Section R12-1-721. Training for Imaging and Localization Studies Not Requiring a Written Directive

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 200 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 700 hours of training and experience in basic radionuclide handling techniques and radiation safety applicable to the medical use of unsealed radioactive material for imaging and localization studies as described in subsection (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 this Chapter and R12-1-723, NRC, or equivalent Agreement State requirements; or

3.        Has completed  700 hours of training and  experience, including a minimum of 80 hours of classroom and labo- ratory training, in basic radionuclide handling techniques applicable to the medical use of unsealed  radioactive material for imaging and localization studies. The train- ing 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 R12-1- 710, R12-1-721, or R12-1-723 and R12-1- 721(A)(3)(b)(vii), 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

vii.     Eluting generator systems appropriate for preparation of radioactive drugs for imaging and localization studies, measuring and testing the elate for radionuclide purity, and processing the elate with reagent kits to prepare labeled radioactive drugs; and,

c.         Has obtained written attestation, signed by a precep- tor authorized user who meets the requirements as an authorized user for Exhibit A group 200 nuclides, 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.

Historical Note

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).