Enforcement Guidance

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On this page:

• Enforcement Manual
• Memoranda of Understanding Between NRC and Other Agencies Regarding Enforcement

See also Dispositioning of Enforcement Issues in a Risk-Informed Framework - Memorandum from Director, Office of Enforcement, December 5, 2000.

Enforcement Manual

On December 17, 2025, the NRC issued Revision 12 of the NRC Enforcement Manual. This document is used by the NRC enforcement staff. The Manual is a joint effort that draws on the knowledge and experience of the enforcement staff from across the Agency, and is a living document that is regularly updated for accuracy. Detailed summaries of recent Manual updates are included in individual Change Notices listed in the Change Notice Index.

The Manual was first published in June 1990 as a tool to assist the NRC staff in implementing the Commission's enforcement program consistent with NRC's Enforcement Policy. Intended for internal use by the NRC, the Manual contains procedures, requirements, and background information used by the staff that develop or review enforcement actions. As such, failure to follow the guidance in this Manual does not invalidate an enforcement action.

Change Notice Index
Part I and Part II	Part I – NRC Enforcement Process Part II – Topical Chapters
Part III	Appendix A: Temporary Enforcement Guidance
	Appendix B: Standard Formats for Enforcement Packages
	Appendix C: Standard Citations for Enforcement Actions
	Appendix D: Enforcement Processing Aids and Forms
	Appendix E: Examples of Minor Violations
	Appendix F: Notices of Enforcement Discretion

Memoranda of Understanding Between NRC and Other Agencies Regarding Enforcement

• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NRC and DOJ
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NRC and DOL
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NRC and DOT
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NRC and OSHA
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NRC and OSHA (Re: Gaseous Diffusion Plants)