10 C.F.R. PART 4—NONDISCRIMINATION IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE COMMISSION
Title 10 - Energy
Authority: Sec. 161, 68 Stat. 948, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2201); sec. 274, 73 Stat. 688, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2021); sec. 201, 88 Stat. 1242, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5841); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note).
Subpart A also issued under secs. 602–605, Pub. L. 88–352, 78 Stat. 252, 253 (42 U.S.C. 2000d–1–2000d–4); sec. 401, 88 Stat. 1254 (42 U.S.C. 5891). Subpart B also issued under sec. 504, Pub. L. 93–112, 87 Stat. 394 (29 U.S.C. 706); sec. 119, Pub. L. 95–602, 92 Stat. 2984 (29 U.S.C. 794); sec. 122, Pub. L. 95–602, 92 Stat. 2984 (29 U.S.C. 706(6)). Subpart C also issued under Title III of Pub. L. 94–135, 89 Stat. 728, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6101). Subpart E also issued under 29 U.S.C. 794. Source: 29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, unless otherwise noted.
The regulations in this part implement: (a) The provisions of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Pub. L. 88–352; (78 Stat. 241; 42 U.S.C. 2000a note), and title IV of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, Pub. L. 93–438, (88 Stat. 1233; 42 U.S.C. 5801 note), which relate to nondiscrimination with respect to race, color, national origin or sex in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from NRC; (b) The provisions of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Pub. L. 93–112 (87 Stat. 355; 29 U.S.C. 701 note), Pub. L. 95–602 (92 Stat. 2955; 29 U.S.C. 701 note), which relates to nondiscrimination with respect to the handicapped in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance; and (c) The provisions of the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended Pub. L. 94–135 (89 Stat. 713; 42 U.S.C. 3001 note), Pub. L. 95–478 (92 Stat. 1513; 42 U.S.C. 3001 note), which relates to nondiscrimination on the basis of age in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. [52 FR 25357, July 7, 1987] Subpart A sets forth rules applicable to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and title IV of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974. (The Acts are collectively referred to in subpart A as “the Act”.) Subpart B sets forth rules applicable specifically to matters pertaining to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Subpart C sets forth rules pertaining to the provisions of the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Pub. L. 94–135 (89 Stat. 713; 42 U.S.C. 3001 note), Pub. L. 95–478 (92 Stat. 1513; 42 U.S.C. 3001 note), which relates to nondiscrimination on the basis of age in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. [52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987] This part applies to any program for which Federal financial assistance is authorized under a law administered by NRC. The types of Federal financial assistance to which this part applies are listed in appendix A of this part; appendix A may be revised from time to time by notice published in the (a) Contracts of insurance or guaranty; or (b) Procurement contracts; or (c) Employment practices under any program or activity except as provided in §§4.13, 4.122 and 4.302. [52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) Applicant means one who submits an application, request, or plan required to be approved by NRC, or by a primary recipient, as a condition to eligibility for Federal financial assistance; “application” means such an application, request, or plan. (b) Commission means the Commission of five members or a quorum thereof sitting as a body; “NRC” means the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and its duly authorized representatives. (c) Facility includes all or any portion of structures, equipment, or other real or personal property or interests therein, and the provisions of facilities includes the construction, expansion, renovation, remodeling, alteration or acquisition of facilities. (d) Federal financial assistance means any grant, entitlement, loan, cooperative agreement, contract (other than a procurement contract or a contract of insurance or guaranty), or any other arrangement by which NRC provides or otherwise makes available assistance in the form of— (1) Funds; (2) Services of Federal personnel or other personnel at Federal expense; or (3) Real and personal property or any interest in or use of property, including— (i) Transfers or leases of property for less than fair market value or for reduced consideration; (ii) Proceeds from a subsequent transfer or lease of property if the Federal share of its fair market value is not returned to the Federal Government; and the (iii) Sale and lease of, and the permission to use (other than on casual or transient basis) Federal property or any interest in such property without consideration or at a nominal consideration, or at a consideration which is reduced for the purpose of assisting the recipient, or in recognition of the public interest to be served by such sale or lease to the recipient. (e) Administrative Law Judge means an individual appointed pursuant to section 11 of the Administrative Procedure Act to conduct proceedings subject to this part. (f) Primary recipient means any recipient which is authorized or required to extend Federal financial assistance to another recipient. (g) Program or activity and program mean all of the operations of any entity described in paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this section, any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance: (1)(i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or (ii) The entity of such State or local government that distributes such assistance and each such department or agency (and each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government; (2)(i) A college, university or other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or (ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 8801), system of vocational education, or other school system; (3)(i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship— (A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or (B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and recreation; or (ii) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship; or (4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (g)(1), (2), or (3) of this section. (h) Recipient means any State, political subdivision of any State, or instrumentality of any State or political subdivision, any public or private agency, institution, or organization, or other entity, or any individual, in any State, to whom Federal financial assistance is extended, directly or through another recipient, including any successor, assignee, or transferee thereof, but such term does not include any ultimate beneficiary. (i) Responsible NRC official means the Director of the Office of Small Business and Civil Rights or any other officer to whom the Executive Director for Operations has delegated the authority to act. (j) United States means the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Wake Island, and the territories and possessions of the United States, and the term “State” means any one of the foregoing. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980; 45 FR 18905, Mar. 24, 1980. Redesignated and amended at 52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987; 63 FR 15742, Apr. 1, 1998; 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003; 68 FR 75389, Dec. 31, 2003] Except as otherwise indicated, communications and reports relating to this part may be sent to the NRC by mail addressed to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001; by hand delivery to the NRC's offices at 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland; or, where practicable, by electronic submission, for example, via Electronic Information Exchange, or CD-ROM. Electronic submissions must be made in a manner that enables the NRC to receive, read, authenticate, distribute, and archive the submission, and process and retrieve it a single page at a time. Detailed guidance on making electronic submissions can be obtained by visiting the NRC's Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/site-help/eie.php, by calling (301) 415–6030, by e-mail to [email protected], or by writing the Office of Information Services, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555–0001. The guidance discusses, among other topics, the formats the NRC can accept, the use of electronic signatures, and the treatment of nonpublic information. [68 FR 58799, Oct. 10, 2003] Each record required by this part must be legible throughout the retention period specified by each Commission regulation. The record may be the original or a reproduced copy or a microform provided that the copy or microform is authenticated by authorized personnel and that the microform is capable of producing a clear copy throughout the required retention period. The record may also be stored in electronic media with the capability for producing legible, accurate, and complete records during the required retention period. Records such as letters, drawings, specifications, must include all pertinent information such as stamps, initials, and signatures. The licensee shall maintain adequate safeguards against tampering with and loss of records. [53 FR 19244, May 27, 1988] (a) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has submitted the information collection requirements contained in this part to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The NRC may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB has approved the information collection requirements contained in this part under control number 3150–0053. (b) The approved information collection requirements contained in this part appear in §§4.32, 4.34, 4.125, 4.127, 4.231, 4.232, 4.322, and 4.324. [62 FR 52184, Oct. 6, 1997] No person in the United States shall, on the ground of sex, race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program to which this subpart applies. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975] (a) A recipient to which this subpart applies may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, on the ground of sex, race, color, or national origin: (1) Deny an individual any service, financial aid, or other benefit provided under the program; (2) Provide any service, financial aid, or other benefit to an individual which is different, or is provided in a different manner, from that provided to others under the program; (3) Subject an individual to segregation or separate treatment in any matter related to his receipt of any service, financial aid, or other benefit under the program; (4) Restrict an individual in any way in the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any service, financial aid, or other benefit under the program; (5) Treat an individual differently from others in determining whether he satisfies any admission, enrollment, quota, eligibilty, membership or other requirement or condition which individuals must meet in order to be provided any service, financial aid, or other benefit provided under the program; (6) Deny an individual an opportunity to participate in the program through the provision of services or otherwise or afford him an opportunity to do so which is different from that afforded others under the program (including the opportunity to participate in the program as an employee but only to the extent set forth in §4.13). (b) A recipient in determining the types of services, financial aid, or other benefits, or facilities which will be provided under any such program, or the class of individuals to whom, or the situations in which, such services, financial aid, other benefits, or facilities will be provided under any such program, or the class of individuals to be afforded an opportunity to participate in any such program, may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration which have the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination because of their sex, race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program as respects individuals of a particular sex, race, color, or national origin. (c) In determining the site or location of facilities, a recipient or applicant may not make selections with the purpose or effect of excluding individuals from, denying them the benefits of, or subjecting them to discrimination under any program to which this subpart applies, on the grounds of sex, race, color, or national origin; or with the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing the accomplishment of the objectives of the Act or this subpart. (d) As used in this section the services, financial aid, or other benefits provided under a program receiving Federal financial assistance shall be deemed to include any services, financial aid, or other benefit provided in or through a facility provided with the aid of Federal financial assistance. (e) The enumeration of specific forms of prohibited discrimination in this section and §4.13 does not limit the generality of the prohibition in §4.11. (f) This subpart does not prohibit the consideration of sex, race, color, or national origin if the purpose and effect are to remove or overcome the consequences of practices or impediments which have restricted the availability of, or participation in, the program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, on the grounds of sex, race, color or national origin. Where previous discriminatory practice or usage tends, on the grounds of sex, race, color, or national origin, to exclude individuals from participation in, to deny them the benefits of, or to subject them to discrimination under any program or activity to which this subpart applies, the applicant or recipient has an obligation to take reasonable action to remove or overcome the consequences of the prior discriminatory practice or usage, and to accomplish the purposes of the Act. