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Radiation Control and Patient Safety

Discussion

Historically, the states have played a primary role in the regulation of radiation used in medicine.  The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) provides regulatory authority for all radionuclides generated from nuclear reactors.  In medicine, reactor-generated radionuclides are used in nuclear medicine and radiation therapy services.  Thirty-three states have entered into agreements with the NRC whereby they have promulgated their own regulations similar to those of the NRC to regulate radionuclides from reactors.  These states are referred to as Agreement States.  The other states are referred to as Non-agreement States and facilities in these states are regulated by the NRC.  For ionizing radiation equipment, the states have assumed the lead typically developing regulations for the users of radiation equipment (see also Radiology Scope of Practice) and for the radiation emissions from that equipment. 

The states typically provide authorizing legislation to a radiation control office or branch of the Department of Health or the Department of the Environment.  These offices work with advisory committees (made up of consumer and professional interests) to promulgate regulations that assure that patients are receiving safe levels of radiation and are performed by qualified personnel.  The ACR has established a close working relationship with the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), an association of these professionals.  The ACR works with the CRCPD to balance the medical interests of patients with the mutual interest of radiation protection. 

ACR Position

• The ACR and its chapters are committed to working with the states to meet radiation protection and radiation control goals while assuring the best radiological care for patients.  
• The ACR supports efforts to minimize the effect of user fees on radiology facilities to offset budget deficits.  
• The ACR will work with its chapters and interested states to explore avenues for utilizing ACR accreditation to further patient safety and quality assurance goals. 

Contact

For further information on radiation control and patient safety, please click here or contact Ariel González at the ACR offices (800) 227-5463 ext. 4488.