Press Release-03-158, NRC Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rule Changes to Specialty Medical Board Certification Criteria

Press Release-03-158: NRC Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rule Changes to Specialty Medical Board Certification Criteria

ML033380825
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Issue date:	12/04/2003
From:	Office of Public Affairs
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Press Release-03-158
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NRC NEWS U.S. NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION Office of Public Affairs Telephone: 301/415-8200 Washington, DC 20555-001 E-mail: opa@nrc.gov Web Site: http://www.nrc.gov/OPA No.03-158 December 4, 2003 NRC SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED RULE CHANGES TO SPECIALTY MEDICAL BOARD CERTIFICATION CRITERIA The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is requesting public comment on proposed changes to criteria used by the NRC and Agreement States to recognize certifications conferred by professional specialty boards on applicants for various medical radiation safety positions.

In a proposed rule to be published shortly in the Federal Register, the NRC lists several proposed changes to 10 CFR Part 35, Medical Use of Byproduct Material, based upon recommendations by the NRCs Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes (ACMUI). The proposed rule should make the process of recognizing boards by the NRC or Agreement States more efficient. (Thirty-three states have reached agreements with the NRC to regulate the medical and industrial uses of byproduct material.)

These proposed changes to the certification criteria, developed by the NRC and Agreement States in close consultation with the ACMUI, would continue to ensure the safe use of radioactive material by medical licensees while removing prescriptive requirements for recognition of board certifications. The proposed rule would provide the boards more latitude in making the determination that an individual is fully trained and capable of performing duties related to radiation safety. The revised requirements would include a degree from an accredited college or university, professional experience, passing an examination conducted by the specialty board, and specialized training. The specific degree level and amount of training and experience required would vary depending on the position.

A public comment period will remain open for 75 days following publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register. Comments may be submitted by post to Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, ATTN: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff; by fax to (301) 415-1101; or by electronic mail to SECY@nrc.gov. Comments may also be submitted online via the NRCs rulemaking web site at http://ruleforum.llnl.gov . All comments should include RIN 3150-AH19" in the subject line.