Medical Use of Byproduct Material-Medical Event Definitions, Training and Experience, and Clarifying Amendments, 33046-33112 [2018-14852]

Agencies

• NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 136 (Monday, July 16, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33046-33112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-14852]



[[Page 33045]]

Vol. 83

Monday,

No. 136

July 16, 2018

Part IV





Nuclear Regulatory Commission





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10 CFR Parts 30, 32, and 35





Medical Use of Byproduct Material--Medical Event Definitions, Training 
and Experience, and Clarifying Amendments; Final Rules

Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 136 / Monday, July 16, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations

[[Page 33046]]


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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

10 CFR Parts 30, 32, and 35

[NRC-2008-0175]
RIN 3150-AI63


Medical Use of Byproduct Material--Medical Event Definitions, 
Training and Experience, and Clarifying Amendments

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its 
regulations related to the medical use of byproduct material. The final 
rule will amend the NRC regulations related to the medical use of 
byproduct material. This rule amends the reporting and notification 
requirements for a medical event (ME) for permanent implant 
brachytherapy. This rule also amends the training and experience (T&E) 
requirements to remove from multiple sections the requirement to obtain 
a written attestation for an individual who is certified by a specialty 
board whose certification process has been recognized by the NRC or an 
Agreement State; and address a request filed in a petition for 
rulemaking (PRM), PRM-35-20, to exempt certain board-certified 
individuals from certain T&E requirements (i.e., ``grandfather'' these 
individuals). Additionally, this rule amends the requirements for 
measuring molybdenum contamination; adds a new requirement for the 
reporting of failed technetium and rubidium generators; and allows 
licensees to name associate radiation safety officers (ARSOs) on a 
medical license.

DATES: This final rule is effective on January 14, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2008-0175 when contacting the 
NRC about the availability of information for this action. You may 
obtain publicly-available information related to this action by any of 
the following methods:
     Federal Rulemaking Website: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2008-0175. Address 
questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-415-
3463; email: [email protected]. For technical questions, contact 
the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of 
this document.
     NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System 
(ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-available documents online in the 
ADAMS Public Documents collection at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the search, select ``ADAMS Public Documents'' and 
then select ``Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.'' For problems with ADAMS, 
please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at 
1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to [email protected]. For 
the convenience of the reader, instructions about obtaining materials 
referenced in this document are provided in the ``Availability of 
Documents'' section.
     NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public 
documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555 
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimyata Morgan-Butler, Office of 
Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory 
Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001, telephone: 301-415-0733, email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Summary

A. Need for the Regulatory Action and Legal Authority

    The NRC is amending its regulations related to the medical use of 
byproduct material. These regulations were last amended in their 
entirety in 2002. Over the last 14 years, stakeholders and members of 
the medical community have identified certain issues in implementing 
these regulations. As a result, the NRC is updating its regulations to 
address technological advances and changes in medical procedures. The 
amended rule would also enhance patient safety. The NRC is revising 
parts 30, 32, and 35 of title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 
CFR) under the legal authority granted to the NRC by the Atomic Energy 
Act of 1954, as amended, and the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, as 
amended.

B. Major Provisions

     The final rule establishes separate requirements for 
identifying and reporting MEs involving permanent implant 
brachytherapy. These new regulations require reporting of an event in 
which there is actual or potential harm to a patient resulting from an 
ME. Additionally, licensees are required to develop, implement, and 
maintain procedures for determining if an ME has occurred, including 
procedures for verifying certain aspects of a permanent implant 
brachytherapy treatment within 60 days from the date the treatment was 
performed. Note that the terms ``ME,'' ``ME definition,'' ``ME 
criteria,'' and ``ME reporting criteria'' are used interchangeably in 
the Executive Summary and the Discussion sections of this document.
     Training and experience requirements are amended in 
multiple sections to remove the requirement to obtain a written 
attestation for an individual who is certified by a specialty board 
whose certification process has been recognized by the NRC or an 
Agreement State. The NRC has determined that certification by a 
specialty board, coupled with meeting the recentness of training 
requirements, is sufficient to demonstrate that an individual seeking 
authorization on a license has met the T&E requirements and has the 
requisite current knowledge and, therefore, additional attestation by a 
preceptor is unnecessary. Individuals who are not board certified will 
still need to obtain a written attestation; however, the language of 
the attestation is modified. Additionally, residency program directors 
will be allowed to provide these written attestations. Note that the 
terms ``written attestation,'' ``attestation,'' ``preceptor 
statement,'' and ``preceptor attestation'' are used interchangeably in 
the Executive Summary and the Discussion sections of this document.
     The rule addresses the issues raised in a petition for 
rulemaking (PRM-35-20) that was submitted to the NRC in 2006. The 
petition requested that experienced board-certified Radiation Safety 
Officers (RSOs) and medical physicists not named on a license who had 
practiced certain modalities prior to October 24, 2005, be exempt from 
the specific T&E requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.50 and 35.51, 
respectively. In effect, they will be ``grandfathered'' for these 
training requirements for the modalities that they practiced as of 
October 24, 2005. This petition is discussed in detail in Section II., 
Petition for Rulemaking, PRM-35-20, of this document.
     The requirements for measuring the molybdenum-99 (Mo-99) 
concentration for elutions of Mo-99/Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) generators 
are changed and requirements are added for reporting and notification 
of a generator eluate exceeding permissible Mo-99, strontium-82 (Sr-
82), or strontium-85 (Sr-85) concentrations. The occurrence of 
generator eluate exceeding permissible concentrations is also referred 
to as ``breakthrough.'' The current requirement to measure the Mo-99 
concentration after the first eluate is changed to require that the Mo-
99 concentration be measured in each eluate. This requirement is 
changed in

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response to several breakthrough incidents reported to the NRC.
     Additionally, licensees will be allowed to appoint a 
qualified individual with expertise in certain uses of byproduct 
material to be named on a license to serve as an ARSO. This will make 
it easier for an individual to become an RSO on other medical licenses 
and will increase the number of individuals who are available to serve 
as preceptors for individuals seeking to be appointed as RSOs or ARSOs.

C. Costs and Benefits

    The NRC has not established a quantitative cutoff for defining an 
economically significant regulatory action for the purposes of the 
Congressional Review Act. The NRC assumes ``significant'' impact if the 
ratio of annualized costs to estimated annual gross revenues for a 
licensee exceeds 1 percent. The final rule will have an estimated $7.8 
million implementation cost for the medical community. This cost will 
be spread over the 7,418 impacted licensees for an average 
implementation cost of approximately $1,100 per licensee. The NRC 
assumes that all affected licensees have annual revenues greater than 
$110,000. Therefore, the estimated cost impacts do not exceed the 1 
percent criterion for ``significant'' impacts, and the final rule is 
not considered an economically significant regulatory action. It will 
cost the NRC approximately $65,000 to implement this rule.
    The benefits of this final rule are associated with reducing 
unnecessary radiation exposure to patients, removing the requirement to 
obtain a written attestation for an individual who is certified by a 
specialty board whose certification process has been recognized by the 
NRC or an Agreement State, and affording greater flexibility to 
licensees. This final rule also updates, clarifies, and strengthens the 
existing regulatory requirements, and, thereby, promotes public health 
and safety.
    A regulatory analysis has been developed for this rulemaking and is 
discussed in Section VIII., Regulatory Analysis, of this document.

Table of Contents

I. Background
II. Petition for Rulemaking, PRM-35-20
III. Discussion
    A. What action is the NRC taking?
    B. When will these actions become effective?
IV. Opportunities for Public Participation
V. Public Comment Analysis
VI. Section-by-Section Analysis
VII. Regulatory Flexibility Certification
VIII. Regulatory Analysis
IX. Backfitting and Issue Finality
X. Cumulative Effects of Regulation
XI. Plain Writing
XII. Environmental Impact: Categorical Exclusion
XIII. Environmental Assessment and Final Finding of No Significant 
Environmental Impact
XIV. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
XV. Congressional Review Act
XVI. Criminal Penalties
XVII. Coordination With NRC Agreement States
XVIII. Agreement State Compatibility
XIX. Coordination With the Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of 
Isotopes
XX. Consistency With Medical Policy Statement
XXI. Voluntary Consensus Standards
XXII. Availability of Guidance
XXIII. Availability of Documents

I. Background

    The NRC published a final rule in the Federal Register on April 24, 
2002 (67 FR 20250), that revised the medical use regulations in 10 CFR 
part 35 in their entirety. The T&E requirements in 10 CFR part 35 were 
further revised through an additional rulemaking, ``Medical Use of 
Byproduct Material--Recognition of Specialty Boards,'' published in the 
Federal Register on March 30, 2005 (70 FR 16336).
    In implementing the current regulations in 10 CFR part 35, the NRC 
staff, stakeholders, and the Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of 
Isotopes (ACMUI) have identified numerous issues that need to be 
addressed through the rulemaking process. As a result, the NRC is 
amending its regulations in 10 CFR part 35 to address these issues. 
This final rule modifies the written directive (WD) requirements in 
Sec.  35.40 and the ME reporting requirements in Sec.  35.3045 to 
establish separate ME reporting criteria for permanent implant 
brachytherapy. This final rule also modifies the requirements for 
procedures for administrations requiring a WD in Sec.  35.41 to require 
licensees to develop written procedures for determining if an ME has 
occurred as a result of any administrations requiring a WD, including 
permanent implant brachytherapy. The NRC's purpose for requiring 
licensees to report MEs is to allow the NRC to follow up on incidents 
and determine if other licensees might be making the same or similar 
mistakes, or experiencing the same or similar challenges. When the NRC 
identifies similarities in the problems reported from multiple 
facilities, it can provide information that may help prevent additional 
incidents. The information collected is also valuable in assessing 
trends or patterns, identifying generic issues, and recognizing any 
inadequacies or unreliability of specific equipment or procedures.
    Currently, the ME criteria for brachytherapy implants in Sec.  
35.3045, ``Report and notification of a medical event,'' are based on 
the dose administered to the patient. The ME criteria amendments 
establish separate ME criteria for permanent implant brachytherapy in 
terms of the total source strength administered (activity-based) rather 
than the dose delivered (dose-based). The ME criteria amendments in 
this final rule are based on the NRC staff recommendations contained in 
SECY-12-0053, ``Recommendations on Regulatory Changes for Permanent 
Implant Brachytherapy Programs,'' and the comments received on the 
proposed rule ``Medical Use of Byproduct Material--Medical Event 
Definitions, Training and Experience, and Clarifying Amendments,'' 
published in the Federal Register on July 21, 2014 (79 FR 42410). The 
staff has concluded that dose-based criteria are problematic for 
permanent implant brachytherapy because absorbed dose can be 
challenging to calculate resulting in clinically acceptable therapies 
being reported as medical events. In addition, moving to activity-based 
criteria should allow for recognition of medical events earlier than 
dose-based criteria, thus allowing timelier corrective actions.
    On August 6, 2008, the NRC published a proposed rule, ``Medical Use 
of Byproduct Material--Amendments/Medical Event Definitions,'' in the 
Federal Register (73 FR 45635), for public comment. This proposed rule 
included revised ME criteria for permanent implant brachytherapy. The 
majority of commenters were in agreement on converting the permanent 
implant brachytherapy ME criteria from dose-based to activity-based. 
However, during late summer and early fall of 2008, a substantial 
number of MEs involving permanent implant brachytherapy were reported 
to the NRC. Based on the circumstances involving the MEs reported in 
2008, the NRC staff re-evaluated the proposed rule that was published 
in 2008 and developed a draft re-proposed rule.
    In SECY-10-0062, ``Re-proposed Rule: Medical Use of Byproduct 
Material--Amendments/Medical Event Definitions,'' dated May 18, 2010, 
the NRC staff requested that the Commission approve for publication the 
draft re-proposed rule for public comment. Prior to a Commission 
decision on the re-proposed rule, on July 8, 2010, a Commission 
briefing was held on the draft re-proposed rule. The

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presenters included a member of the ACMUI, a representative from the 
Organization of Agreement States (OAS), a physician from the American 
Brachytherapy Society, the National Director of the Radiation Oncology 
Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a representative from 
the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), and a 
representative from Us-TOO (a support group for prostate cancer 
patients). The presenters urged the Commission not to publish the draft 
re-proposed rule as developed. They believed that MEs should be based 
on events of potential clinical significance and recommended that the 
NRC seek stakeholder input in revising this proposed rule.
    In the Staff Requirements Memorandum (SRM) for SECY-10-0062, dated 
August 10, 2010, the Commission disapproved the NRC staff's 
recommendation to publish the draft re-proposed rule. The Commission 
directed the staff to work closely with the ACMUI and the broader 
medical and stakeholder community to develop ME definitions that would 
protect the interests of patients and allow physicians the flexibility 
to take actions that they deem medically necessary, while continuing to 
enable the agency to detect failures in process, procedure, and 
training, as well as any misapplication of byproduct materials by 
authorized users (AUs). The SRM also directed the NRC staff to hold a 
series of stakeholder workshops to discuss issues associated with the 
ME definition. For more information, including public comments 
submitted on the proposed rule published on August 6, 2008, (see Docket 
ID NRC-2008-0071 on www.regulations.gov).
    Following Commission direction, the NRC conducted two workshops in 
the summer of 2011. These facilitated workshops were held in New York, 
New York, in June 2011, and in Houston, Texas, in August 2011. The NRC 
staff also requested the ACMUI to prepare a report on ME definitions 
for permanent implant brachytherapy. In February 2012, the ACMUI 
submitted its final revised report to the NRC. The NRC staff used the 
recommendations in the ACMUI revised final report, along with the 
substantial input from stakeholders, to develop the recommendations in 
SECY-12-0053. The recommendations in SECY-12-0053, along with public 
comments received on the proposed rule published on July 21, 2014 (79 
FR 42410), provided the regulatory basis for the ME reporting criteria 
in this final rule.
    In addition to revising the ME definitions for permanent implant 
brachytherapy, the NRC is amending its regulations in 10 CFR part 35 
to: Revise the preceptor attestation requirements; require increased 
frequency of testing for measuring Mo-99 concentration in a Mo-99/Tc-
99m generator; require reporting and notification when a generator 
eluate exceeds permissible Mo-99, Sr-82, or Sr-85 concentrations; allow 
ARSOs to be named on a medical use license; extend the 5-year 
inspection frequency for a gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit to 7 
years; and make several clarifying amendments.
    Finally, this final rule addresses issues that were raised in PRM-
35-20 filed by E. Russell Ritenour, Ph.D., on behalf of the AAPM on 
September 13, 2006. The petition requested that the training 
requirements for experienced RSOs and medical physicists in Sec.  35.57 
be amended to recognize board-certified physicists and RSOs as 
``grandfathered'' for the modalities that they practiced as of October 
24, 2005. The petition is discussed in detail in Section II., Petition 
for Rulemaking, PRM-35-20, of this document. This final rule completes 
action on PRM-35-20.

II. Petition for Rulemaking, PRM-35-20

    The NRC has incorporated into this rulemaking the resolution of 
PRM-35-20 filed by E. Russell Ritenour, Ph.D. (the petitioner), dated 
September 10, 2006, on behalf of the AAPM (Ritenour Petition). A notice 
of receipt and request for public comments on this petition was 
published in the Federal Register on November 1, 2006 (71 FR 64168).
    The petitioner requested that Sec.  35.57, ``Training for 
experienced Radiation Safety Officer, teletherapy or medical physicist, 
authorized medical physicist, authorized user, nuclear pharmacist, and 
authorized nuclear pharmacist,'' be revised to: (1) Recognize medical 
physicists certified by either the American Board of Radiology or the 
American Board of Medical Physics on or before October 24, 2005, as 
``grandfathered'' for the modalities that they practiced as of October 
24, 2005, regardless of whether a medical physicist was named on an NRC 
or an Agreement State license as of October 24, 2005; and (2) recognize 
all individuals certified by the named boards in former subpart J of 10 
CFR part 35, which was removed from 10 CFR part 35 in a rulemaking 
dated March 30, 2005 (70 FR 16336), as RSOs who have relevant timely 
work experience (even if they have not been formally named as an RSO). 
The petitioner requested that experienced board-certified RSOs and 
medical physicists not named on a license who had practiced certain 
modalities prior to October 24, 2005, be exempted from the specific T&E 
requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.50 and 35.51, respectively. In effect, 
they would be ``grandfathered'' for these training requirements for the 
modalities that they practiced on or before October 24, 2005. The 
petitioner was concerned that as a result of the amendments to the T&E 
regulations in 2005, an individual could become authorized on a license 
only if he or she had been certified by a specialty board whose 
certification process was recognized under this regulation by the NRC 
or an Agreement State or was already identified on an existing NRC or 
Agreement State license. If the individual had been certified prior to 
the effective date for recognition of the certifying board but had not 
been listed on a license, he or she would not be ``grandfathered,'' and 
would have to obtain training through the so-called ``alternate 
pathway,'' which establishes specific training requirements for non-
certified individuals. The petitioner did not believe that it was the 
intent of the Commission to deny recognition to individuals currently 
practicing or to minimize the importance of certification by a 
certifying board. The NRC received 168 comments from professional 
organizations and individuals on the petition. The majority of the 
commenters supported the petition.
    The NRC reviewed the petitioner's request and comments received on 
the petition and concluded that revisions made to the regulations in 
2005 may have inadvertently affected a group of board-certified 
individuals. This group of board-certified individuals may now have to 
use the alternate pathway option to demonstrate that they meet the T&E 
requirements in 10 CFR part 35 rather than the certification pathway 
for recognition on an NRC license as an RSO or an authorized medical 
physicist (AMP). Therefore, the NRC concluded that the issues raised in 
the petition would be considered in the rulemaking process if a 
regulatory basis could be developed to support a rulemaking (73 FR 
27773; May 14, 2008).
    In October 2008, the NRC staff sent letters to all of the 
certifying boards whose certification processes are currently 
recognized by the NRC and to certifying boards previously named in the 
former 10 CFR part 35, subpart J, whose certification processes 
currently are not recognized by the NRC. To determine the scope of the 
medical community that might be negatively impacted by the amendments 
to the T&E regulations in 2005, the NRC asked each organization to 
provide the number and percentage of its currently active diplomates 
who are not grandfathered

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under Sec.  35.57 by virtue of not being named on a license or permit. 
The organizations were asked to include individuals who are now or may 
seek to be named as an RSO, AMP, AU, or authorized nuclear pharmacist 
(ANP) on an NRC or an Agreement State medical use license. Based on the 
responses, the NRC estimates that as many as 10,000 board-certified 
individuals may have been affected by the 2005 T&E rulemaking.
    The NRC believes that these individuals should be eligible for 
grandfathering for the modalities that they practiced on or before 
October 24, 2005, because their previously-acceptable qualifications 
for authorized status should continue to be adequate and acceptable 
from a health and safety standpoint and thus they should be allowed to 
continue to practice using the same modalities. This final rule, in 
response to the petition, amends Sec.  35.57 to recognize all 
individuals who were previously certified by boards recognized under 
the previous 10 CFR part 35, subpart J, as RSOs, teletherapy or medical 
physicists, AMPs, AUs, nuclear pharmacists, and ANPs for the modalities 
that they practiced on or before October 24, 2005.
    In his support for grandfathering the RSOs who have relevant work 
experience and were not formally named on an NRC or an Agreement State 
license or permit as an RSO, the petitioner stated that these 
individuals will be required to provide preceptor attestations. In this 
rulemaking, the NRC has eliminated the requirement for preceptor 
attestations for individuals certified by NRC- or Agreement State-
recognized boards. The NRC believes that attestations are not necessary 
in this particular situation because the provisions of Sec.  35.59, 
``Recentness of training,'' require that the T&E must have been 
obtained within the 7 years preceding the date of application, or the 
individual must have had related continuing education and experience 
since the required T&E was completed. The ``grandfathered'' individuals 
will fall under the provisions of Sec.  35.59 and will need to provide 
evidence of continued education and experience. Therefore, the NRC 
believes that preceptor attestations are not necessary for these 
``grandfathered'' individuals as long as the provisions of Sec.  35.59 
are met, and the individual only requests authorizations for the 
modalities the individual practiced on or before October 24, 2005.

III. Discussion

A. What action is the NRC taking?

    In implementing the current regulations in 10 CFR part 35, the NRC 
staff, stakeholders, and the ACMUI identified numerous issues that need 
to be addressed through the rulemaking process. The NRC published a 
proposed rule on July 21, 2014 (79 FR 42410), for a 120-day public 
comment period to address these issues. The NRC developed this final 
rule based on the comments received on the proposed rule. The comments 
are discussed in Section V., Public Comment Analysis, of this document.
    The final rule clarifies the current regulations and provides 
greater flexibility to licensees without compromising patient, worker, 
or public health and safety. The amendments in this final rule include:
    1. Adding separate ME definitions for permanent implant 
brachytherapy;
    2. amending preceptor attestation requirements;
    3. grandfathering certain board-certified individuals, as discussed 
in Section II., Petition for Rulemaking, PRM-35-20, of this document;
    4. requiring increased frequency of testing to measure Mo-99 
breakthrough;
    5. requiring reporting and notification when a generator eluate 
exceeds permissible concentrations of Mo-99, Sr-82, Sr-85;
    6. allowing ARSOs to be named on a medical use license; and
    7. additional issues and clarifications.
    The major revisions are:
a. Adding Separate ME Definitions for Permanent Implant Brachytherapy
    This final rule establishes separate ME definitions and reporting 
requirements for permanent implant brachytherapy. The staff has 
concluded that dose-based criteria are problematic for permanent 
implant brachytherapy because absorbed dose can be challenging to 
calculate resulting in clinically acceptable therapies being reported 
as medical events. In addition, moving to activity-based criteria 
should allow for recognition of medical events earlier than dose-based 
criteria, thus allowing timelier corrective actions. As explained in 
Section I, Background, of this document, these amendments are based on 
the recommendations developed in close cooperation with the ACMUI, with 
substantial input from various stakeholders, and from public comments 
received on the proposed rule. During its meeting in March 2004, the 
ACMUI discussed the inadequacy of the definition of MEs as applied to 
permanent implant brachytherapy. The ACMUI explained that for these 
implants, the plus or minus 20 percent variance from the WD criteria in 
the existing rule was only appropriate if both the WD and the variance 
could be expressed in units of activity, rather than in units of dose. 
The ACMUI explained that there is no suitable clinically used dose 
metric available for judging the occurrence of MEs for permanent 
implant brachytherapy. In June 2005, the ACMUI recommended that new 
language be developed to define MEs for permanent implant 
brachytherapy.
    Based on the recommendations from the ACMUI, the NRC staff 
submitted a paper to the Commission, SECY-05-0234, ``Adequacy of 
Medical Event Definitions in Sec.  35.3045, and Communicating 
Associated Risks to the Public,'' dated December 27, 2005. In this 
paper, the NRC staff recommended that the Commission approve, for 
permanent implant brachytherapy, the NRC staff's plan to revise the ME 
definitions in Sec.  35.3045 and the associated requirements for WDs in 
Sec.  35.40 to be activity-based, instead of dose-based. In the SRM for 
SECY-05-0234, dated February 15, 2006, the Commission directed the NRC 
staff to proceed directly with the development of a proposed rule to 
modify both the WD requirements in Sec.  35.40(b)(6) and the ME 
reporting requirements in Sec.  35.3045 for permanent implant 
brachytherapy medical use, to convert from dose-based to activity-based 
ME criteria.
    As discussed in Section I., Background, of this document, a 
proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on August 6, 2008 
(73 FR 45635). A substantial number of MEs were reported in 2008 that 
would not have met the criteria for reporting under the activity-based 
ME reporting criteria as noticed in the proposed rule. Therefore, the 
NRC staff drafted a different rule that contained absorbed dose-based 
ME reporting criteria for the treatment site. The NRC staff submitted 
recommendations for ME reporting criteria to the Commission in SECY-10-
0062, ``Reproposed Rule: Medical Use of Byproduct Material--Amendments/
Medical Event Definitions,'' dated May 18, 2010. In the SRM for SECY-
10-0062, dated August 10, 2010, the Commission disapproved the NRC 
staff's recommendations and directed the NRC staff to work closely with 
the ACMUI and the broader medical and stakeholder community to develop 
ME definitions and to hold a series of stakeholder workshops to discuss 
issues associated with the MEs.

[[Page 33050]]

    Subsequently, during the ACMUI meeting held on October 20, 2010, 
the ACMUI unanimously approved its interim report, ``Advisory Committee 
on Medical Uses of Isotopes Permanent Implant Brachytherapy Interim 
Report,'' dated October 20, 2010. The ACMUI meeting held in April 2011 
was devoted to issues associated with the ME definition. The meeting 
was webcast, providing an opportunity for further public involvement on 
this issue.
    The ACMUI submitted its final report on permanent implant 
brachytherapy, dated October 18, 2011, to the NRC following the ACMUI 
October 18, 2011, public teleconference meeting. The final report 
reflected the principal positions and recommendations provided by 
participants during the NRC public workshops. In particular, the report 
included the recommendation to change from dose-based ME criteria for 
the treatment site to source-strength based criteria. The final report 
included a quantitative metric, the ``octant approach,'' for 
determining that a distribution of implanted sources was irregular 
enough (i.e., demonstrating ``bunching'') to consider the procedure as 
an ME. The final report also included a dose-related ME criterion for 
the treatment site.
    However, in a letter to the Chairman of the ACMUI dated November 
30, 2011, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) expressed 
criticism of the ACMUI final report. The ASTRO considered the ME 
definition recommended by the ACMUI to be complex, difficult to 
regulate, and likely to cause confusion in practice. Subsequently, the 
ACMUI issued a revised final report, ``Advisory Committee on Medical 
Use of Isotopes (ACMUI) Permanent Implant Brachytherapy Revised Final 
Report,'' dated February 7, 2012. The ACMUI simplified the ME criteria 
for the treatment site, removing the ``octant approach'' and direct 
reference to absorbed dose to the treatment site. The revised final 
report was, with minor modifications, approved by the ACMUI during its 
public teleconference meeting held on February 7, 2012. The ASTRO, in a 
letter to the Chairman of the ACMUI, characterized this report as an 
improvement on the earlier report.
    The NRC staff used the recommendations in the ACMUI revised final 
report dated February 7, 2012, along with the substantial input from 
stakeholders gathered in the two facilitated public workshops and the 
three ACMUI public meetings in 2011 and early 2012 (discussed earlier 
in this section), to develop the recommendations submitted to the 
Commission on April 6, 2012, in SECY-12-0053, ``Recommendations on 
Regulatory Changes for Permanent Implant Brachytherapy Programs.'' In a 
Commission meeting held April 24, 2012, participating representatives 
from ACMUI, ASTRO, and the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) 
endorsed the recommendations in SECY-12-0053 for modification of the 
requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.40 and 35.3045. The NRC notes that ASTRO 
and ABS representatives suggested eliminating the recommended criterion 
for ME reporting that would have required reporting of excessive dose 
to normal tissue structures within the treatment site. However, this 
ACMUI-recommended ME reporting criterion for normal tissue structures 
located within the treatment site was retained in SECY-12-0053 because 
the ACMUI and the NRC staff determined that there should be some form 
of ME reporting criterion for overdosing of normal tissue structures 
located within the treatment site. In the SRM for SECY-12-0053, dated 
August 13, 2012, the Commission approved the NRC staff recommendations. 
The recommendations are applicable to all permanent implant 
brachytherapy procedures using radioactive sources for all treatment 
sites.
    The proposed rule published on July 21, 2014 (79 FR 42410) also 
included ME criteria in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv) as follows: 
For normal-tissue structures, an ME has occurred if: (a) For structures 
located outside of the treatment site (for example, the bladder or 
rectum for prostate implant treatments), the dose to the maximally 
exposed 5 contiguous cubic centimeters of tissue exceeds 150 percent of 
the absorbed dose prescribed to the treatment site in the pre-
implantation portion of the WD; or (b) for intra-target normal 
structures, the maximum absorbed dose to any 5 contiguous cubic 
centimeters of tissue exceeds 150 percent of the dose the tissue would 
have received based on the approved pre-implantation dose distribution. 
The size of the normal tissue, 5 cubic centimeters, was based on an 
ACMUI recommendation in its October 20, 2010, report. In its 
recommendation, the ACMUI stated that the 5 contiguous cubic 
centimeters dose-volume specification avoids the high variation in dose 
sometimes seen in point doses and the ACMUI cited literature to support 
5 cubic centimeters as being a relevant quantity for toxicity. In the 
proposed rule, the NRC specifically invited comments on the selection 
of the specified volume of the normal tissues located both outside and 
within the treatment site in defining MEs.
    The NRC received numerous comments expressing concern about the 
proposed ME criteria related to the absorbed dose to normal tissues 
located outside and within the treatment site. The commenters expressed 
concerns that they would have technical difficulties assessing dose to 
normal tissues located outside and within the treatment site. They 
stated that their treatment planning systems are not equipped to make 
such assessments. They believed the regulators may not be able to 
inspect such requirements. They stated that these requirements may 
cause confusion and result in licensees not performing permanent 
implant brachytherapy treatments. The comments are discussed in Section 
V., Public Comment Analysis, of this document.
    Based on public comments and recommendations from the ACMUI, the ME 
criteria in this final rule for permanent implant brachytherapy in 
Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) do not include absorbed doses to normal tissues 
located outside of or within the treatment site. Instead, the ME 
criteria in the final rule for permanent implant brachytherapy are:
    (1) An ME has occurred if the total source strength administered 
differs by 20 percent or more from the total source strength documented 
in the post-implantation portion of the WD;
    (2) An ME has occurred if the total source strength administered 
outside of the treatment site exceeds 20 percent of the total source 
strength documented in the post-implantation portion of the WD; or
    (3) An ME has occurred if an administration involves: (a) Using the 
wrong radionuclide, (b) delivery to the wrong individual or human 
research subject, (c) sealed source(s) implanted directly into a 
location discontiguous from the treatment site as documented in the 
post-implantation portion of the WD (as discussed in this document, 
discontiguous means a location that is not physically adjacent to the 
treatment site), or (d) a leaking sealed source resulting in a dose 
that exceeds 0.5 Sv (50 rem) to an organ or tissue.
    In supporting these recommendations, the NRC believes that source 
strength is the appropriate measurable metric for defining MEs 
involving permanent implant brachytherapy. The 20 percent variance 
threshold is consistent with the recommendation of the ACMUI for all 
medical uses of byproduct material as described in SECY-05-0234, 
discussed earlier in this section.
    Another ME criterion included in the proposed rule published on 
July 21,

[[Page 33051]]

2014 (79 FR 42410), was related to source(s) implanted directly into 
the wrong site or body part (i.e., not in the treatment site identified 
in the WD). This criterion stated that ``even a single sealed source 
directly delivered to the wrong treatment site would constitute an ME 
that must be reported.'' The NRC received several comments on this 
issue. The commenters believed a single source delivered outside the 
treatment site was an inappropriate criterion for ME reporting. They 
proposed that in order to capture instances where a source is implanted 
in a distinctly wrong location (for example, left breast versus the 
right breast), the criterion should say, ``Even a single sealed source 
directly delivered to a noncontiguous wrong treatment site would 
constitute an ME that must be reported.''
    In response to these comments and a recommendation from the ACMUI 
in its final report on the draft final rule (``Advisory Committee on 
the Medical Uses of Isotopes Comments on the Draft Final Rule, 10 CFR 
parts 30, 32, and 35, Final Report,'' dated January 6, 2016), the NRC 
has changed Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(C) [redesignated as Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii)(C)] to read ``Sealed source(s) implanted directly 
into a location discontiguous from the treatment site as documented in 
the post-implantation portion of the written directive.''
    This ``wrong treatment site'' ME criterion will capture cases in 
which total source strength administered outside of the treatment site 
did not exceed 20 percent of the total source strength documented in 
the post-implantation portion of the WD, but one or more sources were 
directly implanted into a location far from the treatment site. For 
example, in a case in which 100 sources were implanted, 81 were within 
the treatment site, 18 sources were outside and contiguous to the 
treatment site, and one source was erroneously implanted directly into 
a site discontiguous from the treatment site. This would not be an ME 
under the ``exceeds 20 percent of the total source strength'' 
criterion; but would be an ME because one source met the ``wrong 
treatment site'' criterion.
    The proposed criterion specified in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E), ``a 
20 percent or more error in calculating the total source strength 
documented in the pre-implantation portion of the written directive,'' 
in the proposed rule published on July 21, 2014, was not included in 
the final rule. The decision not to include this criterion is based on 
the comments received on the proposed rule and is discussed in Section 
V., Public Comment Analysis, of this document.
    The new ME criteria for permanent implant brachytherapy in Sec.  
35.3045 require amendments to Sec. Sec.  35.40 and 35.41. The previous 
WD requirements were primarily associated with temporary implant 
brachytherapy medical use. This final rule establishes separate WD 
requirements in Sec.  35.40, ``Written directives,'' that are 
appropriate for permanent implant brachytherapy. This rule requires 
that the WD for permanent implant brachytherapy consist of two 
portions. The first portion of the WD must be prepared before the 
implantation, and the second portion of the WD must be completed after 
the procedure but before the patient leaves the post-treatment recovery 
area. For permanent implant brachytherapy, this rule requires that the 
WD portion prepared before the implantation include documentation of 
the treatment site, the radionuclide, and the total source strength. 
This final rule requires that the post-implantation portion of the WD 
contain documentation of the treatment site, the number of sources 
implanted, the total source strength implanted, and the date.
    Based on ACMUI input discussed earlier in this section and 
information gained at public workshops, the NRC understands that the 
final WD for these permanent implants must allow for unanticipated 
medical situations encountered during the procedure. For instance, an 
AU might need to adjust the number of sources implanted because the 
volume of the treatment site may have decreased since the treatment 
plan was developed. Therefore, in defining an ME involving the 
treatment site for permanent implants, the NRC based the criterion for 
an ME on the percentage of implanted sources that are outside the 
treatment site as documented in the post-implantation portion of the WD 
rather than by defining an ME based on a comparison of the implanted 
total source strength to the total source strength documented in the 
pre-implantation portion of the WD. This definition differs from the ME 
definition for all other brachytherapy procedures where dose 
comparisons are made with reference to what was prescribed in the WD 
that was prepared before the procedure.
    This final rule also makes changes to Sec.  35.41, ``Procedures for 
administrations requiring a written directive,'' to include permanent 
implant brachytherapy. Although Sec.  35.41(a)(2) requires licensees to 
determine if the administration is in accordance with the WD, there is 
no specific requirement that a licensee determine that an administered 
dose or dosage met an ME criterion as defined in Sec.  35.3045. Section 
35.41 is amended to require that a licensee develop procedures for 
determining if an ME has occurred. For all permanent implant 
brachytherapy, Sec.  35.41 is also amended to require that a licensee 
develop additional procedures to include an evaluation of the placement 
of sources as documented in the post-implantation portion of the WD. 
The procedures must include a provision that these assessments must be 
made within 60 days from the date the treatment was performed. Although 
there is no requirement in Sec.  35.41 to use imaging to determine the 
occurrence of an ME, imaging is the best (and in some circumstances may 
be the only) method to determine source strength outside of the 
treatment site and is routinely practiced in most clinical facilities.
b. Amending Preceptor Attestation Requirements
    The current regulations in 10 CFR part 35 provide three pathways 
for individuals to satisfy T&E requirements to be approved as an RSO, 
AMP, ANP, or AU. These pathways are: (1) Approval of an individual who 
is certified by a specialty board whose certification process has been 
recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State (certification pathway); 
(2) approval based on an evaluation of an individual's T&E (alternate 
pathway); or (3) identification of an individual's approval on an 
existing NRC or Agreement State license.
    Under the certification and the alternate pathway, an individual 
seeking authorization for medical byproduct material must obtain a 
written attestation signed by a preceptor with the same authorization. 
The attestation must state that the individual has satisfactorily 
completed the necessary T&E requirements and has achieved a level of 
competency sufficient to function independently in the position for 
which authorization is sought.
    During a Commission briefing held on April 29, 2008, the ACMUI 
recommended that the attestation requirements be revised. The ACMUI 
expressed concern that the existing requirements have had unintended 
consequences that, if not corrected, would impact the availability of 
authorized individuals. In other words, there would likely be a 
shortage of authorized individuals to provide medical care as a result 
of the reluctance of preceptors to sign attestations. The ACMUI 
recommended that attestations be eliminated for the board certification

[[Page 33052]]

pathway. In the ACMUI's view, by meeting the board requirements, a 
curriculum and a body of knowledge can be defined, and progress toward 
meeting defined requirements can be measured. Further, the ACMUI 
asserted that a board certification indicates that the T&E requirements 
have been met, and the Maintenance of Certification provides ongoing 
evidence of current knowledge. Therefore, the ACMUI asserted that an 
additional attestation for the board-certified individuals was not 
needed.
    The ACMUI also recommended that the attestation requirements 
associated with the alternate pathways be amended to delete the 
requirement to attest to an individual's radiation safety-related 
competency. The reason for the recommendation was that the ACMUI 
believed that signing an attestation of competence results in a 
perceived risk of personal liability on the part of the individual 
signing the attestation and that preceptors are reluctant to accept 
this risk.
    In addition, the ACMUI recommended that the attestation submitted 
under the alternate pathway be considered acceptable if it is provided 
by a residency program director representing a consensus of an 
authoritative group, irrespective of whether the program director 
personally met the requirements for AU status. The ACMUI advised that 
training of residents is a collective process and entails the 
collective judgment of an entire residency program faculty, whereas 
preceptor attestation is an individual process, and an individual 
preceptor typically would provide only a small portion of the T&E.
    Following the April 29, 2008, Commission briefing, in an SRM dated 
May 15, 2008, the Commission directed the NRC staff to work with the 
ACMUI and the Agreement States to provide recommendations to the 
Commission with regard to amending the NRC's requirements for preceptor 
attestation for both board-certified individuals and for individuals 
seeking authorization via the alternate pathway. The Commission also 
directed the NRC staff to consider additional methods, such as having 
the attestation provided by consensus of an authoritative group.
    Following both consideration of the ACMUI's position, which was 
consistent with its long-held position on this issue, and interactions 
with the Agreement States, the NRC staff provided its recommendations 
on this issue to the Commission on November 20, 2008, in SECY-08-0179, 
``Recommendations on Amending Preceptor Attestation Requirements in 10 
CFR part 35, Medical Use of Byproduct Material.'' The NRC staff 
recommended that the Commission approve development of the following 
amendments to the 10 CFR part 35 attestation requirements: (1) 
Eliminate the attestation requirement for individuals seeking 
authorized status via the board certification pathway; (2) retain the 
attestation requirement for individuals seeking authorized status via 
the alternate pathways; however, replace the text stating that the 
attestation demonstrates that the individual ``has achieved a level of 
competency to function independently'' with alternative text such as 
``has demonstrated the ability to function independently'' to fulfill 
the radiation safety-related duties required by the license; and (3) 
accept attestations from residency program directors, representing 
consensus of residency program faculties as long as at least one member 
of the residency program faculty is an authorized individual in the 
same category as that requested by the applicant seeking authorized 
status.
    In an SRM dated January 16, 2009, to SECY-08-0179, the Commission 
approved these recommendations and directed the NRC staff to develop 
the proposed rule language for the attestation requirements for the 
alternate pathway in concert with the ACMUI and the Agreement States.
    Participants at public workshops held in the summer of 2011 broadly 
supported the proposed changes to remove the attestation requirement 
for board-certified individuals. The workshop panelists (which included 
members of the ACMUI and the Agreement States) recommended that the NRC 
remove the requirement for attestation for board-certified individuals. 
They believed that board certification coupled with the recentness of 
training requirements should be sufficient for the regulator's needs. 
With regard to the language of attestation (for the alternate pathway), 
they believed that the preceptors should not attest to someone's 
competency; rather, they should attest that the individuals received 
the T&E that is necessary to carry out one's responsibility 
independently. At the April 2011 ACMUI meeting, the ACMUI advised that 
the attestation language should be revised to say that the individual 
has received the requisite T&E to fulfill the radiation safety-related 
duties required by the license. In the final rule, the attestation 
language is revised accordingly.
    The final rule amends T&E requirements in multiple sections of 10 
CFR part 35 with regard to the attestation requirements in accordance 
with the NRC staff's recommendations in SECY-08-0179.
c. Extending Grandfathering to Certain Certified Individuals (PRM-35-
20)
    The petition and its resolution are discussed in Section II., 
Petition for Rulemaking, PRM-35-20, of this document.
d. Requiring Increased Frequency of Testing To Measure Mo-99 
Breakthrough
    When Tc-99m is eluted from a Mo-99 generator, Mo-99 could be co-
eluted along with technetium. This is termed ``molybdenum 
breakthrough.'' Current regulations in Sec.  35.204(a) prohibit a 
licensee from administering a radiopharmaceutical to humans that 
exceeds 0.15 microcuries of Mo-99 per millicurie of Tc-99m. Section 
35.204(b) requires that a licensee that uses Mo-99/Tc-99m generators 
for preparing a Tc-99m radiopharmaceutical measure the Mo-99 
concentration of the first eluate to demonstrate compliance with the 
specified concentrations. However, a generator can be eluted several 
times to obtain Tc-99m for formulating radiopharmaceuticals for patient 
use.
    If Mo-99 breakthrough exceeds the permissible concentration listed 
in Sec.  35.204(a), it may cause unnecessary radiation exposures to 
patients. The administration of higher levels of Mo-99 could 
potentially affect health and safety and have an adverse effect on 
nuclear medicine image quality and medical diagnosis.
    Generator manufacturers have always recommended testing each 
elution prior to use in humans. Before 2002, Sec.  35.204 required a 
licensee to measure the Mo-99 concentration of each eluate. However, 
the NRC revised Sec.  35.204 in April 2002 because the medical and 
pharmaceutical community considered frequency of Mo-99 breakthrough to 
be a rare event. Therefore, the Commission decided that measuring only 
the first elution from a generator was necessary to detect 
manufacturing issues or generators that may have been damaged in 
transport.
    From October 2006 to February 2007, and again in January 2008, 
medical licensees reported to the NRC that numerous generators had 
failed the Mo-99 breakthrough tests. Some licensees reported the failed 
tests in the first elution, while some reported an acceptable first 
elution but failed subsequent elutions. One generator manufacturer 
voluntarily reported 116 total elution test failures in 2008. Based 
upon the numerous reports of failed Mo-99 breakthrough measurements 
noted in

[[Page 33053]]

the subsequent elutions, the NRC is amending Sec.  35.204 to return to 
the pre-2002 performance standard, which required licensees to measure 
the Mo-99 concentration for each elution of the Mo-99/Tc-99m generator 
at the time of generator elution.
e. Requiring Reporting and Notification of Generator Eluates Exceeding 
Permissible Concentrations of Molybdenum-99, Strontium-82, or 
Strontium-85
    The regulations do not currently require reporting to the NRC when 
an elution from a Mo-99/Tc-99m or Sr-82/Rb-82 generator exceeds the 
regulatory limit in Sec.  35.204(a). As discussed in this section, 
eluates from Mo-99/Tc-99m generators exceeded the permissible 
concentration listed in Sec.  35.204(a) on numerous occasions in 2006, 
2007, and 2008. Additionally, in 2011, issues with Sr-82/Rb-82 
generators were discovered when several individuals were identified 
with unexpectedly high levels of Sr-82 and Sr-85. These individuals had 
undergone Rb-82 chloride cardiac scanning procedures several months 
prior and had received these radionuclides in levels greatly in excess 
of the administration levels permitted in Sec.  35.204 for Sr-82/Rb-82 
generators. Further investigations showed that at least 90 individuals 
at one facility and 25 at another facility received levels of Sr-82 or 
Sr-85 that exceeded the levels permitted in Sec.  35.204. Of these 
patients, at least three had levels of Sr-82 and Sr-85 high enough to 
result in reportable MEs as defined in Sec.  35.3045.
    Because the reporting of a generator when the eluate exceeded 
permissible concentrations was voluntary, the NRC had difficulty 
determining the extent of potential problems. Reporting of results in 
excess of the levels in Sec.  35.204 for the Sr-82/Rb-82 generators 
could have alerted users and regulators to issues associated with these 
generators and possibly reduced the number of patients exposed to 
excess levels of Sr-82 and Sr-85. Breakthrough of Mo-99, or Sr-82 and 
Sr-85 contaminants can lead to unnecessary radiation exposure to 
patients.
    This final rule also adds a new reporting requirement for a 
generator eluate exceeding permissible concentrations of Mo-99 or Sr-82 
and Sr-85. This new reporting requirement in Sec.  35.3204(a) requires 
a licensee to report to the NRC and the manufacturer or distributor of 
medical generators within 7 calendar days any measurement that exceeds 
the limits in Sec.  35.204(a), at the time of generator elution.
f. Allowing ARSOs To Be Named on a Medical Use License
    Currently, Sec.  35.24(b) requires a licensee's management to 
appoint an RSO who, in writing, agrees to be responsible for 
implementing the radiation protection program. Further, the regulations 
in 10 CFR part 35 do not allow the naming of more than one permanent 
RSO on a license.
    During an ACMUI meeting in June 2007, ACMUI members expressed a 
concern that this restriction has contributed to a shortage of 
available RSOs to serve as preceptors. The ACMUI stated that the 
restriction has created a situation in which an individual who is 
qualified and performing the same duties as an RSO cannot be recognized 
or listed as an RSO, and that this restriction has created a situation 
in which an individual working as a contractor RSO at several hospitals 
or other licensed locations is unable to have actual day-to-day 
oversight at the various facilities.
    The final rule amends the regulations in 10 CFR part 35 to allow a 
licensee to appoint a qualified individual with expertise in certain 
uses of byproduct material to serve as an ARSO. This individual will be 
required to complete the same T&E requirements as the named RSO for the 
individual's assigned sections of the radiation safety program. The 
ARSOs will have oversight duties for the radiation safety operations of 
their assigned sections, while reporting to the named RSO. The 
regulation will continue to allow a licensee to name only one RSO on a 
license. The RSO will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day 
oversight of the entire radiation safety program. Similarly, a licensee 
with multiple operating locations could appoint a qualified ARSO at 
each location where byproduct material is used; however, the named RSO 
will remain responsible for the overall licensed program. Under the 
final rule, the ARSO will be named on the license for the types of use 
of byproduct material for which this individual is qualified and has 
been assigned duties and tasks by the RSO.
    The NRC believes that allowing an ARSO to be named on a license 
will increase the number of individuals who will be available to serve 
as preceptors for individuals seeking to be appointed as RSOs or ARSOs. 
Also, an ARSO named on a license could more easily become an RSO on 
other licenses for the types of uses for which the ARSO is qualified.
    In addition, the current regulations allow AUs, AMPs, and ANPs to 
serve as the RSO only on the license for which they are listed. Because 
AUs, AMPs, and ANPs must meet the same requirements to serve as the RSO 
regardless of which medical use license they are identified on, the NRC 
believes that it is overly restrictive not to allow them to serve as an 
RSO on any medical use license. Therefore, a modification is made that 
will allow an AU, AMP, or ANP listed on any medical use license or 
permit to serve as an RSO or ARSO. This change will increase the number 
of individuals available to serve as RSOs and ARSOs on NRC medical 
licenses. Additionally, these ARSOs and RSOs could serve as preceptors 
for an individual seeking to be named as the RSO.
    Participants at the public workshops held in the summer of 2011 
broadly supported the proposed change to allow an ARSO to be named on a 
license. The T&E requirements for an ARSO were discussed, and 
stakeholders strongly supported the NRC's position that the ARSOs must 
meet the same qualifications as the RSO for their assigned sections of 
the radiation safety program.
    The final rule amends multiple sections of 10 CFR part 35 to 
accommodate the new ARSO position.
g. Additional Issues and Clarifications
    Additional amendments are discussed in Section VI, Section-by-
Section Analysis, of this document.

