Section 1770. Training for an authorized nuclear pharmacist

Except as provided in 12VAC5-481-1780, licensees shall require the authorized nuclear pharmacist (ANP) to be a pharmacist who:

1. Is certified by a specialty board whose certification process has been recognized by the NRC; or

2. Meets the following requirements:

a. Has completed 700 hours in a structured educational program consisting:

(1) 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;

(d) Chemistry of byproduct material for medical use; and

(e) Radiation biology; and

(2) 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-emitting 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 radioactive material; and

(e) Using procedures to prevent or minimize radioactive contamination and using proper decontamination procedures; and

3. Has obtained written attestation, signed by a preceptor ANP, that the individual has satisfactorily completed the requirements in subdivision 1 or 2 of this section and has achieved a level of competency sufficient to function independently as an ANP.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. September 20, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 18, eff. June 12, 2008; Volume 32, Issue 24, eff. August 25, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-229 of the Code of Virginia.