Draft and Proposed Rules for Comment – Radiation Control Program
The Texas Department of State Health (DSHS) has available for comment draft revisions to 25 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §289.226 concerning Registration of Radiation Machines Use and Services. Draft 4 revisions to §289.226 include the following:
- Draft 1, Draft 2, and Draft 3 changes including rule text that is relocated for organizational purposes.
- The rule clarifies the term “physician” versus” practitioner”.
- A revision requires that a separate application be completed for each use location.
- An added change allows an accelerator operating at or above 1 MeV to be energized for purposes of installation and acceptance testing before receiving a certificate of registration.
- Registration and operating requirements are added to regulate electronic brachytherapy devices.
- Revisions clarify that no person shall provide radiation machines services for a person who cannot produce evidence of a completed application for registration or valid certificate of registration except for the initial installation of the first machine(s).
- New changes require that an equipment performance evaluation be performed at the time of installation or re-installation of each radiation machine.
- The expiration of a reciprocal recognition has been extended from 1 year to 2 years from the date it is granted.
- New language is added that requires the radiation safety officer to review the operating and safety procedures at intervals not to exceed 12 months.
- New changes require all screening programs to establish a method for the patient to select a physician for follow-up if they do not have a physician.
The comment deadline for 25 TAC §289.226 is June 15, 2012.
More details include the draft and proposed rules: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/radiation/draft.shtm