B. When will these actions become effective?

    The final rule will become effective 180 days from its publication 
in the Federal Register. In the proposed rule published on July 21, 
2014, the NRC requested comments on whether a 180-day effective date 
for the final rule is sufficient to communicate the changes to all 
practitioners, and for practitioners to revise procedures, train on 
them, and implement the changes. The NRC received three comments on 
this question. These comments are discussed in Section V., Public 
Comment Analysis, of this document. Based on the comments received, the 
NRC has determined that a 180-day effective date is sufficient to 
implement the final rule.

IV. Opportunities for Public Participation

    The NRC staff submitted a proposed rule to the Commission for 
approval on August 8, 2013, SECY-13-0084, ``Proposed Rule: Medical Use 
of Byproduct Material--Medical Event Definitions, Training and 
Experience, and Clarifying Amendments.'' The Commission approved the 
NRC staff's recommendation to publish the proposed rule, with certain 
changes

[[Page 33054]]

directed by the Commission, in the SRM to SECY-13-0084, dated, January 
6, 2014. The proposed rule (79 FR 42410) was published on July 21, 
2014, for a 120-day comment period that ended on November 18, 2014. 
However, the proposed rule inadvertently omitted the one-time 
implementation costs from the information collection burden estimate. 
Therefore, a correction to the proposed rule (79 FR 56524) was 
published in the Federal Register on September 22, 2014, correcting the 
information collection burden estimate and allowing the public 30 days 
to comment on the information collection burden.
    During the comment period, the NRC staff held a public meeting on 
October 8, 2014, to better inform stakeholders of the proposed 
amendments and the various methods by which to provide comments on the 
proposed rule. Also, a public meeting was held on February 10, 2015, to 
better understand the comments made by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. 
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals expressed concern about the proposed 
additional case work requirements in Sec.  35.396 for the radionuclides 
used primarily for their alpha emissions and requested the NRC require 
80 hours rather than the required 700 hours of specialized training for 
any physician so that an oncologist or a hematologist may administer 
parenteral radioactive drugs.
    Early public input on the proposed rule was solicited through 
various mechanisms. The proposed amendments and preliminary draft rule 
text were discussed at the two transcribed facilitated public workshops 
that were conducted in New York City, New York, on June 20-21, 2011; 
and in Houston, Texas, on August 11-12, 2011. The purpose of the 
workshops was to solicit key stakeholder input on topics associated 
with the definition of an ME, including the requirements for reporting 
and notifications of MEs for permanent implant brachytherapy, and on 
other medical issues that were being considered in the proposed 
rulemaking. These workshops were initiated as a result of the 
Commission's direction to the NRC staff in the SRM to SECY-10-0062, 
which specified that the staff should work closely with the ACMUI and 
the medical community to develop ME definitions that would protect the 
interests of patients. The Commission also directed that these 
definitions should allow physicians the flexibility to take actions 
that they deem medically necessary, while preserving the NRC's ability 
to detect misapplications of radioactive material and failures in 
processes, procedures, and training. The panelists for the workshops 
included representatives from the ACMUI, Agreement States, and 
professional societies, and a patients' rights advocate.
    For certain amendments, the NRC posted preliminary draft rule text 
(ADAMS Accession No. ML111390420) for a 75-day comment period on 
www.regulations.gov. The availability of the draft rule language was 
noticed in the Federal Register on May 20, 2011 (76 FR 29171). The NRC 
received 11 comment letters on this preliminary draft rule text. These 
comment letters are also posted on www.regulations.gov under Docket ID 
NRC-2008-0175. The NRC staff reviewed the comments and considered them 
in developing the proposed rule text.

V. Public Comment Analysis

A. Overview of Public Comments

    The NRC received 69 comment letters that contained over 100 
individual comments. The comment letters are posted on 
www.regulations.gov under Docket ID NRC-2008-0175. The commenters 
included several professional societies including the American 
Brachytherapy Society, American College of Radiology, Health Physics 
Society, American Academy of Health Physics, American Society for 
Radiation Oncology, American Association of Physicists in Medicine, 
Council on Radionuclides and Radiopharmaceuticals, the Organization of 
the Agreement States, and the Conference of Radiation Control Program 
Directors. Other commenters included individual States, practicing 
physicians, medical physicists, RSOs, nuclear pharmacists, individual 
members of the public, and a member of Congress. The NRC also received 
several comment letters after the public comment period closed. The NRC 
was able to consider and respond to several of these comments. However, 
two comment letters on the T&E requirements for alpha and beta emitters 
were submitted so late in the rulemaking process that it was not 
practical for the NRC to consider these comments in this rulemaking.
    For the ME criteria for permanent implant brachytherapy, the 
commenters generally supported the activity-based criteria instead of 
the current dose-based criteria for the treatment site. The commenters 
did not support the criteria related to the dose to normal tissues 
located outside the treatment site, and normal tissues located within 
the treatment site. The commenters also expressed concern with the 
proposed 5 cubic centimeter volume of the normal tissue specification 
for the absorbed dose criteria for normal tissues. The commenters 
stated numerous practical difficulties in making these dose 
assessments. They stated that the volume of a maximally exposed 5 
contiguous cubic centimeters of normal tissue appears reasonable in 
theory. However, it will be difficult to determine in practice with 
current technology. They expressed concern that the treatment planning 
systems typically report dose-volume histograms to structures, but they 
do not identify contiguous volumes. Based on these concerns, this final 
rule ME criteria in Sec.  35.3045 does not include dose to normal 
tissues located outside, or within the treatment site.
    There were numerous comments on the compatibility category for the 
Agreement States for Sec.  35.3045, Report and notification of a 
medical event. Members of the medical community submitted ten comments 
in support of Compatibility Category B. The OAS, the Conference of 
Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), and all 7 of the Agreement 
States that submitted comments supported Compatibility Category C. This 
issue is fully discussed in Part I, Public Comments on the Specific 
Issues on Which the NRC Requested Comments.
    The commenters expressed concern about confusion among AUs 
surrounding the definition of ME and WDs related to Yttrium-90 (Y-90) 
microspheres. The NRC staff has determined that the use of Y-90 would 
continue to be licensed under Sec.  35.1000, ``Other medical uses of 
byproduct material or radiation from byproduct material.''
    The commenters were generally supportive of the proposed regulation 
that allows for the naming of an ARSO on the license.
    The commenters were supportive of the proposed removal of 
attestation requirements for the board-certified individuals, and other 
changes to the attestation requirements that are retained for 
individuals applying through the alternate pathway.
    The commenters were not supportive of the proposed additional case 
work requirements for the radionuclides used primarily for their alpha 
emissions. They were concerned that the proposed regulation has the 
unintended consequence of increasing the burden of the work experience 
requirement for those seeking to administer therapeutic 
radiopharmaceuticals such as alpha and beta emitters. They indicated 
that it may prove too burdensome for certain practitioners, 
particularly those in areas far removed from teaching hospitals and 
urban centers, to participate in three

[[Page 33055]]

proctored cases in each of these specific categories. They stated that 
the result will be to limit patient access to these safe and effective 
pharmaceuticals among what is already a disadvantaged population.
    With regard to the proposed reporting and notification of failed 
Mo-99/Tc-99m and Sr-82/Rb-82 generators in Sec.  35.3204, the 
commenters stated that the 30-day deadline to report should be 
shortened to more effectively address patient safety concerns. In 
response to this comment, the final rule has been changed to require a 
7-calendar-day reporting and notification time for a failed generator.

B. Public Comments and NRC Responses

    The NRC carefully considered the public comments in developing the 
final rule. This section summarizes the comments that the NRC received 
on the proposed rule and provides responses to these comments. Part I 
discusses the specific comments received on the issues on which the NRC 
specifically requested comments and discusses the NRC's responses to 
these comments. Part II discusses comments received on the specific 
sections of the 10 CFR part 35 amendments in the proposed rule and the 
NRC's responses to these comments.
Part I Public Comments on the Specific Issues on Which the NRC 
Requested Comments
    In the proposed rule, the NRC requested comments on the following 
specific issues:
i. Dose-Volume Specification for Determining Absorbed Dose to Normal 
Tissue for MEs Under Sec.  35.3045, Report and Notification of an ME
    The NRC asked whether, in defining MEs, the proposed volume of 5 
contiguous cubic centimeters dose-volume specification for an absorbed 
dose to normal tissue located both outside and within the treatment 
site is appropriate. The NRC also asked whether the application of the 
proposed ME definition for normal tissue based on the absorbed dose to 
the maximally exposed 5 contiguous cubic centimeters during permanent 
implant brachytherapy is appropriate for all potential treatment 
modalities, or whether it may result in unintended consequences for 
tissues or organs adjacent to the treatment site.
    The NRC received numerous comments on this issue. The comment 
summaries and NRC responses to comments on this issue are discussed in 
Part II, Comments on Specific Sections in the Proposed Rule, under 
Sec. Sec.  35.41 and 35.3045.
ii. Implementation Period
    The NRC asked whether a 180-day effective date for the final rule 
is sufficient to communicate the changes to all practitioners and for 
practitioners to revise procedures, train on them, and implement the 
changes. Three commenters responded to this question. One commenter 
stated that 180 days is sufficient to implement the rule. However, two 
commenters stated that 365 days or more is needed to implement 
significant changes related to the dose evaluation requirements 
proposed for the ME criteria portion of the rule. Two commenters also 
recommended that the amendments related to PRM-35-20 should be 
implemented immediately, or in no more than 30 days. Because the ME 
criteria related to the dose evaluations to normal tissues are removed 
in the final rule, the NRC determined that 180 days is sufficient to 
implement the final rule.
iii. Impact on Clinical Practice
    The NRC asked if any of the changes in the proposed rule are likely 
to discourage licensees from using certain therapy options or otherwise 
adversely impact clinical practice, and if so, how.
    The NRC received several comments on this issue. The comment 
summaries and NRC responses to comments on this issue are discussed in 
Part II, Comments on Specific Sections in the Proposed Rule, under 
Sec. Sec.  35.390 and 35.396.
iv. Compatibility Category for the Agreement States for Sec.  35.3045, 
Report and Notification of a Medical Event
    Currently Sec.  35.3045, Report and notification of a medical 
event, is designated as Compatibility Category C for the Agreement 
States. This designation means that the essential objectives of the 
requirement should be adopted by the State to avoid conflicts, 
duplications, or gaps. The manner in which the essential objectives are 
addressed in the Agreement State requirements need not be the same as 
NRC requirements, provided the essential objectives are met. Under 
Compatibility Category C, Agreement States may require the reporting of 
MEs with more restrictive criteria than those required by the NRC if 
they do not create a conflict, duplication or gap with the essential 
objectives of the regulation.
    Some medical licensees have multiple locations, some of which are 
NRC-regulated and some of which are Agreement State-regulated. Many of 
these licensees would prefer a Compatibility Category B designation for 
uniformity of practice and procedures among their different locations. 
A Compatibility Category B designation is for those program elements 
that apply to activities that have direct and significant effects in 
multiple jurisdictions.
    During the development of the proposed rule, the OAS expressed a 
strong desire to retain a dose-based ME reporting criterion for the 
treatment site if NRC regulations are revised to include only activity-
based criteria for determining MEs for permanent implant brachytherapy. 
The OAS had no objection to the introduction of the activity-based 
criteria, as long as the dose-based criteria could be retained by the 
Agreement States. With a Compatibility Category C designation, some 
Agreement States indicated they could require both the dose-based 
criterion and source-strength based criterion, as long as the Agreement 
State reports to the NRC using the reporting criteria that meets the 
essential objectives of the NRC regulatory requirements. As discussed 
in the proposed rule published on July 21, 2014, for some Agreement 
States, Compatibility Category B is difficult to achieve because their 
regulations must also meet specific state requirements based on the 
state agencies in which the radiation control regulators reside. Also, 
Agreement States may have existing laws requiring the collection of 
additional information on medical diagnostic and therapy procedures.
    If the level of compatibility for Sec.  35.3045 were to be raised 
to Compatibility Category B, Agreement State requirements would need to 
be essentially identical to those of the NRC. Compatibility Category B 
is applied to requirements that have significant direct transboundary 
health and safety implications.
    The ACMUI in its report to the NRC (Enclosure 4 to SECY-13-0084) 
recommended that MEs related to permanent implant brachytherapy be 
designated as Compatibility Category B. The ACMUI was concerned with 
the proposed designation as Compatibility Category C, which would allow 
the Agreement States to retain the dose-based criteria for an ME for 
permanent implant brachytherapy. The ACMUI asserted that a 
Compatibility Category C would continue to result in clinically 
insignificant occurrences being identified as MEs by Agreement States 
and thereby perpetuate the confusion associated with the current dose-
based criteria. The ACMUI stated that the most important component of 
the rationale for conversion from dose-based to

[[Page 33056]]

activity-based criteria is the failure of dose-based criteria to 
sensitively and only specifically capture clinically significant MEs in 
permanent implant brachytherapy.
    The Commission, in the SRM to SECY-13-0084, directed the NRC staff 
to designate Sec.  35.3045 as Compatibility Category B in the proposed 
rule, which was subsequently published on July 21, 2014 (79 FR 42410). 
The NRC specifically invited comments on the appropriate compatibility 
category for ME reporting under Sec.  35.3045.
    The NRC received 19 comments on this issue. The medical community 
submitted ten comments in support of Compatibility Category B. The 
Organization of the Agreement States (OAS), the Conference of Radiation 
Control Program Directors (CRCPD), and 7 Agreement States submitted 
comments in support of Compatibility Category C. The medical community 
commenters stated that some medical licensees practice at multiple 
locations, some of which are NRC-regulated and some of which are 
Agreement State-regulated. These commenters stated that a Compatibility 
Category B designation would allow for uniformity of practice and 
procedures across the country. They stated that moving Sec.  35.3045 
from Compatibility Category C to B is appropriate and necessary. The 
commenters from the medical community also stated that they recognize 
that the Agreement States oppose a change in Compatibility Category, 
citing state legislative requirements, the difficulty in changing state 
regulations, and the fact that States do not perceive a problem with 
the current dose-based definition. While the commenters from the 
medical community appreciate these concerns, they believed these 
concerns are outweighed by the importance of having a consistent 
definition throughout the country to prevent confusion and unnecessary 
reporting of otherwise medically acceptable events. They expressed 
concern that a Compatibility C designation would allow Agreement States 
to implement unnecessarily more expansive criteria that may classify 
medically acceptable procedures as an ME.
    The Agreement States, OAS, and CRCPD recommended that the 
compatibility designation for ME reporting under Sec.  35.3045 be 
designated as Compatibility C. They argued that under Compatibility 
Category C the Agreement States would continue to have the flexibility 
to add additional reporting terms (for example, shorter timelines for 
reporting, or a requirement to report diagnostic MEs). Several 
Agreement States questioned how a single medical incident at a single 
facility can have ``direct and significant effects in multiple 
jurisdictions.'' They further added that the Compatibility Category C 
designation has been adequate for the reporting requirements for 
radiography, irradiator, and well logging licensees who routinely work 
in multiple jurisdictions. One Agreement State stated that the proposed 
activity-based ME reporting criteria should be added to the existing 
dose-based criteria, rather than replace it. The Agreement State stated 
that it would require licensees to apply both criteria, and only those 
MEs that meet the NRC's proposed activity-based criteria would be 
reported to the NRC.
    Based on these comments, and review of the NRC's Management 
Directive 5.9 ``Adequacy and Compatibility of Agreement State 
Programs,'' NRC staff determined that ME reporting under Sec.  35.3045 
should be designated as Compatibility Category C. Under Compatibility 
Category C, the Agreement States must adopt the essential objective of 
the requirement to avoid conflicts, duplications, or gaps. The 
essential objective of Sec.  35.3045 is to maintain a consistent 
national program for reporting MEs. A consistent national program for 
reporting MEs allows the NRC to identify trends or patterns, identify 
generic issues or concerns, recognize inadequacies or unreliability of 
specific equipment or procedures, and determine why an event occurred 
and whether any actions are necessary to improve the effectiveness of 
NRC and Agreement State regulatory programs.
    The NRC has determined that allowing Agreement States to use the 
dose-based criteria in addition to the activity-based criteria for 
permanent implant brachytherapy MEs in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) would create 
inconsistencies in the national reporting program and disrupt the NRC 
and Agreement States' ability to use the national program for reporting 
MEs for the purposes described above. As a result, the use of dose-base 
criteria instead of activity-based criteria would create a conflict 
with the NRC's essential objective of this regulatory provision, which 
could impair the effective and orderly regulation of agreement material 
on a nationwide basis.
    The NRC staff concluded that the continued use of a dose-based 
criteria could: (1) Preclude a practice in the national interest to 
have consistent reporting and notification standard; (2) impair 
effective communication; and (3) preclude an effective review or 
evaluation by the Commission and Agreement State programs for agreement 
material with respect to protection of public health and safety. Under 
Compatibility Category C for reporting permanent implant brachytherapy 
ME's, the regulatory provision uses activity-based criteria to ensure 
the consistent reporting of significant events as MEs across the 
country. Agreement States' use of dose-based criteria for these 
reporting requirements would not be compatible with this provision 
because it conflicts with the essential objective of this provision to 
maintain a consistent national program for reporting MEs.
    The NRC staff considered Compatibility Category B for the ME 
criteria for permanent implant brachytherapy in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2), 
but concluded that this designation is not justified, because ME 
reporting, while important to the effective and orderly regulation of 
agreement material on a nationwide basis, does not have significant 
direct transboundary implications. As a Compatibility Category C 
regulatory provision, the Agreement States have the flexibility to 
include, for example, a shorter reporting time, but the use of dose-
based ME reporting criteria for permanent implant brachytherapy would 
create conflicts and inconsistencies with respect to the national 
reporting program. Therefore, the NRC will not accept, under 
Compatibility Category C, Agreement State use of dose-based criteria 
for permanent implant brachytherapy ME reporting.
    The comment summaries and NRC responses on this issue are discussed 
in Part II of this section, under Sec.  35.3045.
Part II Comments Received on the Specific Sections in the Proposed Rule
Section 30.34(g) Terms and Conditions of Licenses
    Comment: One commenter noted that Tc-99m decays much faster than 
Mo-99, therefore, every Tc-99m generator eluate will eventually exceed 
the regulatory limit. Because of this, the commenter stated that the 
language in the proposed rule text would require every eluate to be 
reported. The commenter proposed revising the rule text in Sec.  
30.34(g) to clarify that the licensee would only report measurements of 
a Tc-99m generator elution that exceeded the regulatory limits at the 
time of generator elution.
    Response: The rule text was modified in response to this comment. 
The NRC agrees with the commenter that the proposed rule text was not 
clear in Sec.  35.204(e) and has amended it to clarify

[[Page 33057]]

that the reporting requirements only apply at the time of generator 
elution.
Section 35.2 Definitions
Issue 1: Definition of an Associate Radiation Safety Officer
    Comment: One commenter agreed with and supported the new definition 
of an Associate Radiation Safety Officer.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter stated that some Agreement States are 
already using the term Assistant Radiation Safety Officer and suggested 
the NRC allow the use of a term other than ``Associate,'' such as 
``Assistant.'' The commenter stated that this change would alleviate 
the workload required to modify certain Agreement States' medical 
licenses. Another commenter requested that the terms Assistant and 
Associate be used interchangeably.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. To establish a clear regulatory requirement, the term 
Associate Radiation Safety Officer (ARSO) is retained. Although the 
term Assistant RSO is used in some Agreement States, each Agreement 
State may require individuals to meet different T&E standards to be 
named as an Assistant RSO on a license. Therefore, any individual whom 
an Agreement State has designated as an Assistant RSO is not recognized 
by the NRC and may not be recognized by other Agreement States. The new 
definition will establish clear and concise requirements that an 
individual would need to meet in order to be recognized as an Associate 
RSO by the NRC and Agreement States.
Issue 2: Definition of an Ophthalmic Physicist
    Comment: One commenter asserted that there was not a sufficient 
need to create an ophthalmic physicist designation and that by doing so 
the NRC will set a precedent for other source-specific designations, 
rendering the AMP obsolete.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The designation of an ophthalmic physicist is retained. 
Authorized Users who work in remote areas may not have ready access to 
an AMP to perform the necessary calculations and other activities 
outlined in the new Sec.  35.433 to support the ophthalmic treatments. 
This rule change will make the procedure involving the use of Sr-90 
sources for ophthalmic treatments available to more patients located in 
remote areas. The NRC does not believe the addition of the ophthalmic 
physicist will render the AMP obsolete because the primary role of the 
AMP is to support the medical uses under Sec.  35.600 and certain uses 
under Sec.  35.1000. The proposed revision would not prohibit an AMP 
from assisting the ophthalmic AU.
Issue 3: Definition of a Preceptor
    Comment: One commenter agreed with and supported the new definition 
of a Preceptor.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
Section 35.24 Authority and Responsibilities for the Radiation 
Protection Program
    Comment: One commenter asserted that ARSOs should not be named on a 
medical license but licensees should be allowed to name ARSOs in their 
radiation programs. The commenter disagreed with the NRC's argument 
that licensees are having a difficult time in naming an RSO due to an 
RSO not being able to sign a preceptor form. Further, the commenter 
stated that ``[t]he NRC and Agreement States are authorized to approve 
a proposed licensee's RSO based upon their T&E without the preceptor 
attestation.''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC maintained the provision to name ARSOs on medical 
licenses to avoid confusion between individuals named on a license as 
opposed to individuals working in a radiation program and to establish 
regulatory requirements for training and experience. This will allow 
the individual who is named as an ARSO to be recognized by Agreement 
States and the NRC as an RSO or ARSO for the same medical uses on 
another license without resubmitting his or her T&E documents.
    The ACMUI identified two issues with respect to securing an RSO's 
signature on a preceptor statement: There were not enough preceptors 
and some preceptors were not willing to sign preceptor statements. 
Naming the ARSOs on a license and permitting them to sign preceptor 
forms will increase the number of individuals who may sign the 
preceptor forms. Changes to the attestation language will remove 
impediments for individuals who were not willing to sign the previous 
preceptor statements. These changes will enhance opportunities for RSO 
candidates.
    The NRC disagrees with the comment that RSOs are approved based 
upon their T&E without a preceptor statement. Under current 
regulations, an individual seeking to be named as an RSO on a medical 
license must submit a preceptor statement. The new provision in this 
rulemaking will only remove the preceptor attestation requirements for 
individuals who are certified by a board recognized by the NRC or 
Agreement States. Individuals seeking to be named as an RSO or ARSO 
under the alternate pathway will need to submit a preceptor statement.
    Comment: One commenter recommended revising the rule text in Sec.  
35.24(b) to read, ``These duties and tasks are restricted to the types 
of use for which the Associate Radiation Safety Officer is listed on 
the license as an AU, AMP or ANP, or has training in the radiation 
safety, regulatory issues and emergency procedures.'' The commenter 
believed that this revision ``would align it with 30.50(d).''
    Response: The NRC assumes the commenter intended to reference 
proposed Sec.  35.50(d) not Sec.  30.50(d). The ARSO must be listed on 
a license before being assigned duties and tasks as an ARSO. The 
individual may be assigned tasks outside of the agreed upon list of 
ARSO duties and tasks in order to obtain additional T&E.
    The commenter's proposed text would imply that the ARSO is listed 
on a license as an AU, AMP, or ANP. This is not always the case. 
Further, as written in the proposed rule and in the rule text suggested 
by the commenter, the regulations could have permitted the RSO to 
assign duties and tasks to the individual as the ARSO for which he or 
she was not fully qualified (i.e., assigned duties and tasks for a type 
of use for which he or she was not listed on the license). Therefore, 
for clarification, the NRC has revised the rule text in Sec.  35.24(b) 
to read, ``These duties and tasks are restricted to the types of use 
for which the Associate Radiation Safety Officer is listed on the 
license.''
    Comment: Two commenters expressed concern that there is no clear 
guidance or a policy on the number of licenses on which an individual 
could be named as an RSO or an ARSO. One commenter requested that the 
NRC develop this policy or guidance. The other commenter recommended 
that the NRC, Agreement States, ACMUI, and the medical community work 
together to develop guidance or a policy that can be consistently 
applied across all regulatory jurisdictions to establish the minimum 
amount of time an RSO or an ARSO listed on multiple licenses would be 
required to spend at each licensed facility.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. Current NRC regulations do not limit the number of licenses 
on which an

[[Page 33058]]

RSO can be listed concurrently. Some Agreement States limit the number 
of licenses on which an individual may be named as the RSO. The NRC 
regulations do not impose any such limit. Rather, the NRC evaluates, on 
a case-by-case basis, whether the proposed RSO would have sufficient 
involvement in the program and if necessary, limits the number of 
licenses on which that RSO is named.
Section 35.40 Written Directives
    Comment: One commenter questioned the phrase in Sec.  35.40 
(b)(6)(i): ``. . . if appropriate, the expected absorbed doses to 
normal tissues located within the treatment site,'' and stated that the 
term ``appropriate'' is very subjective. The commenter also asked who 
decides if normal tissues are located within the treatment site and if 
this is a clinical decision. The commenter was concerned that an 
inspector might determine appropriateness differently than the 
licensee's AU or AMP, resulting in a potential violation based on a 
difference in interpretation. The commenter believes that the WD should 
not include expected doses to normal tissues located within the 
treatment site because there may be clinical reasons for an AU to 
accept a higher dose to a normal structure in close proximity to 
involved tissues.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this and other 
comments. The NRC agrees that, for permanent implant brachytherapy, the 
determination of the appropriate dose to normal tissue (if any) located 
within the treatment site is a matter of medical judgment. The NRC has 
removed the reference to dose to normal tissue located within the 
treatment site. The rule text in Sec.  35.40(b)(6)(i) was modified to 
remove the requirement to include in the pre-implantation WD the 
language ``if appropriate, the expected doses to normal tissues located 
within the treatment site.''
    Comment: One commenter stated that the wording of Sec.  35.40(b)(6) 
refers to ``permanent implant brachytherapy,'' but the remainder of the 
rule reads as if it was written for brachytherapy seeds. The commenter 
noted that Y-90 microspheres are sealed brachytherapy sources that are 
permanently implanted. The commenter asked if the new rule may be used 
in place of the existing guidance for Y-90 microsphere use under Sec.  
35.1000.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The term ``permanent implant brachytherapy'' is used to refer 
to manual brachytherapy procedures performed in accordance with Sec.  
35.400. The NRC considers Y-90 microspheres to be manual brachytherapy 
sources; however, they have unique properties that prevent them from 
being regulated under all the provisions of Sec.  35.400. Therefore, 
they are regulated under Sec.  35.1000. Consequently, the new rule does 
not apply to the use of Y-90 microspheres.
    Comment: One commenter supported specification of a ``before 
implantation'' and an ``after implantation'' assessment as an excellent 
improvement from the current regulations. However, the commenter stated 
that defining the ``treatment site'' is a concern for prostate 
procedures. The commenter noted that an AU may need to change the 
definition of the treatment site and intended doses to critical 
structures based on intraoperative imaging results. This could result 
in the evaluation for an ME for absorbed dose to normal tissue to be 
based on a condition that changed during the implant procedure.
    Response: The rule text was modified in response to this comment. 
The rule text in Sec.  35.40(b)(6)(ii) was changed to allow the AU to 
change the description of the treatment site in the post-implantation 
WD. The NRC agrees that an AU needs flexibility to change the 
definition of the treatment site based on the condition of the patient 
and imaging results obtained during the implant procedure. Further, 
based on other comments, the NRC removed the requirements to include, 
in the WD, the absorbed dose to normal tissue in Sec.  35.40(b)(6)(i).
    Comment: One commenter stated that the after implantation WD 
requirement in Sec.  35.40(b)(6)(ii) is consistent with clinically 
relevant circumstances. However, the commenter believes that it would 
be appropriate to list the number of seeds purposely implanted outside 
``the prostate plus margin specified in the prescription,'' because 
this information will be needed when determining an ME.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The AU defines the treatment site in the WD in the way he or 
she believes to be medically appropriate, including any margin. The AU 
may define the treatment site to include all tissues into which sources 
have been purposely implanted.
    Comment: Two commenters supported the requirement in Sec.  
35.40(b)(6) for a two-part WD for permanent implant brachytherapy, with 
one part before implantation and a second part after implantation. One 
commenter stated that ``documentation of the number of sources and 
total source strength is easily determined within 24 hours after 
implant completion.''
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required. However, the NRC notes that the post-treatment WD 
has to be completed before the patient leaves the post-treatment 
recovery area.
    Comment: Two commenters supported the proposal to allow 
modification of the WD based on the medical situation encountered by 
the physician during the permanent implant brachytherapy procedure. One 
of the commenters noted that when modifications to the WD are medically 
necessary, these modifications should not constitute an ME.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
Section 35.41 Procedures for Administrations Requiring a Written 
Directive
    Comment: One commenter stated that the method and timing of the 
comparison in Sec.  35.41(b)(6)(i) is unclear. The commenter noted that 
there is no requirement to include in the post-implantation WD the 
number of sources implanted outside the treatment site. The commenter 
believes that comparing the total source strength implanted outside of 
the treatment site with the total source strength implanted inside the 
treatment site is unreasonable because some sources may intentionally 
be implanted outside the treatment site as defined in the pre-
implantation WD. The commenter suggested rewriting this section to 
clearly specify that the concern is errors in source placement, not 
sources outside the treatment site.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. Section 35.41(b)(6)(i) requires a licensee to determine, 
within 60 days from the date the permanent brachytherapy implant was 
performed, the total source strength administered outside of the 
treatment site compared to the total source strength documented in the 
post-implantation portion of the WD. The AU defines the treatment site 
(as defined in Sec.  35.2) in the WD in any way he or she believes to 
be medically appropriate. The AU may define the treatment site to 
include all tissues into which sources will be purposely implanted. 
Therefore, the total source strength implanted in unintended locations 
would be compared with the total source strength documented in the 
post-implantation portion of the WD.
    Comment: One commenter stated that it appears reasonable in theory 
to determine absorbed dose to the maximally exposed 5 contiguous cubic

[[Page 33059]]

centimeters of normal tissue. However, the commenter believes that it 
will be difficult to make this determination using current technology. 
The commenter stated that ``planning systems typically report dose-
volume histograms to structures, but they do not identify contiguous 
volumes.''
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.41(b)(6) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.41(b)(6)(ii) and (iii). The NRC acknowledges that while some 
treatment planning systems can identify contiguous volumes, others 
cannot. In response to this concern and concerns raised by other 
commenters, the NRC removed subparagraphs (ii) and (iii), which would 
have required the licensee to determine the absorbed dose to normal 
tissues located both outside and within the treatment site.
    Comment: One commenter recommended modifying Sec.  35.41(a) by 
adding: ``(3) After administration, an ME as defined in Sec.  35.3045 
has not occurred . . .''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC determined that the recommended rule change is not 
necessary because Sec.  35.41(b)(5) requires that at a minimum, the 
procedures required by Sec.  35.41(a) include ``[d]etermining if a 
medical event, as defined in Sec.  35.3045, has occurred.''
    Comment: Several commenters noted that the proposed regulation 
would apply to all permanent brachytherapy implants, including lung 
mesh procedures. They stated that licensees do not routinely perform 
dose assessments because the mesh is visually sewn to the lung in the 
prescribed location and the sources are not vulnerable to migration. 
The commenters recommended excluding lung mesh treatments from the 
requirements of Sec.  35.41(b)(6).
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this and other 
comments. The NRC recognizes the difficulty in determining the absorbed 
dose to normal tissues for treatments that use mesh material with 
permanent brachytherapy sources incorporated into the mesh. In response 
to this concern and those raised by other commenters, the NRC removed 
subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) in Sec.  35.41(b)(6), which would have 
required the licensee to determine the absorbed dose to normal tissues 
located both outside and within the treatment site. The NRC retained 
Sec.  35.41(b)(6)(i) to determine the total source strength 
administered outside of the treatment site compared to the total source 
strength documented in the post-implantation WD for all permanent 
brachytherapy, including mesh procedures. The NRC retained this 
requirement because it is important to ensure that the use of the 
radionuclide is in accordance with the WD.
    Comment: Several commenters stated that they support the 
requirement for performing a post-implant dosimetric evaluation of each 
permanent brachytherapy implant within 60 days. However, there may be 
other obstacles to meeting this 60-day requirement, beyond patient 
unavailability, that should be added to the rule text. For example, one 
commenter noted that a machine may be broken and the facility may not 
have a backup, or the facility may have lost electricity because of a 
storm. The commenters suggested modifying the language in Sec.  
35.41(b)(6) to also allow written justification related to other 
factors ``outside the control'' of the licensee.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. A 60-calendar-day time frame ensures that the licensee has 
ample time to make arrangements for the required determination in Sec.  
35.41(b)(6). If the licensee's imaging device malfunctioned or the 
facility lost electricity, it should be possible to refer the patient 
to another facility for the imaging study within the 60-day time frame. 
Further, in response to other comments, NRC re-evaluated the 
requirements for post-implant dosimetric evaluation to the normal 
tissue and has removed this requirement.
    Comment: One commenter believes that the assessment of permanent 
brachytherapy implants described in Sec.  35.41(b)(6) should be part of 
the medical evaluation of the treatment and not part of the procedures 
to provide high confidence that the administration is in accordance 
with the WD. The commenter also noted the difficulty in meeting this 
requirement, if it is retained, for permanent implants of certain large 
tumors. In these cases, a surgical procedure to remove part of the 
tumor may be performed shortly after the implant and this may result in 
intentional removal of many of the seeds. Post-implant removal of 
sources will change the dose to normal tissues. The commenter stated 
that the proposed regulation appears to require re-imaging to localize 
the remaining sources to perform the required assessment; however, it 
is unlikely that this additional assessment was intended.
    Response: The rule text was modified in response to other comments. 
The NRC modified the rule text in Sec.  35.41(b)(6) to remove the 
requirement to determine the absorbed dose to normal tissues located 
outside the treatment site and within the treatment site. The NRC 
retained the requirement to determine the total source strength 
administered outside of the treatment site compared to the total source 
strength documented in the post-implantation WD. It is likely that most 
licensees will perform the determination of total source strength 
administered outside of the treatment site by performing an imaging 
study such as a computed tomography scan. If it is necessary to remove 
part of the tumor shortly after the implant, this imaging study may be 
performed before the tumor removal.
Section 35.50 Training for Radiation Safety Officer and Associate 
Radiation Safety Officer
    Comment: One commenter agreed with the changes in the T&E 
requirements for AUs, medical physicists, RSOs, and nuclear 
pharmacists. The commenter also supported the establishment of the ARSO 
because they believe it provides a pathway for more individuals to be 
RSOs and increases the number of preceptors available for future RSOs 
and ARSOs.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter supported the inclusion of an ANP in the 
pathway to be identified as an ARSO on a medical license.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: Several commenters supported the removal of the preceptor 
statement requirement for individuals who are certified by a specialty 
board whose certification process has been recognized by the NRC or an 
Agreement State and are applying to be named as an RSO, ARSO, ANP, AMP, 
or AU.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter supported ARSOs being named on licenses and 
being able to serve as preceptors.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the ARSO position created in the 
proposed rule does not create a new pathway for an individual to become 
an RSO. The commenter proposed that the NRC create a new pathway for an 
individual to qualify as an RSO by relaxing the T&E requirements for an 
ARSO. This new pathway would require an individual to meet only the 
education requirements in Sec.  35.50 to be