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 38 FR 17927, July 5, 1973; 40 FR 8778 Mar. 3, 1975; 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) Where a primary objective of the Federal financial assistance to a program to which this subpart applies is to provide employment, a recipient may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, subject an individual to discrimination on the ground of sex, race, color, or national origin in its employment practices under such program (including recruitment or recruitment advertising, employment, layoff or termination, upgrading, demotion, or transfer, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and use of facilities), including programs where a primary objective of the Federal financial assistance to a program is (1) to assist such individuals through employment to meet expenses incident to the commencement or continuation of their education or training, or (2) to provide work experience which contributes to the education or training of such individuals. (Examples of such Federal financial assistance are nuclear training equipment grants, grants and loans of materials for training, and fellowships.) The requirements applicable to construction employment under any such program shall be those specified in or pursuant to part III of Executive Order 11246 or any Executive order which supersedes it. (b) Where a primary objective of the Federal financial assistance is not to provide employment, but discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, color, or national origin in the employment practices of the recipient or other persons subject to this subpart tends, on the grounds of sex, race, color, or national origin, to exclude individuals from participation in, to deny them the benefits of, or to subject them to discrimination under any program to which this subpart applies, the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section shall apply to the employment practices of the recipient or other persons subject to this subpart to the extent necessary to assure equality of opportunity to, and nondiscriminatory treatment of, beneficiaries. [38 FR 17927, July 5, 1973, as amended at 40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975; 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] A recipient shall not be deemed to have failed to comply with §4.11 if immediate provision of a service or other benefit to an individual is necessary to prevent his death or serious impairment of his health, and such service or other benefit cannot be provided except by or through a medical institution which refuses or fails to comply with §4.11. (a) Every grant, loan or contract to which this subpart applies, except an application to which §4.22 applies, shall, as a condition to its approval by NRC, or by the appropriate NRC contractor or subcontractor, and the extension of any Federal financial assistance pursuant thereto, contain or be accompanied by an assurance that the program will be conducted in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this subpart. In the case of a grant, loan, or contract involving Federal financial assistance to provide real property or structures thereon, the assurance shall obligate the recipient, or, in the case of a subsequent transfer, the transferee, for the period during which the real property or structures are used for a purpose for which the Federal financial assistance is extended, or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits. In the case of personal property the assurance shall obligate the recipient for the period during which he retains ownership or possession of the property. In all other cases the assurance shall obligate the recipient for the period during which Federal financial assistance is extended pursuant to the grant, loan or contract. The Commission will specify the form of the foregoing assurances and the extent to which like assurances will be required of subgrantees, contractors and subcontractors, successors in interest, and other participants. Any such assurance shall include provisions which give the United States a right to seek its judicial enforcement. (b) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interests therein, which was acquired with Federal financial assistance, or in the case where Federal financial assistance is provided in the form of a transfer of real property or interest therein from the Federal Government, the instrument effecting or recording the transfer shall contain a covenant running with the land assuring nondiscrimination for the period during which the real property is used for a purpose for which the Federal financial assistance is extended or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits. Where no transfer of property is involved, but property is improved with Federal financial assistance, the recipient shall agree to include such a covenant in any subsequent transfer of such property. Where the property is obtained from the Federal Government, such covenant may also include a condition coupled with a right to be reserved by the NRC to revert title to the property in the event of a breach of the covenant where, in the discretion of the NRC, such a condition and right of reverter is appropriate to the program and to the nature of the grant and the grantee. In such event if a transferee of real property proposes to mortgage or otherwise encumber the real property as security for financing construction of new, or improvement of existing, facilities on such property for the purposes for which the property was transferred, the NRC may agree, upon request of the transferee and if necessary to accomplish such financing, and upon such conditions as the NRC deems appropriate, to forbear the exercise of such right to revert title for so long as the lien of such mortgage or other encumbrance remains effective. (c) Transfers of surplus property are subject to regulations issued by the Administrator of General Services (41 CFR 101–6.2). [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 38 FR 17927, July 5, 1973; 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003; 68 FR 75389, Dec. 31, 2003] Every application by a State or a State agency for continuing Federal financial assistance shall require the submission of and every grant, loan, or contract to or with a State or a State agency for continuing Federal financial assistance to which this subpart applies, shall, as a condition to its approval and the extension of any Federal financial assistance pursuant to the grant, loan or contract, contain or be accompanied by, a statement that the program is (or, in the case of a new program, will be) conducted in compliance with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this subpart, and shall provide or be accompanied by provisions for such methods of administration for the program as are found by the responsible NRC official to give reasonable assurance that the recipient and all other recipients of Federal financial assistance under such program will comply with all requirements imposed by or pursuant to this subpart. [38 FR 17928, July 5, 1973, as amended at 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) In the case of a grant, loan or contract involving Federal financial assistance to an institution of higher education, the assurance required by §4.21 shall extend to admission practices and to all other practices relating to the treatment of students. (b) The assurance required with respect to an institution of higher education, hospital, or any other institution, insofar as the assurance relates to the institution's practices with respect to admission or other treatment of individuals as students, patients, or clients of the institution or to the opportunity to participate in the provision of services or other benefits to such individuals, shall be applicable to the entire institution. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] The responsible NRC official shall to the fullest extent practicable seek the cooperation of recipients in obtaining compliance with this subpart and shall provide assistance and guidance to recipients to help them comply voluntarily with this subpart. (a) Each recipient shall keep records and submit to the responsible NRC official, timely, complete, and accurate compliance reports at the times and in the form and containing the information that the responsible NRC official may determine to be necessary to enable the official to ascertain whether the recipient has complied or is complying with this subpart. (b) In the case in which a primary recipient extends Federal financial assistance to any other recipient, the other recipient shall also submit necessary compliance reports to the primary recipient to enable the primary recipient to carry out its obligations under this subpart. (c) The primary recipient shall retain each record of information needed to complete a compliance report pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section for three years or as long as the primary recipient retains the status of primary recipient as defined in §4.4, whichever is shorter. [53 FR 19244, May 27, 1988, as amended at 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] Each recipient shall permit access by the responsible NRC official during normal business hours to such of its books, records, accounts, and other sources of information, and its facilities as may be pertinent to ascertain compliance with this subpart. Where any information required of a recipient is in the exclusive possession of any other agency, institution or person and that agency, institution or person shall fail or refuse to furnish this information, the recipient shall so certify in its report and shall set forth what efforts it has made to obtain the information. Each recipient shall make available to participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such information regarding the provisions of this subpart and its applicability to the program for which the recipient receives Federal financial assistance, and make such information available to them in such manner, as the responsible NRC official finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by the Act and this subpart. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] The responsible NRC official shall from time to time review the practices of recipients to determine whether they are complying with this subpart. Any person who believes himself or any specific class of individuals to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by this subpart may by himself or by a representative file with the responsible NRC official a written complaint. A complaint must be filed not later than ninety (90) days from the date of the alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by the responsible NRC official. A complaint shall be signed by the complainant or his representative. The responsible NRC official will make a prompt investigation whenever a compliance review, report, complaint, or any other information indicates a possible failure to comply with this subpart. The investigation should include, where appropriate, a review of the pertinent practices and policies of the recipient, the circumstances under which the possible noncompliance with this subpart occurred, and other factors relevant to a determination as to whether the recipient has failed to comply with this subpart. (a) If an investigation pursuant to §4.43 indicates a failure to comply with this subpart, the responsible NRC official will so inform the recipient and the matter will be resolved by voluntary means whenever possible. If it has been determined that the matter cannot be resolved by voluntary means, action will be taken as provided for in §§4.46 through 4.49. (b) If an investigation does not warrant action pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the responsible NRC official will so inform the recipient and the complainant, if any, in writing. No recipient or other person shall intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by the Act or this subpart, or because he has made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this subpart. The identity of complainants shall be kept confidential, except to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of this subpart including the conduct of any investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding arising thereunder. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975] If there appears to be a failure or threatened failure to comply with any of the provisions of this subpart, and if the noncompliance or threatened concompliance cannot be corrected by informal means, compliance with this subpart may be effected by the suspension or termination of or refusal to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance or by any other means authorized by law. Such other means may include, but are not limited to: (a) A reference to the Department of Justice with a recommendation that appropriate proceedings be brought to enforce any rights of the United States under any law of the United States (including other titles of the Act), or any assurance or other contractual undertaking, and (b) any applicable proceeding under State or local law. If an applicant fails or refuses to furnish an assurance required under §4.21 or otherwise fails or refuses to comply with a requirement imposed by or pursuant to that section, Federal financial assistance may be refused in accordance with the procedures of §4.48. [45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980] No order suspending, terminating, or refusing to grant or continue Federal financial assistance shall become effective until: (a) The responsible NRC official has advised the applicant or recipient of his failure to comply and has determined that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means, (b) there has been an express finding on the record, after opportunity for hearing, of a failure by the applicant or recipient to comply with the requirement imposed by or pursuant to this subpart, (c) the action has been approved by the Commission pursuant to §4.72, and (d) the expiration of thirty (30) days after the Commission has filed with the committee of the House and the committee of the Senate having legislative jurisdiction over the program involved, a full written report of the circumstances and the grounds for such action. Any action to suspend or terminate or to refuse to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance shall be limited to the particular political entity, or part thereof, or other applicant or recipient as to whom such finding has been made and shall be limited in its effect to the particular program, or part thereof, in which such noncompliance has been so found. No action to effect compliance by any other means authorized by law shall be taken until: (a) The responsible NRC official has determined that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means, (b) the recipient or other person has been notified of its failure to comply and of the action to be taken to effect compliance, and (c) the expiration of at least ten (10) days from the mailing of such notice to the recipient or other person. During this period of at least ten (10) days, additional efforts shall be made to persuade the recipient or other person to comply with this subpart and to take such corrective action as may be appropriate. [38 FR 17928, July 5, 1973] (a) Whenever an opportunity for hearing is required by §4.48, the responsible NRC official shall serve on the applicant or recipient, by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, a notice of opportunity for hearing which will: (1) Inform the applicant or recipient of his right within twenty (20) days of the date of the notice of opportunity for hearing, or such other period