
The Year 2000 computer problem had the potential to pose a threat to public health, site safety and safeguards, and worker safety. Many computer systems could have potentially failed to recognize the change to a new century. The staff believed that these systems could have misread the year 2000 thereby causing them to fail
or generate faulty data. To alert all licensees to the problem, IN 96-70[1] was issued followed by IN 97-61,[2] which specifically addressed medical licensees, veterinarians, and manufacturers/distributors of medical
devices. This issue was identified[3] by NMSS to ensure that actions were taken to ensure that the Year 2000 computer problem would be either eliminated or minimized for material licensees.
The issue was given a high priority ranking and resolution was pursued.[4] Health and safety were not compromised at materials licensee facilities due to the transition into the year 2000, or by the Leap Day (February 29, 2000). A Lessons Learned report and the GL 98-03 closeout report were issued in March 2000.
Thus, the issue was resolved.[5]
[1] Information Notice 96-70, "Year 2000 Effect on Computer System Software," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, December 24, 1996. [ML031050473]
[2] Information Notice 97-61, "U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Letter to Medical Device Manufacturers on the Year 2000 Problem," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, August 6, 1997. [ML031050203]
[3] Memorandum for J. Craig from F. Combs, "Submittal of New Generic Issues for Tracking in the Generic Issues Management and Control System (GIMCS)," June 4, 1998. [9806090180]
[4] Memorandum for J. Craig from F. Combs, "Submittal of New Generic Issues for Tracking in the Generic Issues Management and Control System (GIMCS)," June 4, 1998. [9806090180]
[5] Memorandum for C. Rossi from D. Cool, "NMSS Input for Second Quarter FY-2000 Update of the Generic Issues Management Control System," April 18, 2000.
Page Last Reviewed/Updated 06/24/2025