1C02-Medical Use of Byproduct Material: Radiation Safety Regulations

Anthony Tse, PhD

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates the Nation’s civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials.  NRC’s responsibilities cover safety and security in nuclear power plants, fuel cycle facilities, and use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear materials in industries, universities, and medical practices.  NRC accomplishes its mission through rulemaking, licensing, inspection, enforcement, and open and clear communications.

In hospitals or clinics, NRC regulates activities involving byproduct and source materials, but not machines that electronically produce radiation or accelerator-produced radioactive materials.  NRC’s regulation, 10 CFR Part 35, specifies administrative requirements (e.g., recordkeeping, reporting) and technical requirements (e.g., safety procedures, full calibration measurements).  In addition, the licensees are required to comply with other Parts in 10 CFR, such as Part 20, “Standards for Protection Against Radiation.”

NRC also authorizes physician users, nuclear pharmacists, medical physicists, and radiation safety officers; and recognizes certifications from certain specialty boards as evidence to demonstrate that the individual’s training and experience meet NRC requirements.  NRC is revising regulations on training and experience.  A proposed rule was published on December 9, 2003.  The proposed requirements will be discussed.