[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 213 (Thursday, November 2, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 65793-65798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-27940]
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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
10 CFR Part 35
RIN 3150-AF74
Medical Use of Byproduct Material--Speciality Boards and Medical
Speciality Boards: Solicitation
AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
ACTION: Solicitation.
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SUMMARY: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is beginning a new
process to recognize speciality boards and medical speciality boards
(whose diplomates would fulfill the training and experience
requirements for an authorized medical physicist, authorized nuclear
pharmacist, authorized user, and/or a Radiation Safety Officer) by
listing the boards on an NRC website instead of including the names of
boards in 10 CFR Part 35, ``Medical Use of Byproduct Material.'' The
NRC is taking this action in anticipation of a revision to its
regulations governing the medical use of byproduct material. Any board
that is interested in being recognized by the NRC should submit a
letter certifying that its certification process would meet the draft
final training and experience requirements for an authorized medical
physicist, authorized nuclear pharmacist, authorized user, and/or a
Radiation Safety Officer.
DATES: The solicitation process begins November 2, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Documents related to the proposed rule may be examined
through September 22, 2000, at the NRC Public Document Room and
electronically at http://ruleforum.llnl.gov. Beginning September 25,
2000, the NRC Public Document Room will be located at 11555 Rockville
Pike, Rockville, MD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sam Jones, Office of Nuclear Material
Safety
[[Page 65794]]
and Safeguards, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-
0001, (301) 415-6198, e-mail [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Discussion
The NRC is in the final stages of revising its medical use
regulations in 10 CFR Part 35, ``Medical Use of Byproduct Material.''
The proposed rule revising Part 35 was published August 13, 1998 (63 FR
43516). It is anticipated that the Commission will publish the final
rule in the Federal Register in Spring 2001 with an effective date 6
months after publication. As part of this revision, the regulatory text
would not include the names of the specific boards whose diplomates
automatically fulfill the training and experience requirements for an
authorized medical physicist, authorized nuclear pharmacist, authorized
user and a Radiation Safety Officer. Rather, the NRC will recognize
certification boards that require individuals to complete the training
and experience requirements specified in the regulatory text. This
change is being made to eliminate the need for a rulemaking each time a
board is added or deleted. Once recognized, the board's name will be
placed on the list of recognized boards to be maintained on the NRC
website. NRC expects to begin listing the names of boards on an NRC
website prior to the effective date of the final rule.
This document serves as notification to all speciality boards of
NRC's intent to initiate the recognition process immediately. If any
board is interested in being recognized by the NRC, the board should
submit a letter to Dr. Donald A. Cool, Director, Office of Nuclear
Material Safety and Safeguards, Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
Washington, DC 20555-0001. The letter should list each training and
experience section of the rule for which the board believes that their
diplomates should be deemed to have met the requirements. Section II
and Section III of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION should assist a board
in preparing its letter. Section II lists all training requirements for
which NRC plans to recognize board certification as meeting the
requirements. Section III is a copy of the draft final regulatory text
that lists the training and experience criteria for an authorized
medical physicist, authorized nuclear pharmacist, authorized user and a
Radiation Safety Officer.
The board's letter should clearly state that an individual must
have completed the training and experience required by a particular
section prior to receiving board certification. For example, if a board
would like to be recognized under 10 CFR 35.390. ``Training for use of
unsealed byproduct material for which a written directive is
required,'' the letter should state: ``(the name of the organization)
has reviewed 10 CFR 35.390 and has determined that our certification
process requires an individual to meet all the requirements in
paragraph (b) of this section prior to being certified by our board.''
The letter should be dated and signed by the chief executive of the
board.
II. Training Requirements for Which NRC Plans To Recognize Board
Certification
The following are the titles of the specific sections in the draft
final regulations that contain the specific training and experience
requirements for a Radiation Safety Officer, an authorized medical
physicist, authorized nuclear pharmacist, and authorized user:
35.50 Training for Radiation Safety Officer.
35.51 Training for an authorized medical physicist.
35.55 Training for an authorized nuclear pharmacist.
35.190 Training for uptake, dilution, and excretion studies.
35.290 Training for imaging and localization studies.
35.390 Training for use of unsealed byproduct material for which a
written directive is required.
35.392 Training for the oral administration of sodium iodide I-131
requiring a written directive in quantities less than or equal to
1.22 Gigabecquerels (33 millicuries).
35.394 Training for the oral administration of sodium iodide I-131
requiring a written directive in quantities greater than 1.22
Gigabecquerels (33 millicuries).
