Radiology 13 - Legislation

Question 1

Who do you contact when there is problem with interpretation of legislation (due to differences in terminology by GDC vs Legislation?)

Answer 1

Radiation Protection Adviser of Medical Physics Expert

Question 2

What are the two main regulation governing the use of ionizing radiation in medicine and dentistry?

Answer 2

IRR99 –> dealt with equipment and the protection of STAFF AND GENERAL PUBLIC.

IR(ME)R 2000 –> primarily aimed for protection of PATIENTS.

Question 3

What are the dates the two main regulations were replaced?

Answer 3

IRR99 –> 1st January 2018, became IRR17

IR(ME)R 2000 –> 6th February 2018, became IR(ME)R17

Question 4

what approach did IRR17 introduce?

Answer 4

Introduced a 3 trier approach; notification, registration and licensing. ILLEGAL TO USE EQUIPMENT WITHOUT LICENSING.

Question 5

Which legislation are RPA (radiation protection advisor) and MPE (medical physical expert) required for?

Answer 5

RPA –> IRR2017
MPE –> IRMER2017

ALTHOUGH COULD BE THE SAME PERSON!

Question 6

Who can a RPA be? When is a RPA useful?

Answer 6

RPA can be a medical physicist or specialist company.

Useful when planning new surgery, radiation overdose and establishing controlled area

Question 7

Where should you note the name and contact details of the RPA?

Answer 7

Radiation Protection File.

Question 8

Who can be in the controlled area? What size is it?

Answer 8

Only patient can be in controlled area during exposure.

Size depends on kV of machine, 1.5m for under 70kV BUT size depends on local rules.

Question 9

Who is a Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS)? What is their role?

Answer 9

Can be a dentist or senior member of staff. To ensure compliance with IRR17 and Local rules.
EVERY PRACTICE MUST HAVE ONE TO COMPLY WITH IRR2017 AND LOCAL RULES.

Question 10

What are local rules?What should you include in local rules?

Answer 10

Relate with radiation protection, apply to all employees - IRR2017.

Include name of RPS, RPA and MPE and name of person with legal responsibility with compliance (usually employer).

Identify and describe controlled area.
ALL PRACTICES MUST HAVE THEM, DISPLAY WHERE X-RAY EQUIPMENT IS.

(see slides 15-16).

Question 11

What is a MPE?

Answer 11

MPEs have enhanced role in advising on IRMER2017 compliance. Not always the same person as the RPA.

Question 12

What are the 4 roles according to IRMER2017

Answer 12

Employer, referrer, operator, practitioner. The latter 3 must be ENTITLED by their EMPLOYER to undertake that role.

Question 13

What are the 8 written procedures the employer must produce?

Answer 13

• ENTITLEMENT of duty holders.
• Identification of the patient.
• Demonstrate staff training and competence.
• Quality Assu. of procedures/documentation.
• Clinical Audit.
• Protocols – for taking radiographs.
• Appoint RPA/MPE and RPS.
• Have and ensure staff read the LOCAL RULES.