TH‐D‐M100A‐01: What Does It Mean to Sign Attestation Statements?

Abstract

There are a number of situations where medical physicists must make statements attesting to the credentials of individuals or training programs. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recently revised its regulations in 10 CFR Part 35 for the training and experience (T&E) of an authorized user, an authorized medical physicist, and a radiation safety officer in the medical use of radioactive materials. The T&E regulations require an attestation by individuals on signed preceptor statements in order to be authorized/listed on a license to use radioactive materials. The attestation is a new, added requirement. What are the expectations of the individual who signs the attestation? Are there legal implications?In order to acquire CAMPEP accreditation for either Graduate Medical Physics programs or Medical Physics Residency programs requires that the program submits a self study document stating explicitly what must be done to complete the program and showing documentation that these requirement have been met. After review of this self study, a survey team conducts an on‐site visit to verify that the program is operating in a manner consistent with what is described in the self study. If successful, accreditation is granted for a period of 5 years. Renewal requires submission of an updated self study. What happens to the individuals attesting to the validity of the program if graduates are involved in medical events? Is there liability for the institution or the individuals? This session will generate discussion on these topics.Speakers:Ralph Lieto, M.S., FAAPM — Implications of NRC Part 35 and Preceptor Statements — an AAPM Perspective.Francis (Chip) Cameron, J.D. — Implications of NRC Part 35 and Preceptor Statements — an NRC Perspective.Bruce Gerbi, Ph.D., FAAPM — CAMPEP Accreditation: stating expectations and verifying performance.