35.490 Training for use of manual brachytherapy sources.
35.491 Training for ophthalmic use of strontium-90.
35.590 Training for use of sealed sources for diagnosis.
35.690 Training for use of remote afterloader units, teletherapy
units, and gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units.
III. Draft Final Regulatory Text--Training and Experience
This section contains draft final regulatory text for the sections
listed under section II. This regulatory text is presented here for use
by boards that are interested in being recognized by NRC.
Section 35.50 Training for Radiation Safety Officer
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require an
individual fulfilling the responsibilities of the Radiation Safety
Officer as provided in Sec. 35.24 to be an individual who--
(a) Is certified by a specialty board whose certification
process includes all of the requirements in paragraph (b) of this
section and whose certification has been recognized by the
Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b)(1) Has completed a structured educational program consisting
of both:
(i) 200 hours of didactic training in the following areas--
(A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(B) Radiation protection;
(C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity;
(D) Radiation biology; and
(E) Radiation dosimetry; and
(ii) One year of full-time radiation safety experience under the
supervision of the individual identified as the Radiation Safety
Officer on a Commission or Agreement State license that authorizes
similar type(s) of use(s) of byproduct material involving the
following--
(A) Shipping, receiving, and performing related radiation
surveys;
(B) Using and performing checks for proper operation of
instruments used to determine the activity of dosages, survey
meters, and instruments used to measure radionuclides;
(C) Securing and controlling byproduct material;
(D) Using administrative controls to avoid mistakes in the
administration of byproduct material;
(E) Using procedures to prevent or minimize radioactive
contamination and using proper decontamination procedures;
(F) Using emergency procedures to control byproduct material;
and
(G) Disposing of byproduct material; and
(2) Has obtained written certification, signed by a preceptor
Radiation Safety Officer, that the individual has satisfactorily
completed the requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of this section and
has achieved a level of radiation safety knowledge sufficient to
function independently as a Radiation Safety Officer for a medical
use licensee; or
(c) Is an authorized user, authorized medical physicist, or
authorized nuclear pharmacist identified on the licensee's license
and has experience with the radiation safety aspects of similar
types of use of byproduct material for which the individual has
Radiation Safety Officer responsibilities.
Section 35.51 Training for an authorized medical physicist
The licensee shall require the authorized medical physicist to
be an individual who--
(a) Is certified by a specialty board whose certification
process includes all of the training and experience requirements in
paragraph (b) of this section and whose certification has been
recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b)(1) Holds a master's or doctor's degree in physics,
biophysics, radiological physics, medical physics, or health physics
and has completed 1 year of full-time training in therapeutic
radiological physics and an additional year of full-time work
experience under the supervision of an individual who meets the
requirements for an authorized medical physicist at a medical
institution
[[Page 65795]]
that includes the tasks listed in Secs. 35.67, 35.433, 35.632,
35.633, 35.635, 35.642, 35.643, 35.645, and 35.652, as applicable;
and
(2) Has obtained written certification that the individual has
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of
this section and has achieved a level of competency sufficient to
function independently as an authorized medical physicist for each
type of therapeutic medical unit for which the individual is
requesting authorized medical physicist status. The written
certification must be signed by a preceptor authorized medical
physicist who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.51 or equivalent
Agreement State requirements for an authorized medical physicist for
each type of therapeutic medical unit for which the individual is
requesting authorized medical physicist status.
Section 35.55 Training for an authorized nuclear pharmacist
The licensee shall require the authorized nuclear pharmacist to
be a pharmacist who--
(a) Is certified as a nuclear pharmacist by a specialty board
whose certification process includes all of the requirements in
paragraph (b) of this section and whose certification has been
recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b)(1) Has completed 700 hours in a structured educational
program consisting of both:
(i) Didactic training in the following areas--
(A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(B) Radiation protection;
(C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity;
(D) Chemistry of byproduct material for medical use; and
(E) Radiation biology; and
(ii) Supervised practical experience in a nuclear pharmacy
involving--
(A) Shipping, receiving, and performing related radiation
surveys;
(B) Using and performing checks for proper operation of
instruments used to determine the activity of dosages, survey
meters, and, if appropriate, instruments used to measure alpha- or
beta-emitting radionuclides;
(C) Calculating, assaying, and safely preparing dosages for
patients or human research subjects;
(D) Using administrative controls to avoid medical events in the
administration of byproduct material; and
(E) Using procedures to prevent or minimize radioactive
contamination and using proper decontamination procedures; and
(2) Has obtained written certification, signed by a preceptor
authorized nuclear pharmacist, that the individual has
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of
this section and has achieved a level of competency sufficient to
function independently as an authorized nuclear pharmacist.