as may be specified in the notice, to request a hearing; (2) Set forth the alleged item or items of noncompliance with this subpart; (3) Specify the issues; (4) State that compliance with this subpart may be effected by an order providing for the termination of or refusal to grant or to continue assistance, as appropriate; and (5) Provide that the applicant or recipient may file a written answer to the notice of opportunity for hearing under oath or affirmation within twenty (20) days of its date, or such other period as may be specified in the notice. (b) The applicant or recipient may respond to a notice of opportunity for hearing by filing a written answer under oath or affirmation. The answer shall specifically admit or deny each allegation, or, where the applicant or recipient does not have knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief, the answer may so state and the statements shall have the effect of a denial. Allegations of fact not denied shall be deemed to be admitted. The answer shall separately state and identify matters alleged as affirmative defenses and may also set forth the matters of fact and law on which the applicant or recipient relies. The answer may request a hearing. (c) If the answer requests a hearing, the Commission will issue a notice of hearing specifying: (1) The time, place, and nature thereof; (2) The legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held; and (3) The matters of fact and law asserted or to be considered. The time and place of hearing will be fixed with due regard for the convenience and necessity of the parties or their representatives and for the public interest. An answer to a notice of hearing is not required. (d) An applicant or recipient may file an answer, and waive or fail to request a hearing, without waiving the requirement for findings of fact and conclusions of law or the right to seek Commission review in accordance with the provisions of §§4.71 through 4.74. At the time an answer is filed the applicant or recipient may also submit written information or argument for the record if he does not request a hearing. (e) An answer or stipulation may consent to the entry of an order in substantially the form set forth in the notice of opportunity for hearing; such order may be entered by the responsible Commission official. The consent of the applicant or recipient to the entry of an order shall constitute a waiver by him of a right to: (1) A hearing under the Act and §4.48, (2) findings of fact and conclusions of law, and (3) seek Commission review. (f) The failure of an applicant or recipient to file an answer within the period prescribed, or, if he requests a hearing, his failure to appear therefor, shall constitute a waiver by him of a right to: (1) A hearing under the Act and §4.48, (2) conclusions of law, and (3) seek Commission review. In the event of such waiver, the responsible NRC official may find the facts on the basis of the record available and enter an order in substantially the form set forth in the notice of opportunity for hearing. (g) An order entered in accordance with paragraph (e) or (f) of this section shall constitute the final decision of the Commission, unless the Commission, on its own motion, within forty-five (45) days after entry of the order, issues its own decision, which shall then constitute the final decision of the Commission. (h) A copy of an order entered by the responsible NRC official shall be mailed to the applicant or recipient and to the complainant, if any. (i) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to place the burden of proof on the applicant or recipient. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 38 FR 17928, July 5, 1973; 40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975; 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] One or more members of the Commission or one or more administrative law judges appointed pursuant to section 3105 of title 5 of the United States Code shall: (a) Preside at a hearing and (b) make findings of fact and conclusions of law if an applicant or recipient waives a hearing and submits written information or argument for the record in accordance with §4.51(d). [35 FR 11459, July 17, 1970] In all proceedings under §§4.51–4.81, the applicant or recipient and the responsible NRC official shall have the right to be represented by counsel. A notice of appearance shall be filed by counsel prior to participation in any such proceedings. (a) The hearing, decision, and any administrative review thereof shall be conducted in conformity with 5 U.S.C. 554–557 (sections 5–8 of the Administrative Procedure Act), and in accordance with such procedures as are proper (and not inconsistent with §§4.61 through 4.64) relating to the conduct of the hearing, giving of notices subsequent to those provided for in §4.51, taking of testimony, exhibits, arguments and briefs, requests for finding, and other related matters. Both the responsible NRC official and the applicant or recipient shall be entitled to introduce all relevant evidence on the issues as stated in the notice of hearing or as determined by the presiding officer at the outset of or during the hearing. (b) Technical rules of evidence shall not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to this subpart, but rules or principles designed to assure production of the most credible evidence available and to subject testimony to test by cross-examination shall be applied where reasonably necessary by the presiding officer. The presiding officer may exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. All documents and other evidence offered or taken for the record shall be open to examination by the parties and opportunity shall be given to refute facts and arguments advanced on either side of the issues. A transcript shall be made of the oral evidence except to the extent the substance thereof is stipulated for the record. (c) Each decision made after a hearing has been held shall be based on the hearing record, and written findings of fact and conclusions of law shall be made. (d) If an applicant or recipient waives a hearing and submits written information or argument for the record in accordance with §4.51(d), written findings of fact and conclusions of law shall be made. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 35 FR 11459, July 17, 1970; 38 FR 17928, July 5, 1973] In cases in which the same or related facts are asserted to constitute noncompliance with this subpart with respect to two or more Federal statutes, authorities, or other means by which Federal financial assistance is extended and to which this subpart applies or noncompliance with this subpart and the regulations of one or more other Federal departments or agencies issued under title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Commission may, by agreement with such other departments or agencies, where applicable, provide for the conduct of consolidated or joint hearings, and for the application to such hearings of rules of procedure not inconsistent with this subpart. Final decisions in such cases, insofar as this regulation is concerned shall be made in accordance with §4.72. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975; 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] The officer designated: (a) To preside at a hearing, or, (b) To make findings of fact and conclusions of law if an applicant or recipient waives a hearing and submits written information or argument for the record in accordance with §4.51(d), shall render an initial decision on the record, or, if the Commission so directs, shall certify the entire record to the Commission for decision, together with a recommended decision on the record. A copy of such initial decision, or of such certification and recommended decision, shall be mailed to the applicant or recipient. (a) The applicant or recipient, within thirty (30) days of the mailing of an initial decision or a recommended decision, may file with the Commission his exceptions to such decision, with his reasons therefor. (b) In the absence of exceptions to an initial decision, the Commission may, on its own motion within forty-five (45) days after the mailing of such initial decision, serve on the applicant or recipient a notice that the Commission will review the decision. (c) Upon the filing of exceptions to an initial decision or of a notice of review, the Commission shall review such initial decision and issue its own decision on the record with its reasons therefor. (d) In the absence of either exceptions to an initial decision or of a notice of review, such initial decision shall constitute the final decision of the Commission. (e) Upon the filing of exceptions to a recommended decision, the Commission shall review such recommended decision and issue its own decision on the record with its reasons therefor. (f) In the absence of exceptions to a recommended decision, the Commission shall review such recommended decision and issue its own decision on the record with its reasons therefor. Each decision of a presiding officer or the Commission shall set forth the rulings on each finding, conclusion, or exception presented, and shall identify the requirement or requirements imposed by or pursuant to this subpart with which it is found that the applicant or recipient has failed to comply. The final decision may provide for suspension or termination of, or refusal to grant or continue Federal financial assistance, in whole or in part, to which this regulation applies, and may contain such terms, conditions, and other provisions as are consistent with and will effectuate the purposes of the Act and this subpart, including provisions designed to assure that no Federal financial assistance to which this regulation applies will thereafter be extended to the applicant or recipient determined by such decision to be in default in its performance of an assurance given by it pursuant to this subpart, or to have otherwise failed to comply with this subpart, unless and until it corrects its noncompliance and satisfies the NRC that it will fully comply with this subpart. A copy of the final decision shall be mailed to the applicant or recipient and the complainant, if any. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) An applicant or recipient adversely affected by an order issued under §4.74 shall be restored to full eligibility to receive Federal financial assistance if it satisfies the terms and conditions of that order for such eligibility or if it brings itself into compliance with this subpart and provides reasonable assurance that it will fully comply with this subpart. (b) Any applicant or recipient adversely affected by an order entered pursuant to §4.74 may at any time request the responsible NRC official to restore fully its eligibility to receive Federal financial assistance. Any such request shall be supported by information showing that the applicant or recipient has met the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section. If the responsible NRC official determines that those requirements have been satisfied, he shall restore such eligibility. (c) If the responsible NRC official denies any such request, the applicant or recipient may submit a request for a hearing in writing, specifying why it believes such official to have been in error. It shall thereupon be given an expeditious hearing, with the decision on the record, in accordance with rules of procedure issued by the responsible NRC official. The applicant or recipient will be restored to such eligibility if it proves at such a hearing that it satisfied the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section. While proceedings under this section are pending, the sanctions imposed by the order issued under §4.74 shall remain in effect. [38 FR 17928, July 5, 1973, as amended at 40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975] Action taken pursuant to section 602 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is subject to judicial review as provided in section 603 of that Act. [40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975] All regulations, orders, or like directions heretofore issued by any officer of the NRC which impose requirements designed to prohibit any discrimination against individuals on the grounds of sex, race, color, or national origin under any program to which this subpart applies, and which authorize the suspension or termination of or refusal to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance to any applicant for or recipient of such assistance for failure to comply with such requirements, are hereby superseded to the extent that such discrimination is prohibited by this subpart, except that nothing in this subpart shall be deemed to relieve any person of any obligation assumed or imposed under any such superseded regulation, order, instruction, or like direction prior to the effective date of this subpart. Nothing in this subpart, however, shall be deemed to supersede any of the following (including future amendments thereof): (a) Executive Orders 10925, 11114, and 11246 and regulations issued thereunder, or (b) Executive Order 11063 and regulations issued thereunder and any other regulations or instructions insofar as such order, regulations or instructions prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, color, or national origin in any program or situation to which this subpart is inapplicable, or prohibit discrimination on any other ground. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 38 FR 17928, July 5, 1973; 40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975; 68 FR 51344, Aug. 26, 2003] The responsible NRC official shall issue and promptly make available to interested persons forms and detailed instructions and procedures for effectuating this subpart as applied to programs to which this subpart applies and for which he is responsible. The Commission may from time to time assign to officials of other departments or agencies of the Government, with the consent of the department or agency involved, responsibilities in connection with the effectuation of the purposes of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and this subpart, other than responsibility for final decision as provided in §4.72, including the achievement of effective coordination and maximum uniformity within the NRC and within the Executive Branch of the Government in the application of title VI of the Civil Rights Act and this subpart to similar programs and in similar situations. Any action taken, determination made, or requirement imposed by an official of another department or agency acting pursuant to an assignment of responsibility under this section shall have the same effect as though such action had been taken by the responsible NRC official. [40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975] Source: 45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980, unless otherwise noted.
