Licensing and safety

This section provides an overview of the key individuals involved in a RAM license, specifically the authorized users (AUs) and radiation safety officer (RSO), detailing their responsibilities and requirements for certification.

Radiation safety officer

An RSO is responsible for overseeing the safe use of radioactive materials in an RLT facility, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining radiation safety programs.¹

The key responsibilities, qualifications needed, and certification methods for the RSO are outlined below.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the RSO include¹:

• Safe handling and use: Ensuring that RAM is handled and used safely in accordance with federal and state requirements and the facility's RAM license
• Radiation safety program: Overseeing and holding primary responsibility for the facility's radiation protection program
• Training: Completing radiation safety training to understand the hazards associated with all RAMs listed on license
• Authority: Holding independent authority to stop operations deemed unsafe
• Incident reporting: Reporting incidents and medical events to regulatory authorities as part of the licensee's radiation protection program

RSO certification

For an RLT program, the RSO is often an authorized individual or an AU.² The RSO may be on-site or remote.¹

Training and experience

See training and experience requirements from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in § 35.50

Recognized board certificates

The NRC maintains a list of medical specialty boards whose certification process have been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State.³ See board certifications that meet training requirements for an RSO for the medical use of RAM.

Certification methods

There are various methods that can result in an RSO certification, depending on the candidates' qualifications, experience, and role⁴:

1. Board certification: Providing a certification from an approved board
2. Authorization expansion: Requesting authorization for additional medical uses as a currently authorized RSO
3. Existing AU authorization: Requesting RSO authorization as an existing AU
4. Simultaneous application: Applying to become both an RSO and AU at the same time
5. Structured educational program: Completing a structured educational program, supported by preceptor attestation to demonstrate competence

Recentness of training

Training and experience, including board certification, must have been obtained within the 7 years preceding the date of RSO application.⁴

To apply to the NRC to become the RSO for an RLT program, see NRC Form 313A (RSO)