Section 35.190 Training for uptake, dilution, and excretion
studies
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require an
authorized user of unsealed byproduct material for the uses
authorized under Sec. 35.100 to be a physician who--
(a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose
certification process includes all of the requirements in paragraph
(c) of this section and whose certification has been recognized by
the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b) Is an authorized user under Secs. 35.290 or 35.390 or
equivalent Agreement State requirements; or
(c)(1) Has completed 60 hours of training and experience in
basic radionuclide handling techniques applicable to the medical use
of unsealed byproduct material for uptake, dilution, and excretion
studies; the training and experience must include--
(i) Classroom and laboratory training in the following areas--
(A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(B) Radiation protection;
(C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity;
(D) Chemistry of byproduct material for medical use; and
(E) Radiation biology; and
(ii) Work experience, under the supervision of an authorized
user who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.190, Sec. 35.290, or
Sec. 35.390 or equivalent Agreement State requirements, involving --
(A) Ordering, receiving, and unpacking radioactive materials
safely and performing the related radiation surveys;
(B) Calibrating instruments used to determine the activity of
dosages and performing checks for proper operation of survey meters;
(C) Calculating, measuring, and safely preparing patient or
human research subject dosages;
(D) Using administrative controls to prevent a medical event
involving the use of unsealed byproduct material;
(E) Using procedures to contain spilled byproduct material
safely and using proper decontamination procedures; and
(F) Administering dosages of radioactive drugs to patients or
human research subjects; and
(2) Has obtained written certification, signed by a preceptor
authorized user who meets the requirements in Secs. 35.190, 35.290,
or 35.390 or equivalent Agreement State requirements, that the
individual has satisfactorily completed the requirements in
paragraph (c)(1) of this section and has achieved a level of
competency sufficient to function independently as an authorized
user for the medical uses authorized under Sec. 35.100.
Section 35.290 Training for imaging and localization studies
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require an
authorized user of unsealed byproduct material for the uses
authorized under Sec. 35.200 to be a physician who--
(a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose
certification process includes all of the requirements in paragraph
(c) of this section and whose certification has been recognized by
the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b) Is an authorized user under Sec. 35.390 or equivalent
Agreement State requirements; or
(c)(1) Has completed 700 hours of training and experience in
basic radionuclide handling techniques applicable to the medical use
of unsealed byproduct material for imaging and localization studies;
the training and experience must include, at a minimum--
(i) Classroom and laboratory training in the following areas--
(A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(B) Radiation protection;
(C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity;
(D) Chemistry of byproduct material for medical use;
(E) Radiation biology; and
(ii) Work experience, under the supervision of an authorized
user, who meets the requirements in Secs. 35.290 or 35.390 or
equivalent Agreement State requirements, involving--
(A) Ordering, receiving, and unpacking radioactive materials
safely and performing the related radiation surveys;
(B) Calibrating instruments used to determine the activity of
dosages and performing checks for proper operation of survey meters;
(C) Calculating, measuring, and safely preparing patient or
human research subject dosages;
(D) Using administrative controls to prevent a medical event
involving the use of unsealed byproduct material;
(E) Using procedures to safely contain spilled radioactive
material and using proper decontamination procedures;
(F) Administering dosages of radioactive drugs to patients or
human research subjects; and
(G) Eluting generator systems appropriate for preparation of
radioactive drugs for imaging and localization studies, measuring
and testing the eluate for radionuclidic purity, and processing the
eluate with reagent kits to prepare labeled radioactive drugs; and
(2) Has obtained written certification, signed by a preceptor
authorized user who meets the requirements in Secs. 35.290 or 35.390
or equivalent Agreement State requirements, that the individual has
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraph (c)(1) of
this section and has achieved a level of competency sufficient to
function independently as an authorized user for the medical uses
authorized under Secs. 35.100 and 35.200.
