ML20237E388
| ML20237E388 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 03/24/1998 |
| From: | Cool D NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | Kathren D AFFILIATION NOT ASSIGNED |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20237E385 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 9808310245 | |
| Download: ML20237E388 (2) | |
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UNITED STATES o
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March 24, 1998 j
l Ronald L. Kathern, President American Academy of Health Physics 1313 Dolley Madison Boulevard Suite 402 McLean, Virginia 22101
Dear Mr. Kathern:
. Thank you for your letter dated February 13,1998, in which you clarify the relationships between the Institute for Nuclear Medical Education, Inc. (INME), and the American Academy of Health Physics (AAHP), and the acceptance of continuing education credits.
You expressed concern that INME appears to be misleading its constituents by implying that AAHP has validated, accepted, endorsed or approved INME courses, for a specific number of hours, as indicated in INME's promotional materials. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)is well aware of the relationship of courses offered by various organizations'and their acceptance as continuing education credits by a certifying body. NRC also understands that it in no way means that an organization, such as AAHP, has reviewed and approved the courses.
You also indicated that possible safety and regulatory issues might occur from a misunderstanding of the INME-AAHP relationship involving continuing education credits, as "lNME courses are likely to be used by physicians seeking a license under the provisions of 10 CFR Part 35." NRC does not approve authorizations for physicians based only on continuing education credits associated with the completion of courses. Instead, NRC evaluates the physician's training and experience against the requirements in 10 CFR Part 35, including reviewing the number of hours of training, which includes classroom and laboratory training covering topics related to radiation safety and handling of radioactive material.
Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.
Sincerely,
/kW y
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Donald A. Cool, Director Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards l
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AMERICAN ACADEMY OF HEALTH PHYSICS I313 Dolley Madison Boulevard Suite 402 Mclean, g g 22101 Phone: (703)790-1745 FAX:(703) 790-2672 E-Mail: ahpburkmgt@aol.com 98 FEB 24 PHl2: 02 Ronald L Kathren, CHP,DEE P m Wort. M 8 Was@ State Universey 2710 universey ortve mend,wAmS2 -
February 13,1998 509475-5643 E-Malta rtethrentticty.WSU.edu Carl J. Paperiello, CHP Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Washington, D.C. 20555 Dear Dr. Paperiello; This letter is to clarify the relationships between the Institute for Nuclear Medical Education, Inc. (INME) and the American Academy of Health Physics (AAHP). As indicated by Enclosures 1-4, the AAHP Continuing Education Panel (CEP) granted 32 Continuing Education Credits to each of four INCE courses. For all four courses, a total of 128 Contir.uing Education Credits would thus accrue. This is contrary to INCE literature which indicates or implies 50 credits per course or 200 hours0.00231 days <br />0.0556 hours <br />3.306878e-4 weeks <br />7.61e-5 months <br /> CEU from AAHP (Enclosure 5,6).
AAHP Continuing Education Credits are applicable only to persons seeking renewal of certification previously granted by the American Board of Health Physics, an independent professional certification body whose sole sponsor is AAHP. Awarding of Continuing Education Credits by the CEP in no way implies or otherwise should be interpreted to mean that INCE is validated, accepted, endorsed or approved by AAHP, despite indications to the contrary in INME promotional materials and on their letterhead (Enclosure 6,7). Neither does it imply endorsement, approval, acceptance, validation, merit or lack of same with respect to the applicability or use of INCE courses with respect to the requirements put fortn in 10CFR35.
As indicated in Enclosure 7,INCE has declined to replace course completion certificates previously issued containing potentially misleading or erroneous information with respect to credits granted by AAHP. Considering that the INCE courses are likely to be used by physicians seeking license under the provisions of 10CFR35, the AAHP is concerned about l
possible safety and regulatory issues that might accrue from a misunderstanding of the INCE-AAHP relationship. While we in no way allege or imply any compromise of safety or of the regulatory processes, but merely wish to ensure that it is clearly understood that
' the AAHP has not and does not know endorse, validate, accept or approve the INCE, but has merely granted 32 AAHP Continuing Education Credits to specific INCE courses for ABHP decertification purposes.
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h February 13,1998
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. By copy of this letter, this information is also being provided' to the Office of State Programs for forwarding to agreement states. We would appreciate being informed of any actions or communications of your office with regard to this matter.
Sincerely yours, h
rc-Ronald L Kathren President c.
Richard L. Bangert, NRC Charles Hardin, CRCPD i
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