As used in this subpart: (a) Handicapped person means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. Such term does not include any individual who is an alcoholic or drug abuser whose current use of alcohol or drugs prevents such individual from performing the duties of the job in question or whose employment, by reason of such current alcohol or drug abuse, would constitute a direct threat to property or the safety of others. (b) As used in paragraph (a) of this section, the phrase: (1) Physical or mental impairment means: (i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive, genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or (ii) any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, and emotional illness. (2) Major life activities means functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. (3) Has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. (4) Is regarded as having an impairment means: (i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but is treated by a recipient as constituting such a limitation; (ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or (iii) Does not have a physical or mental impairment but is treated by a recipient as having such an impairment. (c) Qualified handicapped person means: (1) With respect to employment, a handicapped person who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform essential functions of the job in question and (2) with respect to services, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of such services. (d) Section 504 means section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93–112, as amended by the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, Pub. L. 95–602 (29 U.S.C. 794). (a) No qualified handicapped person, shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subject to discrimination under any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance. (b)(1) A recipient, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of handicap: (i) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service; (ii) Afford a qualified handicapped person an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others; (iii) Provide a qualified handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others; (iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others; (v) Aid or perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped person by providing significant assistance to any agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of handicap in providing any aid, benefit, or service to beneficiaries of the recipient's program or activity; (vi) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or (vii) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service. (2) A recipient may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in aid, benefits, or services that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different aid, benefits, or services. (3) A recipient may not directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration: (i) That have the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap, (ii) that have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the recipient's program or activity with respect to handicapped persons, or (iii) that perpetuate the discrimination of another recipient if both recipients are subject to common administrative control or are agencies of the same State. (4) A recipient may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections: (i) That have the effect of excluding handicapped persons from, denying them the benefits of, or otherwise subjecting them to discrimination under any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance or (ii) that have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing the accomplishment of the objectives of the program or activity with respect to handicapped persons. (c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from aid, benefits, or services limited by Federal statute or Executive Order to handicapped persons or the exclusion of a specific class of handicapped persons from aid, benefits, or services limited by Federal statute or Executive Order to a different class of handicapped persons is not prohibited by this subpart. (d) Recipients shall administer programs or activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified handicapped persons. (e) Recipients shall take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with their applicants, employees, and beneficiaries are available to persons with impaired vision and hearing. [45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance. (b) A recipient shall make all decisions concerning employment under any program or activity to which this subpart applies in a manner which ensures that discrimination on the basis of handicap does not occur and may not limit, segregate, or classify applicants or employees in any way that adversely affects their opportunities or status because of handicap. (c) The prohibition against discrimination in employment applies to the following activities: (1) Recruitment, advertising, and the processing of applications for employment; (2) Hiring, upgrading, promotion, award of tenure, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, right of return from layoff, and rehiring; (3) Rates of pay or any other form of compensation and changes in compensation; (4) Job assignments, job classifications, organizational structures, position descriptions, lines of progression, and seniority lists; (5) Leaves of absence, sick leave, or any other leave; (6) Fringe benefits available by virtue of employment, whether or not administered by the recipient; (7) Selection and financial support for training, including apprenticeship, professional meetings, conferences, and other related activities and selection for leaves of absence to pursue training; (8) Employer sponsored activities, including those that are social or recreational; and (9) Any other term, condition, or privilege of employment. (d) A recipient may not participate in a contractual or other relationship that has the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped applicants or employees to discrimination prohibited by this subpart. The relationships referred to in this paragraph include relationships with employment and referral agencies, with labor unions, with organizations providing or administering fringe benefits to employees of the recipient, and with organizations providing training and apprenticeships. [45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) A recipient shall make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified handicapped applicant or employee unless the recipient can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of its program or activity. (b) Reasonable accommodation may include: (1) Making facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, and (2) job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, the provision of readers or interpreters, and other similar actions. This list is neither all-inclusive nor meant to suggest that an employer must follow all the actions listed. (c) In determining pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section whether an accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of a recipient's program or activity, factors to be considered include: (1) The overall size of the recipient's program or activity with respect to number of employees, number and type of facilities, and size of budget; (2) The type of the recipient's operations, including the composition and structure of the recipient's workforce; and (3) The nature and cost of the accommodation needed. (d) A recipient may not deny any employment opportunity to a qualified handicapped employee or applicant if the basis for denial is the need to make reasonable accommodation to the physical or mental limitations of the employee or applicant. [45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) A recipient may not make use of any employment test or other selection criterion that screens out or tends to screen out handicapped persons or any class of handicapped persons unless: (1) The test score or other selection criterion as used by the recipient is shown to be job-related for the position in question; and (2) Alternative job-related tests or criteria that do not screen out or tend to screen out as many handicapped persons are not available. (b) A recipient shall select and administer tests concerning employment so as best to ensure that, when administered to an applicant or employee who has a handicap that impairs sensory, manual, or speaking skills, the test results accurately reflect the applicant's or employee's job skills, aptitude, or whatever other factor the test purports to measure, rather than reflecting the applicant's or employee's impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills (except where those skills are the factors that the test purports to measure). (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a recipient may not conduct a preemployment medical examination or may not make preemployment inquiry of an applicant as to whether the applicant is a handicapped person or as to the nature of severity of a handicap. A recipient may, however, make preemployment inquiry into an applicant's ability to perform job-related functions. (b) When a recipient is taking remedial action to correct the effects of past discrimination, or when a recipient is taking voluntary action to overcome the effects of conditions that resulted in limited participation in its federally assisted program or activity, or when a recipient is taking affirmative action pursuant to section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the recipient may invite applicants for employment to indicate whether and to what extent they are handicapped: Provided, That: (1) The recipient makes clear to the applicant that the information requested is intended for use solely in connection with its remedial action obligations or its voluntary or affirmative action efforts; and (2) The recipient makes clear to the applicant that the information is being requested on a voluntary basis, that it will be kept confidential as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, that refusal to provide it will not subject the applicant to any adverse treatment, and that it will be used only in accordance with this subpart. (c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a recipient from conditioning an offer of employment on the results of a medical examination conducted prior to the employee's entrance on duty: Provided, That: (1) All entering employees are subjected to such an examination regardless of handicap; and (2) The results of such an examination are used only in accordance with the requirements of this subpart. (d) Information obtained in accordance with this section as to the medical condition or history of the applicant must be collected on separate forms. The recipient shall retain each form as a record for three years from the date the applicant's employment ends, or, if not hired, from the date of application. Each form must be accorded confidentiality as a medical record, except that: (1) Supervisors and managers may be informed regarding restrictions on the work or duties that may be assigned to handicapped persons and regarding necessary accommodations; (2) First aid and safety personnel may be informed, where appropriate, if the condition associated with the handicap might require emergency treatment; and (3) Government officials investigating compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 shall be provided relevant information upon request. [45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980, as amended at 53 FR 19244, May 27, 1988] No qualified handicapped person shall, because a recipient's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance. [45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) Accessibility. A recipient shall operate each program or activity so that when each part is viewed in its entirety it is readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. This paragraph does not necessarily require a recipient to make each of its existing facilities or every part of an existing facility accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. (b) Methods. A recipient may comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section through such means as redesign of equipment, reassignment of classes or other services to accessible buildings, assignment of aids to beneficiaries, home visits, delivery of health, welfare or other social services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and construction of new facilities in conformance with the requirements of §4.128 or any other methods that result in making its program or activity accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. A recipient is not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with paragraph (a) of this section. In choosing among available methods for meeting the requirement of paragraph (a) of this section, a recipient shall give priority to those methods that serve handicapped persons in the most integrated setting appropriate. (c) Time period. A recipient shall comply with the requirement of paragraph (a) of this section within 60 days of the effective date of this subpart except that where structural changes in facilities are necessary, the changes are to be made within three years of the effective date of this subpart, but in any event, as expeditiously as possible. (d) Transition plan. In the event that structural changes to facilities are necessary to meet the requirement of paragraph (a) of this section, a recipient shall develop a transition plan setting forth the steps necessary to complete the changes. The plan is to be developed with the assistance of interested persons, including handicapped persons, or organizations representing handicapped persons, and the plan is to meet with the approval of the NRC. The recipient shall retain a copy