Section 35.390 Training for use of unsealed byproduct material
for which a written directive is required
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require an
authorized user of unsealed byproduct material for the uses
authorized under Sec. 35.300 to be a physician who--
(a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose
certification process includes all of the requirements in paragraph
(b) of this section and whose certification has been recognized by
the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b)(1) Has completed 700 hours of training and experience in
basic radionuclide handling techniques applicable to the medical use
of unsealed byproduct material
[[Page 65796]]
requiring a written directive; the training and experience must
include--
(i) Classroom and laboratory training in the following areas--
(A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(B) Radiation protection;
(C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity;
(D) Chemistry of byproduct material for medical use; and
(E) Radiation biology; and
(ii) Work experience, under the supervision of an authorized
user who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.390(a), Sec. 35.390(b),
or equivalent Agreement State requirements. A supervising authorized
user, who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.390(b), must have
experience in administering dosages in the same dosage category or
categories (i.e., Sec. 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(1), (2), (3), or (4)) as
the individual requesting authorized user status. The work
experience must involve--
(A) Ordering, receiving, and unpacking radioactive materials
safely and performing the related radiation surveys;
(B) Calibrating instruments used to determine the activity of
dosages, and performing checks for proper operation of survey
meters;
(C) Calculating, measuring, and safely preparing patient or
human research subject dosages;
(D) Using administrative controls to prevent a medical event
involving the use of unsealed byproduct material;
(E) Using procedures to contain spilled byproduct material
safely and using proper decontamination procedures;
(F) Eluting generator systems, measuring and testing the eluate
for radionuclidic purity, and processing the eluate with reagent
kits to prepare labeled radioactive drugs; and
(G) Administering dosages of radioactive drugs to patients or
human research subjects involving a minimum of three cases in each
of the following categories for which the individual is requesting
authorized user status--
(1) Oral administration of less than or equal to 1.22
Gigabecquerels (33 millicuries) of sodium iodide I-131;
(2) Oral administration of greater than 1.22 Gigabecquerels (33
millicuries) of sodium iodide I-131 \1\;
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\1\ Experience with at least 3 cases in Category (G)(2) also
satisfies the requirement in Category (G)(1).
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(3) Parenteral administration of any beta emitter or a photon-
emitting radionuclide with a photon energy less than 150 keV; and/or
(4) Parenteral administration of any other radionuclide; and
(2) Has obtained written certification that the individual has
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of
this section and has achieved a level of competency sufficient to
function independently as an authorized user for the medical uses
authorized under Sec. 35.300. The written certification must be
signed by a preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in
Sec. 35.390(a), Sec. 35.390(b), or equivalent Agreement State
requirements. The preceptor authorized user, who meets the
requirements in Sec. 35.390(b), must have experience in
administering dosages in the same dosage category or categories
(i.e., Sec. 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(1), (2), (3), or (4)) as the
individual requesting authorized user status.
Section 35.392 Training for the oral administration of sodium
iodide I-131 requiring a written directive in quantities less than
or equal to 1.22 Gigabecquerels (33 millicuries)
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require an
authorized user for the oral administration of sodium iodide I-131
requiring a written directive in quantities less than or equal to
1.22 Gigabecquerels (33 millicuries), to be a physician who--
(a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose
certification process includes all of the requirements in paragraph
(c) of this section and whose certification has been recognized by
the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b) Is an authorized user under Sec. 35.390(a), Sec. 35.390(b),
for uses listed in Sec. 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(1) or (2), Sec. 35.394,
or equivalent Agreement State requirements; or
(c)(1) Has successfully completed 80 hours of classroom and
laboratory training, applicable to the medical use of sodium iodide
I-131 for procedures requiring a written directive; the training
must include--
(i) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(ii) Radiation protection;
(iii) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity;
(iv) Chemistry of byproduct material for medical use; and
(v) Radiation biology; and
(2) Has work experience, under the supervision of an authorized
user who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.390(a), Sec. 35.390(b),
Sec. 35.392, Sec. 35.394, or equivalent Agreement State
requirements. A supervising authorized user who meets the
requirements in Sec. 35.390(b), must have experience in
administering dosages as specified in Sec. 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(1) or
(2). The work experience must involve--
(i) Ordering, receiving, and unpacking radioactive materials
safely and performing the related radiation surveys;
(ii) Calibrating instruments used to determine the activity of
dosages and performing checks for proper operation for survey
meters;
(iii) Calculating, measuring, and safely preparing patient or
human research subject dosages;
(iv) Using administrative controls to prevent a medical event
involving the use of byproduct material;
(v) Using procedures to contain spilled byproduct material
safely and using proper decontamination procedures; and
(vi) Administering dosages to patients or human research
subjects, that includes at least 3 cases involving the oral
administration of less than or equal to 1.22 Gigabecquerels (33
millicuries) of sodium iodide I-131; and
(3) Has obtained written certification that the individual has
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this section and has achieved a level of competency
sufficient to function independently as an authorized user for
medical uses authorized under Sec. 35.300. The written certification
must be signed by a preceptor authorized user who meets the
requirements in Sec. 35.390(a), Sec. 35.390(b), or equivalent
Agreement State requirements. A preceptor authorized user, who meets
the requirement in Sec. 35.390(b), must have experience in
administering dosages as specified in Sec. 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(1) or
(2).
