[en] The MHTGR is an advanced reactor concept being developed under a cooperative program involving the U.S. Government, the nuclear industry, and the utilities. The design utilizes the basic HTGR features of ceramic fuel, helium coolant, and a graphite moderator. However, the specific size and configuration are selected to utilize the inherent characteristics of these materials to develop passive safety features that provide a significantly higher margin of safety than current generation reactors. The design meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Protective Action Guidelines at the site boundary, hence precluding the need for sheltering or evacuation of the public during any licensing basis event. This safe behavior is not dependent upon operator action and is insensitive to operator error. The MHTGR Licensing Plan agreed to with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is discussed with particular attention to the framework of the preapplication review. The objective and scope of each key document prepared for the NRC review is presented. A summary is provided of the safety response to events challenging the functions relied on to retain radionuclides within the coated fuel particles. The regulatory interaction process and results are discussed through the NRC staff, NRC contractor, and ACRS reviews. (author). 11 refs, 3 figs