[[Page 33060]]

named as an ARSO and then participate in a year-long training program. 
The commenter's expectation was that, at the end of the year-long 
training program, the ARSO would have gained proficiency in each of the 
areas listed in the regulations and could work independently and be 
qualified to be an RSO. The commenter also proposed that management 
would have the ARSO agree in writing to be responsible for implementing 
the radiation protection program.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The ARSO position created in the proposed rule does create a 
new pathway for an individual to become an RSO. An ARSO can become an 
RSO for the same types of use of byproduct material for which he or she 
was assigned duties and tasks as an ARSO on a medical license. This new 
pathway requires the same T&E for ARSOs as the current regulations for 
individuals seeking to be an RSO.
    The commenter proposed adding a pathway for an individual to 
qualify as an RSO via the ARSO position. This proposed pathway is 
problematic because it would create a training program for an 
individual to become an ARSO without the individual meeting all the 
required T&E for an ARSO or an RSO. The NRC does not intend for this 
rule to create a training program for an individual to become an ARSO 
who is not fully qualified to be an RSO. The NRC did not include a 
provision to require management to have the ARSO agree in writing to be 
responsible for implementing the radiation safety program because the 
RSO is responsible for the radiation safety program. The RSO may 
delegate tasks and duties to the ARSO but the final rule at Sec.  
35.24(b) states that the RSO ``shall not delegate the authority or 
responsibilities for implementing the radiation protection program.''
    Comment: Two commenters recommended relaxing the qualifications for 
the ARSO to allow on-the-job training while serving in an assistant or 
associate position.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The commenters' proposal would have resulted in recognition 
of an individual as an ARSO when the individual had not satisfactorily 
completed all the training and experience qualifications to perform his 
or her duties and tasks and could be recognized as an RSO at a later 
date. An ARSO may receive additional on-the-job training to expand his 
or her training and skills to apply for ARSO status for additional 
types of use.
    Comment: One commenter asserted that the changes to the regulations 
would permit AUs to be RSOs. Doing so, according to the commenter, 
would weaken the position held by the RSO because a physician AU acting 
as the RSO is doing so as an additional duty. The commenter asserted 
that these RSOs were neither familiar with the regulations nor the 
recordkeeping requirements of a radiation safety program. The commenter 
further stated that if they made a mistake as an AU, it was often 
overlooked or corrected by simply re-writing a prescription for a 
particular treatment.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. Current regulations recognize an AU as being qualified to be 
an RSO consistent with the AU's authorization and required radiation 
safety experience. This provision was unchanged in this rulemaking. The 
NRC expects that all AUs/RSOs take their responsibilities and 
obligations seriously and notes that AUs/RSOs should not overlook or 
``correct'' errors by ``simply re-writing a prescription for a 
particular treatment.''
    Comment: Several commenters opposed having an ARSO provide a 
preceptor attestation for an individual seeking to be named as an RSO. 
The commenters stated that an ARSO is only responsible for certain 
duties or limited sections of the program while the RSO is responsible 
for the entire radiation safety program. One commenter further 
recommended that an ARSO should only be permitted to provide a 
preceptor statement for an individual seeking to be named as an ARSO.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. For each medical use for which an ARSO is authorized, the T&E 
requirements are the same as that of an RSO. Further, the requirements 
for the preceptor are the same, regardless of whether they are an RSO 
or an ARSO. Therefore, an ARSO can be a preceptor for a potential RSO 
or a potential ARSO, but only for those uses for which the preceptor 
ARSO is authorized.
    Comment: Two commenters recommended that AUs, ANPs, or AMPs be 
allowed to serve as RSOs on individual licenses for private practices 
(i.e., non-hospital sites).
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The current regulations already allow AUs, AMPs, and ANPs to 
serve as RSOs on private practice licenses and other non-hospital 
medical facilities.
    Comment: One commenter requested that the rule text in Sec.  
35.50(c)(1), (2), and (3) be consistent with respect to the description 
of the radiation safety experience and types of use to avoid confusion. 
The commenter pointed out that the text in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) 
included ``similar types of use'' whereas paragraph (c)(3) implies the 
exact same types of use.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The NRC 
agrees with the commenter that there should be consistency between the 
rule text in Sec.  35.50 (c)(1) and (2). The rule text in paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (2) was changed to read ``has experience with the radiation 
safety aspects of similar types of use of byproduct material for which 
the licensee seeks the approval of the individual as the Radiation 
Safety Officer or Associate Radiation Safety Officer.'' However, a 
similar change was not made to the rule text in Sec.  35.50(c)(3). The 
provisions in Sec.  35.50(c)(3) only address a new license application 
where the applicant is requesting that a qualified individual, who has 
not previously been named on a license, be named as both an AU and the 
RSO on the new license. The new license will authorize only those types 
of uses for which the proposed AU/RSO has T&E.
    Comment: One commenter sought clarification on whether Sec.  
35.50(c)(3) applied to a new license with just one potential AU. The 
commenter believes that license reviewers would use paragraph (c)(3), 
as written in the proposed rule, to add the first AU/RSO and then 
process a separate licensing action to add other AUs.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
NRC's intent in the proposed rule was for the provision in Sec.  
35.50(c)(3) to apply to a single physician applicant who was not yet 
authorized to be an AU and has requested to be both the AU and RSO. 
Based on the comment, the NRC has broadened the provision in Sec.  
35.50(c)(3) to include an applicant for a new medical use license with 
multiple AUs who requests an individual, qualified but not yet 
recognized to be an AU, to be both an AU and the RSO on the new 
license.
    Comment: One commenter asserted that the provisions in Sec.  
35.50(c)(2) were all that were needed in a rural setting to appoint an 
individual as both an AU and an RSO simultaneously, and Sec.  
35.50(c)(3) was not needed, unless Sec.  35.50(c)(3) individuals are 
not subject to the requirements in Sec.  35.50(d).
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. For 
clarity, the rule text was revised to add a reference to Sec.  35.50(d) 
in Sec.  35.50(c)(3) based on both this and another comment. The 
provisions in Sec.  35.50(c)(3) are distinctly different from the 
provisions of Sec.  35.50(c)(2) and both can be used in rural areas. 
Section 35.50(c)(3) addresses only a new license where the

[[Page 33061]]

physician whom the applicant is requesting to be named as an RSO has 
not yet been listed on a license as an AU. Section 35.50(c)(2) applies 
to a new application or amendment to an existing license where the 
applicant or licensee is requesting to identify an individual already 
identified as an AU, AMP, or ANP on a license or permit as the RSO. The 
individuals who meet the requirements in Sec.  35.50(c)(2) or (c)(3) 
must also meet the requirements in paragraph (d) of this section.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the provisions in Sec.  35.50 in 
the proposed rule could be interpreted two ways. Due to the word 
``and'' between Sec.  35.50(c)(3) and Sec.  35.50(d), the provision in 
Sec.  35.50(d) could be interpreted to apply to Sec.  35.50(c)(3). 
Alternatively, the provision in Sec.  35.50(d) could be interpreted not 
to apply to Sec.  35.50(c)(3). The commenter stated that a revision is 
necessary to clarify whether or not paragraph (d) applies to (c)(3). 
The commenter also stated that if paragraph (d) does not apply to Sec.  
35.50(c)(3), this pathway would permit a large institution applying for 
a new license to have an RSO that did not demonstrate compliance with 
Sec.  35.50(d).
    Response: The rule text was revised based on this comment. The rule 
text was revised to add a reference to Sec.  35.50(d) in Sec.  
35.50(c)(3). The NRC agrees that Sec.  35.50(d) applies to Sec.  
35.50(c)(3). Although the NRC intended to provide a pathway for a 
single practice physician, if a medical institution wants to apply for 
a Part 35 medical use license by adding a physician (who is qualified 
but not yet authorized as an AU) to be both an AU and the RSO, then the 
institution could also use the provisions of Sec.  35.50(c)(3) to 
obtain a medical use license. Note that once a hospital has obtained a 
medical use license, the provisions of Sec.  35.50(c)(3) no longer 
apply because they only apply to new licenses.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the rule text in Sec.  
35.50(c)(3) appeared to be ``backward'' and suggested that the 
paragraph should read ``Is an individual who is seeking simultaneous 
approval both as the Radiation Safety Officer and the AU on the same 
new Commission or Agreement State license and who has experience with 
the radiation safety aspects of the types of use of byproduct material 
for which the individual has Radiation Safety Officer 
responsibilities.''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. Starting the paragraph with ``Is an individual who . . .'' 
would result in redundant language because Sec.  35.50 reads ``Except 
as provided in 35.57, the licensee shall require an individual . . . to 
be an individual who--. . . (c)(3).'' Additionally, because the 
individual has not yet been identified as an AU or RSO, the individual 
does not yet have the responsibilities of an RSO.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the ARSOs should be fully 
trained to manage the radiation safety program issues for all 
modalities authorized on the license. This would simplify the license 
in that specialty areas of use would not have to be listed and 
amendments would not be needed for changes to ARSO specialty areas. The 
ARSO would be ready to replace the RSO with only the delegation of 
authority letter from management needed to qualify the ARSO as RSO.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. Limiting the ARSO designation to only those individuals that 
have T&E in all the medical types and uses on the license would not 
permit individuals with T&E for some of the medical types of use on the 
license to be recognized as ARSOs. The NRC disagrees with the 
commenter's assertion that the individuals should be trained for all 
modalities so that they could be ready to replace the RSO. A trained 
individual is not necessarily qualified to be the RSO; the individual 
would also need to meet the experience requirements. Additionally, the 
NRC disagrees with the commenter's assertion that only a delegation of 
authority letter is needed for the ARSO to become an RSO. Only a 
regulator can name an individual as the RSO on a license.
    Comment: One commenter agreed with the proposed addition of ARSOs 
but requested a requirement that the ARSO's performance and level of 
activity be reviewed on an annual basis by the licensee's RSO or 
Radiation Safety Committee. The commenter believed this would ensure 
that only the active ARSOs with recent experience are listed on the 
license.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The requirement in Sec.  35.14(b) for a licensee to notify NRC 
no later than 30 days after an ARSO permanently discontinues 
performance of duties as an ARSO is adequate without adding a 
prescriptive requirement to annually review the performance of the 
ARSO.
    Comment: One commenter believed the T&E of the ARSO should be 
designated as Compatibility Category ``C.'' This would give the state 
program the flexibility to more effectively monitor the roll out of 
this new provision without adversely affecting either the individuals 
seeking ARSO listing/approval or the licensees.
    Response: No change was made to the Compatibility Category for the 
ARSO training and experience requirements. The NRC has determined that 
Sec.  35.50 is a Compatibility Category B because T&E requirements have 
``significant direct transboundary implications.'' Assistant RSOs might 
not meet the requirements to be an ARSO. Therefore, they may not be 
automatically listed as an ARSO on a license. Individuals named as 
assistant RSOs on a state license may continue to work as an assistant 
RSO on that license, but will be required to meet the requirements in 
Sec. Sec.  35.50 and 35.51 if they would like to be named as an ARSO.
    Comment: Two commenters supported the establishment of an ARSO, but 
the commenters believed the NRC overemphasized the need to provide more 
preceptors. The commenters stated that the more important reason for 
establishing an ARSO is to recognize more qualified individuals and 
increase the pool of RSOs. One of the commenters further stated that 
many states have had ARSOs or similar individuals or multiple RSOs on a 
license for many years and this has not caused problems.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The NRC recognizes that the increase in the number of 
individuals meeting the qualifications in Sec.  35.50 and being 
recognized as ARSOs both increases the number of individuals recognized 
as meeting the qualifications for being RSOs and the number of 
available preceptors. The NRC continues to require under Sec.  35.24(b) 
that only one RSO be listed on each medical use license because that is 
the individual responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the entire 
radiation safety program.
Section 35.55 Training for an Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist
    Comment: One commenter asserted that specialized residencies in 
pharmacy practice are available and more are emerging, including 
nuclear pharmacy practice residency programs. The commenter provided a 
website for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists residency 
directory, which contains an online directory of pharmacy residency 
programs, in support of this assertion. The commenter recommended 
amending Sec.  35.55(b)(2) to read:

    Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of 
this section and is able to independently fulfill the radiation 
safety-related duties as an

[[Page 33062]]

authorized nuclear pharmacist. The attestation must be obtained from 
either: (i) A preceptor authorized nuclear pharmacist who meets the 
requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57 or 35.55, or equivalent Agreement 
State requirements; or (ii) A residency program director who affirms 
in writing that the attestation represents the consensus of the 
residency program faculty where at least one faculty member is an 
authorized nuclear pharmacist who meets the requirements in 
Sec. Sec.  35.57 or 35.55 or equivalent Agreement State requirements 
and concurs with the attestation provided by the residency program 
director. The residency training program must be approved by the 
Commission on Credentialing of the American Society of Health-System 
Pharmacists and must include training and experience specified in 
Sec.  35.55(b)(1).

    The recommended amendment would add provisions that would allow the 
residency program director to provide an attestation to the T&E 
requirements for an ANP similar to those provisions added for an AU, 
AMP, and RSO.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC reviewed the American Society of Health-System 
Pharmacists residency directory at the provided website. The residency 
directory included residency programs in the United States and two 
foreign countries. The website lists only one nuclear pharmacy 
residency program in the United States. Other residency programs 
included in Part 35 have been accredited by either the Residency Review 
Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, 
the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the Council 
on Postdoctoral Training of the American Osteopathic Association. The 
Commission on Credentialing of the American Society of Health-System 
Pharmacists has not been evaluated by the NRC to determine if this 
accreditation group is equivalent to the accreditation groups listed 
above, and to do so would be beyond the scope of this rulemaking. 
Therefore, the nuclear pharmacy residency program has not been included 
in this rulemaking. The commenter may submit its recommendation to the 
NRC as a petition for rulemaking under Sec.  2.802.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the NRC recognize 
structured nuclear pharmacy training programs, sometimes referred to as 
certificate programs, by amending Sec.  35.55(b)(2) to provide:

    (iii) A program director of a structured nuclear pharmacy 
training program who affirms in in [sic] writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the training program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an authorized nuclear 
pharmacist who meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57 or 35.55, 
or equivalent Agreement State requirements and concurs with the 
attestation provided by the program director. The nuclear pharmacy 
training program must be part of a College or School of Pharmacy 
that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy 
Education.

This recommended amendment would permit program directors of these 
programs to sign the preceptor statement when certain conditions, 
similar to the medical residency criteria, are met. The commenter also 
stated that the nuclear pharmacy training program must be part of a 
College or School of Pharmacy and accredited by the Accreditation 
Council of Pharmacy Education.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The regulations permit a pharmacist to be recognized as an ANP 
as long as the Sec.  35.55 T&E requirements are met. Therefore, if the 
pharmacist receives his or her training from a nuclear pharmacy 
training program in a college or school of pharmacy that meets this 
criterion, the pharmacist can be recognized as an ANP. The NRC has not 
had an opportunity to evaluate the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy 
Education's nuclear pharmacy educational programs, and to do so would 
be beyond the scope of this rulemaking. The commenter may submit its 
recommendation to the NRC as a petition for rulemaking under Sec.  
2.802.
Section 35.57 Training for Experienced Radiation Safety Officer, 
Teletherapy or Medical Physicist, Authorized Medical Physicist, 
Authorized User, Nuclear Pharmacist, and Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist
    Comment: Several commenters supported the revision of Sec.  35.57 
to recognize individuals certified by the boards named in the previous 
Subpart J of 10 CFR part 35 for the modalities that they practiced on 
or before October 24, 2005.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter requested clarification on the type and 
extent of documentation an individual will need to produce to 
demonstrate that he or she was practicing certain modalities prior to 
2005 in order to meet the requirements in Sec.  35.57.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC provides T&E guidance in NUREG-1556, Vol. 9 
``Consolidated Guidance about Materials Licenses: Program-Specific 
Guidance about Medical Use Licensees.'' This NUREG provides information 
for meeting the requirements in Sec.  35.57. Because each situation is 
unique, the applicant's submitted documentation will need to be 
evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the proposed additional dosage 
category at Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) for the medical use of alpha-
emitting radionuclides such as Radium-223 dichloride would result in an 
unintended consequence. Specifically, an AU currently authorized to use 
Radium-223 dichloride would be required to have additional work 
experience to be authorized for parenteral use of radiopharmaceuticals 
used primarily for their alpha-emitting characteristics under Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4). The commenter requested that, if the NRC 
retained the additional proposed dosage category, that the NRC amend 
the date in Sec.  35.57(b)(1) and (2) from October 24, 2005, to 
December 31, 2014, or a later date, to grandfather such individuals.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on a recommendation from 
the ACMUI. The effective date of the grandfathering provisions in the 
rule text in Sec.  35.57(b)(1) is changed from October 24, 2005, to the 
effective date of the rule. The commenter is correct that, as proposed, 
the rule text would not permit an AU currently administering Radium-223 
dichloride to be authorized to use it after the effective date of the 
rule, and that was not the intent of the NRC. The final rule 
grandfathers all AUs authorized for medical uses, including Radium-223 
dichloride, on the effective date of the rule to continue to be able to 
administer it after the rule becomes effective without needing to 
reapply for authorization under the new requirements in Sec. Sec.  
35.390 or 35.396. However, no change was made to the rule text in Sec.  
35.57(b)(2) because this section pertains only to those individuals 
certified by boards recognized in Subpart J.
    Note that Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) was deleted and provisions 
within that section have been incorporated within Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3) based on other comments. Therefore, the category 
``parenteral administration of any radioactive drug that contains a 
radionuclide that is primarily used for its alpha radiation 
characteristics, for which a written directive is required'' is now 
included in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). After reviewing the ACMUI 
final recommendations on the revised part 35 rule, the NRC has 
determined that an additional three cases of administering dosages of 
radioactive drugs for alpha-emitting radiopharmaceuticals for 
parenteral administration is not necessary.
    Comment: Two commenters support the concept of grandfathering the 
RSO,

[[Page 33063]]

medical physicist, teletherapy physicist, AMP, AU, nuclear pharmacist, 
and ANP. However, the commenters stated that the date of certification 
does not have an impact on an individual's qualifications to perform 
the duties of an RSO and they do not agree with limiting the 
grandfathering provisions to ``those materials and uses that these 
individuals performed on or before October 24, 2005.'' The commenters 
believe the continuing education requirements for periodic 
certification renewal assures that the individual remains qualified. 
Thus, all board certified individuals, regardless of the date of their 
initial certification, are equally qualified to be named as an RSO or 
ARSO and that the initial certification date is immaterial to one's 
present technical expertise.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The board certification pathway includes not only the 
requirement to be certified but also that the individual has training 
in the radiation safety, regulatory issues, and emergency procedures 
for the types of use for which the licensee seeks approval. That is why 
the grandfathering provisions for the RSO include the phrase ``those 
materials and uses that these individuals performed on or before 
October 24, 2005.'' The NRC retained the date of October 24, 2005, 
because that was the expiration date of the prior T&E requirements 
(Subpart J).
    Comment: Several commenters supported the grandfathering of board-
certified individuals but requested the rule text be changed from ``for 
the modalities that they practiced on or before October 24, 2005,'' to 
the ACMUI-recommended language ``for the uses [or procedures] covered 
by their board certification on October 24, 2005.'' These commenters 
stated that the ACMUI language would eliminate any potential 
uncertainty concerning what the term ``practiced'' means.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. In the Ritenour Petition, the petitioner requested that the 
NRC grandfather individuals certified by boards listed in Subpart J for 
the modalities that they practiced as of October 24, 2005. Further, the 
board certification pathway includes not only the requirement to be 
certified but also that the individual has training in the radiation 
safety, regulatory issues, and emergency procedures for the types of 
use for which the licensee seeks approval. Therefore, it is necessary 
to identify the modalities that the individual performed and not ``the 
uses [or procedures] covered by their board certification.''
    Comment: Two commenters supported the revisions to Sec.  35.57 with 
respect to the Ritenour Petition. However, the commenters stated that 
the preceptor statements should not be required for those individuals 
requesting to be grandfathered under the provisions of Sec.  35.57.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The revised rule text in Sec. Sec.  35.50, 35.51, 35.55, 
35.190, 35.290, 35.390, 35.392, 35.394, 35.490, 35.590, and 35.690 also 
applies to board-certified individuals under Sec.  35.57 and does not 
require preceptor statements for individuals who are qualified to be 
authorized under the board certification T&E requirements.
    Comment: Two commenters requested that individuals meeting the 
board certification requirements in Sec.  35.57(a)(2), (a)(3), and 
(b)(2) must be immediately grandfathered because the NRC failed to 
respond to the Ritenour Petition in a timely manner. Further, the 
commenters stated that these individuals should not have to fulfill the 
burdensome ``alternate pathway'' or preceptor attestation if they wish 
to become authorized on a license, but have not been so named by an NRC 
or Agreement State license.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The NRC recognizes that individuals may not have been listed 
on a license but were practicing certain modalities on or before 
October 24, 2005. Individuals meeting the board certification 
requirements in Sec.  35.57 have to provide evidence that they 
practiced the modalities for which they are seeking authorized status 
and may also have to provide evidence of continuing education and 
experience if it has been more than 7 years since their certification. 
Individuals being grandfathered under the provisions of Sec.  
35.57(a)(2), (a)(3), and (b)(2) do not need preceptor attestations and 
do not need to meet the training requirements of the alternate pathway.
    Comment: Two commenters requested that the NRC consider removing 
dates from the board certification requirements for the currently 
recognized boards, as well as the boards affected by the Ritenour 
Petition. They based the request on their assertion that there has not 
been any evidence of an ME or regulatory violation before 2005 or since 
that has demonstrated, or even suggested, that the year of board 
certification has any association with better or worse regulatory 
compliance or radiation safety.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The NRC is retaining the board certification dates for all 
boards recognized under the requirements in 10 CFR part 35. This is 
because the boards change their certification processes; no longer 
certify individuals for life; and, in some cases, only guarantee the 
certification status for a few years requiring verification of the 
current certification status of its diplomates. Further, the NRC does 
not require reporting of the board certification status of an 
individual associated with an ME or a violation of NRC requirements.
Section 35.65 Authorization for Calibration, Transmission, and 
Reference Sources
    Comment: One commenter noted that the explanation for the proposed 
changes for Sec.  35.65 in the Federal Register notice stated that 
there were two new paragraphs whereas the text contained three new 
paragraphs.
    Response: The NRC agrees with the commenter's observation. Section 
VI, Section-by-Section Analysis, of this document indicates that three 
new paragraphs were added to Sec.  35.65.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the transmission sources should 
be removed entirely from Sec. Sec.  35.65 and 35.500 and should be 
placed in Sec.  35.200. Additionally, the commenter stated that the use 
of spot markers/anatomical markers should be added to Sec.  35.200 
because they are used on patients and are not used for instrument 
calibration purposes. The commenter explained that transmission 
sources, unlike sources currently in Sec.  35.500, are not used to 
render a diagnosis and are not consistent with that category of use. 
The commenter agreed with the NRC that materials authorized by Sec.  
35.65 should be prohibited for human use but went further to say that 
sources authorized by Sec.  35.65 should be limited to only 
non[hyphen]human use including calibration and reference sources for 
instrument/equipment calibration and testing. The commenter further 
recommended that the text proposed in Sec.  35.500 should be edited and 
moved to Sec.  35.200.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The final rule clarifies that some sealed sources authorized 
under Sec.  35.65 may be used under both Sec. Sec.  35.65 and 35.500. 
Furthermore, sources that meet the Sec.  35.65 criteria are not 
required to be listed on a license when they are used under the 
provisions of Sec.  35.500. The NRC considers the use of a transmission 
source to be diagnostic medical use when a patient is exposed to its

[[Page 33064]]

radiation. Additionally, Sec.  35.200, which authorizes the medical use 
of unsealed byproduct material, is not the appropriate section for 
sealed sources.
    Comment: Several commenters stated that referring to Sec.  35.500 
in the proposed rule text in Sec.  35.65 was confusing. They 
recommended that the phrase ``except in accordance with the 
requirements in Sec.  35.500'' be removed from Sec.  35.65(b)(1). They 
stated that the sources in Sec.  35.65 do not need to be listed on a 
license but the current regulation in Sec.  35.500 requires that 
sources and users be listed on a license. Furthermore, the commenters 
stated that sources in Sec.  35.65 are to be used for reference, 
transmission, and calibration, but sources in Sec.  35.500 are to be 
used for diagnosis.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The rule text was not changed because removal of the phrase 
``except in accordance with the requirements in Sec.  35.500'' would 
change paragraph (b)(1) to read that the byproduct material authorized 
under Sec.  35.65 would not be permitted for medical use. For example, 
removing this text would prohibit the use of a transmission source when 
a patient is exposed to its radiation, which is a diagnostic medical 
use.
    Comment: One commenter noted that it listed transmission sources 
and transmission source devices on medical use licenses. It was 
``unaware of any circumstances in which a licensee bundled sources 
currently authorized by 35.65 (individual source activity limit) in 
aggregation that are not listed or approved in the SS&D registry.'' The 
commenter stated ``that the proposed rule should be modified to clearly 
distinguish authorization for medical use and instrument calibration.''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The commenter noted correctly that licensees cannot use sealed 
sources in a manner inconsistent with the sealed source and device 
registry (SSDR). The SSDR does not prohibit the ``bundling'' of sealed 
sources to create a greater source activity, but Sec.  35.65 limits the 
activity of each sealed source authorized under this section. Some 
licensees have interpreted Sec.  35.65 incorrectly to mean that these 
sealed sources could be bundled to create an aggregated source with a 
greater activity than is allowed. The rule change makes it clear that 
the maximum activity authorized by Sec.  35.65 applies to all sealed 
sources whether used singularly or in a bundled configuration.
    The NRC reviewed the rule language and believes it is clear that 
when sealed sources are used as part of a diagnostic medical procedure, 
these uses are authorized under Sec.  35.500. Possession of the sources 
may be authorized under Sec.  35.65, but medical use of the sources is 
only authorized under Sec.  35.500. For example, a transmission source 
may be possessed under Sec.  35.65, but can only be used as part of a 
medical diagnostic procedure under Sec.  35.500.
The Following Comments Were Common to the Training and Experience 
Requirements in Sections 35.51, 35.190, 35.290, 35.390, 35.392, 35.394, 
35.396, 35.490 and 35.690
    Comment: Several commenters agreed with the NRC's proposal to 
remove the preceptor attestation requirements for individuals seeking 
authorized status via the board certification pathway.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: Several commenters agreed with the proposed change to the 
attestation language from ``achieved a level of competency to function 
independently'' to ``verify that the individual can independently 
fulfill the radiation safety-related duties'' for those individuals 
applying through the alternate pathway. They further stated that the 
term ``competency'' has certain implications and liabilities in the 
medical domain that should not factor into an attestation statement, 
which is meant to assure regulators that the individual received an 
adequate amount of radiation safety-specific T&E.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter noted that based on the revision to the T&E 
requirements, an individual who is board certified will no longer need 
a preceptor attestation to become an AU or AMP. Further, the commenter 
noted that the argument for this change is that some preceptors have 
been reluctant to attest due to concerns related to personal liability 
based on possible future actions of the proposed AU or AMP. The 
commenter stated that if someone truly has these reservations, there 
may be a good reason they are not willing to sign off on the 
attestation.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC believes that certification by a specialty board 
coupled with the recentness of training requirements in Sec.  35.59 
and, as appropriate, the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.50(d), 35.51(c), 
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G), or 35.690(c) is sufficient to demonstrate that the 
individual seeking authorization on a license has met the T&E 
requirements in the board certification pathway. The NRC concluded that 
these three elements show the individual has the requisite knowledge 
and that an additional attestation is not necessary. For the non-board 
certified applicants, the attestation requirement is retained but the 
attestation language is revised in response to concerns that preceptors 
are reluctant to sign preceptor attestations due to personal liability 
concerns.
    Comment: Two commenters endorsed retaining the attestation 
requirement for those individuals pursuing initial board certification 
(but not yet certified) and alternate pathways. The commenters stated 
that retaining the preceptor attestation helps ensure accountability 
and credibility by clearly identifying an AU who can attest that the 
individual has satisfactorily completed the required NRC training.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter pointed out that the correct terminology for 
the American Osteopathic Association residency approval organization is 
the ``Council on Postdoctoral Training.''
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text is changed to replace the ``Committee on Post-Graduate 
Training'' with the phrase ``Council on Postdoctoral Training.''
    Comment: One commenter supported permitting residency program 
directors to provide attestations based on the consensus of the 
residency faculty.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the NRC recognize the 
Nuclear Medicine Advanced Associate (NMAA) position as an AU for Sec.  
35.100 and Sec.  35.200 medical uses. The commenter described the NMAA 
as a physician extender in Nuclear Medicine who has been trained at the 
master's level, tested, and board certified in advanced nuclear 
medicine practice. The commenter stated that:

[t]he nuclear medicine advanced associate prescribes and administers 
pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions under the 
direction of the supervising physician and, as indicated by patient 
profile and diagnostic procedure as allowable by state and federal 
statutes, which includes, but is not limited to:
    1. Perform pre-procedure requirements and interventions as may 
be required.
    2. Perform intra-procedure requirements as may be required.
    3. Perform post-procedure requirements as may be required.

    The commenter clarified that, as with other physician extenders, 
i.e., physician assistants and nurse

[[Page 33065]]

practitioners, NMAAs are allowed to prescribe substances that are 
allowed under the scope of their practice, such as 
radiopharmaceuticals. The commenter believes that this opens the 
pathway for physician extenders in nuclear medicine to become 
authorized users, just as physician assistants and nurse practitioners 
are allowed to prescribe medications on behalf of their supervising 
physicians. The commenter believes that the training and practical 
experience of NMAAs creates ideal candidates for AUs and that the NMAA 
has met the qualifications required under Sec.  35.200 to become AUs. 
The commenter concluded that the NRC should also recognize their board 
certification (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)) 
under Sec. Sec.  35.190 and 35.290. The commenter recommended that 
NMAAs be added to the candidates for authorized user for radioactive 
byproduct materials use for uptake, dilution, excretion, imaging and 
localization and that their board certification be added to NRC 
recognized boards. The commenter proposed specific rule text to 
accomplish this.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The comment is outside the scope of this rulemaking. 
Currently, an AU under Sec.  35.190, ``Training for uptake, dilution, 
and excretion studies,'' or Sec.  35.290, ``Training for imaging and 
localization studies,'' must be ``a physician.'' An AU is defined at 
Sec.  35.2 as ``a physician, dentist, or podiatrist . . .'' and a 
physician is defined as ``a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy 
licensed . . . to prescribe drugs in the practice of medicine.'' AU 
recognition under Sec. Sec.  35.190 and 35.290 is currently limited to 
physicians because these T&E requirements and board recognition 
criteria are premised on the high level of education and training 
obtained by medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy who are licensed 
to practice medicine. These T&E requirements are not premised on the 
level of education and training obtained by physician extenders or 
assistants. These T&E requirements ensure that AUs use byproduct 
material for medical purposes in a way that is radiologically safe for 
workers, patients, and the public. The change that the commenter 
requests would require the NRC to consider whether it is acceptable, 
from a radiological health and safety standpoint, to permit physician 
extenders or assistants such as NMAAs to be eligible to become AUs. 
Such a change is outside the scope of this rulemaking. Moreover, before 
making any such change, the NRC would need to carefully consider the 
radiological health and safety issues attendant to such a change and 
consult with the ACMUI. Although the commenter's recommendation is 
outside the scope of this rulemaking, the commenter may submit a 
petition for rulemaking on this issue pursuant to Sec.  2.802.
Section 35.204 Permissible Molybdenum-99, Strontium-82, and Strontium-
85 Concentrations
    Comment: Several commenters agreed with the proposed changes to 
measure every elution. One commenter noted that the new elution 
requirements are already included in standards of practice and 
manufacturer recommendations.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter noted that Tc-99m decays much faster than 
Mo-99; therefore, every Tc-99m generator eluate will eventually exceed 
the regulatory limit. Because of this, the commenter stated that the 
language in the proposed rule text would require every eluate to be 
reported. The commenter proposed revising the rule text in Sec.  
35.204(e) to clarify that the licensee would only report measurements 
of a Tc-99m generator elution that exceeded the regulatory limits at 
the time of generator elution.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The NRC 
agrees with the commenter that the proposed rule text was not clear in 
Sec.  35.204(e) and has amended it to clarify that the reporting 
requirements only apply at the time of generator elution.
    Comment: One commenter stated that on two occasions in the last 10 
years its generator elution measurements exceeded the regulatory limit, 
but on subsequent elutions, the measurements were below the limit. The 
Tc-99m from these subsequent elutions was used for patients. The 
commenter recommended that the reporting requirement of Sec.  35.204 be 
revised to require a licensee to report to the NRC and the manufacturer 
or the distributor of medical generators within 30 days when 
``consecutive measurements on the same generator'' exceed the limits 
specified in Sec.  35.204(a).
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The commenter suggested changing the regulation to require 
consecutive measurements on the same generator to exceed the regulatory 
limits before reporting the failure. The ratio of Mo-99 to Tc-99m 
measured in any eluate intended for patient use must never exceed the 
regulatory limits. Because safety of patients is paramount, reporting 
any failure to the NRC and the distributor, which may also sometimes be 
the manufacturer, allows for determinations to be made and actions to 
be taken to prevent similar occurrences. If any eluate measurement 
exceeds the regulatory limit, the generator should be removed from 
service until the cause is determined.
    Comment: One commenter suggested revising Sec.  35.204(b) to remove 
the phrase ``after receipt'' in the proposed requirements to measure 
the eluate from the generator in order to demonstrate compliance with 
the regulations because measuring the eluate after receipt of the 
generator is already implied.
    Response: The rule text was modified based, in part, on this 
comment. The rule text was changed to delete ``after receipt'' in Sec.  
35.204(b). The previously proposed language could be subject to 
misinterpretation by the regulated community and, as suggested by the 
commenter, measuring the eluate after receipt of the generator is 
already implied. Deletion of ``after receipt'' more clearly describes 
the intent of this change to the regulation that each and every eluate 
intended for medical use of each generator must be tested for 
breakthrough.
Section 35.300 Use of Unsealed Byproduct Material for Which a Written 
Directive Is Required
    Comment: One commenter questioned the statement about Sec.  35.300 
in the ``Discussion of Proposed Amendments by Section'' in the Federal 
Register notice for the proposed rule. The statement was that an AU may 
be authorized for one or more of the specific categories described in 
Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G), but not for all unsealed byproduct material. 
The commenter specifically wanted to know what other unsealed 
therapeutic byproduct material is referenced and why a trained and 
experienced AU could not be authorized for all unsealed therapeutic 
byproduct material.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. Any new unsealed byproduct material requiring a WD that is not 
specifically addressed in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G) would be regulated 
under the provisions of Sec.  35.1000. This allows the NRC to evaluate 
each new radionuclide for possible unsealed byproduct material use and 
determine whether it falls within the scope of Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G) or instead should be regulated under the provisions 
of Sec.  35.1000.

[[Page 33066]]

Section 35.390 Training for Use of Unsealed Byproduct Material for 
Which a Written Directive Is Required
    Comment: One commenter suggested the elimination of the attestation 
requirement for physicians meeting the ``alternate pathway'' T&E 
criteria in Sec.  35.390(b) as was done for the ``board certification 
pathway'' under Sec.  35.390(a).
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC is retaining the attestation statement requirement for 
individuals authorized under the ``alternate pathway'' provisions. This 
is because it is important to know that the individual not only 
successfully completed the T&E requirements but is also able to 
independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties of an AU.
    Comment: One commenter believed the use of the word 
``radiopharmaceutical'' in the introduction section of Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G) and the phrase ``any radionuclide'' in the 
parenteral administration regulations (i.e., Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3) or (b)(1)(ii)(G)(4)) was confusing and would 
permit the use of a radionuclide that is not a component of a 
radiopharmaceutical. The commenter used the example of yttrium-90 (Y-
90) microspheres containing the radionuclide Y-90. The commenter 
recommended revising the wording in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3) and 
(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) to say, ``Parenteral administration of any radioactive 
drug. . . .''
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this and other 
comments. The rule text was changed to include the phrase ``radioactive 
drug that contains a'' in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). The NRC agrees 
that the proposed language could be clearer. Additionally, based on a 
recommendation from the ACMUI, the NRC deleted Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) and included radioactive drugs primarily used 
for their alpha characteristics in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3).
    Comment: One commenter stated that both the current and proposed 
categories in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3) and (4) are confusing. The 
commenter asked what the purpose is for specifying the 150 keV limit in 
category (3). The commenter stated that if there is a new use for a 
photon emission greater than 150 keV then there is no provision for it 
under the regulations.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC believes it is unlikely that there will be a 
radioactive drug requiring a WD that will be used primarily for its 
photon energy greater than 150 keV. However, as stated in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G), any radioactive drugs not specifically addressed 
in paragraph (G) would be regulated under the provisions of Sec.  
35.1000.
    Comment: One commenter stated that Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) 
would require an AU currently authorized under Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3) to administer radium-223 dichloride to obtain 
additional work experience, unless revisions are made to Sec.  35.57. 
The commenter stated that these physicians do not need additional 
training to use materials for which they are already authorized.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on a recommendation from 
the ACMUI. The NRC revised Sec.  35.57(b)(1) to grandfather physicians 
for those medical uses for which they were authorized prior to the 
effective date of the rule. Also, the NRC deleted Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) and included radioactive drugs primarily used 
for their alpha characteristics in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). These 
changes ensure that physicians already using Ra-223 dichloride at the 
time the rule becomes effective are permitted to continue use of the 
radioactive drug.
    Comment: Several commenters questioned the purpose of the proposed 
paragraph (c) in Sec.  35.390 that applied only to parenteral 
administrations. They questioned how a physician could be an AU under 
the provisions of Sec.  35.390 without completing the I-131 cases 
listed in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G). The commenters questioned whether 
paragraph (c) should be moved to Sec.  35.396.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on these and other 
comments. Section 35.390(c) was removed in the final rule because Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3) and (4) was merged into one category of 
parenteral administrations of radioactive drugs in the final rule in 
response to a recommendation from the ACMUI. Section 35.390(c) was no 
longer needed with this revision in the final rule. Section 
35.390(b)(ii)(G) now has three separate categories of radioactive 
drugs, and a proposed AU is evaluated and authorized for each category 
separately. The NRC recognizes that individuals that are board 
certified or have completed the other T&E criteria under Sec.  35.390 
may not have completed their supervised work experience administering 
all the categories of radioactive drugs in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G). 
These individuals will be authorized for only those categories for 
which they have completed their T&E.
    Comment: Several commenters opposed the proposed new dosage 
category for alpha emitters under Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) because 
it would require physicians authorized for the parenteral 
administration of radioactive drugs containing radionuclides used 
primarily for their electron emitters or for its photon energy of less 
than 150 keV to have additional work experience involving dosage 
administrations in a minimum of three cases to attain AU status. The 
commenter pointed out that under the proposed regulations, those 
seeking to administer both types would need work experience in a 
minimum of six cases of administration, three with alpha emitters and 
three with beta emitters. The commenter referenced the ACMUI 
recommendation not to separate the parenteral administration of beta 
and gamma-emitting radiopharmaceuticals from the alpha-emitting 
radiopharmaceuticals. The commenter also stated that according to the 
ACMUI, the NRC staff has not provided a compelling radiation safety 
justification for emission-specific T&E requirements.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on a recommendation from 
the ACMUI. Section 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) was deleted and provisions 
within that section have been incorporated into Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). The category ``parenteral administration of any 
radioactive drug that contains a radionuclide that is primarily used 
for its alpha radiation characteristics, for which a written directive 
is required'' is now included in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). The NRC 
has determined that an AU who is authorized under Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3) would not need three additional cases to 
administer alpha-emitting radioactive drugs.
    Comment: One commenter believed NRC's separation of categories in 
Sec.  35.390(b)(ii)(G)(3) and 35.390(b)(ii)(G)(4) based on the primary 
emission used for medical use was not the best approach. The commenter 
cited Lutetium-177 as an example of a radionuclide with a significant 
gamma emitting branch with energy exceeding 150 keV. The commenter 
proposed the distinction be based on the prevalence of gamma emissions 
greater than 150 keV. The commenter's proposal was to modify Sec.  
35.390(b)(ii)(G)(3) to read, ``Parenteral administration for which a 
written directive is required of any radionuclide which emits a photon 
with energy greater than 150 keV in less than or equal to 10% of all 
decays, or of any less than 1.0 GBq (27 mCi) of any other 
radionuclide;'' and modify Sec.  35.390(b)(ii)(G)(4) to read, 
``Parenteral administration for which a written directive is required 
of 1.0 GBq (27 mCi) or more of any radionuclide which emits a photon 
with energy greater than

[[Page 33067]]