of the transition plan as a record until any structural change to a facility is complete. A copy of the transition plan is to be made available for public inspection. At a minimum, the plan is to: (1) Identify physical obstacles in the recipient's facilities that limit the accessibility and usability of its program or activity to handicapped persons; (2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible to and usable by handicapped persons; (3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve full accessibility under paragraph (a) of this section and, if the time period or the transition plan is longer than 1 year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and (4) Indicate the person responsible for implementation of the plan. (e) Notice. The recipient shall adopt and implement procedures to ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information concerning the existence and location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible to, and usable by, handicapped persons. [45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980, as amended at 53 FR 19244, May 27, 1988; 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) Design, construction, and alteration. New facilities shall be designed and constructed to be readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. Alterations to existing facilities shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be designed and constructed to be readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. (b) Conformance with Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. (1) Effective as of January 18, 1991, design, construction, or alteration of buildings in conformance with sections 3—8 of the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (USAF) (appendix A to 41 CFR subpart 101–19.6) shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this section with respect to those buildings. Departures from particular technical and scoping requirements of UFAS by the use of other methods are permitted where substantially equivalent or greater access to and usability of the building is provided. (2) For purposes of this section, section 4.1.6(1)(g) of UFAS shall be interpreted to exempt from the requirements of UFAS only mechanical rooms and other spaces that, because of their intended use, will not require accessibility to the public or beneficiaries or result in the employment or residence therein of persons with physical handicaps. (3) This section does not require recipients to make building alterations that have little likelihood of being accomplished without removing or altering a load-bearing structural member. [55 FR 52138, 52139, Dec. 19, 1990] (a) Assurances. An applicant for Federal financial assistance to which this subpart applies shall submit an assurance, on a form specified by the responsible NRC official, that the program or activity will be operated in compliance with the subpart. An applicant may incorporate these assurances by reference in subsequent applications to the NRC. (b) Duration of obligation. The assurance will obligate the recipient for the period during which Federal financial assistance is extended. (c) Remedial action. (1) If the responsible NRC official finds that a recipient has discriminated against persons on the basis of handicap in violation of section 504 or this subpart, the recipient shall take such remedial action as the responsible NRC official deems necessary to overcome the effect of the discrimination. (2) Where a recipient is found to have discriminated against persons on the basis of handicap in violation of section 504 or this subpart and where another recipient exercises control over the recipient that has discriminated, the responsible NRC official, where appropriate, may require either or both recipients to take remedial action. (3) The responsible NRC official may, where necessary to overcome the effects of discrimination in violation of section 504 or this subpart, require a recipient to take remedial action: (i) With respect to handicapped persons who are no longer participants in the recipient's program or activity but who were participants in the program when such discrimination occurred or (ii) with respect to handicapped persons who would have been participants in the program or activity had the discrimination not occurred. (d) Voluntary action. A recipient may take steps, in addition to any action that is required by this subpart, to overcome the effects of conditions that resulted in limited participation in the recipient's program or activity by qualified handicapped persons. (e) Self-evaluation. (1) A recipient shall as soon as practicable: (i) Evaluate, with the assistance of interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, its current policies and practices and the effects thereof that do not or may not meet the requirements of this subpart; (ii) Modify, after consultation with interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, any policies and practices that do not meet the requirements of this subpart; and (iii) Take, after consultation with interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, appropriate remedial steps to eliminate the effects of any discrimination that resulted from adherence to those policies and practices. (2) A recipient shall, for at least three years following completion of the evaluation required under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, maintain on file, make available for public inspection, and provide to the responsible NRC official upon request: (i) A list of the interested persons consulted, (ii) a description of areas examined and any problems identified, and (iii) a description of any modifications made and of any remedial steps taken. (f) Designation of responsible employee. A recipient shall designate at least one person to coordinate its efforts to comply with this subpart. [45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) A recipient shall take appropriate initial and continuing steps to notify participants, beneficiaries, applicants, and employees, including those with impaired vision or hearing, and unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the recipient that it does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in violation of section 504 and this subpart. The notification shall state, where appropriate, that the recipient does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The notification shall also include an identification of the responsible employee designated pursuant to §4.231(f). A present recipient shall make the initial notification required by this paragraph within 90 days of the effective date of this subpart. Methods of initial and continuing notification may include the posting of notices, publication in newspapers and magazines, placement of notices in recipients' publications, and distribution of memoranda or other written communications. (b) If a recipient publishes or uses recruitment materials or publications containing general information that it makes available to participants, beneficiaries, applicants, or employees, if shall include in those materials or publications a statement of the policy described in paragraph (a) of this section. A recipient may meet the requirement of this paragraph either by including appropriate inserts in existing materials and publications or by revising and reprinting the materials and publications. [45 FR 14535, Mar. 6, 1980, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] The enforcement and hearing procedures set forth in §§4.41 through 4.75 of subpart A with respect to discrimination based on sex, race, color or national origin shall be used for the enforcement of the regulations in subpart B with respect to discrimination based on handicap. Source: 52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987, unless otherwise noted.
The purpose of this subpart is to set forth NRC policies and procedures under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance. (a) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and these regulations apply to any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from NRC. (b) The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and these regulations do not apply to— (1) An age distinction contained in that part of a Federal, State, or local statute or ordinance adopted by an elected, general purpose legislative body that— (i) Provides any benefits or assistance to persons based on age; or (ii) Establishes criteria for participation in age-related terms; or (iii) Describes intended beneficiaries or target groups in age-related terms. (2) Any employment practice of any employer, employment agency, labor organization, or any labor-management joint apprenticeship training program, except for any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance for public service employment under the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1974 (CETA) (29 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). As used in this subpart: (a) Act means the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, (title III of Pub. L. 94–135; 89 Stat. 713; 42 U.S.C. 3001 note). (b) Action means any act, activity, policy, rule, standard, or method of administration; or the use of any policy, rule, standard, or method of administration. (c) Age means how old a person is, or the number of elapsed years from the date of a person's birth. (d) Age distinction means any action using age or an age-related term. (e) Age-related term means a word or words which necessarily imply a particular age or range of ages (for example, “children,” “adult,” “older persons,” but not “student”). (f) Subrecipient means any of the entities in the definition of “recipient” to which a recipient extends or passes on Federal financial assistance. A subrecipient is generally regarded as a recipient of Federal financial assistance and has all the duties of a recipient in these regulations. The rules stated in this section are limited by the exceptions contained in §§4.313 and 4.314 of this subpart. (a) General rule. No person in the United States shall, on the basis of age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under, any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. (b) Specific rules. A recipient may not, in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements use age distinctions or take any other actions which have the effect, on the basis of age, of— (1) Excluding individuals from, denying them the benefits of, or subjecting them to discrimination under, a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, or (2) Denying or limiting individuals in their opportunity to participate in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. (c) The specific forms of age discrimination listed in paragraph (b) of this section do not necessarily constitute a complete list. For purposes of §§4.313 and 4.314, the terms “normal operation” and “statutory objective” have the following meaning: (a) Normal operation means the operation of a program or activity without significant changes that would impair its ability to meet its objectives. (b) Statutory objective means any purposes of a program or activity expressly stated in any Federal statute State statute, or local statute or ordinance adopted by an elected general purpose legislative body. A recipient is permitted to take an action, otherwise prohibited by §4.311, if the action reasonably takes into account age as a factor necessary to the normal operation or the achievement of any statutory objective of a program or activity. An action reasonably takes into account age as a factor necessary to the normal operation or the achievement of any statutory objective of a program or activity, if— (a) Age is used as a measure or approximation of one or more other characteristics; and (b) The other characteristic(s) must be measured or approximated in order for the normal operation of the program or activity to continue, or to achieve any statutory objective of the program or activity; and (c) The other characteristic(s) can be reasonably measured or approximated by the use of age; and (d) The other characteristic(s) are impractical to measure directly on an individual basis. [52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] A recipient is permitted to take an action otherwise prohibited by §4.311 which is based on a factor other than age, even though that action may have a disproportionate effect on persons of different ages. An action may be based on a factor other than age only if the factor bears a direct and substantial relationship to the normal operation of the program or activity or to the achievement of a statutory objective. The burden of proving that an age distinction or other action falls within the exceptions outlined in §§4.313 and 4.314 is on the recipient of Federal financial assistance. Each NRC recipient has primary responsibility to ensure that its programs or activities are in compliance with the Act and these regulations. Each recipient will sign an assurance of compliance that its programs or activities will be conducted in compliance with all the requirements imposed by the Act and these regulations. A recipient also has responsibility to maintain records, provide information, and to afford access to its records to NRC, to the extent required to determine whether it is in compliance with the Act and these regulations. [52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) NRC will provide written notice to each recipient of its obligations under the Act and these regulations, including its obligation under paragraph (b) of this section. (b) Where a recipient makes available Federal financial assistance from NRC to a subrecipient, the recipient shall provide the subrecipient written notice of the subrecipient's obligations under the Act and these regulations. (c) NRC will provide technical assistance, where necessary, to recipients to aid them in complying with the Act and these regulations. (d) NRC