Program Information
Radiation Safety Officers Review
S Marsh1*, D Pavord2*, (1) Baystate Health Systems, Inc., Springfield, AA, (2) Health Quest, Poughkeepsie, NY
Presentations
TU-B-BRA|B-0 (Tuesday, March 21, 2017) 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM Room: Ballroom A|B
Medical Radiation Safety Officers Review
Steven Marsh, MS
In the last 5 years, I have seen the traditional role of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) evolved to include new and challenging responsibilities. The traditional role of the RSO has expanded beyond regulatory and administrative oversight of the institutions radioactive material license, to serving as a consultant on a much broader scale.
The typical RSO is now involved with and oversees Joint Commission Review and helping the institution prepare for its inspection. Other areas of expansion in the RSO’s scope of practice include: dose committees, informatics, Accreditation, Applications, and renewals typically for than one modality.
In addition; the RSO is now being asked to work in areas where non radiology clinicians are using fluoroscopy and other imaging modalities. Other areas the RSO may get involved would be with MRI, Lasers, and UV applications as well.
The intent of my presentation is twofold: 1) to provide a better understanding on the complexities of a Medical Radiation Safety Program, and 2) to provide some guidance and tools based on real life experience to help the incumbent or upcoming RSO succeed.
Learning Objectives:
1. Review major components of Medical Radiation Safety Program – Diagnostic View
2. Discuss and review the RSO role and responsibilities while overseeing radioactive material license in accordance with NRC and Agreement state regulations.
3. Discuss role and responsibilities while overseeing Diagnostic Radiology and its associated modalities.
4. Discuss and review RSO role in facilitating Physicians and use of Fluoroscopic applications in non-traditional radiology areas.
5. Discuss radiation safety committee and expanding oversight in other non-traditional areas.
6. Discuss the RSO’s expanding role and responsibilities in the Joint Commission and other accreditation processes.
Medical Radiation Safety Officer Review – A Therapy Physicist in the Land of Diagnostic Imaging
Daniel Pavord, MS
In many hospitals the therapy physicist is the only medical physicist in the organization and by default becomes the RSO. While they may have been exposed to the concepts of radiation safety in diagnostic imaging during their training, it is not something that is routinely encountered during their work day.
In order to be effective as a RSO, the therapy physicist must become knowledgeable in the various imaging procedures, what is the work flow, what are the sources of exposure, and what are the expected ranges of exposure. This is required if the RSO is to contribute to the reduction in exposure in the imaging department for patients, staff, and the general public.
In addition, the types of physics consults will typically be outside of the normal day to day activities of a therapy physicist. A series of real-life scenarios will be reviewed with audience participation.
Learning Objectives:
1. To review common imaging procedures with expected ranges of exposure.
2. To discuss strategies for the reduction of exposure.
3. To discuss real-life scenarios that illustrate the range of physics consults that might be encountered in diagnostic imaging.
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