150 keV in more than 10 percent of all decays.'' The commenter 
concluded that most, if not all alpha emitters, would be in the newly 
defined category 3 and be consistent with the placement of radium-223 
dichloride.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The commenter provided an alternative approach for 
categorizing various radioactive drugs for parenteral administration, 
but the NRC believes that the categorization is better delineated based 
upon the most clinically effective emissions of the radioactive drug 
requiring a WD. The commenter's proposal would result in implementation 
difficulties without a commensurate increase in safety. Further, the 
NRC deleted Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) and included radioactive drugs 
primarily used for their alpha characteristics in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3).
    Comment: One commenter recommended eliminating the separate dosage 
category used primarily for alpha emitters. The commenter suggested 
that if a new radioactive drug became available that was more hazardous 
than radium-223 dichloride and warranted additional radiation safety 
regulatory requirements, then NRC could license it under the provisions 
of Sec.  35.1000.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on a recommendation from 
the ACMUI. The NRC deleted Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) and included 
radioactive drugs primarily used for their alpha characteristics in 
Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). The NRC anticipates that all radioactive 
drugs that will be used for their alpha-emitting characteristics can be 
regulated under Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). However, the NRC may 
regulate radionuclides under Sec.  35.1000 as appropriate.
    Comment: One commenter noted that NRC regulations are designed to 
provide flexibility for emerging technologies and could be adjusted to 
recognize that alpha and beta emitters are a new class of therapeutic 
radiopharmaceutical products. The commenter referenced Radium-223 
dichloride and a potential new actinium alpha emitter. The commenter 
suggested that the NRC should create a new T&E requirement specific to 
therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals based upon their unique 
characteristics, typical setting for administration, and safety record 
(such as was done for sodium iodide I-131 at Sec. Sec.  35.392 and 
35.394). The NRC could give license applicants an option to petition 
NRC for review under Sec.  35.1000 for a drug that technically fits 
within the four categories listed in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G), but is 
deserving of an individualized T&E requirement review, due to its 
administration profile and safety characteristics.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC's regulations under Sec.  35.1000 allow the NRC to 
determine when a particular medical use of byproduct material or 
radiation from byproduct material should be regulated under Sec.  
35.1000. In accordance with Sec.  35.12(d), the NRC will license a new 
radionuclide under Sec.  35.1000 if it has unique properties that 
prohibit it from meeting existing requirements or if additional 
requirements are needed for safety. When a radionuclide is licensed 
under Sec.  35.1000, specific T&E requirements are included in the 
licensing guidance for that particular radioactive drug.
    Comment: Several commenters stated it would be difficult for AUs to 
get the additional supervised work experience associated with three 
cases using radioactive drugs containing radionuclides used primarily 
for their alpha emissions. One commenter pointed out that there is only 
one FDA-approved alpha-emitting radioactive drug and that it is used in 
a limited population. Several other commenters stated that patients who 
do not live near teaching hospitals and urban centers may have limited 
access to radioactive drugs in the two parenteral categories. Certain 
practitioners, particularly those in areas far removed from teaching 
hospitals and urban centers, may find it too burdensome to participate 
in three proctored cases in each of these very specific categories.
    Several commenters stated that the proposed changes in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G) would discourage clinicians from seeking 
authorization to administer these radioactive drugs and would make an 
already burdensome regulatory scheme more onerous. The commenters 
suggested that the NRC revise the proposed work experience requirement 
in categories in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3) or 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) 
to have three proctored cases in either category be satisfactory to 
meet the requirements for both categories.
    Several commenters acknowledged that the clarifications of the 
categories of parenteral administrations were useful and logical. 
However, they agreed with another commenter that there was an 
unintended consequence of increasing the work experience burden for 
those seeking administration of radiopharmaceuticals with alpha and 
beta emitters.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on a recommendation from 
the ACMUI. The NRC deleted Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(4) and included 
radioactive drugs primarily used for their alpha characteristics in 
Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3).
Section 35.396 Training for the Parenteral Administration of Unsealed 
Byproduct Material Requiring a Written Directive
    Comment: One commenter supported changes in the proposed rulemaking 
to permit physicians who have completed the 80 hours of classroom and 
laboratory training specified in Sec.  35.396(d)(1) and who have the 
relevant work experience described in Sec.  35.396(d)(2) to be eligible 
for AU status to administer parenteral radioactive drugs. The commenter 
stated that this is an appropriate level of T&E for administration by 
hematologists and oncologists of a specific radioactive drug, 
Zevalin[supreg], used primarily for its beta emissions.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC did not intend to propose any change to this T&E 
requirement in the proposed rule, and, therefore has not developed the 
regulatory basis to make any change to this requirement in this final 
rule. During the preparation of the proposed rule, an administrative 
error resulted in the addition of the word ``or'' between the rule text 
in Sec.  35.396(c) and (d). The NRC did not intend to put an ``or'' 
between paragraphs (c) and (d) and is correcting the error by removing 
the word ``or'' in the final rule text between paragraphs (c) and (d). 
This administrative error could have been interpreted to require that a 
physician complete only 80 hours of T&E for parenteral administration 
of unsealed byproduct material requiring a WD.
    The NRC notes that to obtain authorization to use parenteral 
radioactive drugs requiring a WD, the physician must either (1) meet 
the T&E requirement or be certified by a medical specialty board 
recognized under Sec.  35.390 and meet the clinical case work criteria 
in Sec.  35.390, or (2) meet the T&E requirement or be certified by a 
medical specialty board recognized under Sec. Sec.  35.490 or 35.690 
and satisfy the additional 80 hours of T&E requirement specified in 
Sec.  35.396(d).
    Comment: Two commenters stated that NRC's regulations create a 
shortage of AUs able to administer certain therapeutic radioactive 
drugs. Specifically, under current regulations, a radioactive drug 
requiring a WD that is administered parenterally and used primarily for 
its beta radiation characteristics can only be administered by an AU 
who has met the T&E requirement set forth in Sec.  35.396. This 
requirement involves either board

[[Page 33068]]

certification or 700 hours of T&E specifically in radionuclide 
handling. One of the commenters stated that hematologists and 
oncologists who typically prescribe therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals 
outside of the hospital setting often do not have the T&E required to 
meet the AU requirements and do not work at facilities that have such 
AUs. They have extensive T&E, and are frequently board certified, but 
in different specialized fields.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The NRC believes that the commenters are referring to the 
requirement in Sec.  35.390, because the 700 hour criterion is in Sec.  
35.390 and not in Sec.  35.396.
    Without compromising radiological health and safety, the NRC 
strives to ensure that its regulations do not restrict patient access 
to diagnostic and treatment options. The intent of NRC's T&E 
requirements is to ensure that AUs are adequately trained so that their 
handling and administration of radioactive drugs is radiologically safe 
for patients, workers, and the public. The current T&E requirements are 
protective of radiological health and safety. As explained in greater 
detail in a response to another comment on parenteral administrations, 
throughout 2015 and early 2016 the ACMUI assessed the concerns raised 
in this comment. Additionally, the ACMUI established a standing 
subcommittee that will periodically assess the T&E requirements across 
all modalities and make recommendations for changes as warranted. The 
NRC will also continue to consider whether changes to these T&E 
requirements are warranted.
    With respect to the comment that hematologists and oncologists 
``typically prescribe therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals . . . ,'' the 
NRC regulations require that such radiopharmaceuticals be administered 
in accordance with a WD. A WD is an AU's--not a hematologist's or 
oncologist's--written order for the administration of byproduct 
material or radiation from byproduct material to a specific patient, as 
specified in Sec.  35.40.
    Comment: Several commenters provided comments after the public 
comment period on whether the NRC should amend the T&E requirement for 
the parenteral administration of radioactive drugs as part of this 
final rule.
    One commenter stated that amending Sec.  35.396 to reduce the T&E 
requirement to 80 hours in this final rule would be a logical outgrowth 
of the proposed rule and thus would satisfy the Administrative 
Procedure Act of 1946 (APA) requirement to provide notice and an 
opportunity for comment. The commenter stated that the NRC provided 
adequate notice of an amendment to this T&E requirement and that the 
NRC received substantial public input on these T&E requirements. 
Alternatively, according to the commenter, the NRC could invoke the 
``good cause'' exemption from the APA notice and comment requirements 
because the 700 hour T&E requirement for these parenteral radioactive 
drugs has caused a decrease in the number of AUs for these drugs and a 
corresponding decrease in patient access to these drugs. The commenter 
also proposed that the NRC could, instead of amending T&E requirements 
at Sec.  35.396(d), include in this final rule a new section that would 
require 80 hours of T&E specifically for the parenteral administration 
of patient-ready doses of alpha- and beta-emitting radioactive drugs. 
One other commenter also supported reducing this T&E requirement to 80 
hours as part of this final rule and provided a proposed training 
program.
    Several other commenters also expressed support for reducing this 
T&E requirement in this final rule. The commenters asserted that the 
700 hour T&E requirement has caused a lack of AUs available to 
administer these radioactive drugs; administration of these drugs 
presents no greater radiation health and safety risk than oral 
administration of I-131; and 80 hours of T&E is sufficiently protective 
of radiological health and safety.
    Several commenters opposed changing this T&E requirement in the 
final rule. One commenter stated that the NRC and ACMUI would need to 
analyze key issues before proposing any changes to this T&E 
requirement, including whether a reduction in the requirement is 
advisable from a radiation health and safety perspective. These 
commenters stated that an AU would need to receive adequate training on 
a broad array of radiation health and safety topics and that an 80-hour 
course would not sufficiently cover these topics. These commenters also 
described the range of activities, considerations, and procedures 
necessary to ensure the safe handling and administration of these 
radioactive drugs.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. As stated in response to another comment on Sec.  35.396, the 
proposed rule text that could have been interpreted to require only 80 
hours of T&E for a physician to obtain AU status to administer 
parenteral radioactive drugs was the result of an administrative error. 
The NRC did not mention or discuss any changes to these T&E 
requirements in any other part of the proposed rule Federal Register 
notice. The NRC did not intend to propose any changes to this T&E 
requirement, and therefore the NRC has not developed a regulatory basis 
to make any such change in this final rule. The NRC agrees with the 
comment that, before proposing any changes to this T&E requirement, the 
NRC and ACMUI should analyze whether a change in the requirement is 
warranted and advisable from a radiation health and safety perspective.
    In response to commenter's concerns about this T&E requirement, the 
NRC and ACMUI began considering whether a change in this requirement is 
warranted. Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. requested a meeting with NRC 
staff to explain its comments concerning this T&E requirement. The NRC 
staff agreed and held a public meeting on February 12, 2015, at which 
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Florida Cancer Specialists & 
Research Institute presented their comments and concerns that this T&E 
requirement causes a shortage of AUs, and, therefore a barrier to 
patient access. In response to these comments and concerns, throughout 
2015 and early 2016 the ACMUI assessed whether this T&E requirement 
places a hardship on the patient community. In a public teleconference 
held on June 16, 2015, the Florida Cancer Specialists & Research 
Institute presented to the ACMUI its concerns that this T&E requirement 
caused a lack of AUs and thus a barrier to patient access to these 
radioactive drugs. After this teleconference, the ACMUI formed a 
subcommittee to assess whether the 700 hour T&E requirement for 
parenteral administration of this class of radiopharmaceuticals places 
a hardship on the patient community by creating a shortage of AUs. In 
its subcommittee report dated September 21, 2015, which the ACMUI 
unanimously approved at its Fall 2015 meeting, the ACMUI concluded that 
it was unable to substantiate this claim. The ACMUI found that the 
infrequent and steadily decreasing use of specific beta-emitting 
radioactive drugs--specifically radioactive drugs that are used to 
treat lymphoma, such as Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'s drug 
Zevalin[reg]--is due to many factors. The ACMUI concluded that it could 
not determine whether there is a shortage of AUs and, if so, whether 
the NRC's T&E requirement caused the shortage. The subcommittee was 
then charged with continuing to assess this issue and

[[Page 33069]]

establishing a recommendation for the total number of hours of T&E for 
AUs of this class of radioactive drugs that appropriately balances 
safety with reasonable patient access to these radioactive drugs.
    In its subcommittee report dated March 10, 2016, which the ACMUI 
unanimously approved at its meeting on this same date, the ACMUI 
reiterated its conclusion that it could not substantiate the claim that 
the T&E requirement caused a shortage of AUs and thus a hardship on the 
patient community. For this reason, and because the ACMUI identified 
several issues raised by the reduction in T&E requirements that some 
commenters recommended, the ACMUI recommended against reducing the T&E. 
However, the ACMUI recognized the need for a thorough review of T&E 
requirements across all modalities because of the introduction of new 
radioactive drugs since the requirements were established 15 years ago 
and because the educational paradigm has shifted from prescriptive 
curricula to competency-based education. The ACMUI established a 
standing subcommittee to assess T&E requirements for all modalities and 
provide recommendations to the NRC staff. As stated in response to 
other comments, the NRC will continue to consider concerns regarding 
T&E requirements to ensure that these requirements are sufficient to 
ensure radiological health and safety for patients, workers, and the 
public without unnecessarily creating barriers to patient access to 
diagnostic and treatment options.
Section 35.400 Use of Sources for Manual Brachytherapy
    Comment: Several commenters did not agree with the proposal in 
Sec.  35.400 that manual brachytherapy sources may be used for medical 
purposes not listed in the SSDR. The commenters believed that this 
change would permit sources to be used by medical personnel who have 
not received any radiation safety training. As an example, they cited 
the case where brachytherapy sources are used in temporary diagnostic 
localization procedures under the provisions of Sec.  35.1000. In this 
case, the guidance requires licensees to submit their training program 
for nonmedical staff that are not covered under their current medical 
license. The commenters believed that by requiring these uses under the 
provisions of Sec.  35.1000, the regulatory agencies can ensure that 
radiation safety for all workers is verified before use.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. Although the statement of considerations for the proposed 
rule stated ``manual brachytherapy sources can be used for medical uses 
not listed in the SSDR'', the rule text is more limiting and states ``. 
. . manual brachytherapy sources may be used for manual brachytherapy 
uses that are not explicitly listed in the SSDR.'' The commenters' 
example of using a manual brachytherapy source for a temporary 
diagnostic localization procedure is not permitted under the provisions 
of Sec.  35.400 because it is a diagnostic use and not a manual 
brachytherapy use. However, such use may be authorized under the 
provisions of Sec.  35.1000.
    Comment: One commenter agreed with the NRC that the limitations and 
consideration of use listed in the SSDR be followed. The commenter 
believed that the ``SSDR reviewer should identify and list requirement 
[sic] and discuss issues on how to license these products for safe 
use.'' The commenter stated that, by doing this, the SSDR reviewer 
helps ensure uniformity in the licensing requirements, and saves 
resources for industry and regulatory agencies in not having to 
independently obtain this information.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC revised Sec.  35.400 because existing SSDR sheets do 
not, nor are they expected to, describe all manual brachytherapy 
medical procedures for which the manual brachytherapy seeds can be 
used. During the evaluation, the reviewer focuses on radiation safety 
conditions and limitations of use.
Section 35.433 Strontium-90 Sources for Ophthalmic Treatments
    Comment: One commenter stated that the proposed regulations 
concerning ophthalmic physicists in Sec.  35.433, which separate 
physicists who assist in ophthalmic procedures from AMPs who are 
involved in the uses allowed under Sec. Sec.  35.600 and 35.1000, were 
an improvement.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter recommended a revision of Sec.  35.433(a)(2) 
to specifically include the term ``ophthalmic physicist.'' The 
commenter pointed out that although the NRC defined the ``ophthalmic 
physicist'' to be ``an individual who meets the requirements of Sec.  
35.433(a)(2) . . . ,'' the NRC did not use the term ``ophthalmic 
physicist'' in Sec.  35.433. The commenter recommends changing the text 
in Sec.  35.433(a)(2) to read: An individual named as an ophthalmic 
physicist who: (i) Holds a masters . . .``
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text was changed to include the term ophthalmic physicist in Sec.  
35.433(a)(2). The NRC agrees that, for clarity, the term ophthalmic 
physicist must be included in this section. By including the term 
``ophthalmic physicist,'' it is clear that the requirements in Sec.  
35.433(a)(2) apply to an individual who is named as an ophthalmic 
physicist and meets the definition of an ``ophthalmic physicist'' in 
Sec.  35.2.
    Comment: Several commenters questioned the need for Sec.  
35.433(b)(2) and recommended its removal. They thought that the actions 
regarding the WD were already required by the licensee in Sec.  35.41 
and that no other modality requires a procedure regarding the frequency 
of involvement by the medical physicist. The commenters also asked why 
the other individual [identified in Sec.  35.433(b)(2)] could not work 
under the supervision of the AMP or request an exemption from the 
requirement.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. Although the regulations do not prohibit a licensee that has 
an AMP from also having an ophthalmic physicist, the primary purpose of 
the ophthalmic physicist is to provide physics support to the 
ophthalmic AU when the licensee does not have access to an AMP. The 
ophthalmic physicist is an individual recognized by the NRC, Agreement 
States, medical licensees of broad scope, master material licensees or 
master material medical permittees of broad scope by T&E, to perform 
certain functions listed under Sec.  35.433. This individual is 
authorized to work independently and is not required to work under the 
supervision of an AMP.
    The purpose of Sec.  35.433(b) is to describe the minimum 
performance-based tasks expected of either the AMP or the ophthalmic 
physicist in assisting the licensee and AU with the ophthalmic 
treatment program. The requirement that only an AMP shall calculate the 
activity of each Sr-90 source is an existing requirement in the 
regulations under Sec.  35.433(a) and is not a new requirement. The 
requirement in Sec.  35.433(b)(2) codifies that the AMP, or ophthalmic 
physicist, is to assist the licensee and AU in assuring that the 
requirements in Sec.  35.41 are met. Ophthalmologists using these 
devices are frequently in small programs with limited access to 
services of an AMP. The proposed rule change was made in part to ensure 
that the ophthalmic physicist (or AMP) performs a minimum number of 
tasks at the ophthalmology office.

[[Page 33070]]

    The NRC did not specify the frequency of involvement of the AMP or 
ophthalmic physicist because the licensee should determine the best 
frequency for its program. The NRC requires AMPs to perform certain 
tasks at specified frequencies for certain medical use programs. 
Specifically, AMPs are required to participate initially, and at least 
annually, in drills of emergency procedures under Sec.  35.610. They 
also must be physically present during initiation of patient treatment, 
continuation of the treatment, or the entire treatment, depending on 
the unit being used under Sec.  35.615. In addition, AMPs must perform 
the full calibration measurements and decay corrections before first 
medical use, before medical use under certain conditions, and at 
intervals not to exceed one year under Sec. Sec.  35.632, 35.633, and 
35.635.
    Comment: An Agreement State pointed out that in its State statutes, 
an individual who practices medical physics is required to be licensed 
by the State. Because Sec.  35.422 is designated as ``Health and 
Safety'' (H&S), the Agreement State must promulgate its rule to require 
medical physicists to comply with its statute. The commenter 
recommended that the rule text be changed to ``allow the individual to 
work under the supervision of an AMP as authorized by state laws.''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC believes that the commenter is referring to Sec.  
35.433, not Sec.  35.422 (as there is no Sec.  35.422 in the 
regulation). The revision of the rule does not prohibit a State from 
requiring the ``ophthalmic physicist'' to be licensed by the State as 
long as the licensure requirements include components essentially 
identical to NRC T&E requirements. The purpose of adding the ophthalmic 
physicist was to identify an individual who could assist the licensee 
when the licensee does not have access to an AMP. In this situation, 
the ophthalmic physicist cannot work under the supervision of an AMP 
because the licensee does not have an AMP to perform the activities 
listed in Sec.  35.433(b). Further, the ophthalmic physicist is 
authorized independently and is not required to work under the 
supervision of an AMP. The designation ``H&S'' in the summary refers to 
program elements that are not required for compatibility, but are 
identified as having a particular health and safety significance. The 
State should adopt the essential objectives of such program elements in 
order to maintain an adequate program.
    Comment: An Agreement State pointed out that its licensure 
requirements for ``Medical Physicist'' are currently consistent with 
NRC's requirement for an AMP in 10 CFR part 35. The T&E of the 
``ophthalmic physicist'' does not meet its licensure requirements and 
it is unclear whether the individual would meet the accreditation 
standards set by the American College of Radiology (ACR) or the 
American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) in radiation oncology, 
which the State requires for manual brachytherapy. All state licensees 
that are authorized for possession and use of a Sr[hyphen]90 eye 
applicator have the services of an AMP for other brachytherapy and 
external beam therapy uses. The commenter also questioned whether it 
would relieve a shortage of physicists in rural areas, because the 
proposed rule does not require an AMP or ophthalmic physicist to be 
physically present at the licensee's authorized location of use, with 
the possible exception of the initial source calibration that is 
performed on site or to be on site to perform the decay correction and 
treatment times. The commenter concluded that the addition of this 
proposed category of physicist did not appear to be applicable in its 
state and therefore should not be required for state adoption. The 
commenter proposed that the NRC assign Compatibility Category ``B'' to 
those states that will and category ``D'' to those that will not use 
the designation of ophthalmic physicist.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text or to the 
compatibility category designation for the T&E requirements for an 
ophthalmic physicist under Sec.  35.433(a) based on this comment. All 
NRC T&E requirements in 10 CFR part 35 are designated as Compatibility 
Category B, which means they have direct and significant transboundary 
effects. The licensee is required to have procedures that specify the 
frequency at which the AMP or ophthalmic physicist would observe 
treatments, review the treatment methodology, calculate treatment time 
for the prescribed dose, and review records to verify that the 
treatment was in accordance with the WD. The individual must be 
physically present at the licensee's authorized location of use on a 
set frequency to complete these tasks. The NRC believes that having an 
individual who is not an AMP, but is qualified to perform the tasks 
specified and to perform some of them on site, will benefit rural 
licensees.
Section 35.490 Training for Use of Manual Brachytherapy Source
    Comment: One commenter stated that the requirements for supervised 
work experience under Sec.  35.490(b)(1)(ii) were written vaguely, and 
that it can and has been interpreted as 500 hours of work related to 
radiation therapy, not specifically to brachytherapy. The commenter 
believed that this interpretation is reasonable, but that it would be 
helpful to have some specific brachytherapy related guidance on, e.g., 
the number of cases the proposed AU or AMP should observe and/or 
perform under supervision, or the length of time they should perform 
these procedures under supervision.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. It appears that the commenter's statement is limited to the 
rule text in Sec.  35.490(b)(1)(ii). However, Sec.  35.490(b)(1)(ii) 
should be taken in the context of all of the training requirements in 
Sec.  35.490(b)(1), which states, ``Has completed a structured 
educational program in basic radionuclide handling techniques 
applicable to the use of manual brachytherapy sources that includes 
[(i) and (ii)].'' Further, the tasks that are to be performed under 
Sec.  35.490(b)(1)(ii) include Sec.  35.490(b)(1)(ii)(C): Preparing, 
implanting, and removing brachytherapy sources. The NRC does not 
require a minimum number of cases because the requirement for a total 
of 500 hours of supervised work experience, including the tasks 
required under Sec.  35.490(b)(1)(ii)(C), is sufficient to ensure the 
safe use of manual brachytherapy sources.
Section 35.500 Use of Sealed Sources and Medical Devices for Diagnosis
    Comment: Several commenters noted that NRC's revision to Sec.  
35.500(a) and (b) states that ``[a] licensee must only use sealed 
sources or diagnostic devices that are approved in the Sealed Source 
and Device Registry . . .'' and also states ``may be used for . . . .'' 
One commenter stated that these revisions contradicted each other, 
because the revision states that the licensee ``must'' for some uses 
but then uses ``may'' for other uses. Several commenters thought this 
provision put a burden on the SSD reviewing agency to ensure that 
proper conditions are included in the SSD allowing for other uses. They 
disagreed with the revision and recommended that any other uses of 
these sealed sources should be approved by the licensing regulatory 
agency.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on these comments. The 
rule text

[[Page 33071]]

in Sec.  35.500(a) was changed in order to make it clear that it is the 
sealed sources, as opposed to the diagnostic medical uses, that must be 
approved in the Sealed Source and Device Registry (SSDR). The rule text 
in Sec.  35.500(b) was not changed because the NRC believes the 
language in this section is clear. The revision in Sec.  35.500(a) now 
states, ``A licensee must use only sealed sources that are not in 
medical devices for diagnostic medical uses if the sealed sources are 
approved in the Sealed Source and Device Registry for diagnostic 
medicine. The sealed sources may be used for diagnostic medical uses 
that are not explicitly listed in the Sealed Source and Device Registry 
but must be used in accordance with the radiation safety conditions and 
limitations described in the Sealed Source and Device Registry.'' The 
revision in Sec.  35.500(b) continues to state: ``A licensee must only 
use diagnostic devices containing sealed sources for diagnostic medical 
uses if both the sealed sources and diagnostic devices are approved in 
the Sealed Source and Device Registry for diagnostic medical uses. The 
diagnostic medical devices may be used for diagnostic medical uses that 
are not explicitly listed in the Sealed Source and Device Registry but 
must be used in accordance with the radiation safety conditions and 
limitations described in the Sealed Source and Device Registry.'' To 
clarify, the first part of the requirement in each paragraph is to 
restrict the licensee to only use sealed sources and devices for 
diagnostic purposes if they are approved for diagnostic purposes in the 
SSDR. The purpose of the second part of the requirement in each 
paragraph is to allow the licensee the flexibility to use diagnostic 
sealed sources and devices for medical uses other than those that are 
explicitly included in the SSDR. As long as the limitations and 
conditions included in the SSDR address those generally needed for 
diagnostic uses, there is no additional burden on the SSD reviewer to 
revise the SSD for a new diagnostic use not explicitly stated. If the 
licensee intends to use a diagnostic sealed source or device for a non-
diagnostic use, then the licensing regulatory agency will need to 
determine how to license such use.
Section 35.600 Use of a Sealed Source in a Remote Afterloader Unit, 
Teletherapy Unit, or Gamma Stereotactic Radiosurgery Unit
    Comment: Several commenters stated that the revision splits the 
section into two paragraphs where (a) is used for sources and (b) is 
used for units. They recommend either changing the name of the section 
or adding a new section for the units.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The current title of the section already includes the sealed 
sources and the devices in which the sources are used. The requirements 
in paragraphs (a) and (b) parallel this structure.
    Comment: Several commenters recommended that Sec.  35.600(b) be 
revised to read: ``A licensee must use photon emitting remote 
afterloader units, teletherapy units, or gamma stereotactic units:
    i. That are approved in the Sealed Source and Device Registry; or
    ii. In research . . . .''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The purpose of the revisions to Sec.  35.600(b) is to clarify 
that the photon-emitting remote afterloader units, teletherapy units, 
or gamma stereotactic units must be used in accordance with the 
limitations and considerations of use listed in the SSDR and to allow 
the licensee to use the units for medical uses not explicitly listed in 
the SSDR. The commenters' proposed change would not address these 
issues.
Section 35.610 Safety Procedures and Instructions for Remote 
Afterloader Units, Teletherapy Units, and Gamma Stereotactic 
Radiosurgery Units
    Comment: One commenter questioned why the revisions to Sec.  
35.610(d)(1) require training on a new unit to be provided only by the 
vendor or individuals certified by the vendor. The commenter does not 
believe there is clear evidence that vendor training is superior to a 
course the licensee might develop and that the quality of vendor 
training is quite variable. The commenter was also concerned that if a 
staff member missed the vendor's training, the licensee would be 
required to make special arrangements, probably at considerable cost, 
to have that person trained as required. The commenter stated that in 
most cases the licensee will choose to have all staff trained by the 
vendor when a new device is installed. The commenter believed that 
licensees should be allowed to provide training to their personnel in 
the manner they deem the best as is the case today and would be the 
case at existing installations under the proposed rule.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text was changed to clarify that the individuals certified by the 
device manufacturer to provide vendor training must be specifically 
certified to provide this training. The medical device manufacturer is 
the most knowledgeable entity when it comes to its new devices or 
upgrades to devices that affect their safety and operation. The NRC's 
intent is that before the device can be used on the first patient, each 
staff member involved in the operation of the device for that first 
patient's treatment must receive training on the operational and safety 
features and procedures from the vendor or individuals certified by the 
vendor to provide the training. For subsequent patient treatments, the 
requirements in Sec.  35.610(d)(2) apply.
    Comment: One commenter agreed that, with respect to the revisions 
to Sec.  35.610(d)(1), after modifications to the unit, staff 
authorized to use the unit needs to be trained on the upgrade and how 
the upgrade affects the operation of the unit. The commenter wanted 
clarification on whether ``. . . upgrade that affects the operation and 
safety of the unit'' is meant to cover changes to the actual device 
itself or changes to the device and any changes to the treatment 
planning system (software/hardware).
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The rule covers both software and hardware changes that affect 
the operation and safety of the remote afterloader unit, teletherapy 
unit, or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit.
    Comment: One commenter wanted clarification on whether the 
requirement ``or by an individual certified by the device manufacturer 
. . .'' included a person at the organization (one of the authorized 
operators) who received the device upgrade training from the 
manufacturer and would then be able to train all other authorized 
operators at the organization.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.610(d)(1) was revised to clarify that the vendor 
training can only be provided by either the device manufacturer or by 
an individual certified by the device manufacturer to provide the 
operational and safety training. Therefore, an authorized operator at 
the licensee's facility that is certified by the device manufacturer to 
provide the operational and safety training may provide initial 
instruction to other authorized operators at the facility.
Section 35.655 Full-Inspection Servicing for Teletherapy and Gamma 
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Units
    Comment: One commenter stated that a full inspection is only 
possible when the sources in a gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit are 
replaced. The commenter recommended that the full

[[Page 33072]]

inspection frequency be revised to occur upon source exchange.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC agrees that the full inspection is only possible when 
the sources in a gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit are replaced. 
Further, the NRC believes that the source replacement interval for a 
gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit can be extended to 7 years because 
of the 6-month routine preventive maintenance performed on these units.
Section 35.690 Training for Use of Remote Afterloader Units, 
Teletherapy Units, and Gamma Stereotactic Radiosurgery Units
    Comment: One commenter stated that it was unclear how an individual 
who is board certified but beyond 7 years of the required training may 
seek AU or AMP status. The commenter believed that, for safety, there 
should be some minimum number of cases the individual must observe 
prior to obtaining AU or AMP status especially in light of the 
complexity of interstitial procedures such as LDR or HDR prostate.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC reviews, on a case by-case basis, each applicant who 
received board certification more than 7 years ago and requests to be 
authorized as an AU or AMP. The licensee must demonstrate that the 
individual has had related continuing education and experience since 
the required training was completed. Because of the rigorous T&E 
requirements already in place, the NRC has not set a minimum number of 
cases a physician or a medical physicist must observe prior to 
obtaining AU or AMP status.
    Comment: One commenter stated that replacing ``institution'' in 
Sec.  35.690(b)(1)(ii) with ``facility that is authorized to use 
byproduct material in 35.600'' may cause difficulties without any 
apparent benefit. Under current regulations, a residency program at an 
institution that has only linear accelerators can provide some of the 
work experience pertinent to the requirements at its institution so 
long as it has the appropriate AUs on staff (which is common with 
physician faculty practicing at affiliated outpatient facilities). 
While residents need some direct work experience with, for example, 
treatment planning for HDR after loaders, there are concepts learned in 
a linear accelerator treatment planning that apply. This is especially 
true of external beam therapy from radioactive sources. Therefore, if a 
preceptor judges it to be appropriate, an individual should be allowed 
to acquire a portion of the required 500 hours of work experience at a 
facility that does not use byproduct material in Sec.  35.600.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The amendment the commenter described was made to ensure that 
the supervised work experience was obtained at a medical facility 
(including a stand-alone single discipline clinic) where the facility 
is authorized for uses under Sec.  35.600. Section 35.690 also includes 
a requirement that the individual complete a 3-year accredited 
residency program in radiation therapy. This residency program is not 
restricted to a facility that is authorized for Sec.  35.600 uses. The 
NRC recognizes that the ``concepts learned'' that the commenter 
referred to may be obtained from such a facility but that the 
individual still needs 500 hours of supervised work experience with the 
Sec.  35.600 devices.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern regarding whether a 
residency program approved by the Royal College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Canada can be used to meet the requirements in Sec.  
35.690(b)(2) because of the specific mention of a medical facility 
authorized to use byproduct material in Sec.  35.600. Currently, the 
NRC's, ``Procedures for Recognition of Foreign Trained Physicians and 
Physicists Applying for Authorized User (AU) and Authorized Medical 
Physicist (AMP) Status,'' states that a physician coming out of a 
residency approved by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
Canada would need to work under a physician who also practices in the 
United States. While such physicians likely exist, adding the 
additional requirement that the facility is authorized to use byproduct 
material in Sec.  35.600 appears to add an additional hurdle to 
allowing hours from these residencies.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The commenter is correct that a physician completing a 
residency program approved by the Royal College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Canada may have to complete his or her 500 hours of 
supervised work experience at another facility that is authorized for 
uses under Sec.  35.600.
Section 35.3045 Report and Notification of a Medical Event
    The NRC received many comments on various issues related to the 
permanent brachytherapy event reporting criteria under this section. 
For better understanding of the concerned raised, the comments are 
grouped according to the distinct issues commenters raised.
Issue: The Medical Event Reporting Criterion Are Based on the Term 
``Potential Harm''
    Comment: Several commenters stated that they do not agree with the 
use of the term ``potential harm'' in the discussion of MEs in the 
Federal Register notice for the proposed rule. The commenters believe 
that ``potential harm'' is a medical decision and that this approach is 
a significant departure from the current definition of an ME. The 
commenters believe that this approach will eliminate the opportunity 
for licensees to identify precursor events and make process 
improvements, and that it could have the unintended consequence of 
providing additional support for malpractice suits. In articulating 
their objection to NRC's position, some commenters stated that ``[a]s 
regulators, we are not tasked for determining what the `potential harm' 
is, our mission is to ensure licensees abide by the required 
regulations.''
    Response: The NRC believes that the rule will not discourage 
licensees from identifying precursor events or making process 
improvements. The rule continues to reflect the NRC's position that an 
ME may be indicative of potential problems in a medical facility's use 
of radioactive materials and does not necessarily result in harm to the 
patient. This position is based on the NRC staff recommendations 
submitted to the Commission in SECY-05-0234, ``Adequacy of Medical 
Event Definitions in Sec.  35.3045, and Communicating Associated Risks 
to the Public,'' dated December 27, 2005. The NRC staff recommendations 
were approved by the Commission in SRM to SECY-05-0234, dated February 
15, 2006. The ME criteria for permanent implant brachytherapy are now 
consistent with the criteria for other therapeutic modalities by 
reflecting circumstances in which there may be harm or potential harm 
to the patient.
Issue: The Medical Event Reporting Criterion Related to the Absorbed 
Dose to Normal Tissues Located Within the Treatment Site
    Comment: One commenter had questions and expressed concerns about 
the ME reporting criterion in Sec.  35.3045 related to ``intra-target'' 
normal tissue. The commenter stated that for prostate implants the 
urethra is the only such structure to consider, and the volume is much 
less than 5 cubic centimeters. The commenter wanted to know whether, if 
the dose threshold for reporting an ME was exceeded for the urethra, 
given that the volume is less than 5 cubic centimeters, if that 
instance would

[[Page 33073]]

require reporting. The commenter also expressed concern that treatment 
planning systems could not distinguish between a 5 cubic centimeters 
volume and a summation of five 1 cubic centimeters volumes receiving 
150 percent of the prescribed dose.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed dose to normal tissue within the treatment site. The NRC 
understands that the volume of the urethra within the treatment site is 
typically less than 5 cubic centimeters. In addition, the NRC 
acknowledges the commenter's concern that treatment planning systems 
may not distinguish contiguous volumes from non-contiguous, summated 
volumes. In response to this concern and those raised by other 
commenters, the NRC removed the absorbed dose-based ME reporting 
criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iv).
    Comment: One commenter expressed concerns about the absorbed dose-
based criterion for normal tissue within the treatment site and stated 
that it is common for 50 percent or more of the treatment site to 
receive a dose that exceeds the prescribed dose by greater than 50 
percent. The commenter was concerned that quality implants may be 
categorized as MEs using this criterion. The commenter also stated that 
its vendor's software does not provide a method to evaluate dose to 
contiguous volumes of tissue within the treatment site.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed dose to normal tissue within the treatment site. The NRC 
agrees that quality implants may be categorized as MEs if 50 percent or 
more of the treatment site intentionally receives a dose that exceeds 
the prescribed dose by greater than 50 percent. The NRC understands 
that some treatment planning software may be unable to distinguish 
contiguous volumes of tissue. In response to this concern and those 
raised by other commenters, the NRC removed the absorbed dose-based ME 
reporting criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iv).
    Comment: One commenter expressed concerns about the ME reporting 
criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iv). The commenter stated that, using 
this criterion, it would be difficult for licensees to determine if an 
ME had occurred and nearly impossible for regulators to independently 
determine if a licensee is appropriately classifying and reporting MEs.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed dose to normal tissue within the treatment site. The NRC 
understands that it may be difficult for licensees and regulators to 
determine if an ME occurred under this criterion. In response to this 
concern and those raised by other commenters, the NRC removed the 
absorbed dose-based ME reporting criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iv).
    Comment: One commenter expressed concerns about the ME reporting 
criterion in Sec.  35.3045 related to the normal tissue located within 
the treatment site. The commenter stated that the normal tissue within 
the treatment site for prostate implants is the urethra and it is 
necessary to place a catheter in the urethra to assess dose to this 
tissue. The commenter noted that licensees may not routinely 
catheterize the patient during post-implantation imaging; therefore, 
they do not have the imaging information necessary to assess urethral 
dose. The commenter further stated that pre-implantation images 
performed on catheterized patients show that the urethral volume is 
typically 1 cubic centimeter or less. The commenter concluded that an 
ME would never be found for normal urethral tissue for a prostate 
implant because there is not 5 cubic centimeters of contiguous urethral 
tissue within the treatment site.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed dose to the maximally exposed 5 contiguous cubic centimeters 
of normal tissue within the treatment site. The NRC understands that 
licensees may not routinely acquire the imaging information necessary 
to assess post-implantation urethral dose. The NRC also understands 
that the urethral volume within the treatment site is typically 
considerably less than 5 cubic centimeters, and as a result it is 
unlikely that an ME would occur using the proposed criterion.
    Comment: One commenter stated that using absorbed dose-based 
criteria may limit the licensee's ability to determine if an ME has 
occurred when evaluating dose to normal structures located within the 
treatment site that are even more difficult to contour than the 
prostate. The commenter suggested removing the use of absorbed dose-
based criterion for normal tissue within the treatment site.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed dose to normal tissue within the treatment site. The NRC 
agrees with the commenter's suggestion and in response to this concern 
and those raised by other commenters, the NRC removed the use of 
absorbed dose-based criteria for reporting MEs in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv).
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern about the ME reporting 
criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iv) related to the absorbed dose to 
normal tissue located within the treatment site. The commenter stated 
that ``precise control of source location inside the treatment site 
over several half-lives is impossible (and not necessary), so absorbed 
dose to intra-target structures is impossible to control.'' The 
commenter believes this is a medical decision, not a suitable ME 
criterion. The commenter stated ``[m]edicine has to operate in a risk-
benefit balance when it comes to normal tissues, so the NRC has no role 
here.''
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed dose to normal tissue within the treatment site. The NRC 
acknowledges the commenter's concern that absorbed dose to intra-target 
structures is impossible to control and is a medical decision. In 
response to this concern and those raised by other commenters, the NRC 
removed the dose-based ME reporting criterion in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv).
    Comment: One commenter stated that ``[i]dentification of normal 
tissue in the treatment volume (urethra) [during a prostate implant 
procedure] is difficult if not impossible with a CT scan.'' The 
commenter also stated that the radiation dose is variable across the 
treatment site and therefore the ``determination'' of the dose to the 
normal tissue within the treatment site is ``ambiguous.'' The commenter 
further stated that ``[t]he only way to clearly define the urethra 
during the post Dosimetry CT scan would be to catheterize the patient, 
which would cause significant pain to the patient, and therefore is not 
performed.''
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed dose to normal tissue within the treatment site. The NRC 
acknowledges the commenter's concerns related to difficulties 
associated with imaging the urethra and estimating the dose to it. In

[[Page 33074]]

response to these concerns and those raised by other commenters, the 
NRC removed the absorbed dose-based ME reporting criterion in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv).
    Comment: One commenter expressed difficulty in understanding how 
clinics that use a nomogram-based approach to ``pre-planning,'' where 
there is no pre-implant dose distribution, would evaluate the ME 
definition for ``intra-target normal structures'' in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv).
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed dose to normal tissue within the treatment site. The NRC 
understands the commenter's concern that clinics that use a nomogram-
based approach to ``pre-planning,'' where there is no pre-implant dose 
distribution, may have difficulty in evaluating the dose to normal 
tissue within the treatment site under the proposed ME definition. In 
response to this concern and those raised by other commenters, the NRC 
removed the absorbed dose-based ME reporting criterion in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iv).
Issue: The Medical Event Reporting Criterion in Sec.  35.3045 Related 
to the Absorbed Dose to Normal Tissues Located Outside the Treatment 
Site
    Comment: One commenter expressed concerns about the ME reporting 
criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii) related to the absorbed dose to 
normal tissue located outside the treatment site. The commenter stated 
that their treatment planning software does not have an automated 
method for determining the volume of normal tissue that exceeds the 
prescribed dose by 50 percent. They stated that a manual method for 
making such a determination would lead to different results depending 
on who contours the normal tissue volume being assessed. The commenter 
also noted that the definition of ``contiguous normal tissue'' is not 
clear.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed dose to normal tissue outside the treatment site. The NRC 
acknowledges the commenter's concern that some treatment planning 
software may is not capable of automatically determining the volume of 
normal tissue that exceeds the prescribed dose by 50 percent. In 
response to this concern and those raised by other commenters, the NRC 
removed the absorbed dose-based ME reporting criterion in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii).
    Comment: Two commenters expressed concerns about the requirement to 
evaluate and determine the absorbed dose to the maximally exposed 5 
contiguous cubic centimeters of normal tissue ``around'' the treatment 
site. The commenters further stated that these proposed ME reporting 
criteria are not consistent with current medical practice and may 
discourage licensees from performing permanent brachytherapy, which 
would deny patients access to this technology.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on these comments. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv), which would have required the assessment 
of the absorbed dose to the maximally exposed 5 contiguous cubic 
centimeters of normal tissue outside and within the treatment site. The 
NRC acknowledges the commenters' concern that the proposed rule text is 
not consistent with current medical practice and may discourage some 
licensees from performing permanent brachytherapy. In response to this 
concern and those raised by other commenters, the NRC removed the 
absorbed dose-based ME reporting criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii) 
and (iv).
    Comment: Two commenters expressed concerns about the use of 
absorbed dose to 5 contiguous cubic centimeters as a criterion for 
reporting MEs. The commenters noted that the absorbed dose to 5 
contiguous cubic centimeters was proposed as a guideline for treating 
cancer of the cervix in a single journal article published 10 years 
ago. The commenters also pointed out that these guidelines were 
proposed ``for research purposes,'' reflected the personal opinions of 
the authors, and were not endorsed or adopted by any of the radiation 
oncology professional organizations. The commenters requested that the 
NRC provide further justification for establishing a 5 contiguous cubic 
centimeters regulatory standard.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on these comments. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv), which would have required the assessment 
of the absorbed dose to the maximally exposed 5 contiguous cubic 
centimeters of normal tissue outside and within the treatment site. The 
NRC included these requirements in the proposed rule based on a 
recommendation from the ACMUI. However, based on these and other 
comments, the NRC concluded that absorbed dose to 5 contiguous cubic 
centimeters is not a suitable criterion for reporting MEs. Therefore, 
the NRC removed subparagraphs (iii) and (iv), which would have required 
licensees to use absorbed dose criteria to report MEs for permanent 
brachytherapy.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the volume for determining an 
absorbed dose to normal tissue for compliance with the reporting 
requirements in Sec.  35.3045 is not clearly defined. The commenter 
noted that it appears reasonable in theory to determine absorbed dose 
to the maximally exposed 5 contiguous centimeters of normal tissue. 
However, the commenter believes that it will be difficult to make this 
determination using current technology. The commenter stated that 
``planning systems typically report dose volume histograms to 
structures, but they do not identify contiguous volumes.''
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv), which would have required the assessment 
of the absorbed dose to normal tissue outside and within the treatment 
site. The NRC acknowledges that while some treatment planning systems 
can identify contiguous volumes, others cannot. In response to this 
concern and those raised by other commenters, the NRC removed the 
absorbed dose-based ME reporting criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii) 
and (iv).
    Comment: One commenter stated that the requirement in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) (absorbed dose to the maximally exposed 5 contiguous 
centimeters of normal tissue located outside of the treatment site) 
will be difficult to implement. The commenter stated that treatment 
planning systems report dose-volume histograms to structures but do not 
identify contiguous volumes. The commenter also stated that the term 
``treatment site'' is not well defined. The commenter used the prostate 
as an example and pointed out that some licensees identify the prostate 
as the treatment site and develop the treatment plan with a particular 
margin of normal tissue around it, while others include a PTV (planning 
treatment volume) around the prostate and plan for that volume. The 
commenter explained that seeds may be placed in interstitial tissue 
outside the prostate to ensure adequate dose is delivered to the 
prostate. The commenter expressed concern that ``[i]f the normal tissue 
involved interstitial tissue, it would not cause a medically 
significant event to the patient.''
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii), which would have required the assessment of the 
absorbed

