7. Provide an oath and affirmation statement regarding the steps taken to complete 

the criminal history check (can be completed by the AA program manager). 

8. Verify that the individual is a participant under the licensee’s Behavior 

Observation and Fitness-for-Duty programs, if applicable. 

NSIR will provide an electronic response to the request for approval of an FBI name-based 

check. After a review, the staff will determine if an FBI name-based check is warranted. 

The licensee shall inform the NRC via e-mail accessauthorization.resource@nrc.gov of the date 

access is granted for the subject applicant. Once approved for a name-based check, the licensee 

shall send the name-based check form to the Director of the NRC’s Facilities and Security 

Division, Criminal History Section, for processing. 

While the NRC may approve a name-based check, it should be recognized that this decision does 

not remove the licensee’s responsibility for achieving high assurance that personnel granted 

unescorted access to the protected areas and vital areas of a nuclear power plant, Safeguards 

Information, or radioactive material or property that the Commission determines to be of such 

significance to the public health and safety or the common defense and security as to warrant 

fingerprint and background checks (1) are trustworthy and reliable; (2) do not constitute an 

unreasonable risk to the health and safety of the public or the common defense and security (as a 

result of increasing the likelihood of an insider threat); and (3) do not pose a potential threat of 

interrupting the normal operations of a nuclear power plant as well as committing radiological 

sabotage.