Section 35.394 Training for the oral administration of sodium
iodide I-131 requiring a written directive in quantities greater
than 1.22 Gigabecquerels (33 millicuries)
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require an
authorized user for the oral administration of sodium iodide I-131
requiring a written directive in quantities greater than 1.22
Gigabecquerels (33 millicuries), to be a physician who--
(a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose
certification process includes all of the requirements in paragraph
(c) of this section and whose certification has been recognized by
the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b) Is an authorized user under Sec. 35.390(a), Sec. 35.390(b),
for uses listed in Sec. 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(2), or equivalent
Agreement State requirements; or
(c)(1) Has successfully completed 80 hours of classroom and
laboratory training, applicable to the medical use of sodium iodide
I-131 for procedures requiring a written directive; the training
must include--
(i) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(ii) Radiation protection;
(iii) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity;
(iv) Chemistry of byproduct material for medical use; and
(v) Radiation biology; and
(2 ) Has work experience, under the supervision of an authorized
user who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.390(a), Sec. 35.390(b),
Sec. 35.394, or equivalent Agreement State requirements. A
supervising authorized user, who meets the requirements in
Sec. 35.390(b), must have experience in administering dosages as
specified in Sec. 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(2). The work experience must
involve--
(i) Ordering, receiving, and unpacking radioactive materials
safely and performing the related radiation surveys;
(ii) Calibrating instruments used to determine the activity of
dosages and performing checks for proper operation for survey
meters;
(iii) Calculating, measuring, and safely preparing patient or
human research subject dosages;
(iv) Using administrative controls to prevent a medical event
involving the use of byproduct material;
(v) Using procedures to contain spilled byproduct material
safely and using proper decontamination procedures; and
(vi) Administering dosages to patients or human research
subjects, that includes at least 3 cases involving the oral
administration of greater than 1.22 Gigabecquerels (33 millicuries)
of sodium iodide I-131; and
[[Page 65797]]
(3) Has obtained written certification that the individual has
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) and
(c)(2) of this section and has achieved a level of competency
sufficient to function independently as an authorized user for
medical uses authorized under Sec. 35.300. The written certification
must be signed by a preceptor authorized user who meets the
requirements in Sec. 35.390(a), Sec. 35.390(b), or equivalent
Agreement State requirements. A preceptor authorized user, who meets
the requirements in Sec. 35.390(b), must have experience in
administering dosages as specified in Sec. 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(2).
Section 35.490 Training for use of manual brachytherapy sources
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require an
authorized user of a manual brachytherapy source for the uses
authorized under Sec. 35.400 to be a physician who--
(a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose
certification process includes all of the requirements in paragraph
(b) of this section and whose certification has been recognized by
the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b)(1) Has completed a structured educational program in basic
radionuclide handling techniques applicable to the use of manual
brachytherapy sources that includes--
(i) 200 hours of classroom and laboratory training in the
following areas--
(A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(B) Radiation protection;
(C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity; and
(D) Radiation biology; and
(ii) 500 hours of work experience, under the supervision of an
authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.490 or
equivalent Agreement State requirements at a medical institution,
involving--
(A) Ordering, receiving, and unpacking radioactive materials
safely and performing the related radiation surveys;
(B) Checking survey meters for proper operation;
(C) Preparing, implanting, and removing brachytherapy sources;
(D) Maintaining running inventories of material on hand;
(E) Using administrative controls to prevent a medical event
involving the use of byproduct material;
(F) Using emergency procedures to control byproduct material;
and
(2) Has obtained 3 years of supervised clinical experience in
radiation oncology, under an authorized user who meets the
requirements in Sec. 35.490 or equivalent Agreement State
requirements, as part of a formal training program approved by the
Residency Review Committee for Radiation Oncology of the
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the
Committee on Postdoctoral Training of the American Osteopathic
Association. This experience may be obtained concurrently with the
supervised work experience required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this
section; and
(3) Has obtained written certification, signed by a preceptor
authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.490 or
equivalent Agreement State requirements, that the individual has
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and
(b)(2) of this section and has achieved a level of competency
sufficient to function independently as an authorized user of manual
brachytherapy sources for the medical uses authorized under
Sec. 35.400.