[[Page 33075]]

dose to normal tissue outside the treatment site. The NRC acknowledges 
the commenter's concern that some treatment planning software may be 
unable to automatically determine the volume of normal tissue that 
exceeds the prescribed dose by 50 percent. The NRC also acknowledges 
that AUs describe ``treatment site'' in different ways. The NRC expects 
the AU to describe the treatment site (as defined in Sec.  35.2) in the 
WD in any way he or she believes to be medically appropriate. In 
response to these concerns and those raised by other commenters, the 
NRC removed the absorbed dose-based ME reporting criterion in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii).
Issue: Source-Strength-Based Criteria as the Metric for Permanent 
Brachytherapy Versus Absorbed Dose-Based Criteria
    Comment: Two commenters stated that the use of source-strength 
based criteria as the metric for permanent brachytherapy is directly 
proportional to the absorbed dose, and consistent with nuclear medicine 
administrations of radiopharmaceutical therapy whose purpose is to 
achieve a prescribed tumor dose. The commenters also pointed out that 
dose is not factored into the ME definition for radiopharmaceuticals, 
and has been an auditable measure by inspectors since the definition of 
``misadministration'' that was created decades ago.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this and other 
comments. While the NRC agrees that source strength is a major factor 
impacting absorbed dose for permanent brachytherapy, the absorbed dose 
is determined by a combination of source strength and spatial 
positioning. Despite this fact, in response to this comment and 
different concerns raised by other commenters, the NRC determined that 
a source-strength based criterion is appropriate to define MEs for 
permanent implant brachytherapy and removed the absorbed dose-based ME 
reporting criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv).
Issue: Require Licensees To Establish Certain Documented Criteria for a 
Medically Acceptable Implant Instead of the Absorbed Dose to Normal 
Tissues
    Comment: Two commenters suggested the modification of Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2) to remove both criteria for absorbed dose to 5 contiguous 
centimeters of tissue and require instead that licensees establish 
documented criteria such as D90 or V100 that provide for a medically 
acceptable permanent implant.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on other comments. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv), which would have required the assessment 
of the absorbed dose to the maximally exposed 5 contiguous cubic 
centimeters of normal tissue outside and within the treatment site. The 
NRC agrees with removing the proposed absorbed dose-based criteria for 
reporting MEs for normal tissue. However, the NRC is not changing the 
rule text to require licensees to establish documented dose-based 
criteria such as D90 or V100 that would provide for a medically 
acceptable implant, as suggested by the commenter. The term ``D90'' is 
the dose reported in Gray or as a percentage of the prescribed dose 
that covers 90 percent of the target volume. The term ``V100'' is the 
fractional volume of the target usually reported as a percentage that 
receives 100 percent of the prescribed dose. The effect of making the 
commenter's proposed change would be a requirement to report as an ME 
under Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) any permanent implant that is not deemed 
medically acceptable. The NRC believes that such a requirement could 
risk interfering with the practice of medicine. The NRC determined, for 
reasons explained in response to other comments, that the dose-based 
criteria should be removed and not replaced.
Issue: Sealed Source(s) Directly Delivered to the Wrong Treatment Site
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concern with the proposed 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(C), which requires reporting sealed 
source(s) directly delivered to the wrong treatment site as an ME. Two 
commenters specifically pointed out that Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(C) is 
in direct conflict with Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(ii), which allows for 20 
percent of the implanted source activity to be outside of the intended 
treatment site. Further, the commenters pointed out that, as proposed, 
this section would require that even a single sealed source directly 
delivered to the wrong treatment site be reported as an ME. Several 
commenters pointed out that when performing a normal implant procedure, 
sources can occasionally be deposited outside the treatment site due to 
various factors such as uncertainties in intraoperative imaging, 
patient motion, suction of seeds due to needle withdrawal, or seed 
migration. For example, one commenter stated that because in a prostate 
implant 90 to 100 seeds are routinely implanted, ``[a] seed could end 
up in tissue surrounding the prostate, in the bladder, or in the 
rectum. The overall impact would be numerous MEs of no clinical 
significance reported.'' Other commenters stated that source(s) 
implanted directly into the wrong site or body part, e.g., if the right 
breast was implanted when the left breast was intended to be implanted, 
should constitute a reportable ME. One commenter suggested that the NRC 
establish a reasonable de minimis threshold. Several commenters 
suggested revising Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(C) to require that ``sealed 
source(s) directly delivered to a ``non-contiguous'' wrong treatment 
site'' be reported as MEs.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on these comments and a 
recommendation from the ACMUI. The NRC agrees that typical permanent 
implant procedures result in some sources being implanted outside the 
treatment site as described in the WD. In accordance with Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(ii), an ME has not occurred when less than 20 percent of 
the sources are implanted outside the treatment site. The NRC also 
agrees that Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(C), as proposed [now Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii)(C)], appears to be in conflict with the provisions 
of Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(ii). To ensure that the provisions of Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii)(C) can be distinguished from those in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(ii), the NRC has changed Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii)(C) to 
read: ``Sealed source(s) implanted directly into a location 
discontiguous from the treatment site, as documented in the post-
implantation portion of the WD.''
Issue: Sources That Were Implanted in the Correct Site but Migrated 
Outside the Treatment Site
    Comment: Several commenters noted that Sec.  35.3045(a)(3) 
currently includes the phrase, ``excluding, for permanent implants, 
seeds that were implanted in the correct site but migrated outside the 
treatment site'' but that this provision was not included in the 
proposed rule. They said that removal of this provision ``will cause 
numerous spurious reported MEs which will be unnecessarily burdensome 
and time consuming to the NRC and the licensee without increasing 
patient safety.'' One commenter stated that migration of seeds from a 
prostate treatment site is a potential clinical occurrence. The 
commenters asked the NRC to restore the provision for migrated seeds.
    One commenter expressed concern that failure to include an 
exclusion for migrated sources would require reporting as ME permanent 
implant brachytherapy procedures in which the sources were placed 
correctly then migrated. The commenter suggested that ``. . . images 
taken 15, or 30, or 60 days after an implant cannot unambiguously

[[Page 33076]]

determine the placement of sources at the time of implant. Only 
placement meeting Medical Event criteria in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) at time 
of implant should constitute a Medical Event.'' The commenter also 
stated that some licensees do not offer permanent brachytherapy because 
of a concern that MEs could occur due to circumstances beyond their 
control, and the damage that can result from the publicity surrounding 
an ME.
    One commenter noted that in the 2002 revisions to 10 CFR part 35, 
the term ``recordable event'' was eliminated and the term 
``misadministration'' was changed to ``medical event.'' The commenter 
stated that the definition (of an ME) did not change. The definition 
compares the treatment administered to what the AU intended to 
administer. The commenter expressed concern that, as proposed, a 
treatment could be identified as an ME if the seeds moved after they 
were implanted correctly. The commenter stated that the proposed rule 
as written may inhibit a physician from helping a patient if migration 
of seeds is not taken into account in defining an ME for permanent 
implant brachytherapy implants.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on these comments. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to restore the provision 
for sources that were implanted in the correct site but migrated 
outside the treatment site. The NRC agrees that migration of sources 
that were implanted in the correct site should not be considered an ME.
    Comment: One commenter expressed concern about the phrase ``outside 
of the treatment site'' at Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(ii). This is the 
proposed criterion to define as an ME a permanent implant brachytherapy 
administration that results in the total source strength administered 
outside of the treatment site exceeding 20 percent of the source 
strength documented in the post-administration WD. The commenter noted 
that, for permanent prostate implants, most of the seeds are purposely 
implanted in and around the periphery of the gland and many can drift. 
The commenter stated that 20 percent of the sources may drift, even 
when linked together, and asked if the NRC has established a cutoff 
distance for drift. The commenter also expressed concern about the 
statement that if even one source is apparently ``directly implanted . 
. . into another (distant from the treatment site) location,'' it is an 
ME, and noted that it may be difficult to distinguish a seed that 
drifted a long distance from one that was directly implanted into a 
location distant from the treatment site. The commenter believes that 
these questions will force AUs to define a treatment site ``with huge 
margins for seed drift.''
    The commenter also asked what rule would apply if all seeds are in 
the treatment site, but ``badly distributed around the periphery.'' The 
commenter stated that this could result in a ``bad cold spot'' in the 
treatment site dose distribution and noted that many permanent prostate 
implants ``show this tendency naturally 30 days after implant.''
    The commenter stated that these issues pertain to the practice of 
medicine and should not be regulated by the NRC.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC has not established a cutoff distance for ``drift'' or 
source migration. The AU defines the treatment site in the WD in any 
way he or she believes to be medically appropriate, including any 
margins. The NRC agrees that migration of sources that were implanted 
into the correct site should not be considered an ME. In response to 
other comments, the rule text at Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was changed to 
restore the exclusion to ME reporting requirements for sources that 
were implanted in the correct site but migrated outside the treatment 
site. In response to other comments, the rule text at Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(v)(C) [now Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii)(C)] was also changed 
to replace the phrase ``[s]ealed source(s) directly delivered into the 
wrong treatment site'' with ``[s]ealed source(s) implanted directly 
into a location discontiguous from the treatment site, as documented in 
the post-implantation portion of the written directive.''
    The NRC agrees that the dose distribution within the treatment site 
is not a suitable ME criterion because it can vary over time and is not 
fully under the control of the AU. In response to other comments, the 
NRC revised the permanent implant brachytherapy ME criteria at Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2) to be based only on total source strength, not dose. As a 
result, no ME has occurred if at least 80 percent of the sources are in 
the treatment site, regardless of the distribution of the sources or 
the existence of a ``cold spot'' in the dose distribution. The NRC 
agrees, and it is the NRC policy, that the NRC should not (and does 
not) regulate the practice of medicine.
Issue: Medical Event Definition Should Allow an Exception for Causes 
Outside of the Physician's Control
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the ME definition should 
allow exceptions for patient-related and procedure-related causes 
(other than seed migration) that are outside of the physician's 
control. The commenter noted that the exception for MEs resulting from 
patient intervention does not address procedure-related causes that are 
outside of the physician's control. The commenter recommended that 
Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) be revised to read: ``For permanent implant 
brachytherapy, the administration of byproduct material or radiation 
from byproduct material (not resulting from patient-related or 
procedure-related causes--such as edema, source migration after 
placement or imaging uncertainties) that results in . . .'' The 
commenter expressed concern that, without an exception for patient-
related and procedure-related causes, ``many medically acceptable 
procedures will be labeled as MEs, contrary to our understanding of the 
NRC's intent.''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC did not modify the rule to include exceptions for 
patient-related and procedure-related causes (other than seed 
migration) that are outside of the physician's control. Factors outside 
of the physician's control, such as edema and imaging uncertainties, 
should have limited impact under the source-strength based ME reporting 
criteria in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(ii).
Issue: Error in Calculating the Total Source Strength
    Comment: One commenter stated that it is not clear why the ME 
criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E), i.e., ``[a] 20 percent or more 
error in calculating the total source strength documented in the pre-
implantation portion of the written directive,'' was proposed. The 
commenter believes that this criterion was based on an ``ACMUI proposal 
of using the wrong activity or source strength (+ /-20 percent) as 
specified in the written directive,'' and noted that the ACMUI did not 
specify whether this is ``wrong'' as compared to the pre-implantation 
or post-implantation portion of the WD. The commenter stated that the 
requirement in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E) appears to be a duplication of 
the intent of Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(i) and recommended deleting Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E).
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v) was revised to delete the ME 
criterion described in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E), ``[a] 20 percent or 
more error in calculating the total source strength documented in the 
pre-implantation portion of the written directive.'' However, the NRC 
determined that Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E) was not a duplication of

[[Page 33077]]

Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(i), but agrees that the provision is not needed. As 
stated by the commenter, this criterion was originally recommended by 
the ACMUI. In July 2005, the ACMUI submitted to the NRC a set of 
guiding principles to assist the NRC staff in defining a rule to 
capture MEs from permanent implant brachytherapy procedures. One of the 
principles recommended a limited dose-based ME criterion: ``[a]n 
implant is a medical event if the dose calculations used to determine 
the total source strength documented in the written directive are in 
error by more than 20 percent in either direction.'' The ACMUI 
explained that this ``limited'' ME dose pathway would ``focus only on 
preplanning or intraoperative planning, not post-implant evaluation.'' 
Because the revised ME criteria are based on post-implant evaluations, 
the NRC agrees that the criterion at Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E) is not 
needed.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the criterion in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(i) is consistent with clinically relevant circumstances. 
The commenter expressed concern that this is exactly the same as the 
requirement in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E). The commenter noted that the 
rationale is unclear for comparing against the post-implantation source 
strength in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(i) and comparing against the pre-
implantation source strength in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E). The 
commenter also stated that current practice is ``to assay a portion of 
the seeds to ensure the total source strength is as ordered, which 
would prevent both of these medical events from occurring.''
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v) was revised to delete the ME 
criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E) of the proposed rule: ``[a] 20 
percent or more error in calculating the total source strength 
documented in the pre-implantation portion of the written directive.'' 
Although these criteria are not exactly the same, the NRC agrees with 
the commenter that the criterion at Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E) is not 
needed because such situations will almost always be captured by the 
criteria at Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii). In the rare 
situation where a calculation error would not be captured by the 
criteria at (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii)--for example, because the 
calculation error was later corrected--then the NRC would not deem it 
appropriate to report the calculation error itself as an ME.
    The NRC considered the commenter's statement that these types of 
MEs would be prevented by assaying a portion of the seeds to ensure the 
total source strength is as ordered and concluded that this may not be 
fully correct. For example, it is possible for an ME to occur if there 
was an error of 20 percent or more in the total source strength ordered 
and administered.
Issue: Comparison of Source Strength Specified in the Pre-Implantation 
Written Directive
    Comment: Several commenters stated that ME reporting for permanent 
implant brachytherapy must be based on the source strength in the post-
administration WD as described in Sec.  35.40(b)(6)(ii). Some of the 
commenters stated that the proposed changes to Sec.  35.3045 wrongly 
specified the pre-implantation WD.
    Response: No changes were made in response to these comments. The 
source strength comparisons for the ME reporting criteria in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(i) and (ii) are with the source strength specified in the 
post-implantation WD. Although Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii) of the proposed 
rule included an absorbed dose comparison with information in the pre-
implantation WD, the NRC removed this criterion in response to other 
comments. Also, Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(v)(E) of the proposed rule included 
a calculated total source strength with the pre-implantation WD, but 
NRC removed this criterion in response to different comments. As a 
result, Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) no longer requires any comparisons with the 
pre-implantation WD.
Issue: Support Source Strength-Only Approach for Medical Event Criteria 
for Permanent Implants
    Comment: One commenter supported the shift to use total source 
strength administered (activity-based) ME criteria for permanent 
implants rather than dose delivered (dose-based) criteria for permanent 
brachytherapy implants.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter expressed several concerns related to the 
proposed dose-based portion of the criteria for permanent implant 
brachytherapy ME reporting. The commenter recommended that any ME 
reporting for permanent implant brachytherapy be based solely on a 
source-strength based definition for the WD as recommended originally 
by the ACMUI and the radiological societies rather than the proposed 
hybrid definition based on source strength and absorbed dose. The 
commenter's concerns included: (1) That the WD has no absorbed dose 
specification; (2) that regulatory inspectors do not possess the 
expertise to assess permanent seed implants and determine if any 5 
contiguous cubic centimeters have exceeded an expected absorbed dose by 
50 percent; (3) that different licensees use different absorbed dose 
metrics to determine a successful implant; (4) that the dose to 5 
contiguous cubic centimeters introduced by the NRC is arbitrary and not 
based on any clinical data; and (5) that the ACMUI in 2008 recommended 
a source strength ME definition for permanent implants and explicitly 
stated it should not include absorbed dose criteria.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv), which would have required the assessment 
of the absorbed dose to normal tissue outside and within the treatment 
site. The rule text, as proposed in Sec.  35.40(b)(6)(i), contains a 
requirement to include the intended absorbed dose to the treatment 
site. However, in response to other comments, the NRC has decided to 
remove this requirement from the final rule. The commenter is correct 
that in 2008 the ACMUI recommended source-strength based criteria. 
However, in 2012, the ACMUI recommended the proposed ``hybrid'' 
criteria for reporting MEs for permanent implants, and that 
recommendation was endorsed by the American Association for Radiation 
Oncology. The NRC understands the commenter's concerns that regulatory 
personnel may have difficulty assessing permanent implants under the 
proposed rule, and that different licensees may use different criteria 
for determining a successful implant. The NRC agrees that the proposed 
absorbed dose-based criteria are not based upon clinical data. In 
response to these concerns and those raised by other commenters, the 
NRC removed the absorbed dose-based ME reporting criterion in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv).
    Comment: Two commenters stated that in 2008, the ACMUI recommended 
source strength ME definition for permanent implants. The commenters 
stated that nevertheless, the NRC staff added an absorbed dose-based 
criterion to the definition, and the Commission rejected it. The NRC 
held national stakeholder workshops in 2011 on this issue and the 
overwhelming consensus at each workshop attended by professional 
organizations and radiological professionals was to have source-
strength ME reporting criteria rather than absorbed dose-based 
criteria. The commenters also pointed out that the ACMUI presentations 
at these workshops stated that source strength criteria were 
preferable. The commenters recommended that the NRC

[[Page 33078]]

provide a more comprehensive regulatory basis for deviating from these 
recommendations. One of the commenters stated that the NRC needs to 
base the ME definition on source strength rather than the proposed 
hybrid definition based on source strength and absorbed dose, by 
removing Sec.  35.41(b)(6)(iii) and (iv) and amending Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2).
    Response: The rule text was modified based on these comments. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv), which would have required the assessment 
of the absorbed dose to normal tissue outside and within the treatment 
site. A corresponding change was made to the rule text in Sec.  
35.41(b)(6) to remove Sec.  35.41(b)(6)(iii) and (iv). The NRC agrees 
with the commenters' stated timeline of events regarding ME reporting 
criteria recommendations. However, in 2012, the ACMUI recommended the 
proposed ``hybrid'' criteria for reporting MEs for permanent implants, 
and that recommendation was endorsed by the American Association for 
Radiation Oncology. This recommendation was one of the key components 
of the NRC's regulatory basis for the proposed rule. In response to 
other comments, the NRC removed the absorbed dose-based ME reporting 
criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv) and the requirements in 
Sec.  35.41(b)(6)(iii) and (iv) for determination of absorbed dose to 
normal tissue outside and within the treatment site.
Issue: Alternate Recommendations for ME Definitions for Permanent 
Implants
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the NRC require licensees to 
establish a ``peer review'' process in conjunction with the 
requirements that licensees establish procedures that provide ``high 
confidence'' that the WD is fulfilled. The commenter stated that MEs 
should be rare mistakes because the procedures are required to be 
performed by physicians that have the required T&E. The commenter also 
stated that the NRC should not try to regulate the ``medicine side'' 
and that the NRC's determination of `` `actual or potential harm to a 
patient' and review of normal tissue doses are not needed.''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC agrees that the NRC should not regulate the practice 
of medicine. In accordance with the Commission's Medical Use Policy 
Statement published August 3, 2000 (65 FR 47654), the NRC does not 
intrude into medical decisionmaking except as necessary to provide for 
the safety of workers and the general public and to ensure that 
radionuclides are used in accordance with the physician's directions. 
The NRC disagrees that it should require licensees to establish a peer 
review process for assessing MEs. The licensee makes the determination 
of the actual or potential harm to patients that might result from an 
ME. However, the NRC's position is that an ME may be indicative of a 
potential problem in a medical facility's use of radioactive materials 
even if it does not actually result in harm to the patient.
    In response to the portion of this comment concerning dose to 
normal tissue and other comments, the NRC removed the absorbed dose-
based ME reporting criteria for normal tissue in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv).
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the reporting criteria for 
permanent implants should be the ``dose coverage to the intended 
target,'' which is a much more meaningful indicator of the quality of 
an implant. The commenter suggested the use of ``D90'' and provided the 
D90 definition from the AAPM Task Group 137: ``the minimum dose to the 
hottest 90 percent of the target volume.''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. This is one of the few comments NRC received that supported 
dose-based ME reporting criteria for the treatment site. The NRC 
understands that ``D90'' is one of the absorbed dose-based parameters 
that is an accepted professional practice for assessing the clinical 
quality of an implant. However, the NRC also understands that ``D90'' 
is not the only dose-based parameter that is accepted and used. The NRC 
also received numerous other comments that identified technical 
limitations associated with the use of dose-based ME reporting criteria 
for permanent implant brachytherapy. Therefore, the NRC revised the 
permanent implant brachytherapy ME reporting criteria in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2) to be based only on total source strength, not dose.
    Comment: One commenter suggested that the reporting criteria for 
permanent implants should be based upon the dose to the organs at risk. 
The commenter provided the examples of the bladder and the rectum as 
organs at risk when treating the prostate with permanent implants. The 
commenter stated that this approach would hold the brachytherapist (AU) 
accountable for protecting the organs at risk but not penalize the AU 
for intentionally implanting sources in normal tissue for treatment 
purposes. The commenter also stated that ``[a]nother benefit of both of 
these suggestions is that current brachytherapy software offers a 
method of evaluating the dose coverage to the target and organs at 
risk.''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. This is one of the few comments NRC received that supported 
the dose-based ME reporting criteria. The NRC received other comments 
that identified technical limitations associated with the use of a 
dose-based ME reporting criteria for dose to normal tissue from 
permanent implant brachytherapy. The NRC eliminated the dose-based 
criteria in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv) for normal tissue for 
reporting MEs. Therefore, the dose to the organs at risk does not need 
to be determined for ME reporting purposes.
Issue: Concerns Regarding Regulators' Training and Ability To Inspect 
and Assess Permanent Implants Under the Proposed Criteria
    Comment: Several commenters expressed concerns about the ability of 
regulators to assess licensees' implementation of the proposed ME 
reporting criteria in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv). One commenter 
asked if inspectors are capable of evaluating the methods used by the 
licensee to determine the 5 contiguous cubic centimeter volume of 
normal tissue and related dosimetry. Another commenter stated that the 
proposed change will require substantial retraining of regulatory 
personnel to make determinations based on the new criteria. The 
commenter stated ``[t]his is unduly burdensome and serves no real value 
since doses may be clinically off by 200 percent and still be viable 
for treatment.'' Two other commenters stated that most regulatory 
personnel do not have the tools or expertise to assess a permanent 
implant and determine if any 5 contiguous cubic centimeters have 
exceeded an expected absorbed dose by 50 percent. The commenters also 
expressed concern that the NRC has proposed a dose metric that is not 
an established standard of clinical practice and appears to infringe on 
the practice of medicine.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on these comments. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) was modified to remove Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv), which would have required the assessment 
of the absorbed dose to normal tissues outside and within the treatment 
site. The NRC understands the commenters' concerns that regulatory 
personnel may have difficulty assessing permanent implants under the 
proposed rule and that the NRC proposed a 5 contiguous cubic centimeter 
volume dose metric that is not an established standard of clinical 
practice. In response

[[Page 33079]]

to these concerns and different concerns raised by other commenters, 
the NRC removed the absorbed dose-based ME reporting criteria in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(iii) and (iv).
Issue: Applicability of the Proposed Criteria to Y-90 Microspheres
    Comment: Several commenters questioned whether the new permanent 
implant brachytherapy requirements at Sec.  35.3045 apply to the use of 
Y-90 microspheres under Sec.  35.1000. One commenter stated that these 
new requirements cause confusion when read in conjunction with the NRC 
licensing guidance for Y-90 microspheres, which describes them as 
``manual brachytherapy sources used for permanent implantation 
therapy.'' The commenters suggested that the rule language be clarified 
to include a definition of the types of sources to which the permanent 
implant brachytherapy requirements apply so that it is clear whether 
they apply to Y-90 microspheres.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text. The term ``permanent 
implant brachytherapy'' is used to refer to manual brachytherapy 
procedures performed in accordance with Sec.  35.400. The NRC considers 
Y-90 microspheres to be manual brachytherapy sources; however, they 
have unique properties that prevent them from being regulated under all 
the provisions of Sec.  35.400 and are regulated under Sec.  35.1000. 
Consequently, the ME reporting requirements for permanent implant 
brachytherapy do not apply to the use of Y-90 microspheres.
Issue: Defining the Treatment Site in the Written Directive
    Comment: The commenter expressed concern that under the proposed 
rule in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(ii), a high quality implant with excellent 
dose statistics, where many seeds are implanted outside the Planning 
Target Volume (PTV) to ensure adequate dose coverage, would be viewed 
as an ME. The commenter stated that its prostate implant program allows 
for the implantation of I-125 seeds into normal tissues surrounding the 
prostate so that the prescribed dose covers a treatment margin (PTV) in 
addition to the prostate, in order to treat extra-capsular extension of 
prostate cancer. The commenter provided recommendations from the 
American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group Report 137 
and the American Brachytherapy Society Prostate Low-Dose Rate Task 
Group Report on treating a margin of tissue outside of the prostate. 
The commenter also expressed concern with the criterion in Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(ii) because its vendor's software does not currently have 
a satisfactory method of determining whether 20 percent of the source 
strength is outside of the treatment site.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC understands that AUs may intentionally implant sources 
into surrounding normal tissues. The AU defines the treatment site in 
the WD in any way he or she believes to be medically appropriate, 
including any margin or PTV structure. The NRC acknowledges that 
treatment planning software may not have an automated method to 
determine whether 20 percent of the source strength is outside of the 
treatment site. It may be necessary for licensees to perform a manual 
determination of the number of sources outside the treatment site in 
comparison with the number of sources within the treatment site.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the requirement at Sec.  
35.3045(a)(2)(ii) would have positive impact if the definition of 
treatment site is clarified to include implantation of seeds in 
interstitial tissue, and not critical structures. The commenter 
believes that this criterion is consistent with clinically relevant 
circumstances when several seeds are accidentally placed in critical 
organs to the extent that they could cause a medically significant 
event to the patient.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The NRC determined that revising the definition of the 
treatment site to include implantation of sources in interstitial 
tissue, and not critical structures, is not warranted. The AU defines 
the treatment site in the way he or she believes to be medically 
appropriate, which in some cases may include intentional implantation 
of sources in critical structures. The NRC has determined that the 
criterion in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2)(ii) appropriately captures those 
instances where medically significant events may occur. The NRC is not 
aware of cases where medically significant events have occurred while 
20 percent or less of the source strength was implanted outside the 
treatment site.
    Comment: One commenter stated that compliance with the requirements 
in Sec.  35.3045 is dependent on how the tumor volume is defined by the 
physician. The commenter explained that if one AU defines the treatment 
site with ``tight borders'' the licensee may need to report an ME. 
However, if another AU defines the treatment site more ``loosely,'' an 
ME may not have to be reported.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The AU defines the treatment site in the WD in the way he or 
she believes to be medically appropriate, including any margin. The AU 
may define the treatment site to include all tissues into which sources 
have been purposely implanted. The NRC has determined that the 
definition of the treatment site is a matter of medical judgment.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the identification of the 
``treatment site'' is not well defined. The commenter stated that some 
facilities identify the treatment site as the prostate gland only and 
plan a dose margin around the prostate, while other facilities include 
a planning target volume (PTV) structure around the prostate as the 
treatment site and target coverage to that structure.
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on this 
comment. The AU defines the treatment site in the WD in the way he or 
she believes to be medically appropriate, including any margin or PTV 
structure.
Issue: The Complexity of the Medical Event Reporting Requirements as 
Currently Proposed May Create Confusion
    Comment: One commenter stated that the proposed ME reporting 
requirements are complex and may create confusion for regulators and 
the regulated community when applied to permanent prostate implant 
procedures.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on other comments. The 
NRC acknowledges the commenter's concern regarding the complexity of 
the ME reporting requirements. The NRC received several comments 
raising concerns about specific portions of the proposed rule and 
changes were made in response to these comments. One of the major 
changes was to remove the requirements in Sec.  35.3045(a)(2) related 
to absorbed dose to normal tissue. The NRC believes that these changes 
have reduced the complexity of the ME reporting requirements.
Issue: NRC Should Create a New Section in 10 CFR Part 35 for Permanent 
Implant Brachytherapy Regulations Only
    Comment: One commenter recommended that the NRC create a new 
section in 10 CFR part 35 for permanent brachytherapy implants only. 
This new section should include the procedural requirements included in 
Sec.  35.41(b)(6) and ME reporting criteria specific to permanent 
brachytherapy implants included in Sec.  35.3045 of the

[[Page 33080]]

proposed rule. The commenter stated that, if the NRC decides to create 
this new separate section, then the ME requirements for permanent 
brachytherapy implants should be separated and handled in a rulemaking 
separate from the remainder of the proposed amendments, to allow the 
NRC to finalize all other proposed amendments without delay.
    Response: No change was made to the placement of regulations 
related to permanent implant brachytherapy. The requirements for 
procedures requiring a WD, and the requirements for ME reporting appear 
in two different subparts of part 35--Subpart B--General Administrative 
requirements, and Subpart M--Reports. To separate the permanent implant 
brachytherapy requirements from these subparts and put them in a 
separate section would disrupt the logical flow of 10 CFR part 35.
Issue: The Compatibility Designation for Medical Event Reporting Under 
Sec.  35.3045
    Comment: One commenter stated that the WD requirements under Sec.  
35.40(b)(6) and the procedures for permanent implant brachytherapy 
required under Sec.  35.41(b)(6) should be deemed Compatibility 
Category B (rather than Compatibility Category C) such that the rules 
are uniform from one state to another to minimize confusion. The 
commenter stated that because over 90 percent of medical licensees are 
under Agreement State authority, anything less than Compatibility 
Category B makes these changes ``an over-regulation of the minority.''
    Response: The WD requirements under Sec.  35.40(b)(6) and the 
procedures for permanent implant brachytherapy required under Sec.  
35.41(b)(6) are designated as Compatibility Category Health and Safety 
(H&S). This designation was not changed in the proposed rule. The H&S 
category contains program elements that are not required for 
compatibility, but are identified as having a particular health and 
safety role (i.e., adequacy) in the regulation of agreement material 
within the State. The commenter appears to be referring to the 
compatibility designation of ME reporting under Sec.  35.3045, which is 
designated as Compatibility Category C and which the final rule 
continues to designate as Compatibility Category C.
    Comment: One commenter stated that if the NRC were to revert to a 
lower-than-proposed compatibility category (i.e., Compatibility 
Category C instead of B), then they recommend, as a last resort, that 
the NRC explicitly state in the preamble of the final rule that 
activity-based ME metrics are an essential program element, and that 
dose-based metrics are unacceptable for use. The commenter stated that 
the absorbed dose-based ME metrics are not ``more restrictive'' per se, 
but are unsuitable and confusing when misapplied to the specific 
procedures in question.
    Response: The NRC has discussed the program element contained in 
Sec.  35.3045 and the essential objective of this program element in 
Part I, item 4 of this section based on this comment. The program 
element contained in Sec.  35.3045 is ME reporting, not activity-based 
ME metrics. The essential objective of this program element is to 
maintain a consistent national ME reporting program. In the final rule, 
the ME criteria for permanent brachytherapy is activity-based and not 
dose-based. Dose-based ME reporting criteria for permanent implant 
brachytherapy would conflict with the essential objective of 
maintaining a consistent national reporting program because it would 
result in insignificant events being reported as MEs. As explained in 
Part I, item 4 of this section, consistency in the national reporting 
program allows the NRC to identify trends or patterns, identify generic 
issues or concerns, recognize inadequacies or unreliability of specific 
equipment or procedures, and determine why an event occurred and 
whether any actions are necessary to improve the effectiveness of NRC 
and Agreement State regulatory programs. Dose-based ME reporting 
criteria would result in inconsistent reporting of permanent implant 
brachytherapy MEs, and thus would disrupt these efforts.
    Comment: One commenter stated that they support the Compatibility 
Category B designation for ME reporting, in agreement with the opinion 
of the ACMUI and for the reasons provided in the proposed rule. The 
commenter stated that, considering the details and clinical 
implications of the prostate implant procedures, it only makes sense to 
have activity-based criteria for an ME. The commenter believes that 
there is merit in consistent rules for subjects that have significant 
implications, such as the criteria for an ME, and standardization 
should remove uncertainty and confusion.
    Response: The NRC agrees with the commenter that activity-based 
criteria are appropriate for MEs for permanent implant brachytherapy 
procedures, including the prostate implant procedures. As discussed 
earlier in this section, the NRC has determined that Compatibility 
Category C is the appropriate designation for Sec.  35.3045. The NRC 
determined that Compatibility Category B is not the appropriate 
designation because the ME reporting criteria, while important to the 
effective and orderly regulation of agreement material on a nationwide 
basis, do not have significant direct transboundary implications. The 
essential objective of Sec.  35.3045 is to maintain a consistent 
national program for reporting MEs. Agreement State use of dose-based 
criteria for permanent implant brachytherapy ME reporting would be 
inconsistent with this essential objective because the NRC has 
determined that dose-based criteria would result in the reporting of 
insignificant events. Therefore, for national reporting, Agreement 
States' use of dose-based reporting criteria either instead of or in 
addition to activity-based reporting criteria for permanent implant 
brachytherapy would not be compatible with Sec.  35.3045.
    Comment: One commenter expressed support of the Compatibility 
Category B designation for Sec.  35.3045 and noted that, as discussed 
by the NRC in the proposed rule, some medical licensees practice at 
multiple locations, some of which are NRC[hyphen]regulated and some of 
which are Agreement State[hyphen]regulated. The commenter stated that a 
Compatibility Category B designation would allow for uniformity of 
practice and procedures across the country. The commenter further 
suggested that to make the move from Compatibility Category C to B 
smooth, the NRC should define the ``essential objectives'' of Sec.  
35.3045 such that the Agreement States' adoption of the new definition 
is not met with unnecessary delays.
    Response: The NRC has determined that Compatibility Category C is 
the appropriate category for Sec.  35.3045, for the reasons explained 
in response to another comment and in Part I, item 4 of this section. 
The essential objective of Sec.  35.3045 is to maintain a consistent 
national reporting program, as further explained in Part I, item 4 of 
this section.
    Comment: One commenter, in support of the Compatibility Category B, 
stated that they recognize that the Agreement States oppose a change in 
Compatibility Category, citing state legislative requirements, the 
difficulty in changing state regulations, and the fact that Agreement 
States do not perceive a problem with the current dose[hyphen]based 
definition. The commenter believes that these concerns are outweighed 
by the importance of having a consistent definition throughout the 
country to prevent confusion and unnecessary reporting of otherwise 
medically acceptable procedures as MEs. The

[[Page 33081]]

commenter expressed concern that a Compatibility Category C designation 
would allow Agreement States to implement unnecessarily more 
restrictive definitions that classify medically acceptable procedures 
as MEs.
    Response: The NRC understands the importance of having consistent 
ME reporting criteria throughout the country to prevent confusion and 
unnecessary reporting of otherwise medically acceptable procedures as 
ME. This consistency is necessary to meet the essential objective of 
Sec.  35.3045, which is to maintain a consistent national reporting 
program. The NRC disagrees that Compatibility Category B is the 
appropriate category for Sec.  35.3045 and instead has determined that 
Compatibility Category C is the appropriate category. Therefore, 
Agreement States are required to adopt the essential objectives of this 
provision, but are not required to adopt essentially identical ME 
reporting criteria. The Agreement States have the flexibility to 
include, for example, a shorter reporting time in their ME reporting 
criteria, but the use of dose-based ME reporting criteria for permanent 
implant brachytherapy would create conflicts and inconsistencies with 
respect to the national reporting program, because it would capture 
insignificant events as MEs.
    Comment: Two commenters in support of Compatibility Category B 
stated that because over 90 percent of medical licensees are under 
Agreement State authority, anything less than Compatibility Category B 
makes the proposed changes an ``over-regulation of the minority.'' The 
commenters stated that it would be counterproductive for Agreement 
States to maintain alternative ME criteria not listed in the revised 
Sec.  35.3045. The commenters further stated that because certain 
healthcare systems may be providing services in both NRC and Agreement 
State jurisdictions, Sec.  35.3045 should be designated as 
Compatibility Category B. One commenter said that they strongly support 
the proposed designation of Compatibility Category B for Sec.  35.3045, 
thereby requiring Agreement States to adopt ME reporting and 
notification program elements essentially identical to NRC's. The 
commenter also stated that it would be counterproductive for Agreement 
States to maintain alternative ME criteria not listed in the revised 
Sec.  35.3045. The commenter stated that if the dose-based ME reporting 
criteria were interpreted by the States as more ``restrictive,'' and 
States were to continue to have some manner of ill-fitting ME 
methodology, this would confuse the regulated community and continue to 
weaken confidence in the significance of reported permanent 
brachytherapy MEs.
    Response: As explained in response to other comments, the NRC has 
determined that Compatibility Category C is the appropriate category 
for Sec.  35.3045. Under Compatibility Category C, Agreement States 
will not be able to maintain alternative ME criteria not listed in the 
revised Sec.  35.3045, if those criteria would create conflicts or 
inconsistencies in the national reporting program. The NRC understands 
the commenter's concern that alternative ME criteria could weaken the 
public's confidence in the significance of permanent implant 
brachytherapy MEs. Therefore, the NRC has identified dose-based 
criteria as an example of alternative ME reporting criteria that would 
capture insignificant events as MEs and create a conflict and 
inconsistency in the national reporting program.
    Comment: Several commenters stated that their medical practices are 
affected by the compatibility category assigned to Sec.  35.3045. They 
said that they are pleased with the Commission's decision to move Sec.  
35.3045 from Compatibility Category C to Compatibility Category B. The 
commenters stated that it is essential that Sec.  35.3045 be defined 
and implemented in a consistent manner across the country. The 
commenters stated that, as the NRC noted in the proposed rule, some 
medical licensees practice at multiple locations, some of which are 
NRC-regulated and some of which are Agreement State-regulated. The 
commenters stated that there are many practices that extend beyond one 
particular jurisdiction, usually when the main center is near a state 
border. The commenters further stated that they expect this situation 
to increase significantly in the coming few years as the consolidation 
of healthcare institutions into larger entities continues to 
accelerate. Therefore, a Compatibility Category B designation would 
allow for uniformity of practice and procedures across the country.
    Response: The NRC understands the commenters' concern that Sec.  
35.3045 be defined and implemented in a consistent manner across the 
country. As noted by the commenter, and as the NRC noted in the 
proposed rule, some medical licensees practice at multiple locations, 
some of which are NRC-regulated and some of which are Agreement State-
regulated.
    The NRC disagrees that Sec.  35.3045 should be designated as 
Compatibility Category B to ensure uniformity of practice and 
procedures across the country. The NRC designates regulatory program 
elements as Compatibility Category B if they have significant direct 
transboundary implications, not simply for the purpose of ensuring 
uniformity across the country with respect to a program element. The 
effect of a Compatibility Category B designation is essentially 
uniformity across the country with respect to a program element, 
because this designation requires Agreement States to adopt program 
elements that are ``essentially identical'' to that of the NRC. This 
uniformity is necessary because a program element has significant 
direct transboundary implications. As discussed in Part I, item 4 of 
this section, the NRC has determined that ME reporting does not rise to 
the level of having significant direct transboundary implications. 
Therefore, Compatibility Category B is inappropriate.
    The NRC has determined that Compatibility Category C is the 
appropriate designation for Sec.  35.3045. Under Compatibility Category 
C designation, the essential objectives of the regulation should be 
adopted by the State to avoid conflicts, duplications or gaps. The 
essential objective of Sec.  35.3045 is to maintain a consistent 
national ME reporting program. Agreement States should ensure that 
their ME reporting criteria do not conflict with or create 
inconsistency within this program.
    Comment: One of the Agreement States stated that all MEs are local 
events and are not transboundary events, regardless of their 
significance. The commenter stated that even multiple events with a 
common root cause are considered local events and each licensee is 
required to submit an ME report to its licensing authority. The 
commenter also stated that all MEs are reported in the Nuclear 
Materials Event Database, so NRC is notified of all events that meet 
the NRC's ME criteria.
    Response: The NRC acknowledges that, from the perspective of a 
single medical facility, MEs appear to be local events only. The NRC 
has determined that ME reporting does not rise to the level of having 
significant direct transboundary implications and; therefore, 
Compatibility Category B is inappropriate. However, to ensure that an 
Agreement State program meets the essential objective of Sec.  35.3045 
to maintain a consistent national ME reporting program, the Agreement 
States, for permanent implant brachytherapy treatments, should not use 
the dose-based criteria. For the reasons explained in response to other 
comments and in Part I, item 4 of this

