What is the HRP? Who must be HRP certified? What are the HRP requirements? How often are HRP requirements performed? What are my HRP responsibilities? When should I report a concern? What might be a concern? How do I report a concern? What happens when a reliability concern is identified? What happens when someone is removed from HRP duties? What are my options? Resources Glossary

What are the HRP requirements?

DOE Q security clearance (access authorization) . A type of security clearance granted by DOE indicating the recipient is approved for access to the following levels of classified matter on a need-to-know basis: Top Secret, Secret, and Confidential Restricted Data, National Security Information, and Formerly Restricted Data.

Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP), Part 2. The annual submission of this information enables DOE Personnel Security to update the personnel security file, which is reviewed annually to ensure that security concerns are identified.

Signed releases, acknowledgments, and waivers. You must review and sign documents to facilitate the collection and dissemination of information and the performance of medical assessments and drug and alcohol testing.

Completion of HRP instruction. HRP instruction must be completed for initial certification and annual recertification. The instruction includes the following elements:

• Objectives of the HRP
• The role and responsibilities of each HRP-certified individual including:
  • Recognizing and responding to behavioral change and aberrant or unusual behavior that may result in a risk to national security or nuclear explosive safety
  • Recognizing and reporting security concerns
  • Reporting prescription drug use
• Requirements for returning to work after sick leave
• The HRP continuous evaluation process
• For those who have nuclear explosive responsibilities, a detailed explanation of duties and safety requirements

Counterintelligence (CI) evaluation. Individuals who occupy certain HRP positions may be required to successfully complete a CI evaluation; however, it is no longer a general requirement because of revisions to 10 CFR Part 709, Counterintelligence Evaluation Program. Under the revised regulation, each site will designate positions in accordance with the regulation’s criteria.

Completion of reviews, evaluations, and assessments

• Supervisory review. Each supervisor of an HRP candidate or HRP-certified individual must conduct an initial and annual review to evaluate information (including security concerns) relevant to that individual’s suitability to perform HRP tasks in a reliable and safe manner.
• Medical assessment. The medical assessment is performed for initial certification and then annually for recertification. A medical assessment may be performed more often if required by the site occupational medical director (SOMD). The designated physician, under the supervision of the SOMD, is responsible for the medical assessment of HRP candidates and HRP-certified individuals. In performing this responsibility, the designated physician or the SOMD must integrate the medical evaluation, available test results, the psychological evaluation, a review of current legal drug use, and any other relevant information. This information is used to determine if a safety or security reliability concern exists and if the individual is medically qualified for HRP duties.
  • Psychological evaluation. As part of the medical assessment, a psychological evaluation must be conducted for initial HRP certification. This evaluation consists of a psychological assessment (test) and a semi-structured interview. For recertification, the evaluation consists of a semi-structured interview, but a psychological test may also be conducted if warranted. Every third year, the psychological evaluation includes a psychological test.
• Management evaluation. The HRP management official considers the results of the supervisory review, medical assessment, drug and alcohol test results, and any other information relating to an individual’s reliability and trustworthiness, and makes a recommendation regarding certification.
• DOE personnel security review. A personnel security specialist will perform a personnel security file review upon receiving the individual’s supervisory review, medical assessment, and management evaluation and recommendation. Security concerns identified at any stage of the certification process will be evaluated and resolved in accordance with DOE regulations for access to classified matter or special nuclear materials in 10 CFR Part 710.

Drug and alcohol testing:

• Initial. All HRP candidates will be tested for the use of alcohol and illegal drugs before HRP certification is granted.
• Random drug test. HRP-certified individuals are selected randomly, at least once in every 12-month period, for unscheduled and unannounced testing for the presence of illegal drugs. A confirmed positive drug test is considered a security concern that will result in immediate removal from HRP duties and adjudication under the criteria and guidelines found in 10 CFR Part 710.
• Random alcohol test. HRP-certified individuals are selected randomly, at least once in every 12-month period, for unscheduled and unannounced testing for the presence of alcohol. A positive test is an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater on a confirmatory test. A person who tests positive will be sent home and not be allowed to perform HRP duties for 24 hours. The management official will be notified.

Other requirements:

• No use of a hallucinogen (LSD) in the preceding five years and no experience of flashback resulting from the use of LSD more than five years before applying for certification or recertification.
• Individuals performing nuclear explosive duties, and others in designated positions, are prohibited from consuming alcohol within an eight-hour period preceding scheduled work.