Section 35.491 Training for ophthalmic use of strontium-90
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require the
authorized user of strontium-90 for ophthalmic radiotherapy to be a
physician who--
(a) Is an authorized user under Sec. 35.490 or equivalent
Agreement State requirements; or
(b)(1) Has completed 24 hours of classroom and laboratory
training applicable to the medical use of strontium-90 for
ophthalmic radiotherapy; the training must include--
(i) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(ii) Radiation protection;
(iii) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity; and
(iv) Radiation biology; and
(2) Supervised clinical training in ophthalmic radiotherapy
under the supervision of an authorized user at a medical institution
that includes the use of strontium-90 for the ophthalmic treatment
of five individuals. This supervised clinical training must
involve--
(i) Examination of each individual to be treated;
(ii) Calculation of the dose to be administered;
(iii) Administration of the dose; and
(iv) Follow up and review of each individual's case history; and
(3) Has obtained written certification, signed by a preceptor
authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.490,
Sec. 35.491, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, that the
individual has satisfactorily completed the requirements in
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and has achieved a level of
competency sufficient to function independently as an authorized
user of strontium-90 for ophthalmic use.
Section 35.590 Training for use of sealed sources for diagnosis
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require the
authorized user of a diagnostic sealed source for use in a device
authorized under Sec. 35.500 to be a physician, dentist, or
podiatrist who--
(a) Is certified by a specialty board whose certification
process includes all of the requirements in paragraph (b) of this
section and whose certification has been recognized by the
Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b) Has had 8 hours of classroom and laboratory training in
basic radionuclide handling techniques specifically applicable to
the use of the device; the training must include--
(1) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(2) Radiation protection;
(3) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity;
(4) Radiation biology; and
(5) Training in the use of the device for the uses requested.
Section 35.690 Training for use of remote afterloader units,
teletherapy units, and gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units
Except as provided in Sec. 35.57, the licensee shall require an
authorized user of a sealed source for a use authorized under
Sec. 35.600 to be a physician who--
(a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose
certification process includes all of the requirements in paragraph
(b) of this section and whose certification has been recognized by
the Commission or an Agreement State; or
(b)(1) Has completed a structured educational program in basic
radionuclide techniques applicable to the use of a sealed source in
a therapeutic medical unit that includes--
(i) 200 hours of classroom and laboratory training in the
following areas--
(A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
(B) Radiation protection;
(C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of
radioactivity; and
(D) Radiation biology; and
(ii) 500 hours of work experience, under the supervision of an
authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec. 35.690 or
equivalent Agreement State requirements at a medical institution,
involving--
(A) Reviewing full calibration measurements and periodic spot-
checks;
(B) Preparing treatment plans and calculating treatment doses
and times;
(C) Using administrative controls to prevent a medical event
involving the use of byproduct material;
(D) Implementing emergency procedures to be followed in the
event of the abnormal operation of the medical unit or console;
(E) Checking and using survey meters; and
(F) Selecting the proper dose and how it is to be administered;
and
(2) Has completed 3 years of supervised clinical experience in
radiation oncology, under an authorized user who meets the
requirements in Sec. 35.690 or equivalent Agreement State
requirements, as part of a formal training program approved by the
Residency Review Committee for Radiation Oncology of the
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the
Committee on Postdoctoral Training of the American Osteopathic
Association. This experience may be obtained concurrently with the
supervised work experience required by paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this
section; and
(3) Has obtained written certification that the individual has
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and
(b)(2) of this section and has achieved a level of competency
sufficient to function independently as an authorized user of each
type of therapeutic medical unit for which the individual is
requesting authorized user status. The written certification must be
signed by a preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in
Sec. 35.690 or equivalent Agreement State requirements for an
authorized user for each type of therapeutic medical unit for which
the individual is requesting authorized user status.
Dated at Rockville, Maryland this 20th day of October, 2000.
[[Page 65798]]
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Josephine M. Piccone,
Acting Director, Division of Industrial and Medical Nuclear Safety,
NMSS.
[FR Doc. 00-27940 Filed 11-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P