[[Page 33082]]

section, the use of dose-based criteria would create conflicts and 
inconsistencies in the national ME reporting program.
    Comment: Several commenters opposing the proposed category B 
designation for ME reporting questioned how a single medical incident 
at a single facility can have ``direct and significant effects in 
multiple jurisdictions.'' They further added that the Compatibility 
Category C designation has been adequate for the reporting requirements 
for radiography, irradiator, and well logging licensees who routinely 
work in multiple jurisdictions.
    Response: The NRC agrees that the Compatibility Category C 
designation has been adequate for the reporting requirements for 
radiography, irradiator, and well logging licensees who work routinely 
in multiple jurisdictions. The NRC has determined that Compatibility 
Category C is also the appropriate designation for Sec.  35.3045.
    The NRC acknowledges that, from the perspective of a single medical 
facility, MEs appear to be local events only. The NRC agrees that ME 
reporting does not have direct and significant effects in multiple 
jurisdictions, and therefore agrees that Compatibility Category B is 
not the appropriate designation for Sec.  35.3045. Therefore, the ME 
reporting criteria do not have to be essentially identical. However, 
the essential objective of Sec.  35.3045 is to maintain a consistent 
national ME reporting program, and to adopt this essential objective 
Agreement States should adopt ME reporting criteria that do not create 
conflicts or inconsistencies in ME reporting. The ME reporting program 
ensures that the NRC and Agreement States are able to identify trends 
or patterns, identify generic issues or concerns, recognize 
inadequacies or unreliability of specific equipment or procedures, and 
determine why an event occurred and whether any actions are necessary 
to improve the effectiveness of NRC and Agreement State regulatory 
programs. Inconsistent or conflicting ME reporting criteria would 
frustrate these purposes.
    Comment: Several commenters, in support of the Compatibility 
Category C designation for ME reporting under Sec.  35.3045, stated 
that currently the only reporting regulations with a Compatibility 
Category B designation are related to the security requirements and are 
located in other parts of 10 CFR. The commenter also stated that all 
the reporting requirements found in 10 CFR part 35 are Compatibility 
Categories C, H&S, or D. Since Sec.  35.3045 is a reporting requirement 
and does not relate to the security of Category 1 or Category 2 
sources, the commenter recommended that the compatibility category for 
the reporting requirements in Sec.  35.3045 remain as Compatibility 
Category C.
    Response: It is true that currently the only reporting regulations 
with Compatibility Category B designation are related to the security 
requirements and are located in other parts of 10 CFR. However, that 
does not preclude the NRC from categorizing reporting requirements as 
Compatibility Category B. Compatibility category designations do not 
hinge on whether a regulatory requirement pertains to security or any 
other discrete regulatory issue. Rather, the NRC assigns the 
appropriate category for each regulatory requirement by considering and 
applying the criteria for Agreement State compatibility to each 
particular regulatory requirement. For the reasons stated in response 
to other comments and as discussed in Section V., Public Comment 
Analysis, the NRC has determined that Compatibility Category C is the 
appropriate designation for Sec.  35.3045.
    Comment: One commenter, in support of the Compatibility Category C 
designation for ME reporting under Sec.  35.3045, stated that 
throughout Sec.  35.3045, the term ``treatment site'' is used, that it 
is specifically defined in Sec.  35.2, and that this definition has 
been designated Compatibility Category C. The commenter stated that 
since the definition of ``treatment site'' is remaining a Compatibility 
Category C, it is possible for an Agreement State to adopt the 
essential objective of the definition but it may be a slightly 
different definition. If the definition for treatment site is slightly 
different in each jurisdiction, even if Sec.  35.3045 is changed to a 
Compatibility Category B, the requirement may not be ``essentially 
identical'' in each jurisdiction.
    Response: It is true that the ``treatment site'' is defined in 
Sec.  35.2 and that this definition has been designated Compatibility 
Category C. While the NRC may assign a particular compatibility 
category to certain definitions, the regulations in which these terms 
are used are not confined to this same category. Instead, the NRC 
assigns the appropriate category for each regulatory requirement by 
considering and applying the criteria for Agreement State compatibility 
to each particular regulatory requirement.
    Comment: One commenter recommended that, if the NRC insists on 
changing the Compatibility Category to B, then the rule language should 
be changed to only require the Compatibility Category B designation for 
permanent prostate implant procedures and no other permanent 
brachytherapy procedures. The commenter further stated that the main 
impetus for changing the compatibility category for ME reporting 
appears to be the multiple prostate implant MEs that occurred at the 
Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
    Response: When drafting the ME reporting requirements for permanent 
implant brachytherapy procedures at Sec.  35.3045(a)(2), the NRC 
developed requirements that would apply to permanent implant procedures 
for all treatment sites, including prostate implants. Although prostate 
implants are more common than other implants, the NRC staff in SECY-12-
0053 recommended that the revised ME criteria apply to permanent 
implant procedures for all treatment sites, not only the prostate. The 
NRC has determined that the prostate implant procedure does not warrant 
a separate set of regulations and that including them in the ME 
reporting requirements for permanent implant procedures for all 
treatment sites is sufficient to ensure that significant events 
involving prostate implants will be reported as MEs. As explained in 
response to other comments and in Part I, item 4 of this section, the 
NRC has determined that Compatibility Category C is appropriate for all 
of Sec.  35.3045, including permanent implant brachytherapy procedures, 
such as prostate implants.
    Comment: One Agreement State stated that the proposed activity-
based ME reporting criteria should be added to the existing dose-based 
criteria, rather than replace it. The Agreement State stated that it 
would require licensees to apply both criteria, and only those MEs that 
meet the NRC's proposed activity-based criteria would be reported to 
the NRC. The commenter explained that this approach would provide the 
states with the needed flexibility to regulate both radioactive 
materials and machine-produced sources of radiation in a consistent 
manner. The commenter also stated that the ME reporting regulations 
should not be categorized as Compatibility Category B because that 
would restrict the State's ability to regulate the clinical aspects of 
the practice of medicine and patient management.
    Response: The NRC has determined, as recommended by the medical 
community, that the activity-based criteria are more appropriate for 
permanent implant brachytherapy procedures than the dose-based 
criteria, because activity-based criteria specifically captures 
significant events for reporting as MEs whereas dose-based criteria 
would capture insignificant

[[Page 33083]]

events as well. The NRC has determined that Compatibility Category C is 
the appropriate designation for Sec.  35.3045. However, as explained in 
response to other comments and in Part I, item 4 of this section, the 
NRC has determined that Agreement State use of dose-based criteria for 
permanent implant brachytherapy ME reporting would result in 
inconsistencies and conflicts with the essential objective of Sec.  
35.3045, which is to maintain a consistent national ME reporting 
program.
Section 35.3204 Report and Notification for an Eluate Exceeding 
Permissible Molybdenum-99, Strontium-82, and Strontium-85 
Concentrations
    Comment: Two commenters supported the proposed generator elution 
breakthrough reporting requirements.
    Response: The comment supports language in the rule; therefore, no 
response is required.
    Comment: One commenter noted that Tc-99m decays much faster than 
Mo-99; therefore, every Tc-99m generator eluate will eventually exceed 
the regulatory limit. Because of this, the commenter stated that the 
language in the proposed rule text would require every eluate to be 
reported. The commenter proposed revising the rule text in Sec.  
35.3204(a) to clarify that the licensee would only report measurements 
of a Tc-99m generator elution that exceeded the regulatory limits at 
the time of generator elution.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on this comment. The NRC 
agrees with the commenter that the proposed rule text in Sec.  
35.3204(a) and (b) was not clear and has amended it to clarify that the 
reporting requirements only apply at the time of generator elution.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the reporting and notification 
requirement for failed Mo-99/Tc-99m and Sr-82/Rb-82 generators was 
increased from Compatibility Category C to Compatibility Category B. 
The commenter supports adding specific reporting criteria for failed 
generators, but wanted to retain the Compatibility Category as C.
    Response: No change was made to the compatibility category for 
reporting and notification requirement for failed Mo-99/Tc-99m and Sr-
82/Rb-82 generators based on this comment. In the proposed rule, the 
NRC designated the reporting requirements in Sec.  35.3204(a) and (b) 
as Compatibility Category C. The final rule retains the same 
compatibility category for reporting requirements in Sec.  35.3204(a) 
and (b).
    Comment: Two commenters agreed with the proposed revision but 
asserted that the proposed Sec.  35.3204(a) initial requirement to 
report to the NRC Operations Center within 30 days should be shortened. 
One commenter stated that a shorter reporting requirement was needed to 
more effectively address patient safety concerns. The other commenter 
stated that in order to respond in a timely manner to potential issues 
regarding the manufacturing and/or use of generators, the reporting 
period should be less than 30 days.
    Response: The rule text was modified based on these comments. The 
rule text in Sec.  35.3204(a) was revised to require notification 
within 7 calendar days. The NRC agrees that the time period for 
notification should be shorter than the proposed 30 calendar days. With 
the short half-lives of the parent radionuclides, the NRC determined 
that a 7 calendar-day notification requirement is more appropriate. 
Seven calendar days gives the licensee an opportunity to evaluate its 
procedures, measurements, and calculations to determine if the 
generator actually failed, i.e., the eluate actually exceeded the 
permissible concentration, or if the licensee made an error. The 
shorter reporting requirement would also permit the NRC to determine 
the extent of generator failures and take quicker action to protect 
patient safety.
    Comment: Several Agreement States disagree that the notification of 
the discovery of an eluate exceeding the limits should be made to the 
NRC Operations Center. They recommended that a report be submitted to 
the NRC regional offices instead. The commenters stated that any 30-day 
notification to the Agreement States must only be submitted to the NRC 
using the National Materials Events Database (NMED), not the Operations 
Center. One commenter stated that the doses received from most 
generators that exceed the eluate breakthrough limits would not meet 
the reporting requirement for a diagnostic ME and therefore does not 
meet the urgency for reporting to the Operation Center. The commenter 
used the CardioGen[supreg] Sr/Rb generator recall as an example. 
Further, the commenter stated that the current Integrated Materials 
Performance Evaluation Program requirement to report such events to the 
NMED is more than sufficient. One commenter stated that ``[s]hould a 
trend of these events be found, the Agreement States currently report 
these events to the Regional Agreement State Officer.''
    Response: No change was made to the rule text based on these 
comments. The NRC determined that it is appropriate to report generator 
failures (i.e., when the eluate exceeds the permissible concentration 
listed in Sec.  35.204(a)) to the NRC Operations Center. Reporting to 
the NRC Operations Center will permit the NRC to identify whether this 
is a limited or more widespread failure of generators and share that 
information in a timely manner.
    Comment: Several commenters recommended that the NRC implement the 
ACMUI recommendation to only require licensees to report generator 
elution results with parent breakthrough beyond the Sec.  35.204(a) 
limits to the manufacturer/distributor, and not to both the 
manufacturer/distributor and the NRC. The commenters stated that only 
the manufacturer/distributor should be responsible for reporting ``the 
out-of-tolerance parent breakthroughs to the NRC.'' The commenters also 
stated that requiring the licensee to report to both the company and 
the NRC, while the company also reports to NRC, is unnecessarily 
duplicative.
    Response: A clarifying revision was made to the rule text. The NRC 
requires that a licensee report to the NRC and the generator 
distributor, which also may sometimes be the manufacturer, when it 
identifies a generator with an eluate exceeding the permissible 
concentration limits in Sec.  35.204(a). The NRC requires this 
reporting because it is important that the NRC and the distributors be 
aware of such events in a timely manner. The reporting requirement is 
not duplicative because the NRC does not require the distributor to 
report generator failures to the NRC.

VI. Section-by-Section Analysis

    This section describes the specific amendments by section for this 
final rule.

Section 30.34 Terms and Conditions of Licenses

    Paragraph (g). This paragraph adds a new requirement for licensees 
to report to the NRC when generator eluates exceed the permissible Mo-
99 or Sr-82 and Sr-85 concentration limits listed in Sec.  35.204(a). 
Reporting must be in accordance with the reporting and notification 
requirements in Sec.  35.3204. While the reporting requirement as well 
as the requirement to test every Mo-99 elution is new, the testing by 
licensees of the first elution to ensure that it does not exceed the 
permissible concentration listed in Sec.  35.204(a) and recording the 
results of these tests is already required by this paragraph.
    This change provides the information to allow the NRC to assess a 
potential situation quickly and efficiently when

[[Page 33084]]

issues occur with generators that may cause unwarranted radiation 
exposure to patients. This issue is discussed further in Section III., 
Discussion, of this document.

Section 32.72 Manufacture, Preparation, or Transfer for Commercial 
Distribution of Radioactive Drugs Containing Byproduct Material for 
Medical Use Under Part 35

    Paragraph (a)(4). This paragraph is amended to clarify that the 
applicant ``commits to'' rather than ``satisfies'' the labeling 
requirements. Committing to the prescriptive labeling requirements in 
the regulation in the license application would remove ambiguity 
related to what must appear on the label.
    Paragraph (b)(5)(i). This paragraph is amended to remove the 
requirement to obtain a written attestation for individuals seeking to 
be named as an ANP and who are certified by a specialty board whose 
certification process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement 
State to be an ANP. This is a conforming change in support of the 
removal of the attestation requirement in Sec.  35.55(a) of this 
chapter for a board-certified ANP.
    Paragraph (d). The existing requirements in paragraph (d) are re-
designated as (e), and a new paragraph (d) is added to clarify that the 
labeling requirements that applicants commit to in paragraph (a) of 
this section are also applicable to current licensees.

Section 35.2 Definitions

    New definitions for Associate Radiation Safety Officer and for 
Ophthalmic physicist are added to this section and the definition for 
Preceptor is amended.
    The new definition for Associate Radiation Safety Officer 
identifies the requirements an individual will need to meet to be 
recognized as an ARSO. These requirements include that the individual 
must meet the specified T&E criteria and that the individual be 
currently listed as an ARSO on a medical use license or permit for the 
types of use of byproduct material for which the individual had been 
assigned tasks and duties by the RSO. Additional information on ARSOs 
is located in Section III, Discussion, of this document.
    The new definition for Ophthalmic physicist identifies the 
requirements an individual will need to meet to be recognized as an 
Ophthalmic physicist. These requirements include that the individual 
must meet the specified T&E criteria in Sec. Sec.  35.433(a)(2) and 
35.59 and that the individual must be currently listed as an Ophthalmic 
physicist on a (1) specific medical use license issued by the 
Commission or an Agreement State; (2) permit issued by a Commission or 
Agreement State broad scope medical use licensee; (3) medical use 
permit issued by a Commission master material licensee; or (4) permit 
issued by a Commission master material licensee broad scope medical use 
permittee. A written attestation will not be required for this 
individual.
    The definition for Preceptor is amended to add ARSO to the list of 
individuals whose T&E is provided, directed, or verified by a 
preceptor. This is a conforming change in support of the new definition 
for Associate Radiation Safety Officer.

Section 35.8 Information Collection Requirements: OMB Approval

    Paragraph (b). This paragraph is amended to include Sec.  35.3204 
in the list of sections in which the approved information collection 
requirements are contained.

Section 35.12 Application for License, Amendment, or Renewal

    This section is amended to require only the submission of the 
original NRC Form 313, Application for Material License, or a letter 
containing information required by NRC Form 313 when applying for a 
license, an amendment, or renewal. This section clarifies what 
information should be submitted and adds a requirement to submit 
information on an individual seeking to be identified as an ARSO or as 
an ophthalmic physicist.
    Paragraph (b)(1). As part of the application for a medical use 
license, this paragraph is amended to require the submittal of only the 
original NRC Form 313. This change will relieve the burden on the 
applicant by requiring less paperwork to be submitted. It will also 
require the applicant to submit the T&E qualifications for one or more 
ARSOs and ophthalmic physicists that are to be identified on the 
license.
    Paragraph (c). For license amendments or renewals, this paragraph 
is amended to require the submittal of only the original NRC Form 313 
or a letter containing information required by NRC Form 313. This 
change will relieve the burden on the licensee by requiring less 
paperwork to be submitted. Additionally, it clarifies that the letter 
submitted in lieu of NRC Form 313 must contain all the information 
required by NRC Form 313.
    Paragraph (d). This paragraph is amended and restructured to 
clarify what information must be included in an application for a 
license or amendment for medical use of byproduct material as described 
in Sec.  35.1000.

Section 35.13 License Amendments

    This section is amended by revising paragraph (b), re-designating 
paragraphs (d) through (g) as paragraphs (e) through (h), revising re-
designated paragraphs (g) and (h), and adding new paragraphs (d) and 
(i).
    Paragraph (b). This paragraph is amended to allow a licensee to 
permit an individual to work as an ophthalmic physicist before applying 
for a license amendment, provided that the individual is already 
identified on a medical license or permit provided for in Sec.  
35.13(b)(4).
    Paragraph (d). This new paragraph requires a licensee to apply for 
and receive a license amendment before permitting an individual to work 
as an ARSO or before the RSO assigns different tasks and duties to an 
ARSO currently authorized on the license.
    Paragraph (i). This new paragraph allows a licensee to receive 
sealed sources from a new manufacturer or a new model number for a 
sealed source listed in the SSDR used for manual brachytherapy for 
quantities and isotopes already authorized by its license without first 
seeking a license amendment. This change provides manual brachytherapy 
licensees greater flexibility in obtaining the sealed sources necessary 
for patient treatments in a timely manner.

Section 35.14 Notifications

    Paragraph (a). The paragraph is restructured to separate the 
notification requirements for an individual who is certified by a board 
that is recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State from the 
requirements for an individual who is not certified by a board that is 
recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State but is listed on a license. 
Additionally, the requirement to provide a written attestation is 
removed for an individual who is certified by a board that is 
recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. Further discussion on 
removing the written attestation requirement can be found in Section 
III, Discussion, of this document. Licensees may not permit an 
individual who is not certified by a board that is recognized by the 
NRC or an Agreement State or does not meet the requirements in Sec.  
35.13(b) to work under their license without first obtaining an 
amendment to their license.
    Paragraph (a)(1). This paragraph is restructured to more clearly 
identify the verification that a board-certified individual will need 
to provide along

[[Page 33085]]

with a copy of the individual's board certification. This change does 
not impose any new requirements.
    Paragraph (a)(2). This paragraph retains the notification 
requirements for individuals who are authorized to work under Sec.  
35.13(b) who are not certified by a board that is recognized by the NRC 
or an Agreement State but are listed on a license. The sentence in the 
proposed rule under Sec.  35.14(a)(2), ``The licensee shall only permit 
the individual to work with materials and uses previously authorized as 
an authorized user, an authorized medical physicist, ophthalmic 
physicist, or an authorized nuclear pharmacist under Sec.  35.13(b)'' 
is deleted in the final rule. The NRC is removing this sentence because 
it is not necessary and the requirements are already addressed in Sec.  
35.13(b).
    Paragraph (b)(1). This paragraph is amended to require a licensee 
to notify the Commission within 30 days after an ARSO or ophthalmic 
physicist has a name change or discontinues performance of his or her 
duties under the license.
    Paragraph (b)(5). This paragraph is revised from the proposed rule 
language. In the proposed rule, the structure of Sec.  35.14(b)(5) was 
changed and this resulted in substantive changes to the paragraph. The 
NRC did not intend to change the requirements in this paragraph.
    Paragraph (b)(6). This new paragraph requires a licensee to notify 
the NRC no later than 30 days after receiving a sealed source from a 
new manufacturer or a new model number listed in the SSDR for manual 
brachytherapy for quantities and isotopes already authorized by the 
license.

Section 35.15 Exemptions Regarding Type A Specific Licenses of Broad 
Scope

    This section is amended to make corresponding changes based on 
amendments to Sec.  35.13 and to Sec.  35.14(b)(1).
    Paragraph (c). This paragraph is amended to update the reference 
from Sec.  35.13(e) to Sec.  35.13(f) as a result of amendments to 
Sec.  35.13.
    Paragraph (e). This paragraph is amended to include ophthalmic 
physicist as a result of amendments to Sec.  35.14(b).

Section 35.24 Authority and Responsibilities for the Radiation 
Protection Program

    This section is amended to allow licensees to appoint qualified 
individuals with expertise in certain uses of byproduct material to be 
named as ARSOs on a license or permit.
    Paragraph (b). This paragraph is modified to specify that a 
licensee's management may appoint one or more ARSOs. These appointed 
ARSOs must be named on a medical license or permit for the types of use 
of byproduct material for which the RSO, with the written agreement of 
the licensee's management, would assign tasks and duties.
    The licensee's management is still limited to naming one RSO who 
will remain responsible for implementing the entire radiation 
protection program. The RSO is prohibited from delegating authority and 
responsibilities for implementing the radiation protection program. The 
proposed rule would have required each ARSO to agree in writing to the 
tasks and duties assigned by the RSO. The NRC staff determined that 
this requirement is not necessary because the NRC holds the RSO 
responsible for implementing the radiation protection program. 
Therefore, the proposed requirement for each ARSO to agree in writing 
to the tasks and duties assigned by the RSO is not included in this 
final rule.
    Paragraph (c). An administrative change is made to this paragraph 
to remove the phrase ``an AU or'' because it is redundant with ``an 
individual qualified to be a Radiation Safety Officer under Sec. Sec.  
35.50 and 35.59'' in the same sentence.
    The position of an ARSO is discussed further in Section III, 
Discussion, of this document.

Section 35.40 Written Directives

    Paragraph (b). This paragraph is restructured and amended to 
accommodate specific requirements for a WD for permanent implant 
brachytherapy. Existing paragraph (b)(6) is re-designated as paragraph 
(b)(7) and a new paragraph (b)(6) is added to specify the information 
that must be included in the pre-implantation (before implantation) and 
post-implantation (after implantation) portions of the WD for permanent 
implant brachytherapy.
    Paragraph (b)(6). This new paragraph provides details of the 
specific WD requirements for permanent implant brachytherapy. 
Specifically, it clarifies that the WD is divided into two portions, 
i.e., the pre-implantation portion and the post-implantation portion. 
The pre-implantation portion of the WD requires documentation of the 
treatment site, the radionuclide, and the total source strength. The 
information required by the pre-implantation portion of the WD must be 
documented prior to the start of the implantation.
    The post-implantation portion of the WD requires the documentation 
of the treatment site, number of sources implanted, the total source 
strength implanted, and the date. The information required by the post-
implantation portion of the WD must be documented before the patient 
leaves the post-treatment recovery area.
    Paragraph (c). This paragraph is restructured for clarity.

Section 35.41 Procedures for Administrations Requiring a Written 
Directive

    This section is amended by adding two new paragraphs with 
requirements that the licensee must address when developing, 
implementing, and maintaining written procedures to provide high 
confidence that each administration requiring a WD is in accordance 
with the WD.
    Paragraph (b)(5). This new paragraph requires that the licensee's 
procedures for any administration requiring a WD include procedures for 
determining if an ME, as defined in Sec.  35.3045 of this part, has 
occurred.
    Paragraph (b)(6). This new paragraph requires the licensee to 
develop specific procedures for permanent implant brachytherapy 
programs. At a minimum, the procedures will include determining post-
implant source position within 60 calendar days from the date the 
implant was performed. If the licensee cannot make these determinations 
within the 60 calendar days because the patient is not available, then 
the licensee must provide written justification that this determination 
could not be made due to patient unavailability.
    The determination that is required includes the total source 
strength administered outside of the treatment site compared to the 
total source strength documented in the post-implantation portion of 
the WD.
    A 60-calendar-day time frame ensures that the licensee has ample 
time to make arrangements for the required determinations. These 
determinations are used to partially assess if an ME, as defined in 
Sec.  35.3045, has occurred.

Section 35.50 Training for Radiation Safety Officer and Associate 
Radiation Safety Officer

    Multiple changes are made to this section. They include amending 
the title of this section to add ``and Associate Radiation Safety 
Officer'' because the T&E requirements for this new position are also 
applicable to the ARSO. Other changes are: (1) Removing the requirement 
to obtain a written attestation for individuals qualified under 
paragraph (a) of this section; (2) adding a provision that will allow

[[Page 33086]]

individuals identified as an AU, AMP, or ANP on a medical license to be 
an RSO or an ARSO not only on that current license but also on a 
different medical license; (3) adding a provision to allow an 
individual to be named simultaneously both as the RSO and AU on a new 
license application; and (4) making certain administrative 
clarifications.
    Paragraph (a). The requirement for individuals seeking to be named 
as an RSO or ARSO to obtain a written attestation is removed for those 
individuals who are certified by a specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. 
Individuals seeking to be named as RSOs or ARSOs via the certification 
pathway still need to meet the training requirements in the new 
paragraph (d) of this section. Further discussion on removing the 
written attestation requirement can be found in Section III, 
Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (b)(1)(ii). This paragraph is amended to allow an ARSO, 
in addition to the RSO, to provide supervised work experience for 
individuals under the alternate pathway. The ARSO is limited to 
providing supervised work experience in those areas for which the ARSO 
is authorized on a medical license or permit.
    Paragraph (b)(2). Reserved paragraph (b)(2) is revised to include 
the requirements for an RSO or ARSO under the alternate pathway to 
obtain a written attestation signed by either an RSO or ARSO. The 
language that is required in the written attestation is amended to 
state that the individual ``is able to independently fulfill the 
radiation safety-related duties as an RSO or ARSO,'' rather than that 
the individual ``has achieved a level of radiation safety knowledge to 
function independently'' as an RSO or ARSO.
    Paragraph (c)(1). This paragraph is modified to allow medical 
physicists who have been certified by a specialty board whose process 
has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State under Sec.  
35.51(a) to be named as ARSOs. Additionally, the requirement for a 
written attestation for these medical physicists is removed. A medical 
physicist seeking to be named as an RSO or an ARSO still must meet the 
training requirements in paragraph (d) of this section.
    Paragraph (c)(2). This paragraph is modified to allow AUs, AMPs, 
and ANPs identified on a Commission or an Agreement State medical 
license or permit to be an RSO or ARSO on any Commission or an 
Agreement State license or Commission master material license permit 
provided that the AU, AMP, or ANP has experience with the radiation 
safety aspects of similar types of use of byproduct material. The 
current regulations limit AUs, AMPs, and ANPs to serve as an RSO only 
on the license on which they are listed.
    The AUs, AMPs, and ANPs must meet the same requirements to serve as 
the RSO regardless of which Commission medical license they are 
identified on. Therefore, not allowing them to serve as an RSO on any 
Commission medical license is unnecessarily restrictive. This change 
will increase the number of individuals available to serve as RSOs and 
ARSOs on NRC medical licenses.
    Paragraph (c)(3). This new paragraph allows an individual who is 
not named as an AU on a medical use license or permit, but is qualified 
to be an AU, to be named simultaneously as the RSO and the AU on the 
same new medical license. Current regulations, under Sec.  35.50(c)(2), 
do not permit an individual who is not an AU on a license, but 
qualified to be an AU, to be an RSO. The individual must have the 
experience with the radiation safety aspects of the byproduct material 
for which the authorization is sought. An individual may meet the 
qualifications of an AU via the board certification or alternate 
pathway. An individual who uses the alternate pathway to be named 
simultaneously as the RSO and the AU on the same new medical use 
license must obtain a written attestation.
    The provision will provide flexibility for an individual to serve 
as both an AU and as the RSO on a new medical use license (a clinic or 
a medical institution) and may help to make medical procedures more 
widely available, especially in rural areas.
    Paragraph (d). This paragraph is amended to include ARSOs as 
individuals who can provide supervised training to an individual 
seeking recognition as an RSO or ARSO.

Section 35.51 Training for an Authorized Medical Physicist

    Paragraph (a). The requirement for individuals seeking to be named 
as an AMP to obtain a written attestation is removed for those 
individuals who are certified by a specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. Further 
discussion on removing the written attestation requirement can be found 
in Section III, Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (a)(2)(i). This paragraph is amended to clarify that an 
AMP who provides supervision for meeting the requirements of this 
section must be certified in medical physics by a specialty board whose 
certification process has been recognized under this section by the 
Commission or an Agreement State.
    Current regulations allow a medical physicist with any board 
certification in diagnostic or therapeutic medical physics to serve as 
a supervising medical physicist in therapeutic procedures. The NRC 
believes that the supervision for therapeutic procedures must be 
provided by a therapy medical physicist who is certified in medical 
physics by a specialty board recognized under Sec.  35.51 by the 
Commission or an Agreement State.
    Paragraph (b)(2). The wording in this paragraph is revised to 
remove the requirement for a written attestation that is required in 
Sec.  35.51(a). It is also amended to incorporate the new language that 
the written attestation must verify that the individual is able to 
independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, rather than 
has achieved a level of competency to function independently as an AMP.

Section 35.55 Training for an Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist

    Paragraph (a). The requirement for individuals seeking to be named 
as an ANP to obtain a written attestation is removed for those 
individuals who are certified by a specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State.
    Paragraph (b)(2). This paragraph is revised to conform to the 
removal of the attestation requirement in paragraph (a) of this 
section. It is also amended to incorporate the new language that the 
written attestation must verify that the individual is able to 
independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, rather than 
has achieved a level of competency to function independently as an ANP.

Section 35.57 Training for Experienced Radiation Safety Officer, 
Teletherapy or Medical Physicist, Authorized Medical Physicist, 
Authorized User, Nuclear Pharmacist, and Authorized Nuclear Pharmacist

    Multiple changes are made to this section. Most of the changes are 
to the T&E requirements in response to the requested amendments in PRM-
35-20. This includes recognizing the board certifications of 
individuals certified by boards recognized under subpart J, which was 
removed from 10 CFR part 35 in a rulemaking dated March 30, 2005 (70 FR 
16336), and making administrative clarifications. Additional 
information on PRM-35-20, as it relates to this rulemaking, is located 
in Section

[[Page 33087]]

II., Petition for Rulemaking, PRM-35-20, of this document.
    Paragraph (a)(1). This paragraph is modified to add AMPs and ANPs. 
This paragraph is also modified to grandfather individuals listed in 
this paragraph who were identified on a license or permit on or before 
January 14, 2019. These individuals will not need to comply with the 
applicable training requirements of Sec. Sec.  35.50, 35.51, or 35.55.
    However, this paragraph is also modified such that RSOs and AMPs 
identified by this paragraph must meet the training requirements in 
Sec. Sec.  35.50(d) or 35.51(c), as appropriate, for any materials or 
uses for which they were not authorized prior to the effective date of 
this rule. This is not a new training requirement. Current regulations 
require individuals qualifying under Sec. Sec.  35.50 and 35.51 as RSOs 
and AMPs to meet the training requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.50(e) and 
35.51(c).
    Paragraph (a)(2). This paragraph is amended to recognize 
individuals certified by the named boards in the now-removed subpart J 
of 10 CFR part 35 on or before October 24, 2005. These individuals do 
not need to comply with the training requirements of Sec.  35.50 to be 
identified as an RSO or as an ARSO on a Commission or an Agreement 
State license or Commission master material license permit for those 
materials and uses that these individuals performed on or before 
October 24, 2005.
    Paragraph (a)(3). This paragraph is amended to recognize 
individuals certified by the named boards in the now-removed subpart J 
of 10 CFR part 35 on or before October 24, 2005. These individuals do 
not need to comply with the training requirements of Sec.  35.51 to be 
identified as an AMP on a Commission or an Agreement State license or 
Commission master material license permit for those materials and uses 
that these individuals performed on or before October 24, 2005. These 
individuals are exempted from these training requirements only for 
those materials and uses these individuals performed on or before 
October, 24, 2005.
    Paragraph (a)(4). This paragraph is renumbered from current 
paragraph (a)(3) and is not revised.
    Paragraph (b)(1). This paragraph is amended to change the date 
before which an individual is named on a license as an AU to be on or 
before January 14, 2019.
    Additionally, this paragraph is amended to clarify that an 
individual authorized on or before this date will not be required to 
comply with the T&E requirements in subparts D through H of 10 CFR part 
35 for those materials and uses that the individual performed on or 
before January 14, 2019.
    Paragraph (b)(2). This paragraph is restructured and expanded to 
recognize a physician, dentist, or podiatrist who was certified by the 
named boards in the now-removed subpart J of 10 CFR part 35 on or 
before October 24, 2005. These individuals do not need to comply with 
the training requirements of subparts D through H of 10 CFR part 35 to 
be identified as an AU on a Commission or an Agreement State license or 
Commission master material license permit for those materials and uses 
that the individual performed on or before October 24, 2005.

Section 35.65 Authorization for Calibration, Transmission, and 
Reference Sources

    This section is restructured and amended to include three new 
paragraphs.
    Paragraph (b)(1). This new paragraph requires that medical use of 
any byproduct material in sealed sources authorized by this section can 
only be used in accordance with the requirements in Sec.  35.500. This 
is a clarification that all of the specified byproduct material for 
medical use must be under the supervision of an AU.
    Paragraph (b)(2). This new paragraph prohibits the bundling or 
aggregating of single-sealed sources to create a sealed source with an 
activity greater than authorized by Sec.  35.65.
    Paragraph (c). This new paragraph clarifies that a licensee using 
calibration, transmission, and reference sources in accordance with the 
requirements in paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section need not list 
these sources on a specific medical use license.

Section 35.190 Training for Uptake, Dilution, and Excretion Studies

    Paragraph (a). For a physician seeking to be named as an AU of 
unsealed byproduct material for uses authorized under Sec.  35.100, the 
requirement to obtain a written attestation is removed for an 
individual who is certified by a specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. Further 
discussion on removing the written attestation requirement can be found 
in Section III., Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (c)(2). This paragraph is restructured and expanded to 
allow certain residency program directors to provide written 
attestations for a physician seeking to be named as an AU of unsealed 
byproduct material for uses authorized under Sec.  35.100. The 
residency program director must represent a residency training program 
approved by the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council 
for Graduate Medical Education, the Royal College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Canada, or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the 
American Osteopathic Association. The residency training program must 
include T&E specified in Sec.  35.190.
    The residency program director who provides written attestations 
does not have to be an AU who meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  
35.57, 35.190, 35.290, or 35.390, or equivalent Agreement State 
requirements. However, the director must affirm in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an AU who meets the requirements 
in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 35.190, 35.290, or 35.390, or equivalent Agreement 
State requirements, and that the AU concurs with the attestation.
    Additionally, the paragraph is amended to incorporate the new 
language that the written attestation must verify that the physician is 
able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, 
rather than has achieved a level of competency to function 
independently as an AU.

Section 35.204 Permissible Molybdenum-99, Strontium-82, and Strontium-
85 Concentrations

    Paragraph (b). The current requirement to measure the Mo-99 
concentration only after the first eluate is changed to require that 
the Mo-99 concentration be measured after each elution. A generator can 
be eluted several times to obtain Tc-99m for formulating 
radiopharmaceuticals for human use. Current regulations require 
licensees to measure the Mo-99 concentration only the first time a 
generator is eluted.
    Paragraph (e). This new paragraph adds a requirement that licensees 
report any measurement that exceeds the limits specified in Sec.  
35.204(a) for Mo-99/Tc-99m and Sr-82/Rb-82 generators at the time of 
generator elution.
    Further discussion on this issue can be found in Section III., 
Discussion, of this document.

Section 35.290 Training for Imaging and Localization Studies

    Paragraph (a). For physicians seeking to be named as an AU of 
unsealed byproduct material for uses authorized under Sec.  35.200, the 
requirement to obtain a written attestation is removed for those 
individuals who are certified by a specialty board whose certification

[[Page 33088]]

process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. Further 
discussion on removing the written attestation requirement can be found 
in Section III., Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (c)(1)(ii). This paragraph is amended to allow an ANP who 
meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.55 or 35.57 to provide the 
supervised work experience specified in paragraph (c)(1)(ii)(G) of this 
section for individuals seeking to be named as an AU of unsealed 
byproduct material for uses authorized under Sec.  35.200. Paragraph 
(c)(1)(ii)(G) of this section requires supervised work experience in 
eluting generator systems. Many medical facilities no longer elute 
generators and instead receive unit doses from centralized pharmacies; 
therefore, training on eluting generators is not available at these 
facilities. Authorized Nuclear Pharmacists have the T&E to provide the 
supervised work experience for AUs on the elution of generators.
    Paragraph (c)(2). This paragraph is restructured and expanded to 
allow certain residency program directors to provide written 
attestations for individuals seeking to be named as an AU of unsealed 
byproduct material for uses authorized under Sec. Sec.  35.100 and 
35.200. The residency program director must represent a residency 
training program approved by the Residency Review Committee of the 
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Royal College 
of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the Council on Postdoctoral 
Training of the American Osteopathic Association. The residency 
training program must include T&E specified in Sec.  35.290.
    The residency program directors who provide written attestations do 
not have to be AUs who meet the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 
35.290, or 35.390 and 35.290(c)(1)(ii)(G), or equivalent Agreement 
State requirements. However, they must affirm in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an AU who meets the requirements 
in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 35.290, or 35.390 and 35.290(c)(1)(ii)(G) or 
equivalent Agreement State requirements, and that the AU concurs with 
the attestation.
    Additionally, the paragraph is amended to incorporate the new 
language that the written attestation must verify that the individual 
is able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, 
rather than has achieved a level of competency to function 
independently as an AU.

Sec.  35.300 Use of Unsealed Byproduct Material for Which a Written 
Directive Is Required

    The introductory paragraph is amended to clarify that a licensee 
may only use unsealed byproduct material identified in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G) under this section. Currently, Sec.  35.300 states 
that ``A licensee may use any unsealed byproduct material. . . .'' This 
change clarifies that a licensee's authorization of the 
radiopharmaceuticals requiring a WD is only for those types of 
radiopharmaceuticals for which the AU has documented T&E. An AU may be 
authorized for one or all of the specific categories described in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G), but not for all unsealed byproduct material.

Section 35.390 Training for Use of Unsealed Byproduct Material for 
Which a Written Directive Is Required

    Paragraph (a). For physicians seeking to be named as AUs of 
unsealed byproduct material for uses authorized under Sec.  35.300, the 
requirement to obtain a written attestation is removed for those 
individuals who are certified by a specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. Further 
discussion on removing the written attestation requirement can be found 
in Section III., Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). This paragraph is amended to identify a 
single category of parenteral administrations of radionuclides in which 
work experience is required for an individual seeking to be an AU for 
uses under Sec.  35.300.
    The current regulations include a broad category for parenteral 
administrations of ``any other'' radionuclide. This broad category is 
removed, as any new parenteral administration of radionuclides not 
listed in this paragraph are regulated under Sec.  35.1000. This 
approach will allow the NRC to review each new proposed radionuclide 
for parenteral administration and determine the appropriate T&E for its 
use.
    Current regulations require physicians requesting AU status for 
administering dosages of radioactive drugs to humans (including 
parenteral administration) to have work experience with a minimum of 
three cases in each category for which they are requesting AU status. 
This requirement is retained in the final rule with regard to all 
categories in this paragraph.
    Paragraph (b)(2). This paragraph is restructured and expanded to 
allow certain residency program directors to provide written 
attestations for physicians seeking to be named as AUs of unsealed 
byproduct material for uses authorized under Sec.  35.300. The 
residency program director must represent a residency training program 
approved by the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council 
for Graduate Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Canada or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the 
American Osteopathic Association. The residency training program must 
include T&E specified in Sec.  35.300.
    The residency program directors who provide written attestations do 
not have to be AUs who meet the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 
35.390, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, or have experience 
in administering dosages in the same dosage category or categories as 
the individual requesting AU status. However, they must affirm in 
writing that the attestation represents the consensus of the residency 
program faculty where at least one faculty member is an AU who meets 
the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 35.390, or equivalent Agreement 
State requirements, has experience in administering dosages in the same 
dosage category or categories as the physician requesting AU status, 
and concurs with the attestation.
    Additionally, this paragraph is amended to incorporate the new 
language that the written attestation must verify that the physician is 
able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, 
rather than has achieved a level of competency to function 
independently as an AU.

Section 35.392 Training for the Oral Administration of Sodium Iodide I-
131 Requiring a Written Directive in Quantities Less Than or Equal to 
1.22 Gigabecquerels (33 Millicuries)

    Paragraph (a). For physicians seeking to be named as an AU for the 
oral administration of sodium iodide I-131 requiring a WD in quantities 
less than or equal to 1.22 gigabecquerels (33 millicuries), the 
requirement to obtain a written attestation is removed for those 
individuals who are certified by a specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. Further 
discussion on removing the written attestation requirement can be found 
in Section III., Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (c)(3). This paragraph is restructured and expanded to 
allow certain residency program directors to provide written 
attestations for physicians seeking to be named as an

[[Page 33089]]

AU of unsealed byproduct material for the oral administration of sodium 
iodide I-131 requiring a WD in quantities less than or equal to 1.22 
gigabecquerels (33 millicuries) authorized under Sec.  35.300. The 
residency program director must represent a residency training program 
approved by the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council 
for Graduate Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Canada or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the 
American Osteopathic Association. The residency training program must 
include T&E specified in Sec.  35.392.
    The residency program directors who provide written attestations do 
not have to be AUs who meet the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 
35.390, 35.392, 35.394, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, or 
have experience in administering dosages as specified in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(1) or 35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(2). However, they must 
affirm in writing that the attestation represents the consensus of the 
residency program faculty where at least one faculty member is an AU 
who meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 35.390, 35.392, 35.394, 
or equivalent Agreement State requirements, has experience in 
administering dosages as specified in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(1) or 
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(2), and concurs with the attestation.
    Additionally, this paragraph is amended to incorporate the new 
language that the written attestation must verify that the physician is 
able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, 
rather than has achieved a level of competency to function 
independently, as an AU.

Section 35.394 Training for the Oral Administration of Sodium Iodide I-
131 Requiring a Written Directive in Quantities Greater Than 1.22 
Gigabecquerels (33 Millicuries)

    Paragraph (a). For physicians seeking to be named as an AU for the 
oral administration of sodium iodide I-131 requiring a WD in quantities 
greater than 1.22 gigabecquerels (33 millicuries), the requirement to 
obtain a written attestation is removed for those individuals who are 
certified by a specialty board whose certification process has been 
recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. Further discussion on 
removing the written attestation requirement can be found in Section 
III., Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (c)(3). This paragraph is restructured and expanded to 
allow certain residency program directors to provide written 
attestations for physicians seeking to be named as an AU of unsealed 
byproduct material for the oral administration of sodium iodide I-131 
requiring a WD in quantities greater than 1.22 gigabecquerels (33 
millicuries) authorized under Sec.  35.300. The residency program 
director must represent a residency training program approved by the 
Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate 
Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
Canada or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the American 
Osteopathic Association. The residency training program must include 
T&E specified in Sec.  35.394.
    The residency program directors who provide written attestations do 
not have to be AUs who meet the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 
35.390, 35.394, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, or have 
experience in administering dosages as specified in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(2). However, they must affirm in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an AU who meets the requirements 
in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 35.390, 35.394, or equivalent Agreement State 
requirements, has experience in administering dosages as specified in 
Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(2), and concurs with the attestation.
    Additionally, the paragraph is amended to incorporate the new 
language that the written attestation must verify that the physician is 
able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, 
rather than has achieved a level of competency to function 
independently as an AU.

