Section R12-1-725. Safety Instructions and Precautions for Brachytherapy Patients that Cannot be Released Under R12-1- 717

A.      In addition to the training requirements in Article 10, a licensee shall provide radiation safety instruction, initially and at least annually, to personnel caring for patients or human research subjects who are receiving brachytherapy and cannot be released under R12-1-717. To satisfy this requirement, the instruction shall be commensurate with the duties of the per- sonnel and include the:

1.        Size and appearance of the brachytherapy sources;

2.        Safe handling and shielding instructions;

3.        Patient or human research subject control;

4.        Visitor control, including both:

a.         Routine  visitation  of  hospitalized   individuals  in accordance with Article 4 of this Chapter,

b.        Visitation authorized in accordance with Article 4 of this Chapter, and

5.        Notification of the radiation safety officer, or his or her designee, and an authorized user if the patient or the human research subject has a medical emergency or dies.

B.       For each patient or human research subject who is receiving brachytherapy and cannot be released under R12-1-717, a licensee shall:

1.        Not quarter the patient or the human research subject in the same room as an individual who is not receiving brachytherapy;

2.        Visibly post the patient’s or human research subject’s room with a “Radioactive Materials” sign; and

3.        Note on the door or in the patient’s or human research subject’s chart where and how long visitors may stay in the patient’s or human research subject’s room.

C.      A licensee shall have applicable emergency response equip- ment available near each treatment room to respond to a source:

1.        Dislodged from the patient; and

2.        Lodged within the patient following removal of the source applicators.

D.      A licensee shall notify the radiation safety officer, or the RSO’s designee, and an authorized user as soon as possible if the patient or human research subject has a medical emergency or dies.

E.       A licensee shall record the instructions given under subsection

(A) and retain the records for three years after recording the instructions.

Historical Note

New Section made by final rulemaking at 13 A.A.R.

1217, effective May 5, 2007 (Supp. 07-1).