will make available educational materials which set forth the rights and obligations of recipients and beneficiaries under the Act and these regulations. Each recipient shall: (a) Make available upon request to NRC information necessary to determine whether the recipient is complying with the Act and these regulations. (b) Permit reasonable access by NRC to the recipient's books, records, accounts, facilities, and other sources of information to the extent necessary to determine whether the recipient is in compliance with the Act and these regulations. (a) NRC may conduct compliance reviews and preaward reviews of recipients or use other similar procedures that will permit it to investigate and correct violations of the Act and these regulations. NRC may conduct these reviews even in absence of a complaint against a recipient. The review may be as comprehensive as necessary to determine whether a violation of these regulations has occurred. (b) If a compliance review or preaward review indicates a violation of the Act or these regulations, NRC will attempt to achieve voluntary compliance with the Act. If voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, NRC will arrange for enforcement as described in §4.336. (a) Any person, individually or as a member of a class or on behalf of others, may file a complaint with NRC, alleging discrimination prohibited by the Act or these regulations based on an action occurring on or after July 1, 1979. A complainant shall file a complaint within 180 days from the date the complainant first had knowledge of the alleged act of discrimination. However, for good cause shown, NRC may extend this time limit. (b) NRC will attempt to facilitate the filing of complaints wherever possible, including taking the following measures: (1) Accepting a complaint as sufficient for further processing that— (i) Is made in writing; (ii) Alleges a violation of the Act; (iii) Identifies the parties involved and the date the complainant first had knowledge of the alleged violation; (iv) Describes generally the action or practice complained of; and (v) Is signed by the complainant. (2) Freely permitting a complainant to add information to the complaint to meet the requirements of a sufficient complaint. (3) Notifying the complainant and the recipient of their rights and obligations under the complaint procedure, including the right to have a representative at all stages of the complaint procedures. (4) Notifying the complainant and the recipient (or their representatives) of their right to contact NRC for information and assistance regarding the complaint resolution process. (c) Each recipient and complainant shall participate actively in efforts toward speedy resolution of the complaint. (d) NRC will return to the complainant any complaint outside the jurisdiction of these regulations, and will state the reason(s) why it is outside the jurisdiction of these regulations. (a) Referral of complaints for mediation. NRC will refer to a mediation agency designated by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services all complaints that— (1) Fall within the jurisdiction of the Act and these regulations; and (2) Contain all information necessary for further processing. (b) Both the complainant and the recipient shall participate in the mediation process to the extent necessary to reach an agreement or make an informed judgment that an agreement is not possible. There must be at least one meeting with the mediator before NRC will accept a judgment that an agreement is not possible. However, the recipient and the complainant need not meet with the mediator at the same time. (c) If the complainant and the recipient reach an agreement, the mediator shall prepare a written statement of the agreement and have the complainant and recipient sign it. The mediator shall send a copy of the agreement to NRC. NRC will take no further action on the complaint unless the complainant or recipient fails to comply with the agreement. (d) The mediator shall protect the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of the mediation process. No mediator shall testify in any adjudicative proceeding, produce any document, or otherwise disclose any information obtained in the course of the mediation process without prior approval of the head of the agency appointing the mediator. (e) NRC will use the mediation process for a maximum of 60 days after receiving a complaint. Mediation ends if— (1) From the time NRC receives the complaint 60 days elapse; or (2) Prior to the end of that 60-day period, the mediator determines an agreement is reached; or (3) Prior to the end of that 60-day period, the mediator determines that an agreement cannot be reached. (f) The mediator shall return unresolved complaints to NRC. (a) Informal investigation. (1) NRC will investigate complaints that are unresolved after mediation or are reopened because of a violation of a mediation agreement. (2) As part of the initial investigation, NRC will use informal fact-finding methods, including joint or separate discussions with the complaint and recipient to establish the facts and, if possible, settle the complaint on terms that are mutually agreeable to the parties. NRC may seek the assistance of any involved State agency. (3) NRC will put any agreement in writing and have it signed by the parties and an authorized official at NRC. (4) The settlement shall not affect the operation of any other enforcement effort of NRC, including compliance reviews and investigation of other complaints which may involve the recipient. (5) Settlement of a complaint under this section will not constitute a finding of discrimination by the NRC against a recipient or an admission of discrimination by the recipient. (b) Formal investigation. If NRC cannot resolve the complaint through informal investigation, it will begin to develop formal findings through further investigation of the complaint. If the investigation indicates a violation of these regulations, NRC will attempt to obtain voluntary compliance. If NRC cannot obtain voluntary compliance, it will begin enforcement as described in §4.336. [52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] A recipient may not engage in acts of intimidation or retaliation against any person who— (a) Attempts to assert a right protected by the Act or these regulations; or (b) Cooperates in any mediation, investigation, hearing, or other part of NRC's investigation, conciliation, and enforcement process. (a) NRC may enforce the Act and these regulations through— (1) Termination of a recipient's Federal financial assistance from NRC under the program or activity involved where the recipient has violated the Act or these regulations. The determination of the recipient's violation may be made only after a recipient has had an opportunity for a hearing on the record before an administrative law judge. Therefore, cases that are settled in mediation, or prior to a hearing, will not involve termination of a recipient's Federal fiancial assistance from NRC. (2) Any other means authorized by law including but not limited to— (i) Referral to the Department of Justice for proceedings to enforce any rights of the United States or obligations of the recipients created by the Act or these regulations. (ii) Use of any requirement of or referral to any Federal, State, or local government agency that will have the effect of correcting a violation of the Act or these regulations. (b) NRC will limit any termination under §4.336(a)(1) to the particular recipient and particular program or activity NRC finds in violation of Act or these regulations. NRC will not base any part of a termination on a finding with respect to any program or activity of the recipient that does not receive Federal financial assistance from NRC. (c) NRC will take no action under paragraph (a) until— (1) The Commission, or designee, has advised the recipient of its failure to comply with the Act or these regulations and has determined that voluntary compliance cannot be obtained. (2) 30 days have elapsed after the Commission, or designee, has sent a written report of the circumstances and grounds of the action to the committees of the Congress having legislative jurisdiction over the program or activity involved. A report will be filed whenever any action is taken under paragraph (a) of this section. (d) NRC also may defer granting new Federal financial assistance to a recipient when termination proceedings under §4.336(a)(1) are initiated. (1) New Federal financial assistance includes all assistance for which NRC requires an application or approval, including renewal or continuation of existing activities or authorization of new activities, during the deferral period. New Federal financial assistance does not include increases in funding as a result of change computation of formula awards or assistance approved prior to the beginning of termination proceedings under §4.336(a)(1). (2) NRC will not begin a deferral until the recipient has received a notice of an opportunity for a hearing under §4.336(a)(1). NRC will not continue a deferral for more than 60 days unless a hearing has begun within that time or the time for beginning the hearings has been extended by mutual consent of the recipient and NRC. NRC will not continue a deferral for more than 30 days after the close of the hearing, unless the hearing results in a finding against the recipient. [52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] Certain NRC procedural provisions applicable to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 apply to NRC enforcement of these regulations. They are §§4.61 through 4.64 and §§4.71 through 4.75. (a) Where NRC finds a recipient has discriminated on the basis of age, the recipient shall take any remedial action that NRC may require to overcome the effects of the discrimination. If another recipient exercises control over the recipient that has discriminated, NRC may require both recipients to take remedial action. (b) Even in the absence of a finding of discrimination, a recipient may take affirmative action to overcome the effects of conditions that resulted in limited participation in the recipient's program or activity on the basis of age. (c) If a recipient, operating a program that serves the elderly or children in addition to persons of other ages, provides special benefits to the elderly or to children, the provision of those benefits shall be presumed to be voluntary affirmative action provided that it does not have the effect of excluding otherwise eligible persons from participation in the program or activity. [52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) When NRC withholds funds from a recipient under these regulations, the Commission, or designee, may disburse the withheld funds directly to an alternate recipient, any public or nonprofit private organization or agency, or State or political subdivision of the State. (b) Any alternative recipient will be required to demonstrate— (1) The ability to comply with these regulations; and (2) The ability to achieve the goals of the Federal statute authorizing the Federal financial assistance. [52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] (a) A complainant may file a civil action following the exhaustion of administrative remedies under the Act. Administrative remedies are exhausted if— (1) 180 days have elapsed since the complainant filed the complaint and NRC has made no finding with regard to the complaint; or (2) NRC issues any finding in favor of the recipient. (b) If NRC fails to make a finding within 180 days or issues a finding in favor of the recipient, NRC will— (1) Promptly advise the complainant; and (2) Advise the complainant of his or her right to bring a civil action under section 305(e) of the Act of injunctive relief that will effect the purposes of the Act; and (3) Inform the complainant that— (i) The complainant may bring a civil action only in a United States District Court for the district in which the recipient is found or transacts business; (ii) A complainant prevailing in a civil action has the right to be awarded the costs of the action, including reasonable attorney's fees, but that the complainant must demand these costs in the complaint; (iii) That before commencing the action, the complainant shall give 30 days notice by registered mail to the Commission, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Attorney General of the United States, and the recipient; (iv) The notice must state the relief requested, the court in which the complainant is bringing the action, and whether or not attorney's fees are demanded in the event the complainant prevails; and (v) The complainant may not bring an action if the same alleged violation of the Act by the same recipient is the subject of pending action in any court of the United States. The NRC shall submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, not later than December 31 of each year, a report which— (a) Describes in detail the steps taken during the preceding fiscal year to carry out the Act; and (b) Contains data on the frequency, type, and resolution of complaints and on any compliance reviews, sufficient to permit analysis of the agency's progress in reducing age discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from NRC; and (c) Contains data directly relevant to the extent of any pattern or practice of age discrimination which NRC has identified in any programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from NRC and to progress toward eliminating it; and (d) Contains evaluative or interpretative information which NRC determines is useful in analyzing agency progress in reducing age discrimination in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance from NRC; and (e) Contains whatever other data the Secretary of HHS may require. [52 FR 25358, July 7, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 51345, Aug. 26, 2003] Source: 51 FR 22888, 22896, June 23, 1986, unless otherwise noted.