Section 35.396 Training for the Parenteral Administration of Unsealed 
Byproduct Material Requiring a Written Directive

    Amendments to this section include conforming changes to support 
the new single category for parenteral administration in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3), changes to allow residency program directors to 
provide written attestations, and a change in the attestation language. 
Additionally, this section is restructured and renumbered to 
accommodate the changes.
    Paragraph (a). This paragraph was restructured to list the 
physicians who can seek AU status under paragraphs (a)(1), (2), and (3) 
that were previously listed as paragraphs (a), (b), and (c). Conforming 
changes are made to support the new single category for parenteral 
administration in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3).
    Paragraph (b). This paragraph was restructured as paragraphs 
(b)(1), (2), and (3). These paragraphs describe the T&E required for 
physicians specified in Sec.  35.396(a)(2) and (a)(3). The provisions 
within these paragraphs were the previous paragraph (d) in the proposed 
rule. Conforming changes are made to support the new single category 
for parenteral administration in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3).
    Paragraph (b)(3). This paragraph is further restructured and 
expanded to allow certain residency program directors to provide 
written attestations for physicians seeking to be named as an AU of 
unsealed byproduct material for the parenteral administration requiring 
a WD. The residency program director must represent a residency 
training program approved by the Residency Review Committee of the 
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the Royal 
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the Council on 
Postdoctoral Training of the American Osteopathic Association. The 
residency training program must include T&E specified in Sec.  35.396.
    The residency program directors who provide written attestations do 
not have to be AUs who meet the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 
35.390, 35.396, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, or have 
experience in administering dosages in the same category as the 
individual requesting AU status. However, they must affirm in writing 
that the attestation represents the consensus of the residency program 
faculty where at least one faculty member is an AU who meets the 
requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 35.390, 35.396, or equivalent 
Agreement State requirements, and concurs with the attestation. An AU 
who meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.390, 35.396, or equivalent 
Agreement State requirements, must have experience in administering 
dosages in the same category as the individual requesting AU user 
status.
    Additionally, this paragraph is amended to incorporate the new 
language that the written attestation must verify that the physician is 
able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, 
rather than has achieved a level of competency to function 
independently as an AU.

Section 35.400 Use of Sources for Manual Brachytherapy

    This section is expanded to allow for sources that are listed in 
the SSDR for manual brachytherapy to be used for other manual 
brachytherapy uses that are not explicitly listed in the SSDR.
    Paragraph (a). This paragraph is amended to allow sources that are 
listed in the SSDR for manual brachytherapy medical uses to be used for 
manual

[[Page 33090]]

brachytherapy medical uses that are not explicitly listed in the SSDR 
provided that these sources are used in accordance with the radiation 
safety conditions and limitations described in the SSDR. These 
radiation safety conditions and limitations described in the SSDR may 
apply to storage, handling, sterilization, conditions of use, or leak 
testing of radiation sources.
    The NRC recognizes that the medical uses specified in the SSDR may 
not be all-inclusive. The final rule will permit physicians to use 
manual brachytherapy sources to treat sites or diseases not listed in 
the SSDR. For example, the SSDR may specify that the sources are for 
interstitial uses, but the final rule change allows the physician to 
use the sources for a topical use. The NRC has determined this 
flexibility should be afforded to physicians to use their discretion in 
the practice of medicine.

Section 35.433 Strontium-90 Sources for Ophthalmic Treatments

    This section title is modified by deleting ``Decay of'' at the 
beginning of the title. This new title reflects the expanded 
information and requirements in this section.
    Paragraph (a). This paragraph is amended and expanded to allow 
certain individuals who are not AMPs to calculate the activity of 
strontium-90 (Sr-90) sources that is used to determine the treatment 
times for ophthalmic treatments. These individuals, defined in Sec.  
35.2 as ophthalmic physicists, must meet the T&E requirements detailed 
in the new paragraph (a)(2) of this section to perform the specified 
activities. A written attestation will not be required. These 
requirements are similar to the T&E requirements for an AMP, but 
include only the requirements related to brachytherapy programs.
    Paragraph (b). This new paragraph establishes the tasks that 
individuals qualified under paragraph (a) of this section are required 
to perform in supporting ophthalmic treatments with Sr-90. The first 
task is based upon the requirements in Sec.  35.432 for calculating the 
activity of each Sr-90 source used for ophthalmic treatments. This is 
not a new requirement, as it is required in the current regulation 
under Sec.  35.433(a).
    The second task is related to the requirements in Sec.  35.41 and 
is included in this final rule to ensure the safe use of Sr-90 for 
ophthalmic treatments. Both the AMP and the ophthalmic physicist are 
required to assist the licensee in developing, implementing, and 
maintaining written procedures to provide high confidence that the dose 
administration is in accordance with the WD. Under this paragraph, the 
licensee must modify its procedures required under Sec.  35.41 to 
specify the frequencies at which the AMP or the ophthalmic physicist 
will observe treatments, review the treatment methodology, calculate 
treatment time for the prescribed dose, and review records to verify 
that the treatment was administered in accordance with the WD.
    Paragraph (c). This paragraph is a designation of the recordkeeping 
requirements in the current regulation under Sec.  35.433(b). The 
requirements have not changed.

Section 35.490 Training for Use of Manual Brachytherapy Sources

    Paragraph (a). For a physician seeking to be named as an AU of a 
manual brachytherapy source for the uses authorized under Sec.  35.400, 
the requirement to obtain a written attestation is removed for an 
individual who is certified by a specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. Further 
discussion on removing the written attestation requirement can be found 
in Section III., Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (b)(1)(ii). This paragraph is amended to require that the 
work experience required by this section must be received at a medical 
facility authorized to use byproduct materials under Sec.  35.400 
rather than at a medical institution. The current term ``medical 
institution'' in this paragraph is defined in Sec.  35.2 as an 
organization in which more than one medical discipline is practiced. 
This definition unnecessarily limits where the work experience must be 
obtained. Moreover, the fact that an organization practices more than 
one medical discipline does not ensure that one of the medical 
disciplines is related to uses authorized under Sec.  35.400. The 
change will allow individuals to receive work experience at a stand-
alone, single-discipline clinic and ensure that the work experience is 
related to the uses authorized under Sec.  35.400.
    Paragraph (b)(3). This paragraph is restructured and expanded to 
allow certain residency program directors to provide written 
attestations for physicians seeking to be named as an AU of a manual 
brachytherapy source for the uses authorized under Sec.  35.400. The 
residency program directors must represent a residency training program 
approved by the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council 
for Graduate Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Canada or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the 
American Osteopathic Association. The residency training program must 
include T&E specified in Sec.  35.400.
    The residency program directors who provide written attestations do 
not have to be AUs who meet the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 
35.490, or equivalent Agreement State requirements. However, they must 
affirm in writing that the attestation represents the consensus of the 
residency program faculty where at least one faculty member is an AU 
who meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 35.490, or equivalent 
Agreement State requirements, and concurs with the attestation.
    Additionally, the paragraph is amended to incorporate the new 
language that the written attestation must verify that the physician is 
able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, 
rather than has achieved a level of competency to function 
independently as an AU.

Section 35.491 Training for Ophthalmic Use of Strontium-90

    Paragraph (b)(3). This paragraph is amended to incorporate the new 
language that the written attestation must verify that the physician is 
able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, 
rather than has achieved a level of competency to function 
independently as an AU.

Section 35.500 Use of Sealed Sources and Medical Devices for Diagnosis

    This section is restructured and expanded to include the use of 
medical devices to allow sealed sources and medical devices that are 
listed in the SSDR for diagnostic medical uses to be used for 
diagnostic medical uses that are not explicitly listed in the SSDR, and 
to allow sealed sources and medical devices to be used in research in 
accordance with an active Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) 
application accepted by the FDA. This section title is modified to add 
``and medical devices'' because the use of medical devices is added to 
this section.
    Paragraph (a). This paragraph is amended to clarify that sealed 
sources that are not in medical devices for diagnostic medical uses and 
that are approved in the SSDR can be used for other diagnostic medical 
uses that are not explicitly listed in an SSDR provided that the sealed 
sources are used in accordance with radiation safety conditions and 
limitations described in the SSDR. These radiation safety conditions 
and limitations described in the SSDR may include storage, handling, 
sterilization, conditions of use, or leak testing of radiation sources.

[[Page 33091]]

    Paragraph (b). This paragraph is added to allow medical devices 
containing sealed sources to be used for diagnostic medical uses that 
are not explicitly listed in an SSDR if both the sealed sources and the 
medical devices are approved in the SSDR for diagnostic medical uses 
and provided that the medical devices are used in accordance with 
radiation safety conditions and limitations described in the SSDR. 
These radiation safety conditions and limitations described in the SSDR 
may include storage, handling, sterilization, conditions of use, and 
leak testing of radiation sources.
    Paragraph (c). This new paragraph allows sealed sources and devices 
for diagnostic medical uses to be used in research in accordance with 
an active IDE application accepted by the FDA, provided the 
requirements of Sec.  35.49(a) are met.

Section 35.590 Training for Use of Sealed Sources and Medical Devices 
for Diagnosis

    This section is restructured and expanded to clarify that both 
diagnostic sealed sources and devices authorized in Sec.  35.500 are 
included in the T&E requirements of this section.
    Paragraph (a). This paragraph is revised to reference the 
redesignated paragraphs (c) and (d).
    Paragraph (b). This new paragraph recognizes the individuals who 
are authorized for uses listed in Sec.  35.200, or equivalent Agreement 
State requirements, for use of diagnostic sealed sources or devices 
authorized under Sec.  35.500.

Section 35.600 Use of a Sealed Source in a Remote Afterloader Unit, 
Teletherapy Unit, or Gamma Stereotactic Radiosurgery Unit

    This section is amended to separate the uses of photon-emitting 
remote afterloader units, teletherapy units, or gamma stereotactic 
radiosurgery units from the uses of the sealed sources contained within 
these units. The amended section allows only sealed sources approved in 
the SSDR in devices to deliver therapeutic medical treatments as 
provided for in the SSDR. However, the units containing these sources 
can be used for therapeutic medical treatments that are not explicitly 
provided for in the SSDR, provided that they are used in accordance 
with radiation safety conditions and limitations described in the SSDR. 
The purpose of this amendment is to allow physicians flexibility to 
exercise their medical judgment and to use these devices for new 
therapeutic treatments that may not have been anticipated when the 
devices were registered.
    Paragraph (a). This paragraph requires that a licensee use only 
sealed sources approved in the SSDR for therapeutic medical uses in 
photon-emitting remote afterloader units, teletherapy units, or gamma 
stereotactic radiosurgery units as provided for in the SSDR or for 
research in accordance with an active IDE application accepted by the 
FDA, provided the requirements of Sec.  35.49(a) are met.
    Paragraph (b). This paragraph continues to require that a licensee 
only use photon emitting remote afterloader units, teletherapy units, 
or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units approved in the SSDR or for 
research in accordance with an active IDE application accepted by the 
FDA provided the requirements of Sec.  35.49(a) are met. However, this 
paragraph is amended to provide that these units may be used for 
medical uses that are not explicitly provided for in the SSDR, provided 
that these units are used in accordance with the radiation safety 
conditions and limitations described in the SSDR.

Section 35.610 Safety Procedures and Instructions for Remote 
Afterloader Units, Teletherapy Units, and Gamma Stereotactic 
Radiosurgery Units

    Paragraph (d)(1). This paragraph is amended and restructured to add 
a new training requirement for the use of remote afterloader units, 
teletherapy units, and gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units. This 
amendment requires all individuals who operate these units to receive 
vendor operational and safety training prior to the first use for 
patient treatment of a new unit or an existing unit with a manufacturer 
upgrade that affects the operation and safety of the unit. This 
training must be provided by the device manufacturer or by an 
individual certified by the device manufacturer to provide the 
training. This training is also required when software upgrades are 
made by the vendor or the manufacturer that affect the operation and 
safety of the unit.
    Currently, Sec.  35.610(d) requires that all individuals who 
operate these units be provided safety instructions initially, and at 
least annually; however, there is no requirement for these individuals 
to receive instructions when the unit is upgraded. The amendment 
requires individuals who operate these new or upgraded units to receive 
training prior to first use for patient treatment. These individuals 
include AUs, AMPs, operators, and others that need to know how the 
units operate.
    Paragraph (d)(2). This paragraph is restructured and amended to 
clarify that the training required by this paragraph on the operation 
and safety of the unit applies to any new staff who will operate the 
unit or units at the facility. This requirement is added to enhance the 
safety of patients by eliminating potential delay in training of new 
staff until the required annual training, which could lead to 
undertrained individuals operating the unit.
    Paragraph (g). This paragraph is amended to conform with the 
restructuring of paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

Section 35.655 Full-Inspection Servicing for Teletherapy and Gamma 
Stereotactic Radiosurgery Units

    This section title is modified to delete ``5-year inspection'' and 
insert ``Full-inspection servicing'' to more accurately reflect the 
requirements in this section for inspection and servicing of 
teletherapy units and gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units.
    Paragraph (a). This paragraph is amended to extend the full 
inspection and servicing interval between each full inspection 
servicing for gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units from 5 years to 7 
years to assure proper functioning of the source exposure mechanism. 
The interval between each full inspection and servicing of teletherapy 
units remains the same (not to exceed 5 years). For gamma stereotactic 
radiosurgery units, the full inspection and servicing to assure proper 
functioning of the source exposure mechanism is performed when the 
sources are taken out of the unit and before the new sources are placed 
in the unit (source replacement). Because the cost to replace the 
decaying sources in a gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit can be 
significant, licensees have requested that the intervals between each 
full inspection servicing for these units be extended beyond 5 years. 
In support of this extension, the NRC finds that the 6-month routine 
preventive maintenance that is performed on these units is adequate to 
ensure the proper functioning of the source exposure mechanisms and, 
therefore, this final rule extends the full inspection and servicing 
interval for gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units from 5 years to 7 
years.
    Additionally, this paragraph requires that the full inspection and 
servicing of these units be performed during each source replacement 
regardless of the last time the units were inspected and serviced.
    The full inspection and servicing interval of a teletherapy unit 
has not

[[Page 33092]]

been extended from the current interval of 5 years. The current 
interval of 5 years helps prevent potentially serious radiation 
exposure of teletherapy operators and patients in the event that the 
source exposure mechanism fails. The radioactive source contained in a 
teletherapy unit produces radiation fields on the order of hundreds of 
rads per minute in areas accessible to patients and operators. In the 
event of a source exposure mechanism failure, the exposed source could 
result in overexposure of a patient or operating personnel in a short 
period of time.

Section 35.690 Training for Use of Remote Afterloader Units, 
Teletherapy Units, and Gamma Stereotactic Radiosurgery Units

    Paragraph (a). For a physician seeking to be named as an AU for 
sealed sources for uses authorized under Sec.  35.600, the requirement 
to obtain a written attestation is removed for an individual who is 
certified by a specialty board whose certification process has been 
recognized by the NRC or an Agreement State. Further discussion on 
removing the written attestation requirement can be found in Section 
III., Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (b)(1)(ii). This paragraph is amended to require that the 
work experience required by this section be received at a medical 
facility authorized to use byproduct materials under Sec.  35.600 
rather than at a medical institution. The current term ``medical 
institution'' in this paragraph is defined in Sec.  35.2 as an 
organization in which more than one medical discipline is practiced. 
This definition unnecessarily limits where the work experience must be 
obtained. Moreover, the fact that an organization practices more than 
one medical discipline does not ensure that one of the medical 
disciplines is related to uses authorized under Sec.  35.600. The 
change allows the work experience to be received at a stand-alone 
single discipline clinic for the uses authorized under Sec.  35.600.
    Paragraph (b)(3). This paragraph is restructured and expanded to 
allow certain residency program directors to provide written 
attestations for physicians seeking to be named as an AU for sealed 
sources for uses authorized under Sec.  35.600. The residency program 
directors must represent a residency training program approved by the 
Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate 
Medical Education, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
Canada, or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the American 
Osteopathic Association. The residency training program must include 
T&E specified in Sec.  35.690.
    The residency program directors who provide written attestations do 
not have to be AUs who meet the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 
35.690, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, for the type(s) of 
therapeutic medical unit(s) for which the individual is requesting AU 
status. However, they must affirm in writing that the attestation 
represents the consensus of the residency program faculty where at 
least one faculty member is an AU who meets the requirements in 
Sec. Sec.  35.57, 35.690, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, 
for the type(s) of therapeutic medical unit(s) for which the individual 
is requesting AU status and concurs with the attestation.
    Additionally, this paragraph is amended to incorporate the new 
language that the written attestation must verify that the physician is 
able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties, 
rather than has achieved a level of competency to function 
independently as an AU.

Section 35.2024 Records of Authority and Responsibilities for Radiation 
Protection Programs

    Paragraph (c). This new paragraph requires the licensee to keep 
records of each ARSO assigned under Sec.  35.24(b) for 5 years after 
the ARSO is removed from the license. This record must include the 
written document appointing the ARSO signed by the licensee's 
management.

Section 35.2310 Records of Safety Instruction

    This section is amended to conform to the changes made in Sec.  
35.610 by adding a requirement to maintain the operational and safety 
instructions required by Sec.  35.610.

Section 35.2655 Records of Full-Inspection Servicing for Teletherapy 
and Gamma Stereotactic Radiosurgery Units

    This section title is modified to delete ``5-year inspection'' and 
insert ``full-inspection servicing'' to reflect the changes to Sec.  
35.655 requiring full inspection and servicing of teletherapy units and 
gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units.

Section 35.3045 Report and Notification of a Medical Event

    Paragraph (a). This paragraph is restructured and amended to 
provide separate specific criteria for reporting an ME involving 
permanent implant brachytherapy. These new criteria are different from 
the criteria for reporting an ME for other administrations. The 
paragraph retains the current introductory sentence, ``A licensee shall 
report any event as a medical event, except for an event that results 
from patient intervention. . .'' The introductory sentence of Sec.  
35.3045(a), published in the proposed rule in July 21, 2014, provided 
that ``A licensee shall report as a medical event, any administration 
requiring a written directive, except for an event that results from 
patient intervention. . . .'' The phrase ``requiring a written 
directive'' is removed from this sentence in the final rule. This 
revision in the final rule maintains the current requirement that all 
events that meet the ME criteria be reported, not just those that 
require a WD.
    Paragraph (a)(1). This new paragraph contains criteria for 
reporting an ME for all administrations other than permanent implant 
brachytherapy administrations. Criteria for reporting an ME involving 
permanent implant brachytherapy are in the new paragraph (a)(2) in this 
section. The criteria used to determine if an ME has occurred for all 
administrations, except permanent implant brachytherapy, are unchanged 
except (1) the current paragraph (a)(3) related to the dose to the skin 
or an organ or tissue other than the treatment site is restructured for 
clarity as the new paragraph (a)(1)(iii); and (2) a criterion is added 
in the new paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section for reporting an 
administration involving the wrong radionuclide for a brachytherapy 
procedure as an ME.
    Paragraph (a)(2). This new paragraph is added to establish separate 
criteria for reporting MEs involving permanent implant brachytherapy. 
These new criteria are designed to ensure reporting of situations where 
harm or potential harm to the patient may occur. The new criteria for 
reporting an ME involving permanent implant brachytherapy are:
    (1) The total source strength administered differs by 20 percent or 
more from the total source strength documented in the post-implantation 
portion of the WD. An example of a situation that meets this criterion 
is a situation in which the sealed sources that were implanted had a 
different source strength than what was intended. This situation could 
occur because the licensee ordered, or the vendor shipped, sealed 
sources with the wrong activity;
    (2) The total source strength administered outside of the treatment 
site exceeds 20 percent of the total source strength documented in the 
post-implantation portion of the WD. An example of a situation that 
meets this criterion is a situation in which the

[[Page 33093]]

sealed sources are unintentionally implanted outside of the treatment 
site. This situation would be identified by the licensee when 
determinations are made pursuant to Sec.  35.41;
    (3) An administration that includes the wrong radionuclide; the 
wrong individual or human research subject; sealed source, or sources, 
implanted directly into a location discontiguous from the treatment 
site, as documented in the post-implantation portion of the WD; or a 
leaking sealed source resulting in a dose that exceeds 0.5 Sv (50 rem) 
to an organ or tissue. Only the criteria for a leaking sealed source 
retains the dose threshold in current regulations because the NRC 
determined the leaking sealed source delivering a dose below this 
threshold does not need to be reported as an ME. Several situations 
that will meet this criterion are self-evident, i.e., the wrong 
patient, the wrong treatment site, or a leaking sealed source. Three 
criteria published in the proposed rule on July 21, 2014, have been 
deleted in the final rule: (1) The criterion related to absorbed dose 
to the maximally exposed 5 contiguous cubic centimeters of normal 
tissue located outside the treatment site; (2) the criterion related to 
absorbed dose to the maximally exposed 5 contiguous cubic centimeters 
of normal tissue located within the treatment site; and (3) the 
criterion related to an error of 20 percent or more in calculating the 
total source strength. These deletions are based on the comments 
received on the proposed rule and is discussed in Section V., Public 
Comment Analysis, of this document.

Section 35.3204 Report and Notification for an Eluate Exceeding 
Permissible Molybdenum-99, Strontium-82, and Strontium-85 
Concentrations

    This new section requires reporting and notification of an elution 
from a Mo-99/Tc-99m or Sr-82/Rb-82 generator that exceeds the 
regulatory requirements in Sec. Sec.  30.34 and 35.204(a). Further 
discussion of this requirement can be found in Section III., 
Discussion, of this document.
    Paragraph (a). This new paragraph requires a licensee to notify 
both the NRC Operations Center and the distributor, which also may 
sometimes be the manufacturer, of the generator by telephone within 7 
calendar days after discovery that an eluate exceeds the permissible 
concentration listed in Sec.  35.204(a). This notification must include 
the manufacturer, model number, and serial number (or lot number) of 
the generator; the results of the measurement; the date of the 
measurement; whether dosages were administered to patients or human 
research subjects; when the distributor was notified; and the action 
taken.
    Paragraph (b). This new paragraph requires a licensee to submit a 
written report to the appropriate NRC Regional Office listed in Sec.  
30.6 within 30 calendar days after discovery of an eluate exceeding the 
permissible concentration at the time of generator elution. The report 
must be submitted by an appropriate method listed in Sec.  30.6(a). The 
report must include the action taken by the licensee; patient dose 
assessments; the methodology used in making the patient dose assessment 
if the eluate was administered to patients or human research subjects; 
probable cause and assessment of failure in the licensee's equipment; 
procedures or training that contributed to the excessive readings if an 
error occurred in the licensee's breakthrough determination; and the 
information in the telephone report as required by paragraph (a) of 
this section.

VII. Regulatory Flexibility Certification

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), the NRC 
certifies that this rule will not, if promulgated, have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This final 
rule affects a number of ``small entities'' as defined by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act or the size standards established by the NRC 
(Sec.  2.810). However, as indicated in the regulatory analysis 
available as indicated in Section XXIII, ``Availability of Documents'' 
section of this document, these amendments do not have a significant 
economic impact on the affected small entities. The NRC requested 
comment on the proposed rule and accompanying draft regulatory analysis 
on the impact of the proposed rule on small entities. The NRC received 
no comment submissions from an identified small entity.

VIII. Regulatory Analysis

    The NRC has prepared a final regulatory analysis on this 
regulation. The regulatory analysis examines the costs and benefits of 
the alternatives considered by the NRC. The regulatory analysis is 
available as indicated in Section XXIII., Availability of Documents, of 
this document.

IX. Backfitting and Issue Finality

    The backfit rule and issue finality provisions of 10 CFR part 52 
(which are found in the regulations at Sec. Sec.  50.109, 70.76, 72.62, 
76.76, and in 10 CFR part 52) do not apply to this final rule. Parts 
30, 32, and 35 of 10 CFR do not contain a backfitting provision. 
Therefore, a backfitting analysis is not required.

X. Cumulative Effects of Regulation

    Cumulative effects of regulation (CER) describes the challenges 
that licensees, certificate holders, States, or other entities may 
encounter while implementing new regulatory requirements (e.g., rules, 
generic letters, orders, inspection findings). The CER is an 
organizational effectiveness challenge that results from a licensee or 
impacted entity implementing a significant number of new and complex 
regulatory actions stemming from multiple regulatory actions, within a 
limited implementation period and with available resources (which may 
include limited available expertise to address a specific issue). The 
CER can potentially distract licensee or entity staff from executing 
other primary duties that ensure safety or security. The NRC 
specifically requested comments on the cumulative effects of this 
rulemaking in the proposed rule published on July 21, 2014, and 
received three comments on the CER. Two Agreement States stated that 
with steady accretion of regulations, there are always unintended 
consequences, in that the additional costs impact decisions on 
functions of the State radiation control program. With regard to the 
NRC's cost/benefit analysis in the draft Regulatory Analysis, these 
commenters stated that the NRC's cost/benefit analysis appeared to 
support the rule. One of the commenters expressed concern that there is 
the potential for applying rules in a manner in which they were not 
intended based on the permanent implant brachytherapy language in Sec.  
35.40(b)(6). The commenter was concerned about the specification of 
dose to the normal tissues, located within the treatment site, in the 
proposed rule in Sec.  35.40(b)(6)(i). Based on these comments and 
other public comments, Sec.  35.40(b)(6)(i) in the final rule does not 
require the AU to specify dose to the normal tissues located within the 
treatment site. The comments are discussed in Section V., Public 
Comment Analysis, of this document.

XI. Plain Writing

    The Plain Writing Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-274) requires Federal 
agencies to write documents in a clear, concise, and well-organized 
manner. The NRC has written this document to be consistent with the 
Plain Writing Act as well as the Presidential Memorandum, ``Plain 
Language in Government Writing,'' published June 10, 1998 (63 FR 
31883).

[[Page 33094]]

XII. Environmental Impact: Categorical Exclusion

    The NRC has determined that the following actions in this final 
rule are the types of actions described in categorical exclusions in 
Sec.  51.22(c)(2) and (c)(3)(i-v):
    (1) The amendments to the general administrative requirements and 
general technical requirements meet the categorical exclusion criteria 
under Sec.  51.22(c)(2).
    (2) The amendments to sealed sources usage provide clarifications 
to the current regulations and meet the categorical exclusion criteria 
under Sec.  51.22(c)(2).
    (3) The amendments to the requirements for reporting MEs and 
reporting failed generator tests meet the categorical exclusion 
criteria under Sec.  51.22(c)(3)(iii).
    (4) The amendments related to the record-keeping requirements meet 
the categorical exclusion criteria under Sec.  51.22(c)(3)(ii).
    (5) The amendments related to the T&E requirements meet the 
categorical exclusion criteria under Sec.  51.22(c)(3)(iv).
    There are two amendments that do not meet the categorical exclusion 
criteria in Sec.  51.22. Therefore, an environmental assessment has 
been prepared for this rule for the two amendments that do not meet the 
categorical exclusion criteria in Sec.  51.22. The environmental 
assessment is discussed in Section XIII., Environmental Assessment and 
Final Finding of No Significant Environmental Impact, of this document. 
The amendments that do not meet the categorical exclusions in Sec.  
51.22 are: (1) The increase in the frequency of Mo-99 measurement tests 
required in Sec.  35.204, and (2) the increase in the full inspection 
time interval for a gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit from 5 years 
to 7 years in Sec.  35.655.

XIII. Environmental Assessment and Final Finding of No Significant 
Environmental Impact

    The Commission has determined under the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the NRC's regulations in Subpart A 
of 10 CFR part 51, that this rule, if adopted, would not be a major 
Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human 
environment and; therefore, an environmental impact statement is not 
required. The amendments that were the subject of the Environmental 
Assessment establish more frequent measuring of Mo-99 and increase the 
inspection interval for a gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit from 5 
years to 7 years. The amendments are procedural in nature. It is 
expected that this rule will not cause any significant increase in 
radiation exposure to the public or radiation release to the 
environment beyond the exposures or releases currently resulting from 
the medical use of byproduct material.
    The NRC requested the views of the States and State Liaison 
Officers on the environmental assessment for this rule. The NRC did not 
receive any comments on the environmental assessment from the States or 
State Liaison Officers.
    The determination of the environmental assessment is that this rule 
would have no significant impact on the quality of the human 
environment. The environmental assessment is available as indicated in 
Section XXIII, Availability of Documents, of this document.

XIV. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement

    This final rule contains new or amended collections of information 
subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et 
seq.). The collections of information were approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget, control number 3150-0010.
    The burden to the public for the information collection(s) is 
estimated to average 2.52 hours per response, including the time for 
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the 
information collection.
    The information collection is being conducted to provide the NRC 
the information it needs to effectively evaluate license applications, 
applications for amendments, licensee operations, and significant 
safety events for protection of public health and safety. The 
information will be used by the NRC in evaluating compliance with 
licensing requirements. The NRC will assess the adequacy of an 
applicant's or licensee's physical location, equipment, organization, 
training, experience, procedures and plans for protection of public 
health and safety. The NRC review and the findings derived there form 
the basis of NRC licensing and inspection decisions. The NRC uses 
reports of significant safety events in evaluating the protective 
actions required to avoid exposures to patients and the public that 
could exceed regulatory limits, and therefore impact public health and 
safety and the environment. Responses to the information collection 
requirements at Sec. Sec.  32.72 and 35.12 are mandatory or are 
required to obtain or retain a benefit. All other information 
collection requirements in this final rule are mandatory. Section 161b 
of the AEA authorizes the NRC to impose these information collections.
    You may submit comments on any aspect of the information 
collection(s), including suggestions for reducing the burden, by the 
following methods:
     Federal rulemaking Website: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2008-0175.
     Mail comments to: FOIA, Privacy, and Information 
Collections Branch, Office of Information Services, Mail Stop: T-5 F53, 
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001 or to 
Matthew Oreska, Desk Officer, Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs (3150-0010), NEOB-10202, Office of Management and Budget, 
Washington, DC 20503; telephone: 202-395-9593, email: 
[email protected].

Public Protection Notification

    The NRC may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a request for information or an information collection 
requirement unless the requesting document displays a currently valid 
OMB control number.

XV. Congressional Review Act

    This final rule is a rule as defined in the Congressional Review 
Act (5. U.S.C. 801-808). However, the Office of Management and Budget 
has not found it to be a major rule as defined in the Congressional 
Review Act.

XVI. Criminal Penalties

    For the purpose of Section 223 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as 
amended (AEA), the NRC is issuing this final rule that amends 10 CFR 
parts 30, 32, and 35 under one or more of Sections 161b, 161i, or 161o 
of the AEA. Willful violations of the rule will be subject to criminal 
enforcement.

XVII. Coordination With NRC Agreement States

    The NRC has coordinated with the Agreement States throughout the 
development of this final rule. Agreement State representatives have 
served on the rulemaking working group that developed the proposed and 
final amendments to 10 CFR part 35 and on the steering committee for 
the rulemaking.
    Through an All Agreement State Letter (FSME-11-044, dated May 20, 
2011), the Agreement States were notified of the availability of 
preliminary rule text for comments

[[Page 33095]]

posted on www.regulations.gov and noticed in the Federal Register (76 
FR 29171; May 20, 2011). The Federal Register notice also invited the 
Agreement States to participate at the two public workshops that were 
held in New York City, New York, and Houston, Texas, during the summer 
of 2011.
    In February 2013, the NRC provided the preliminary draft proposed 
rule to the Agreement States for a 30-day review. The Agreement States 
provided comments on the preliminary draft proposed rule. Several 
comments resulted in revisions to the discussion section of the 
proposed rule to provide additional emphasis or clarity. A summary of 
the Agreement States comments and the NRC staff responses to the 
comments is contained in Enclosure 6 to SECY-13-0084.
    Through an All Agreement State Letter (FSME-14-078, dated August 
15, 2014), the Agreement States were notified of the availability of 
the proposed rule noticed in the Federal Register (79 FR 42410; July 
21, 2014). The Agreement States also had an opportunity to comment on 
the draft final rule. In preparing both the proposed rule and the final 
rule, the rulemaking working group considered the comments provided by 
the Agreement States.

XVIII. Agreement State Compatibility

    Under the ``Policy Statement on Adequacy and Compatibility of 
Agreement State Programs'' approved by the Commission on June 30, 1997, 
and published in the Federal Register on September 3, 1997 (62 FR 
46517), NRC program elements (including regulations) are placed into 
Compatibility Categories A, B, C, D, NRC, or adequacy category Health 
and Safety (H&S). Compatibility Category A are those program elements 
that are basic radiation protection standards and scientific terms and 
definitions that are necessary to understand radiation protection 
concepts. An Agreement State should adopt Category A program elements 
in an essentially identical manner in order to provide uniformity in 
the regulation of agreement material on a nationwide basis. 
Compatibility Category B are those program elements that apply to 
activities that have direct and significant effects in multiple 
jurisdictions. An Agreement State should adopt Category B program 
elements in an essentially identical manner. Compatibility Category C 
are those program elements that do not meet the criteria of Category A 
or B, but the essential objectives of which an Agreement State should 
adopt to avoid conflict, duplication, gaps, or other conditions that 
would jeopardize an orderly pattern in the regulation of agreement 
material on a national basis. An Agreement State should adopt the 
essential objectives of the Category C program elements. Compatibility 
Category D are those program elements that do not meet any of the 
criteria of Category A, B, or C, and, therefore do not need to be 
adopted by Agreement States for purposes of compatibility. 
Compatibility Category NRC are those program elements that address 
areas of regulation that cannot be relinquished to the Agreement States 
under the AEA or NRC rules. These program elements should not be 
adopted by the Agreement States. Adequacy Category H&S are program 
elements that are required because of a particular health and safety 
role in the regulation of agreement material within the State and 
should be adopted in a manner that embodies the essential objectives of 
the NRC program.
    The final rule is a matter of compatibility between the NRC and the 
Agreement States, thereby providing consistency among Agreement State 
and NRC requirements. Discussion on the Compatibility Category for 
Sec.  35.3045, Report and notification of a medical event, can be found 
in Section V., Public Comment Analysis, of this document. The 
compatibility categories are designated in the following table:

                                               Compatibility Table
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               Compatibility
              Section                             Change                     Subject     -----------------------
                                                                                           Existing       New
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Part 30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.34(g)..........................  Amend.............................  Terms and                 B           B
                                                                         conditions of
                                                                         licenses.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Part 32
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.72(a)(4).......................  Amend.............................  Manufacture,              B           B
                                                                         preparation, or
                                                                         transfer for
                                                                         commercial
                                                                         distribution of
                                                                         radioactive
                                                                         drugs
                                                                         containing
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material for
                                                                         medical use
                                                                         under 10 CFR
                                                                         part 35.
32.72(b)(5)(i)....................  Amend.............................  Manufacture,              B           B
                                                                         preparation, or
                                                                         transfer for
                                                                         commercial
                                                                         distribution of
                                                                         radioactive
                                                                         drugs
                                                                         containing
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material for
                                                                         medical use
                                                                         under 10 CFR
                                                                         part 35.
32.72(d)..........................  New...............................  Manufacture,      ..........          B
                                                                         preparation, or
                                                                         transfer for
                                                                         commercial
                                                                         distribution of
                                                                         radioactive
                                                                         drugs
                                                                         containing
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material for
                                                                         medical use
                                                                         under 10 CFR
                                                                         part 35.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Part 35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.2..............................  New...............................  Definitions--Ass  ..........          B
                                                                         ociate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.2..............................  New...............................  Definitions--Oph  ..........          B
                                                                         thalmic
                                                                         physicist.
35.2..............................  Amend.............................  Definitions--Pre          D           D
                                                                         ceptor.
35.12(b)(1).......................  Amend.............................  Application for           D           D
                                                                         license,
                                                                         amendment, or
                                                                         renewal.
35.12(c)(1).......................  Amend.............................  Application for           D           D
                                                                         license,
                                                                         amendment, or
                                                                         renewal.
35.12(c)(1)(ii)...................  Amend.............................  Application for           D           D
                                                                         license,
                                                                         amendment, or
                                                                         renewal.
35.12(d)..........................  Amend.............................  Application for           D           D
                                                                         license,
                                                                         amendment, or
                                                                         renewal.
35.12(d)(1).......................  New...............................  Application for   ..........          D
                                                                         license,
                                                                         amendment, or
                                                                         renewal.
35.12(d)(2).......................  New...............................  Application for   ..........          D
                                                                         license,
                                                                         amendment, or
                                                                         renewal.
35.12(d)(3).......................  New...............................  Application for   ..........          D
                                                                         license,
                                                                         amendment, or
                                                                         renewal.
35.12(d)(4).......................  Amend.............................  Application for           D           D
                                                                         license,
                                                                         amendment, or
                                                                         renewal.
35.13(b)..........................  Amend.............................  License                   D           D
                                                                         amendments.

[[Page 33096]]

 
35.13(d)..........................  New...............................  License           ..........          D
                                                                         amendments.
35.13(i)..........................  New...............................  License           ..........          D
                                                                         amendments.
35.14(a)..........................  Amend.............................  Notifications...          D           D
35.14(b)(1).......................  Amend.............................  Notifications...          D           D
35.14(b)(2).......................  Amend.............................  Notifications...          D           D
35.14(b)(6).......................  New...............................  Notifications...  ..........          D
35.15(c) and (e)..................  Amend.............................  Exemptions                D           D
                                                                         regarding Type
                                                                         A specific
                                                                         licenses of
                                                                         broad scope.
35.24(b)..........................  Amend.............................  Authority and           H&S         H&S
                                                                         responsibilitie
                                                                         s for the
                                                                         radiation
                                                                         protection
                                                                         program.
35.24(c)..........................  Amend.............................  Authority and             D           D
                                                                         responsibilitie
                                                                         s for the
                                                                         radiation
                                                                         protection
                                                                         program.
35.40(b)(6).......................  Amend.............................  Written                 H&S         H&S
                                                                         directives.
35.40(b)(7).......................  Amend Redesignated................  Written                 H&S         H&S
                                                                         directives.
35.41(b)(5).......................  New...............................  Procedures for    ..........        H&S
                                                                         administrations
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.41(b)(6).......................  New...............................  Procedures for    ..........        H&S
                                                                         administrations
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.50.............................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer
                                                                         and Associate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.50(a)..........................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer
                                                                         and Associate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.50(a)(2)(ii)(B)................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer
                                                                         and Associate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.50(b)(1)(ii)...................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer
                                                                         and Associate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.50(b)(2).......................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer
                                                                         and Associate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.50(c)(1).......................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer
                                                                         and Associate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.50(c)(2).......................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer
                                                                         and Associate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.50(c)(3).......................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer
                                                                         and Associate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.50(d)..........................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer
                                                                         and Associate
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer.
35.51(a)..........................  Amend.............................  Training for an           B           B
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist.
35.51(a)(2)(i)....................  Amend.............................  Training for an           B           B
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist.
35.51(b)(2).......................  Amend.............................  Training for an           B           B
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist.
35.55(a)..........................  Amend.............................  Training for an           B           B
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.55(b)(2).......................  Amend.............................  Training for an           B           B
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.57(a)(1).......................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.57(a)(2).......................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.57(a)(3).......................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.57(a)(4).......................  Redesignated......................  Training for              D           D
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.57(b)(1).......................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.57(b)(2).......................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.57(b)(2)(i)....................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.

[[Page 33097]]

 
35.57(b)(2)(ii)...................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.57(b)(2)(iii)..................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.57(b)(2)(iv)...................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         experienced
                                                                         Radiation
                                                                         Safety Officer,
                                                                         teletherapy or
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         medical
                                                                         physicist,
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         user, nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist, and
                                                                         authorized
                                                                         nuclear
                                                                         pharmacist.
35.65(a)(1)-(5)...................  Redesignated......................  Authorization             D           D
                                                                         for
                                                                         calibration,
                                                                         transmission,
                                                                         and reference
                                                                         sources.
35.65(b)..........................  New...............................  Authorization     ..........          D
                                                                         for
                                                                         calibration,
                                                                         transmission,
                                                                         and reference
                                                                         sources.
35.65(b)(1).......................  New...............................  Authorization     ..........          D
                                                                         for
                                                                         calibration,
                                                                         transmission,
                                                                         and reference
                                                                         sources.
35.65(b)(2).......................  New...............................  Authorization     ..........          D
                                                                         for
                                                                         calibration,
                                                                         transmission,
                                                                         and reference
                                                                         sources.
35.65(c)..........................  New...............................  Authorization     ..........          D
                                                                         for
                                                                         calibration,
                                                                         transmission,
                                                                         and reference
                                                                         sources.
35.190(a).........................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         uptake,
                                                                         dilution, and
                                                                         excretion
                                                                         studies.
35.190(c)(2)......................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         uptake,
                                                                         dilution, and
                                                                         excretion
                                                                         studies.
35.190(c)(2)(i)...................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         uptake,
                                                                         dilution, and
                                                                         excretion
                                                                         studies.
35.190(c)(2)(ii)..................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         uptake,
                                                                         dilution, and
                                                                         excretion
                                                                         studies.
35.204(b).........................  Amend.............................  Permissible             H&S         H&S
                                                                         molybdenum-99,
                                                                         strontium-82,
                                                                         and strontium-
                                                                         85
                                                                         concentrations.
35.204(e).........................  New...............................  Permissible       ..........        H&S
                                                                         molybdenum-99,
                                                                         strontium-82,
                                                                         and strontium-
                                                                         85
                                                                         concentrations.
35.290(a).........................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         imaging and
                                                                         localization
                                                                         studies.
35.290(c)(1)(ii)..................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         imaging and
                                                                         localization
                                                                         studies.
35.290(c)(2)......................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         imaging and
                                                                         localization
                                                                         studies.
35.290(c)(2)(i)...................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         imaging and
                                                                         localization
                                                                         studies.
35.290(c)(2)(ii)..................  New...............................  Training for      ..........          B
                                                                         imaging and
                                                                         localization
                                                                         studies.
35.300............................  Amend.............................  Use of unsealed           B           B
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material for
                                                                         which a written
                                                                         directive is
                                                                         required.
35.390(a).........................  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material for
                                                                         which a written
                                                                         directive is
                                                                         required.
35.390(b)(1)(ii) (G)(3)...........  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material for
                                                                         which a written
                                                                         directive is
                                                                         required.
35.390(b)(2)......................  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material for
                                                                         which a written
                                                                         directive is
                                                                         required.
35.390(b)(2)(i)...................  New...............................  Training for use  ..........          B
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material for
                                                                         which a written
                                                                         directive is
                                                                         required.
35.390(b)(2)(ii)..................  New...............................  Training for use  ..........          B
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material for
                                                                         which a written
                                                                         directive is
                                                                         required.
35.392(a).........................  Amend.............................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         oral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of sodium
                                                                         iodide I-131
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive in
                                                                         quantities less
                                                                         than or equal
                                                                         to 1.22
                                                                         gigabecquerels
                                                                         (33
                                                                         millicuries).
35.392(c)(3)......................  Amend.............................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         oral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of sodium
                                                                         iodide I-131
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive in
                                                                         quantities less
                                                                         than or equal
                                                                         to 1.22
                                                                         gigabecquerels
                                                                         (33
                                                                         millicuries).
35.392(c)(3)(i)...................  New...............................  Training for the  ..........          B
                                                                         oral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of sodium
                                                                         iodide I-131
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive in
                                                                         quantities less
                                                                         than or equal
                                                                         to 1.22
                                                                         gigabecquerels
                                                                         (33
                                                                         millicuries).
35.392(c)(3)(ii)..................  New...............................  Training for the  ..........          B
                                                                         oral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of sodium
                                                                         iodide I-131
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive in
                                                                         quantities less
                                                                         than or equal
                                                                         to 1.22
                                                                         gigabecquerels
                                                                         (33
                                                                         millicuries).
35.394(a).........................  Amend.............................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         oral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of sodium
                                                                         iodide I-131
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive in
                                                                         quantities
                                                                         greater than
                                                                         1.22
                                                                         gigabecquerels
                                                                         (33
                                                                         millicuries).
35.394(c)(3)......................  Amend.............................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         oral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of sodium
                                                                         iodide I-131
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive in
                                                                         quantities
                                                                         greater than
                                                                         1.22
                                                                         gigabecquerels
                                                                         (33
                                                                         millicuries).
35.394(c)(3)(i)...................  New...............................  Training for the  ..........          B
                                                                         oral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of sodium
                                                                         iodide I-131
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive in
                                                                         quantities
                                                                         greater than
                                                                         1.22
                                                                         gigabecquerels
                                                                         (33
                                                                         millicuries).

