Current News Archive

Cyndi Jones, NRC

On 16 July 2018, the final rule and guidance on "Medical Use of Byproduct Material—Medical Event Definitions, Training and Experience, and Clarifying Amendments" was published in the Federal Register. This final rule has several amendments to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) regulations related to the medical use of byproduct material, including:

• An amendment to the reporting and notification requirements for a medical event for permanent implant brachytherapy.
• An amendment to the training and experience (T&E) requirements to remove from multiple sections the requirement to obtain a written attestation for an individual who is certified by a specialty board whose certification process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State.
• An amendment to the requirements for measuring molybdenum contamination.
• The addition of a new requirement for the reporting of failed technetium and rubidium generators.
• The allowance of licensees to name associate radiation safety officers (ARSOs) on a medical license.
• The exemption of certain board-certified individuals from certain T&E requirements (i.e., "grandfather" these individuals).

As stated in the Federal Register, this rule goes into effect for NRC licensees on 14 January 2019. Agreement States have up to three years after this to comply.