LEGISLATIVE & REGULATORY AFFAIRS REPORT Richard Martin, JD, Alexandria, VA

AAPM Source Security Advocacy Continues with Comments to NRC

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine submitted comments to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding proposed security and accountability enhancements for Category 3 sources, which include those used for high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, on March 10, 2017. In addition, the AAPM signed on to another comment letter on the same issue drafted by its coalition partner, the Source Security Working Group (SSWG). The SSWG is an alliance of industry sectors including energy, health care, oil and gas, and industrial radiography, that supports risk-informed, science-based policy that balances benefits of radioisotopes with safe secure usage. (See request for comment published in the Federal Register on January 9, 2017.)

NRC sought comments on potential security and accountability enhancements, including verification of Category 3 licenses through the License Verification System (LVS), inclusion of Category 3 sources in the National Source Tracking System (NSTS), and expansion of physical security requirements to include Category 3 quantities of radioactive material. NRC staff will use information gathered in the public comment process to evaluate whether it is necessary to revise NRC regulations or processes governing source protection and accountability.

Both letters questioned the benefit of the proposed enhancements and expressed concern whether current licensing and source tracking systems would be robust enough to handle the increased volume. (See full texts of letters at here and here). Let us know if you have any questions on this issue, or if you would like to provide information to include in AAPM's comments. Contact Richard J. Martin, JD, AAPM's Government Relations Specialist, (571) 298-1227.

AAPM Urges Congress to Oppose Cuts in NIH Funding

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) issued a press release requesting Congress to reverse President Trump's proposed 18.3 percent cut of approximately $5.8 billion from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget for 2018. In its statement, the AAPM explained that NIH is the backbone of a scientific research enterprise that makes the United States a world leader in medical research and reasoned that the extraordinarily steep cut would result in the loss of life-saving discoveries that otherwise would benefit Americans. The AAPM further expressed concern that the proposed cut would disrupt ongoing research and limit or end the careers of an entire generation of scientists, particularly young scientists just starting their careers. Building a world-class scientific enterprise, the statement noted, is a long-term endeavor that must be supported by robust, predictable, and stable funding over the long term. You can read the full text of the press release and position statement. Contact Richard J. Martin, JD, AAPM's Government Relations Specialist, (571) 298-1227, if you have any questions on this advocacy activity.

Back to Article List Next Previous