This part effectuates section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which amended section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies or the United States Postal Service. This part applies to all programs or activities conducted by the agency. For purposes of this part, the term— Assistant Attorney General means the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, United States Department of Justice. Auxiliary aids means services or devices that enable persons with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills to have an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, programs or activities conducted by the agency. For example, auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired vision include readers, brailled materials, audio recordings, telecommunications devices and other similar services and devices. Auxiliary aids useful for persons with impaired hearing include telephone handset amplifiers, telephones compatible with hearing aids, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD's), interpreters, notetakers, written materials, and other similar services and devices. Complete complaint means a written statement that contains the complainant's name and address and describes the agency's alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the agency of the nature and date of the alleged violation of section 504. It shall be signed by the complainant or by someone authorized to do so on his or her behalf. Complaints filed on behalf of classes or third parties shall describe or identify (by name, if possible) the alleged victims of discrimination. Facility means all or any portion of buildings, structures, equipment, roads, walks, parking lots, rolling stock or other conveyances, or other real or personal property. Handicapped person means any person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment. As used in this definition, the phrase: (1) Physical or mental impairment includes— (i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or (ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term “physical or mental impairment” includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, and drug addiction and alcoholism. (2) Major life activities includes functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working. (3) Has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. (4) Is regarded as having an impairment means— (i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but is treated by the agency as constituting such a limitation; (ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or (iii) Has none of the impairments defined in paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the agency as having such an impairment. Historic preservation programs means programs conducted by the agency that have preservation of historic properties as a primary purpose. Historic properties means those properties that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or properties designated as historic under a statute of the appropriate State or local government body. Qualified handicapped person means— (1) With respect to preschool, elementary, or secondary education services provided by the agency, a handicapped person who is a member of a class of persons otherwise entitled by statute, regulation, or agency policy to receive education services from the agency. (2) With respect to any other agency program or activity under which a person is required to perform services or to achieve a level of accomplishment, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements and who can achieve the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the agency can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in its nature; (3) With respect to any other program or activity, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity; and (4) Qualified handicapped person is defined for purposes of employment in 29 CFR 1613.702(f), which is made applicable to this part by §4.540. Section 504 means section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Pub. L. 93–112, 87 Stat. 394 (29 U.S.C. 794)), as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974 (Pub. L. 93–516, 88 Stat. 1617), and the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978 (Pub. L. 95–602, 92 Stat. 2955). As used in this part, section 504 applies only to programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies and not to federally assisted programs. Substantial impairment means a significant loss of the integrity of finished materials, design quality, or special character resulting from a permanent alteration. (a) The agency shall, by August 24, 1987, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part, and, to the extent modification of any such policies and practices is required, the agency shall proceed to make the necessary modifications. (b) The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, to participate in the self-evaluation process by submitting comments (both oral and written). (c) The agency shall, until three years following the completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspection: (1) A description of areas examined and any problems identified, and (2) A description of any modifications made. The agency shall make available to employees, applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such information regarding the provisions of this part and its applicability to the programs or activities conducted by the agency, and make such information available to them in such manner as the head of the agency finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this regulation. (a) No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency. (b)(1) The agency, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of handicap— (i) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service; (ii) Afford a qualified handicapped person an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others; (iii) Provide a qualified handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others; (iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others; (v) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or (vi) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service. (2) The agency may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in programs or activities that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities. (3) The agency may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangments, utilize criteria or methods of administration the purpose or effect of which would— (i) Subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap; or (ii) Defeat or substantially impair accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to handicapped persons. (4) The agency may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would— (i) Exclude handicapped persons from, deny them the benefits of, or otherwise subject them to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency; or (ii) Defeat or substantially impair the accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to handicapped persons. (5) The agency, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap. (6) The agency may not administer a licensing or certification program in a manner that subjects qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap, nor may the agency establish requirements for the programs or activities of licensees or certified entities that subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap. However, the programs or activities of entities that are licensed or certified by the agency are not, themselves, covered by this part. (c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to handicapped persons or the exclusion of a specific class of handicapped persons from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of handicapped persons is not prohibited by this part. (d) The agency shall administer programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified handicapped persons. No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the agency. The definitions, requirements, and procedures of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), as established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613, shall apply to employment in federally conducted programs or activities. Except as otherwise provided in §4.550, no qualified handicapped person shall, because the agency's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency. (a) General. The agency shall operate each program or activity so that the program or activity, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. This paragraph does not— (1) Necessarily require the agency to make each of its existing facilities accessible to and usable by handicapped persons; (2) In the case of historic preservation programs, require the agency to take any action that would result in a substantial impairment of significant historic features of an historic property; or (3) Require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with §4.550(a) would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that handicapped persons receive the benefits and services of the program or activity. (b) Methods—(1) General. The agency may comply with the requirements of this section through such means as redesign of equipment, reassignment of services to accessible buildings, assignment of aides to beneficiaries, home visits, delivery of services at alternate accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and construction of new facilities, use of accessible rolling stock, or any other methods that result in making its programs or activities readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. The agency is not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with this section. The agency, in making alterations to existing buildings, shall meet accessibility requirements to the extent compelled by the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151–4157), and any regulations implementing it. In choosing among available methods for meeting the requirements of this section, the agency shall give priority to those methods that offer programs and activities to qualified handicapped persons in the most integrated setting appropriate. (2) Historic preservation programs. In meeting the requirements of §4.550(a) in historic preservation programs, the agency shall give priority to methods that provide physical access to handicapped persons. In cases where a physical alteration to an historic property is not required because of §4.550(a)(2) or (a)(3), alternative methods of achieving program accessibility include— (i) Using audio-visual materials and devices to depict those portions of an historic property that cannot otherwise be made accessible; (ii) Assigning persons to guide handicapped persons into or through portions of historic properties that cannot otherwise be made accessible; or (iii) Adopting other innovative methods. (c) Time period for compliance. The agency shall comply with the obligations established under this section by October 21, 1986, except that where structural changes in facilities are undertaken, such changes shall be made by August 22, 1989, but in any event as expeditiously as possible. (d) Transition plan. In the event that structural changes to facilities will be undertaken to achieve program accessibility, the agency shall develop, by February 23, 1987 a transition plan setting forth the steps necessary to complete such changes. The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, to participate in the development of the transition plan by submitting comments (both oral and written). A copy of the transition plan shall be made available for public inspection. The plan shall, at a minimum— (1) Identify physical obstacles in the agency's facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to handicapped persons; (2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible; (3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance with this section and, if the time period of the transition plan is longer than one year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and (4) Indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan. Each building or part of a building that is constructed or altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of the agency shall be designed, constructed, or altered so as to be readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. The definitions, requirements, and standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151–4157), as established in 41 CFR 101–19.600 to 101–19.607, apply to buildings covered by this section. (a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public. (1) The agency shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to afford a handicapped person an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity conducted by the agency. (i) In determining what type of auxiliary aid is necessary, the agency shall give primary consideration to the requests of the handicapped person. (ii) The agency need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature. (2) Where the agency communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf person (TDD's) or equally effective telecommunication systems shall be used. (b) The agency shall ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities. (c) The agency shall provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The international symbol for accessibility shall be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility. (d) This section does not require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and adminstrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with §4.560 would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity, and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action required to comply with this section would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maximum extent possible, handicapped persons receive the benefits and services of the program or activity. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this section applies to all allegations of discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by the agency. (b) The agency shall process complaints alleging violations of section 504 with respect to employment according to the procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613 pursuant to section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791). (c) The Civil Rights Program Manager, Office of Small Business and Civil Rights, shall be responsible for coordinating implementation of this section. Complaints should be sent to the NRC using an appropriate method listed in §4.5. (d) The agency shall accept and investigate all complete complaints for which it has jurisdiction. All complete complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The agency may extend this time period for good cause. (e) If the agency receives a complaint over which it does not have jurisdiction, it shall promptly notify the complainant and shall make reasonable efforts to refer the complaint to the appropriate government entity. (f) The agency shall notify the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board upon receipt of any complaint alleging that a building or facility that is subject to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151–4157), or section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 792), is not readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. (g) Within 180 days of the receipt of a complete complaint for which it has jurisdiction, the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing— (1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law; (2) A description of a remedy for each violation found; and (3) A notice of the right to appeal. (h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant within 90 days of receipt from the agency of the letter required by §4.570(g). The agency may extend this time for good cause. (i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the head of the agency. (j) The head of the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 60 days of the receipt of the request. If the head of the agency determines that additional information is needed from the complainant, he or she shall have 60 days from the date of receipt of the additional information to make his or her determination on the appeal. (k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended with the permission of the Assistant Attorney General. (l) The agency may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies, except that the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency. [51 FR 22888, 22896, June 23, 1986, as amended at 68 FR 58799, Oct. 10, 2003] 1 Categories of assistance may be added to appendix A from time to time by notice published in the (a) Conferences on regulatory programs. Agreements for financial assistance to State officials, without full-cost recovery, for visits to NRC facilities and offices or to other locations to confer on regulatory programs and related matters. (b) Orientation and instruction. Agreements for assistance to State and local officials, without full-cost recovery, to receive orientation and on-the-job instruction at NRC facilities and offices. (c) Courses in fundamentals of radiation. Agreements for the conduct of courses for State and local employees, without full-cost recovery, in fundamentals of radiation and radiation protection. (d) Participation in meetings and conferences. Agreements for participation, without full-cost recovery, in meetings, conferences, workshops, and symposia to assist scientific, professional or educational institutions or groups. (e) Research Support. Agreements for the financial support of basic and applied scientific research and for the exchange of scientific information. [29 FR 19277, Dec. 31, 1964, as amended at 38 FR 17929, July 5, 1973; 40 FR 8778, Mar. 3, 1975; 45 FR 14539, Mar. 6, 1980; 52 FR 25361, July 7, 1987]
Title 10: Energy
PART 4—NONDISCRIMINATION IN FEDERALLY ASSISTED PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE COMMISSION
Section Contents
General Provisions
§ 4.1 Purpose and scope.
