ML24031A126
| ML24031A126 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 02/21/2024 |
| From: | John Lubinski Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards |
| To: | Bandy U State of RI, Dept of Health |
| References | |
| Download: ML24031A126 (3) | |
Text
UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555-0001 Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH Interim Director of Health Rhode Island Department of Health 3 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908
SUBJECT:
PROGRAMMATIC SUSTAINABILITY OF THE RHODE ISLAND AGREEMENT STATE PROGRAM
Dear Utpala Bandy:
On January 1, 1980, former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy entered the State of Rhode Island into an Agreement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), pursuant to Section 274b.
of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. Under this Agreement, the State of Rhode Island committed to establish and maintain a radiation control program that adequately protects the health and safety of Rhode Islands citizens from the potential hazards associated with the use of radioactive materials. Section 23-1.3-2 of the State of Rhode Island General Laws states that the Director of Health shall designate a unit within the Department of Health as the state radiation control agency. The Radiological Health Program, within the Department of Health, has been designated as such.
The NRC maintains oversight of all Agreement State programs and conducts periodic reviews of Agreement States to ensure that public health and safety are adequately protected. The NRC uses the Integrated Materials Performance Evaluation Program (IMPEP) process to assess the radioactive materials licensing and inspection programs in Agreement States. Prior to the most recent IMPEP review which concluded on October 19, 2023 (Enclosure), Rhode Islands Radiological Health Program was challenged in maintaining an adequate and compatible program. As a result, the Radiological Health Program was subject to increased oversight by the NRC. However, as documented in the most recent review, the NRC determined Rhode Island has addressed all the previously noted performance deficiencies and has achieved an adequate and compatible program.
Experience from IMPEP reviews of Agreement State Programs has demonstrated that the maintenance and retention of qualified, motivated, and competent staff is one the most important aspects of a successful program. Typically, when performance weaknesses are identified during an IMPEP review, the root cause of the weakness relates to the programs staffing level or to the experience of the programs staff. While no concerns relative to the Radiological Health Programs staffing were identified during the most recent IMPEP review, recent trends have demonstrated the importance of adequately planning for staff turnover, both anticipated and unanticipated, to ensure long-term health and viability.
February 21, 2024
U. Bandy 2
The NRC appreciates your support in ensuring the Radiological Health Program has the necessary resources and structure to manage an effective Agreement State Program. I want to assure you that the NRC supports the objectives of the Rhode Island Agreement State Program and will continue to work closely with the Program. We appreciate your commitment to this effort.
Sincerely, John W. Lubinski, Director Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
Enclosure:
Rhode Island Final IMPEP report cc: Joseph Catalano, Chief Center for Health Facilities Regulation Alexander Hamm, RCPD Radiological Health Program Signed by Lubinski, John on 02/21/24
ML24031A126 OFFICE R1/DRSS NMSS/MSST NMSS NAME MFord KWilliams TClark for JLubinski DATE Jan 31, 2024 Feb 20, 2024 Feb 21, 2024