Section R12-1-719. Training for Uptake, Dilution, and Excretion Studies

A.      Except as provided in R12-1-710, the licensee shall require an

authorized user of unsealed radioactive material for the uses authorized under Group 100 to be a physician who:

1.        Is certified by a medical specialty board whose certifica- tion process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State and who meets the requirements in sub- section (A)(3). To have its certification process recog- nized, a specialty board shall require all candidates for certification to:

a.         Complete 60 hours of training and experience in basic radionuclide handling techniques and radiation safety applicable to the medical use of unsealed radioactive material for uptake, dilution, and excre- tion studies as described in subsection (A)(3); and

b.        Pass an examination, administered by diplomates of the specialty  board,  that assesses knowledge and competence in radiation safety, radionuclide han- dling, and quality control; or

2.        Is an authorized user under R12-1-721, R12-1-723, NRC, or equivalent Agreement State requirements; or

3.        Has completed 60 hours of training and experience, including a minimum of eight hours of classroom and laboratory training, in basic radionuclide handling tech- niques applicable to the medical use of unsealed radioac- tive material for uptake, dilution, and excretion studies. The training and experience must include:

a.         Classroom and laboratory training in the following areas:

i.         Radiation physics and instrumentation;

ii.        Radiation protection;

iii.      Mathematics pertaining to the use and measure- ment of radioactivity;

iv.       Chemistry of radioactive material for medical use; and

v.        Radiation biology; and

b.        Work experience, under the supervision of an autho- rized user who meets the requirements in this Arti- cle, NRC, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, involving:

i.         Ordering, receiving, and unpacking radioactive materials safely and performing the related radiation surveys;

ii.        Performing quality control procedures on instruments used to determine the activity of dosages and performing checks for proper operation of survey meters;

iii.      Calculating, measuring, and safely preparing patient or human research subject dosages;

iv.       Using administrative controls to prevent a med- ical event involving the use of unsealed radio- active material;

v.        Using procedures to contain spilled radioactive material safely and using proper decontamina- tion procedures; and

vi.       Administering dosages of radioactive drugs to patients or human research subjects; and

c.         Has obtained written attestation, signed by a precep- tor authorized user who meets the requirements of R12-1-710, R12-1-719, R12-1-721, or R12-1-723, NRC, or equivalent Agreement State requirements; that the individual has satisfactorily completed the requirements in subsection (A)(1) or (A)(3) and has achieved a level of competency sufficient to func- tion independently as an authorized user for the medical uses authorized under Exhibit A of this Article.

B.       The training and experience shall have been obtained within the seven years preceding the date of application or the indi- vidual shall have had related continuing education and experi- ence since the required training and experience was completed.

C.      Individuals who, under R12-1-710(B), need not comply with training requirements described in this Section may serve as preceptors for, and supervisors of, applicants seeking authori- zation on Agency licenses for the same uses for which these individuals are authorized.

Historical Note

New Section adopted by final rulemaking at 5 A.A.R. 1817, effective May 12, 1999 (Supp. 99-2). Section repealed; new Section made by final rulemaking at 13

A.A.R. 1217, effective May 5, 2007 (Supp. 07-1). Amended by final rulemaking at 20 A.A.R. 324, effective

March 8, 2014 (Supp. 14-1).