§ 4.2 Subparts.
§ 4.3 Application of this part.
§ 4.4 Definitions.
§ 4.5 Communications and reports.
§ 4.6 Maintenance of records.
§ 4.8 Information collection requirements: OMB approval.
Discrimination Prohibited
§ 4.11 General prohibition.
§ 4.12 Specific discriminatory actions prohibited.
§ 4.13 Employment practices.
§ 4.14 Medical emergencies.
Assurances Required
§ 4.21 General requirements.
§ 4.22 Continuing Federal financial assistance.
§ 4.24 Assurances from institutions.
Compliance Information
§ 4.31 Cooperation and assistance.
§ 4.32 Compliance reports.
§ 4.33 Access to sources of information.
§ 4.34 Information to beneficiaries and participants.
Conduct of Investigations
§ 4.41 Periodic compliance reviews.
§ 4.42 Complaints.
§ 4.43 Investigations.
§ 4.44 Resolution of matters.
§ 4.45 Intimidatory or retaliatory acts prohibited.
Means of Effecting Compliance
§ 4.46 Means available.
§ 4.47 Noncompliance with §4.21.
§ 4.48 Termination of or refusal to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance.
§ 4.49 Other means authorized by law.
Opportunity for Hearing
§ 4.51 Notice of opportunity for hearing.
Hearings and Findings
§ 4.61 Presiding officer.
§ 4.62 Right to counsel.
§ 4.63 Procedures, evidence, and record.
§ 4.64 Consolidated or joint hearings.
Decision and Notice
§ 4.71 Initial decision or certification.
§ 4.72 Exceptions and final decision.
§ 4.73 Rulings required.
§ 4.74 Content of orders.
§ 4.75 Post termination proceedings.
Judicial Review
§ 4.81 Judicial review.
Effect on Other Regulations; Forms and Instructions
§ 4.91 Effect on other regulations.
§ 4.92 Forms and instructions.
§ 4.93 Supervision and coordination.
§ 4.101 Definitions.
Discriminatory Practices
§ 4.121 General prohibitions against discrimination.
§ 4.122 General prohibitions against employment discrimination.
§ 4.123 Reasonable accommodation.
§ 4.124 Employment criteria.
§ 4.125 Preemployment inquiries.
§ 4.126 General requirement concerning accessibility.
§ 4.127 Existing facilities.
§ 4.128 New construction.
Enforcement
§ 4.231 Responsibility of applicants and recipients.
§ 4.232 Notice.
§ 4.233 Enforcement procedures.
General
§ 4.301 Purpose and scope.
§ 4.302 Application of this subpart.
§ 4.303 Definitions.
Standards for Determining Age Discrimination
§ 4.311 Rules against age discrimination.
§ 4.312 Definitions of “normal operation” and “statutory objective”.
§ 4.313 Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination. Normal operation or statutory objective of any program or activity.
§ 4.314 Exceptions to the rule against age discrimination. Reasonable factors other than age.
§ 4.315 Burden of proof.
Duties of NRC Recipients
§ 4.321 Assurance of compliance.
§ 4.322 Written notice, technical assistance, and educational materials.
§ 4.324 Information requirements.
Investigation, Conciliation, and Enforcement Procedures
§ 4.331 Compliance reviews.
§ 4.332 Complaints.
§ 4.333 Mediation.
§ 4.334 Investigation.
§ 4.335 Prohibition against intimidation or retaliation.
§ 4.336 Compliance procedure.
§ 4.337 Hearings, decisions, post-termination proceedings.
§ 4.338 Remedial and affirmative action by recipients.
§ 4.339 Alternate funds disbursal procedure.
§ 4.340 Exhaustion of administrative remedies.
§ 4.341 Reports.
§ 4.501 Purpose.
§ 4.502 Application.
§ 4.503 Definitions.
§§ 4.504-4.509 [Reserved]
§ 4.510 Self-evaluation.
§ 4.511 Notice.
§§ 4.512-4.529 [Reserved]
§ 4.530 General prohibitions against discrimination.
§§ 4.531-4.539 [Reserved]
§ 4.540 Employment.
§§ 4.541-4.548 [Reserved]
§ 4.549 Program accessibility: Discrimination prohibited.
§ 4.550 Program accessibility: Existing facilities.
§ 4.551 Program accessibility: New construction and alterations.
§§ 4.552-4.559 [Reserved]
§ 4.560 Communications.
§§ 4.561-4.569 [Reserved]
§ 4.570 Compliance procedures.
§§ 4.571-4.999 [Reserved]
Appendix A to Part 4—Federal Financial Assistance to Which This Part Applies1
General Provisions
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§ 4.1 Purpose and scope.
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§ 4.2 Subparts.
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§ 4.3 Application of this part.
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§ 4.4 Definitions.
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§ 4.5 Communications and reports.
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§ 4.6 Maintenance of records.
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§ 4.8 Information collection requirements: OMB approval.
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Subpart A—Regulations Implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IV of the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974
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Discrimination Prohibited
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§ 4.11 General prohibition.
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§ 4.12 Specific discriminatory actions prohibited.
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§ 4.13 Employment practices.
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§ 4.14 Medical emergencies.
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Assurances Required
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§ 4.21 General requirements.
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§ 4.22 Continuing Federal financial assistance.
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§ 4.24 Assurances from institutions.
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Compliance Information
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§ 4.31 Cooperation and assistance.
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§ 4.32 Compliance reports.
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§ 4.33 Access to sources of information.
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§ 4.34 Information to beneficiaries and participants.
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Conduct of Investigations
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§ 4.41 Periodic compliance reviews.
top
§ 4.42 Complaints.
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§ 4.43 Investigations.
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§ 4.44 Resolution of matters.
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§ 4.45 Intimidatory or retaliatory acts prohibited.
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Means of Effecting Compliance
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§ 4.46 Means available.
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§ 4.47 Noncompliance with §4.21.
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§ 4.48 Termination of or refusal to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance.
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§ 4.49 Other means authorized by law.
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Opportunity for Hearing
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§ 4.51 Notice of opportunity for hearing.
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Hearings and Findings
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§ 4.61 Presiding officer.
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§ 4.62 Right to counsel.
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§ 4.63 Procedures, evidence, and record.
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§ 4.64 Consolidated or joint hearings.
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Decision and Notice
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§ 4.71 Initial decision or certification.
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§ 4.72 Exceptions and final decision.
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§ 4.73 Rulings required.
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§ 4.74 Content of orders.
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§ 4.75 Post termination proceedings.
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Judicial Review
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§ 4.81 Judicial review.
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Effect on Other Regulations; Forms and Instructions
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§ 4.91 Effect on other regulations.
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§ 4.92 Forms and instructions.
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§ 4.93 Supervision and coordination.
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Subpart B—Regulations Implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended
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§ 4.101 Definitions.
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Discriminatory Practices
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§ 4.121 General prohibitions against discrimination.
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§ 4.122 General prohibitions against employment discrimination.
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§ 4.123 Reasonable accommodation.
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§ 4.124 Employment criteria.
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§ 4.125 Preemployment inquiries.
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§ 4.126 General requirement concerning accessibility.
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§ 4.127 Existing facilities.
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§ 4.128 New construction.
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Enforcement
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§ 4.231 Responsibility of applicants and recipients.
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§ 4.232 Notice.
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§ 4.233 Enforcement procedures.
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Subpart C—Regulations Implementing the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as Amended
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General
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§ 4.301 Purpose and scope.
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§ 4.302 Application of this subpart.
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§ 4.303 Definitions.
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Standards for Determining Age Discrimination
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§ 4.311 Rules against age discrimination.
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§ 4.312 Definitions of “normal operation” and “statutory objective”.
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§ 4.313 Exceptions to the rules against age discrimination. Normal operation or statutory objective of any program or activity.
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§ 4.314 Exceptions to the rule against age discrimination. Reasonable factors other than age.
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§ 4.315 Burden of proof.
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Duties of NRC Recipients
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§ 4.321 Assurance of compliance.
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§ 4.322 Written notice, technical assistance, and educational materials.
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§ 4.324 Information requirements.
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Investigation, Conciliation, and Enforcement Procedures
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§ 4.331 Compliance reviews.
top
§ 4.332 Complaints.
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§ 4.333 Mediation.
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§ 4.334 Investigation.
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§ 4.335 Prohibition against intimidation or retaliation.
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§ 4.336 Compliance procedure.
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§ 4.337 Hearings, decisions, post-termination proceedings.
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§ 4.338 Remedial and affirmative action by recipients.
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§ 4.339 Alternate funds disbursal procedure.
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§ 4.340 Exhaustion of administrative remedies.
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§ 4.341 Reports.
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Subpart D [Reserved]
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Subpart E—Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Programs or Activities Conducted by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
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§ 4.501 Purpose.
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§ 4.502 Application.
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§ 4.503 Definitions.
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§§ 4.504-4.509 [Reserved]
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§ 4.510 Self-evaluation.
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§ 4.511 Notice.
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§§ 4.512-4.529 [Reserved]
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§ 4.530 General prohibitions against discrimination.
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§§ 4.531-4.539 [Reserved]
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§ 4.540 Employment.
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§§ 4.541-4.548 [Reserved]
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§ 4.549 Program accessibility: Discrimination prohibited.
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§ 4.550 Program accessibility: Existing facilities.
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§ 4.551 Program accessibility: New construction and alterations.
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§§ 4.552-4.559 [Reserved]
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§ 4.560 Communications.
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§§ 4.561-4.569 [Reserved]
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§ 4.570 Compliance procedures.
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§§ 4.571-4.999 [Reserved]
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Appendix A to Part 4—Federal Financial Assistance to Which This Part Applies1
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