The Radiation Safety Program permits scientists and investigators to safely use radionuclides and certain radioactive sources under a license granted to the VAMC by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) with oversight through the VA National Health Physics Program (NHPP).

The Radiation Safety Program is administered under the authority and supervision of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). Radiation Safety review and concurrence ensures that: (a) authorization exists to possess the materials and devices needed to participate in the research; (b) materials and devices to be used in the research are included in the specific medical uses authorized in the VAMC license; (c) procedures in the research protocols do not conflict with NRC regulatory and VAMC license requirements; (d) human studies research is in compliance with 10CFR35.6 and has the appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) and/or Radioactive Drug Research Committee (RDRC) approvals; and (e) patient consent forms appropriately address the radiation risk.