All violations are subject to civil enforcement action and may also be subject to criminal prosecution. After an apparent violation is identified, it is assessed in accordance with the Commission's Enforcement Policy. As a living policy statement, revisions are noticed in the Federal Register . Because it is a policy statement and not a regulation, the Commission may deviate from the Enforcement Policy as appropriate under the circumstances of a particular case. The Commission's order issuing authority under Section 161 of the AEA is broad and extends to any area of licensed activity that affects the public health and safety.
Orders modify, suspend, or revoke licenses or require specific actions by licensees or persons.
NOVs and civil penalties are issued based on violations. Orders may be issued for violations, or in the absence of a violation, because of a public health or safety issue. The NRC issues a press release with a proposed civil penalty or order. All orders are published in the Federal Register .