Section 1940. Training for imaging and localization studies

Except as provided in 12VAC5-481-1780, licensees shall require an authorized user (AU) of unsealed radioactive material for the uses authorized under 12VAC5-481-1920 to be a physician:

1. Who is certified by a medical specialty board whose certification process has been recognized by the NRC and who meets the requirements in subdivision 3 b of this section;

2. Who is an AU under 12VAC5-481-1980 and meets the requirements in subdivision 3 a (2) (g) of this section, or equivalent NRC or other agreement state requirements; or

3. Who has:

a. Completed 700 hours of training and experience, including a minimum of 80 hours of classroom and laboratory training in basic radionuclide handling techniques applicable to the medical use of unsealed radioactive material for imaging and localization studies. The training and experience shall include at a minimum:

(1) 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 radioactive material for medical use; and

(e) Radiation biology; and

(2) Work experience, under the supervision of an authorized user who meets the requirements in this section, 12VAC5-481-1780, or 12VAC5-481-1980 and subdivision 3 a (2) (g) of this section, or equivalent NRC or other agreement state requirements, involving:

(a) Ordering, receiving, and unpacking radioactive materials safely and performing the related radiation surveys;

(b) Performing quality control procedures on 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 radioactive 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 radionuclide purity, and processing the eluate with reagent kits to prepare labeled radioactive drugs; and

b. Obtained written attestation, signed by a preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in this section, 12VAC5-481-1780, or 12VAC5-481-1980 and subdivision 3 a (2) (g), or equivalent NRC or other agreement state requirements, that the individual has satisfactorily completed the requirements in subdivisions 1 a or 3 a of this section and has achieved a level of competency sufficient to function independently as an authorized user for the medical uses authorized under 12VAC5-481-1900 and 12VAC5-481-1920.

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.