AMA House of Delegates Advocates for Better Personal Protective Equipment Against Radiation

Delegates at the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates (HOD) interim meeting passed a resolution Nov. 12, to emphasize that all healthcare workers that provide imaging and therapeutic care utilizing ionizing radiation should have access to and wear optimal personal protective equipment (PPE). The resolution encourages public and private healthcare institutions to provide “readily available” PPE that “reduces exposure to as low as reasonably achievable” for employees of all genders and pregnancy statuses.

Additionally, the HOD called for interested parties to study whether additional safeguards are needed to ensure comprehensive protection from ionizing radiation, taking into account variations in body type and pregnancy status, and the specifics of the procedures being performed. The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) will continue to work with the American Association of Physicists in Medicine and other organizations to address this important radiation safety matter.

If you have questions or for more information, contact Dustin Gress, ACR Senior Advisor, Medical Physics, Quality and Safety.