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.