[[Page 33098]]

 
35.394(c)(3)(ii)..................  New...............................  Training for the  ..........          B
                                                                         oral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of sodium
                                                                         iodide I-131
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive in
                                                                         quantities
                                                                         greater than
                                                                         1.22
                                                                         gigabecquerels
                                                                         (33
                                                                         millicuries).
35.396(a)(1)......................  Amend Redesignated................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         parenteral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.396(a)(2)......................  Amend Redesignated................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         parenteral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.396(a)(3)......................  Amend Redesignated................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         parenteral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.396(b)(1)......................  Amend Redesignated................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         parenteral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.396(b)(2)......................  Amend Redesignated................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         parenteral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.396(b)(2)(vi)..................  Amend Redesignated................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         parenteral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.396(b)(3)......................  Amend Redesignated................  Training for the          B           B
                                                                         parenteral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.396(b)(3)(i)...................  New...............................  Training for the  ..........          B
                                                                         parenteral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.396(b)(3)(ii)..................  New...............................  Training for the  ..........          B
                                                                         parenteral
                                                                         administration
                                                                         of unsealed
                                                                         byproduct
                                                                         material
                                                                         requiring a
                                                                         written
                                                                         directive.
35.400(a).........................  Amend.............................  Use of sources             C           C
                                                                         for manual
                                                                         brachytherapy.
35.400(b).........................  Amend.............................  Use of sources             C           C
                                                                         for manual
                                                                         brachytherapy.
35.433(a).........................  Amend.............................  Strontium-90            H&S           B
                                                                         sources for
                                                                         ophthalmic
                                                                         treatments.
35.433(b).........................  New...............................  Strontium-90      ..........        H&S
                                                                         sources for
                                                                         ophthalmic
                                                                         treatments.
35.433(b)(1)......................  New...............................  Strontium-90      ..........        H&S
                                                                         sources for
                                                                         ophthalmic
                                                                         treatments.
35.433(b)(2)......................  New...............................  Strontium-90      ..........        H&S
                                                                         sources for
                                                                         ophthalmic
                                                                         treatments.
35.433(c).........................  Redesignated......................  Strontium-90              D           D
                                                                         sources for
                                                                         ophthalmic
                                                                         treatments
                                                                         (Previously
                                                                         35.433(b)).
35.490(a).........................  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of manual
                                                                         brachytherapy
                                                                         sources.
35.490(b)(1)(ii)..................  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of manual
                                                                         brachytherapy
                                                                         sources.
35.490(b)(3)......................  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of manual
                                                                         brachytherapy
                                                                         sources.
35.490(b)(3)(i)...................  New...............................  Training for use  ..........          B
                                                                         of manual
                                                                         brachytherapy
                                                                         sources.
35.490(b)(3)(ii)..................  New...............................  Training for use  ..........          B
                                                                         of manual
                                                                         brachytherapy
                                                                         sources.
35.491(b)(3)......................  Amend.............................  Training for              B           B
                                                                         ophthalmic use
                                                                         of strontium-90.
35.500(a).........................  Amend.............................  Use of sealed             [C]          C
                                                                         sources and
                                                                         medical devices
                                                                         for diagnosis
                                                                         (Previously
                                                                         35.500).
35.500(b).........................  New...............................  Use of sealed     ..........           C
                                                                         sources and
                                                                         medical devices
                                                                         for diagnosis.
35.500(c).........................  New...............................  Use of sealed     ..........           C
                                                                         sources and
                                                                         medical devices
                                                                         for diagnosis.
35.590 (a)........................  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of sealed
                                                                         sources for
                                                                         diagnosis.
35.590 (b)........................  New...............................  Training for use  ..........          B
                                                                         of sealed
                                                                         sources for
                                                                         diagnosis.
35.590 (c)........................  Redesignated......................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of sealed
                                                                         sources for
                                                                         diagnosis
                                                                         (Previously
                                                                         35.590(b)).
35.590 (d)........................  Redesignated......................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of sealed
                                                                         sources for
                                                                         diagnosis
                                                                         (Previously
                                                                         35.590(c)).
35.600(a).........................  Amend.............................  Use of a sealed            C           C
                                                                         source in a
                                                                         remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         unit,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         unit, or gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         unit.
35.600(b).........................  Amend.............................  Use of a sealed            C           C
                                                                         source in a
                                                                         remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         unit,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         unit, or gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         unit.
35.610(d)(1)......................  New...............................  Safety            ..........        H&S
                                                                         procedures and
                                                                         instructions
                                                                         for remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         units,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         units, and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.
35.610(d)(2)......................  Amend.............................  Safety                  H&S         H&S
                                                                         procedures and
                                                                         instructions
                                                                         for remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         units,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         units, and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.
35.610(g).........................  Amend.............................  Safety                  H&S         H&S
                                                                         procedures and
                                                                         instructions
                                                                         for remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         units,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         units, and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.
35.655(a).........................  Amend.............................  Full-inspection         H&S         H&S
                                                                         servicing for
                                                                         teletherapy and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.
35.690(a).........................  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         units,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         units, and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.
35.690(b)(1)(ii)..................  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         units,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         units, and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.
35.690(b)(3)......................  Amend.............................  Training for use          B           B
                                                                         of remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         units,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         units, and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.
35.690(b)(3)(i)...................  New...............................  Training for use  ..........          B
                                                                         of remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         units,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         units, and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.
35.690(b)(3)(ii)..................  New...............................  Training for use  ..........          B
                                                                         of remote
                                                                         afterloader
                                                                         units,
                                                                         teletherapy
                                                                         units, and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.

[[Page 33099]]

 
35.2024(c)........................  New...............................  Records of        ..........          D
                                                                         authority and
                                                                         responsibilitie
                                                                         s for radiation
                                                                         protection
                                                                         programs.
35.2024(c)(1).....................  New...............................  Records of        ..........          D
                                                                         authority and
                                                                         responsibilitie
                                                                         s for radiation
                                                                         protection
                                                                         programs.
35.2024(c)(2).....................  New...............................  Records of        ..........          D
                                                                         authority and
                                                                         responsibilitie
                                                                         s for radiation
                                                                         protection
                                                                         programs.
35.2310...........................  Amend.............................  Records of                D           D
                                                                         safety
                                                                         instruction.
35.2655(a)........................  Amend.............................  Records of full-          D           D
                                                                         inspection
                                                                         servicing for
                                                                         teletherapy and
                                                                         gamma
                                                                         stereotactic
                                                                         radiosurgery
                                                                         units.
35.3045(a)(1).....................  Amend.............................  Report and                 C           C
                                                                         notification of
                                                                         a medical event.
35.3045(a)(2).....................  New...............................  Report and        ..........           C
                                                                         notification of
                                                                         a medical event
                                                                         for permanent
                                                                         implant
                                                                         brachytherapy.
35.3204(a)........................  New...............................  Report and        ..........           C
                                                                         notification of
                                                                         an eluate
                                                                         exceeding
                                                                         permissible
                                                                         molybdenum-99,
                                                                         strontium-82,
                                                                         and strontium-
                                                                         85
                                                                         concentrations.
35.3204(b)........................  New...............................  Written report    ..........           C
                                                                         of an eluate
                                                                         exceeding
                                                                         permissible
                                                                         molybdenum-99,
                                                                         strontium-82,
                                                                         and strontium-
                                                                         85
                                                                         concentrations.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

XIX. Coordination With the Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of 
Isotopes

    The NRC staff consults with the ACMUI whenever it identifies an 
issue with implementation of 10 CFR part 35 regulations. Accordingly, 
issues addressed by this rule have been discussed at ACMUI meetings 
over the last several years. The ACMUI meetings are transcribed. Full 
transcripts of the ACMUI meetings can be found online in the NRC 
Library at https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/acmui/tr. In 
addition, in the SRM to SECY-10-0062, the Commission specifically 
directed the NRC staff to engage the ACMUI in developing the ME 
definition criterion for permanent implant brachytherapy. Further, the 
amendments that revise T&E requirements to eliminate preceptor 
attestation for board-certified individuals, change the language of the 
attestation, and allow a residency director to provide preceptor 
attestations were initiated by the ACMUI in its briefing to the 
Commission held on April 29, 2008 (discussed in detail in Item b, 
Section III., Discussion, of this document). Similarly, the issue of 
naming more than one RSO was initiated by the ACMUI at the June 2007 
ACMUI meeting (discussed in detail in Item d in Section III., 
Discussion, of this document). Finally, the entire ACMUI meeting held 
on April 20-21, 2011, was devoted to discussion of the rulemaking 
issues addressed in the proposed rule, so that the NRC staff would be 
better able to understand ACMUI's position and views on the issues 
raised.
    In December 2012, the NRC provided the preliminary draft proposed 
rule to the ACMUI for a 90-day review. The draft proposed rule was made 
public to facilitate the ACMUI review in a public forum. The ACMUI 
discussed the draft proposed rule at two publicly held teleconferences 
on March 5 and March 12, 2013. The ACMUI provided a final report, 
``Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes Sub-Committee on 
Proposed Rule,'' dated April 5, 2013, to the NRC on April 9, 2013.
    While the ACMUI was supportive of most of the proposed amendments, 
it expressed concerns on some issues and provided its recommendations 
on those issues. Several comments resulted in revisions to the 
discussion section of the proposed rule to provide additional emphasis 
or clarity. However, the NRC did not accept all of the ACMUI 
recommendations. The recommendations that the NRC staff did not accept 
were discussed in a document entitled, ``NRC Staff Responses to the 
ACMUI Comments on the Draft Part 35 Proposed Rule,'' Enclosure 5, to 
SECY-13-0084.
    In addition, the ACMUI recommended that for permanent implant 
brachytherapy procedures, licensees be allowed to use total source 
strength as a substitute for total dose for determining MEs until the 
10 CFR part 35 rulemaking is completed. In response, on July 9, 2013, 
the Commission issued an interim enforcement policy (78 FR 41125) that 
addressed this issue.
    On October 6, 2015, the NRC provided the preliminary draft final 
rule to the ACMUI for a 90-day review. The ACMUI held a public 
teleconference on January 6, 2016, and provided a final report, 
``Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes Sub-Committee on 
Draft Final Rule, 10 CFR parts 30, 32, and 35,'' dated January 6, 2016, 
to the NRC on January 6, 2016. The NRC prepared a response to the ACMUI 
recommendations and the response is listed in the list of available 
documents, in Section XXIII., ``Availability of Documents.''

XX. Consistency With Medical Policy Statement

    The amendments to 10 CFR part 35 are consistent with the 
Commission's Medical Use Policy Statement published August 3, 2000 (65 
FR 47654). This rule is consistent with the Commission's statement 
because it balances the interests of the patient with the flexibility 
needed by the AU to take the actions that he or she deems medically 
necessary, while continuing to enable the NRC to detect deficiencies in 
processes, procedures, and training, as well as any misapplication of 
byproduct materials.

XXI. Voluntary Consensus Standards

    The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (Pub. 
L. 104-113) requires that Federal agencies use technical standards that 
are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies unless 
the use of such a standard is inconsistent with applicable law or 
otherwise impractical. In this final rule, the NRC is amending its 
medical use regulations related to ME definitions for permanent implant 
brachytherapy; T&E requirements for AUs, medical physicists, RSOs, and 
nuclear pharmacists; completing action on PRM-35-20 to ``grandfather'' 
certain experienced individuals; measuring Mo-99 contamination for each 
elution and

[[Page 33100]]

reporting of failed breakthrough tests; naming ARSOs on a medical 
license; and making several minor clarifications. This action does not 
constitute the establishment of a standard that contains generally 
applicable requirements.

XXII. Availability of Guidance

    Published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, the NRC 
is issuing new guidance, ``Guidance for the Final Rule `Medical Use of 
Byproduct Material--Medical Events, Definitions, Training and 
Experience, and Clarifying Amendments,'' (NRC-2014-0030), for the 
implementation of the requirements in this final rule.

XXIII. Availability of Documents

    The documents identified in the following table are available to 
interested persons through one or more of the following methods, as 
indicated.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Date                   Document           ADAMS accession No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/01/2004.............  03/01/2004 Transcript    ML040780651
                          of Advisory Committee
                          on the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes Meeting in
                          Rockville MD, Pages 1-
                          194.
06/28/2005.............  Transcript of the        ML052360415
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes Medical Event
                          Subcommittee Meeting.
12/27/2005.............  SECY-05-0234,            ML053180408
                          ``Adequacy of Medical
                          Event Definitions in
                          10 CFR 35.3045, and
                          Communicating
                          Associated Risks to
                          the Public''.
02/15/2006.............  SRM-SECY-05-0234,        ML060460594
                          ``Adequacy of Medical
                          Event Definitions in
                          10 CFR 35.3045, and
                          Communicating
                          Associated Risks to
                          the Public''.
09/10/2006.............  PRM-35-20, ``AAPM        ML062620129
                          Petition for
                          Rulemaking to Amend 10
                          CFR 35.57, Training
                          for Experience
                          Radiation Safety
                          Officer, Teletherapy
                          or Medical Physicist,
                          Authorized Medical
                          Physicist, Authorized
                          User, Nuclear
                          Pharmacist, and
                          Authorized Nuclear
                          Pharmacist,'' filed by
                          E. Russell Ritenour.
06/12/2007.............  Transcript of Advisory   ML072340094
                          Committee on the
                          Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Meeting, June 12,
                          2007, Pages 1-325.
04/29/2008.............  M080429--Commission      ML081270628
                          Meeting with the
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes, Transcript.
05/15/2008.............  SRM-M080429, Meeting     ML081360319
                          with Advisory
                          Committee on the
                          Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI) 1:30
                          p.m., Tuesday, April
                          29, 2008.
11/20/2008.............  SECY-08-0179,            ML083170176
                          ``Recommendations on
                          Amending Preceptor
                          Attestation
                          Requirements in 10 CFR
                          part 35, Medical Use
                          of Byproduct
                          Material''.
01/16/2009.............  SRM-SECY-08-0179,        ML090160275
                          ``Recommendations on
                          Amending Preceptor
                          Attestation
                          Requirements in 10 CFR
                          part 35, Medical Use
                          of Byproduct
                          Material''.
05/18/2010.............  SECY-10-0062,            ML100890121
                          ``Reproposed Rule:
                          Medical Use of
                          Byproduct Material--
                          Amendments/Medical
                          Event Definitions''.
07/08/2010.............  M100708B--Commission     ML101930532
                          Briefing on ``Proposed
                          Rule on Part 35
                          Medical Events
                          Definitions--Permanent
                          Implant
                          Brachytherapy,''
                          Transcript.
08/10/2010.............  SRM-SECY-10-0062,        ML102220233
                          ``Reproposed Rule:
                          Medical Use of
                          Byproduct Material--
                          Amendments/Medical
                          Event Definitions (RIN
                          3150-AI26)''.
10/20/2010.............  Final Transcript of      ML103350657
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Meeting, Open Session,
                          October 20, 2010,
                          Pages 1-168.
10/20/2010.............  Advisory Committee on    ML103540385
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Permanent Implant
                          Brachytherapy Interim
                          Report.
04/11/2011.............  Final Transcript of the  ML11174A070
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Meeting, April 11,
                          2011, Pages 1-226.
05/16/2011.............  Part 35 Preliminary      ML111390420
                          Draft Proposed Rule
                          Language, provided for
                          ACMUI review.
05/20/2011.............  FSME-11-044,             ML111400231
                          ``Opportunity to
                          Comment on Preliminary
                          Proposed Rule Language
                          for Medical Use
                          Regulations''.
06/20/2011.............  Public Meeting Summary   ML111930470
                          for Part 35 Medical
                          Workshop, June 20-21,
                          2011.
08/11/2011.............  Transcript of Public     ML112900103
                          Workshop for
                          Discussion of Topics
                          Related to NRC's
                          Medical Regulations,
                          August 11, 2011, Pages
                          1-240.
08/12/2011.............  Transcript of Public     ML112900185
                          Workshop for
                          Discussion of Topics
                          Related to NRC's
                          Medical Regulations,
                          August 12, 2011, Pages
                          1-192.
10/18/2011.............  Advisory Committee on    ML11292A139
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Permanent Implant
                          Brachytherapy Final
                          Report.
10/18/2011.............  Final Transcript of      ML12062A275
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Teleconference
                          Meeting, October 18,
                          2011, Pages 1-77.
11/30/2011.............  The American Society     ML11341A051
                          for Radiation Oncology
                          (ASTRO) letter to the
                          Chairman of the ACMUI.
02/07/2012.............  Advisory Committee on    ML12038A279
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Permanent Implant
                          Brachytherapy Revised
                          Final Report.
02/07/2012.............  Final Transcript of the  ML12242A101
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Teleconference
                          Meeting, February 7,
                          2012, Pages 1-85.
02/13/2012.............  ASTRO letter to the      ML12044A358
                          Chairman of the ACMUI.
04/05/2012.............  SECY-12-0053,            ML12072A306
                          ``Recommendations on
                          Regulatory Changes for
                          Permanent Implant
                          Brachytherapy
                          Programs''.
04/24/2012.............  Transcript of            ML12116A294
                          Commission Meeting
                          April 24, 2012, before
                          Commission vote on
                          SECY-12-0053,
                          ``Recommendations on
                          Regulatory Changes for
                          Permanent Implant
                          Brachytherapy
                          Programs''.
08/13/2012.............  SRM-SECY-12-0053,        ML122260211
                          ``Recommendations on
                          Regulatory Changes for
                          Permanent Implant
                          Brachytherapy
                          Programs''.
01/14/2013.............  Part 35 Preliminary      ML13014A487
                          Draft Proposed Rule
                          Federal Register
                          Notice, provided for
                          ACMUI review.
03/05/2013.............  Final Transcript of      ML13175A030
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Teleconference
                          Meeting, March 5,
                          2013, Pages 1-111.
03/12/2013.............  Final Transcript of      ML13175A028
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Teleconference
                          Meeting, March 12,
                          2013, Pages 1-115.
03/28/2013.............  Advisory Committee on    ML13071A690
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Comments on the
                          Proposed Rule, 10 CFR
                          parts 30, 32 and 35,
                          Final Report.

[[Page 33101]]

 
08/08/2013.............  SECY-13-0084,            ML13179A068
                          ``Proposed Rule:
                          Medical Use of
                          Byproduct Material--
                          Medical Event
                          Definitions, Training
                          and Experience, and
                          Clarifying Amendments
                          (RIN 3150-AI63)''.
08/08/2013.............  SECY-13-0085, Enclosure  ML13179A073
                          5, ``NRC Staff
                          Responses to the ACMUI
                          Comments on the Draft
                          Part 35 Proposed
                          Rule''.
01/06/2014.............  SRM-SECY-13-0084,        ML14007A044
                          ``Proposed Rule:
                          Medical Use of
                          Byproduct Material--
                          Medical Event
                          Definitions, Training
                          and Experience, and
                          Clarifying Amendments
                          (RIN 3150-AI63)''.
07/23/2014.............  Draft Environmental      ML14184A621
                          Assessment: Proposed
                          Rule Amending 10 CFR
                          parts 30, 32, and 35--
                          Medical Use of
                          Byproduct Material--
                          Medical Event
                          Definitions, Training
                          and Experience, and
                          Clarifying Amendments.
07/23/2014.............  Draft Regulatory         ML14184A620
                          Analysis: Proposed
                          Rule: Amendments to
                          Medical Use of
                          Byproduct Material
                          Regulations, 10 CFR
                          parts 30, 32, and 35.
08/15/2014.............  FSME-14-078,             ML14226A319
                          ``Opportunity to
                          Comment on Proposed
                          Amendments to Medical
                          Use of Byproduct
                          Material Regulations,
                          10 CFR 30, 32, and 35
                          and Notification of
                          October 8, 2014 Public
                          Meeting''.
10/08/2014.............  Part 35 Proposed Rule    ML15026A317
                          Public Meeting
                          Transcript, Pages 1-
                          171, October 8, 2014.
02/12/2015.............  Meeting Summary: Public  ML15054A215
                          Meeting Between
                          Spectrum
                          Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
                          and the Nuclear
                          Regulatory Commission
                          (NRC) Regarding
                          Modification of the
                          Training and
                          Experiences
                          Requirements for Beta
                          Emitter Products.
06/16/2015.............  Final Transcript of the  ML15285A016
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Teleconference
                          Meeting, June 16,
                          2015, Pages 1-109.
09/21/2015.............  Advisory Committee on    ML15271A124
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Training and
                          Experience for
                          Authorized Users of
                          Alpha and Beta
                          Emitters Draft
                          Subcommittee Report.
10/08/2015.............  Final Transcript of      ML15357A551
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Meeting, October 8,
                          2015, Open Session,
                          Pages 1-255.
10/09/2015.............  Final Transcript of      ML15357A552
                          Advisory Committee on
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Meeting, October 9,
                          2015, Open Session,
                          Pages 1-262.
01/06/2016.............  Advisory Committee on    ML16007A771
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Comments on the Draft
                          Final Rule, 10 CFR
                          parts 30, 32 and 35,
                          Final Report.
03/16/2016.............  Advisory Committee on    ML16089A271
                          the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes (ACMUI)
                          Training and
                          Experience for
                          Authorized Users of
                          Alpha and Beta
                          Emitters under 10 CFR
                          35.390, Final Report.
June 2016..............  Final Environmental      ML16124B050
                          Assessment.
June 2016..............  Final Regulatory         ML16124B034
                          Analysis.
June 2016..............  NRC Staff Response to    ML16124B068
                          the Advisory Committee
                          on the Medical Uses of
                          Isotopes' Part 35
                          Draft Final Rule--
                          Medical Use of
                          Byproduct Material--
                          Medical Event
                          Definitions, Training
                          and Experience, and
                          Clarifying Amendments;
                          Final Comments.''.
June 2016..............  Summary of Specific      ML16124B069
                          Agreement State and
                          Organization of
                          Agreement States
                          Comments on the Draft
                          Final Rule and Staff
                          Response.
December 2016..........  Final Implementing       ML16126A441
                          Guidance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

List of Subjects

10 CFR Part 30

    Byproduct material, Criminal penalties, Government contracts, 
Intergovernmental relations, Isotopes, Nuclear energy, Nuclear 
materials, Penalties, Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Whistleblowing.

10 CFR Part 32

    Byproduct material, Criminal penalties, Labeling, Nuclear energy, 
Nuclear materials, Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

10 CFR Part 35

    Biologics, Byproduct material, Criminal penalties, Drugs, Health 
facilities, Health professions, Labeling, Medical devices, Nuclear 
energy, Nuclear materials, Occupational safety and health, Penalties, 
Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble and under the authority of 
the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; the Energy Reorganization 
Act of 1974, as amended; and 5 U.S.C. 552 and 553, the NRC is adopting 
the following amendments to 10 CFR parts 30, 32, and 35:

PART 30--RULES OF GENERAL APPLICABILITY TO DOMESTIC LICENSING OF 
BYPRODUCT MATERIAL

0
1. The authority citation for part 30 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 11, 81, 161, 181, 
182, 183, 184, 186, 187, 223, 234, 274 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2111, 2201, 
2231, 2232, 2233, 2234, 2236, 2237, 2273, 2282, 2021); Energy 
Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 202, 206, 211 (42 U.S.C. 
5841, 5842, 5846, 5851); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note.


0
2. In Sec.  30.34, add a third sentence to paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  30.34  Terms and conditions of licenses.

* * * * *
    (g) * * * The licensee shall report the results of any test that 
exceeds the permissible concentration listed in Sec.  35.204(a) of this 
chapter at the time of generator elution, in accordance with Sec.  
35.3204 of this chapter.
* * * * *

PART 32--SPECIFIC DOMESTIC LICENSES TO MANUFACTURE OR TRANSFER 
CERTAIN ITEMS CONTAINING BYPRODUCT MATERIAL

0
3. The authority citation for part 32 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 81, 161, 181, 182, 
183, 223, 234, 274 (42 U.S.C. 2111, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2273, 
2282, 2021); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, sec. 201 (42 U.S.C. 
5841); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note.


0
4. In Sec.  32.72:
0
a. Revise paragraphs (a)(4) introductory text and (b)(5)(i);
0
b. Redesignate paragraph (d) as paragraph (e); and
0
c. Add new paragraph (d).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  32.72  Manufacture, preparation, or transfer for commercial 
distribution of radioactive drugs containing byproduct material for 
medical use under part 35.

    (a) * * *
    (4) The applicant commits to the following labeling requirements:
* * * * *
    (b) * * *

[[Page 33102]]

    (5) * * *
    (i) A copy of each individual's certification by a specialty board 
whose certification process has been recognized by the Commission or an 
Agreement State as specified in Sec.  35.55(a) of this chapter; or
* * * * *
    (d) A licensee shall satisfy the labeling requirements in paragraph 
(a)(4) of this section.
* * * * *

PART 35--MEDICAL USE OF BYPRODUCT MATERIAL

0
5. The authority citation for part 35 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  Atomic Energy Act of 1954, secs. 81, 161, 181, 182, 
183, 223, 234, 274 (42 U.S.C. 2111, 2201, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2273, 
2282, 2021); Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, secs. 201, 206 (42 
U.S.C. 5841, 5846); 44 U.S.C. 3504 note.


0
6. In Sec.  35.2, add in alphabetical order definitions for Associate 
Radiation Safety Officer and Ophthalmic physicist and revise the 
definition of Preceptor to read as follows:


Sec.  35.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Associate Radiation Safety Officer means an individual who--
    (1) Meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.50 and 35.59; and
    (2) Is currently identified as an Associate Radiation Safety 
Officer for the types of use of byproduct material for which the 
individual has been assigned duties and tasks by the Radiation Safety 
Officer on--
    (i) A specific medical use license issued by the Commission or an 
Agreement State; or
    (ii) A medical use permit issued by a Commission master material 
licensee.
* * * * *
    Ophthalmic physicist means an individual who--
    (1) Meets the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.433(a)(2) and 35.59; 
and
    (2) Is identified as an ophthalmic physicist on a--
    (i) Specific medical use license issued by the Commission or an 
Agreement State;
    (ii) Permit issued by a Commission or Agreement State broad scope 
medical use licensee;
    (iii) Medical use permit issued by a Commission master material 
licensee; or
    (iv) Permit issued by a Commission master material licensee broad 
scope medical use permittee.
* * * * *
    Preceptor means an individual who provides, directs, or verifies 
training and experience required for an individual to become an 
authorized user, an authorized medical physicist, an authorized nuclear 
pharmacist, a Radiation Safety Officer, or an Associate Radiation 
Safety Officer.
* * * * *

0
7. In Sec.  35.8, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.8  Information collection requirements: OMB approval.

* * * * *
    (b) The approved information collection requirements contained in 
this part appear in Sec. Sec.  35.6, 35.12, 35.13, 35.14, 35.19, 35.24, 
35.26, 35.27, 35.40, 35.41, 35.50, 35.51, 35.55, 35.60, 35.61, 35.63, 
35.67, 35.69, 35.70, 35.75, 35.80, 35.92, 35.190, 35.204, 35.290, 
35.310, 35.315, 35.390, 35.392, 35.394, 35.396, 35.404, 35.406, 35.410, 
35.415, 35.432, 35.433, 35.490, 35.491, 35.590, 35.604, 35.605, 35.610, 
35.615, 35.630, 35.632, 35.633, 35.635, 35.642, 35.643, 35.645, 35.647, 
35.652, 35.655, 35.690, 35.1000, 35.2024, 35.2026, 35.2040, 35.2041, 
35.2060, 35.2061, 35.2063, 35.2067, 35.2070, 35.2075, 35.2080, 35.2092, 
35.2204, 35.2310, 35.2404, 35.2406, 35.2432, 35.2433, 35.2605, 35.2610, 
35.2630, 35.2632, 35.2642, 35.2643, 35.2645, 35.2647, 35.2652, 35.2655, 
35.3045, 35.3047, 35.3067, and 35.3204.
* * * * *

0
8. In Sec.  35.12, revise paragraphs (b)(1), (c)(1) introductory text, 
(c)(1)(ii), and (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.12  Application for license, amendment, or renewal.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Filing an original NRC Form 313, ``Application for Material 
License,'' that includes the facility diagram, equipment, and training 
and experience qualifications of the Radiation Safety Officer, 
Associate Radiation Safety Officer(s), authorized user(s), authorized 
medical physicist(s), ophthalmic physicist(s), and authorized nuclear 
pharmacist(s); and
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) Submitting an original of either--
* * * * *
    (ii) A letter containing all information required by NRC Form 313; 
and
* * * * *
    (d) In addition to the requirements in paragraphs (b) and (c) of 
this section, an application for a license or amendment for medical use 
of byproduct material as described in Sec.  35.1000 must also include:
    (1) Any additional aspects of the medical use of the material that 
are applicable to radiation safety that are not addressed in, or differ 
from, subparts A through C, L, and M of this part;
    (2) Identification of and commitment to follow the applicable 
radiation safety program requirements in subparts D through H of this 
part that are appropriate for the specific Sec.  35.1000 medical use;
    (3) Any additional specific information on--
    (i) Radiation safety precautions and instructions;
    (ii) Methodology for measurement of dosages or doses to be 
administered to patients or human research subjects; and
    (iii) Calibration, maintenance, and repair of instruments and 
equipment necessary for radiation safety; and
    (4) Any other information requested by the Commission in its review 
of the application.
* * * * *

0
9. In Sec.  35.13:
0
a. Revise paragraph (b);
0
b. Redesignate paragraphs (d) through (g) as paragraphs (e) through 
(h);
0
c. Add new paragraph (d);
0
c. Revise newly redesignated paragraphs (g) and (h); and
0
d. Add paragraph (i).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  35.13  License amendments.

* * * * *
    (b) Before it permits anyone to work as an authorized user, 
authorized medical physicist, ophthalmic physicist, or authorized 
nuclear pharmacist under the license, except--
    (1) For an authorized user, an individual who meets the 
requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.59 and 35.190(a), 35.290(a), 35.390(a), 
35.392(a), 35.394(a), 35.490(a), 35.590(a), and 35.690(a);
    (2) For an authorized nuclear pharmacist, an individual who meets 
the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.55(a) and 35.59;
    (3) For an authorized medical physicist, an individual who meets 
the requirements in Sec. Sec.  35.51(a) and 35.59;
    (4) An individual who is identified as an authorized user, an 
authorized nuclear pharmacist, authorized medical physicist, or an 
ophthalmic physicist--
* * * * *
    (d) Before it permits anyone to work as an Associate Radiation 
Safety Officer, or before the Radiation Safety Officer assigns duties 
and tasks to an Associate Radiation Safety Officer that differ from 
those for which this individual is authorized on the license;
* * * * *

[[Page 33103]]

    (g) Before it changes the address(es) of use identified in the 
application or on the license;
    (h) Before it revises procedures required by Sec. Sec.  35.610, 
35.642, 35.643, and 35.645, as applicable, where such revision reduces 
radiation safety; and
    (i) Before it receives a sealed source from a different 
manufacturer or of a different model number than authorized by its 
license unless the sealed source is used for manual brachytherapy, is 
listed in the Sealed Source and Device Registry, and is in a quantity 
and for an isotope authorized by the license.

0
10. In Sec.  35.14, revise paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.14  Notifications.

    (a) A licensee shall provide the Commission, no later than 30 days 
after the date that the licensee permits an individual to work under 
the provisions of Sec.  35.13(b) as an authorized user, authorized 
medical physicist, ophthalmic physicist, or authorized nuclear 
pharmacist--
    (1) A copy of the board certification and, as appropriate, 
verification of completion of:
    (i) Training for the authorized medical physicist under Sec.  
35.51(c);
    (ii) Any additional case experience required in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G) for an authorized user under Sec.  35.300; or
    (iii) Device specific training in Sec.  35.690(c) for the 
authorized user under Sec.  35.600; or
    (2) A copy of the Commission or Agreement State license, the permit 
issued by a Commission master material licensee, the permit issued by a 
Commission or Agreement State licensee of broad scope, the permit 
issued by a Commission master material license broad scope permittee, 
or documentation that only accelerator-produced radioactive materials, 
discrete sources of radium-226, or both, were used for medical use or 
in the practice of nuclear pharmacy at a Government agency or Federally 
recognized Indian Tribe before November 30, 2007, or at all other 
locations of use before August 8, 2009, or an earlier date as noticed 
by the NRC for each individual whom the licensee permits to work under 
the provisions of this section.
    (b) A licensee shall notify the Commission no later than 30 days 
after:
    (1) An authorized user, an authorized nuclear pharmacist, a 
Radiation Safety Officer, an Associate Radiation Safety Officer, an 
authorized medical physicist, or ophthalmic physicist permanently 
discontinues performance of duties under the license or has a name 
change;
    (2) The licensee permits an individual qualified to be a Radiation 
Safety Officer under Sec. Sec.  35.50 and 35.59 to function as a 
temporary Radiation Safety Officer and to perform the functions of a 
Radiation Safety Officer in accordance with Sec.  35.24(c);
    (3) The licensee's mailing address changes;
    (4) The licensee's name changes, but the name change does not 
constitute a transfer of control of the license as described in Sec.  
30.34(b) of this chapter;
    (5) The licensee has added to or changed the areas of use 
identified in the application or on the license where byproduct 
material is used in accordance with either Sec.  35.100 or Sec.  35.200 
if the change does not include addition or relocation of either an area 
where PET radionuclides are produced or a PET radioactive drug delivery 
line from the PET radionuclide/PET radioactive drug production area; or
    (6) The licensee obtains a sealed source for use in manual 
brachytherapy from a different manufacturer or with a different model 
number than authorized by its license for which it did not require a 
license amendment as provided in Sec.  35.13(i). The notification must 
include the manufacturer and model number of the sealed source, the 
isotope, and the quantity per sealed source.
* * * * *

0
11. In Sec.  35.15, revise paragraphs (c) and (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.15  Exemptions regarding Type A specific licenses of broad 
scope.

* * * * *
    (c) The provisions of Sec.  35.13(f) regarding additions to or 
changes in the areas of use at the addresses identified in the 
application or on the license;
* * * * *
    (e) The provisions of Sec.  35.14(b)(1) for an authorized user, an 
authorized nuclear pharmacist, an authorized medical physicist, or an 
ophthalmic physicist;
* * * * *

0
12. In Sec.  35.24, revise paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.24  Authority and responsibilities for the radiation 
protection program.

* * * * *
    (b) A licensee's management shall appoint a Radiation Safety 
Officer who agrees, in writing, to be responsible for implementing the 
radiation protection program. The licensee, through the Radiation 
Safety Officer, shall ensure that radiation safety activities are being 
performed in accordance with licensee-approved procedures and 
regulatory requirements. A licensee's management may appoint, in 
writing, one or more Associate Radiation Safety Officers to support the 
Radiation Safety Officer. The Radiation Safety Officer, with written 
agreement of the licensee's management, must assign the specific duties 
and tasks to each Associate Radiation Safety Officer. These duties and 
tasks are restricted to the types of use for which the Associate 
Radiation Safety Officer is listed on a license. The Radiation Safety 
Officer may delegate duties and tasks to the Associate Radiation Safety 
Officer but shall not delegate the authority or responsibilities for 
implementing the radiation protection program.
    (c) For up to 60 days each year, a licensee may permit an 
individual qualified to be a Radiation Safety Officer, under Sec. Sec.  
35.50 and 35.59, to function as a temporary Radiation Safety Officer 
and to perform the functions of a Radiation Safety Officer, as provided 
in paragraph (g) of this section, if the licensee takes the actions 
required in paragraphs (b), (e), (g), and (h) of this section and 
notifies the Commission in accordance with Sec.  35.14(b).
* * * * *

0
13. In Sec.  35.40:
0
a. Revise paragraph (b)(5);
0
b. Redesignate paragraph (b)(6) as paragraph (b)(7);
0
c. Add new paragraph (b)(6);
0
d. Revise newly redesignated paragraph (b)(7);
0
e. Redesignate paragraph (c) introductory text as paragraph (c)(1); and
0
f. Redesignate paragraph (c)(1) as paragraph (c)(2).
    The revisions and addition read as follows:


Sec.  35.40  Written directives.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (5) For high dose-rate remote afterloading brachytherapy: The 
radionuclide, treatment site, dose per fraction, number of fractions, 
and total dose;
    (6) For permanent implant brachytherapy:
    (i) Before implantation: The treatment site, the radionuclide, and 
the total source strength; and
    (ii) After implantation but before the patient leaves the post-
treatment recovery area: The treatment site, the number of sources 
implanted, the total source strength implanted, and the date; or
    (7) For all other brachytherapy, including low, medium, and pulsed 
dose rate remote afterloaders:

[[Page 33104]]

    (i) Before implantation: The treatment site, radionuclide, and 
dose; and
    (ii) After implantation but before completion of the procedure: The 
radionuclide; treatment site; number of sources; total source strength 
and exposure time (or the total dose); and date.
* * * * *

0
14. In Sec.  35.41, revise paragraphs (b)(3) and (4) and add paragraphs 
(b)(5) and (6) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.41  Procedures for administrations requiring a written 
directive.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) Checking both manual and computer-generated dose calculations;
    (4) Verifying that any computer-generated dose calculations are 
correctly transferred into the consoles of therapeutic medical units 
authorized by Sec. Sec.  35.600 or 35.1000;
    (5) Determining if a medical event, as defined in Sec.  35.3045, 
has occurred; and
    (6) Determining, for permanent implant brachytherapy, within 60 
calendar days from the date the implant was performed, the total source 
strength administered outside of the treatment site compared to the 
total source strength documented in the post-implantation portion of 
the written directive, unless a written justification of patient 
unavailability is documented.
* * * * *

0
15. Revise Sec.  35.50 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.50  Training for Radiation Safety Officer and Associate 
Radiation Safety Officer.

    Except as provided in Sec.  35.57, the licensee shall require an 
individual fulfilling the responsibilities of the Radiation Safety 
Officer or an individual assigned duties and tasks as an Associate 
Radiation Safety Officer as provided in Sec.  35.24 to be an individual 
who--
    (a) Is certified by a specialty board whose certification process 
has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and who 
meets the requirements in paragraph (d) of this section. The names of 
board certifications that have been recognized by the Commission or an 
Agreement State are posted on the NRC's Medical Uses Licensee Toolkit 
web page. To have its certification process recognized, a specialty 
board shall require all candidates for certification to: (1)(i) Hold a 
bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university 
in physical science or engineering or biological science with a minimum 
of 20 college credits in physical science;
    (ii) Have 5 or more years of professional experience in health 
physics (graduate training may be substituted for no more than 2 years 
of the required experience) including at least 3 years in applied 
health physics; and
    (iii) Pass an examination administered by diplomates of the 
specialty board, which evaluates knowledge and competence in radiation 
physics and instrumentation, radiation protection, mathematics 
pertaining to the use and measurement of radioactivity, radiation 
biology, and radiation dosimetry; or
    (2)(i) Hold a master's or doctor's degree in physics, medical 
physics, other physical science, engineering, or applied mathematics 
from an accredited college or university;
    (ii) Have 2 years of full-time practical training and/or supervised 
experience in medical physics--
    (A) Under the supervision of a medical physicist who is certified 
in medical physics by a specialty board recognized by the Commission or 
an Agreement State; or
    (B) In clinical nuclear medicine facilities providing diagnostic or 
therapeutic services under the direction of physicians who meet the 
requirements for authorized users in Sec. Sec.  35.57, 35.290, or 
35.390; and
    (iii) Pass an examination, administered by diplomates of the 
specialty board, that assesses knowledge and competence in clinical 
diagnostic radiological or nuclear medicine physics and in radiation 
safety; or
    (b)(1) Has completed a structured educational program consisting of 
both:
    (i) 200 hours of classroom and laboratory training in the following 
areas--
    (A) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
    (B) Radiation protection;
    (C) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of 
radioactivity;
    (D) Radiation biology; and
    (E) Radiation dosimetry; and
    (ii) One year of full-time radiation safety experience under the 
supervision of the individual identified as the Radiation Safety 
Officer on a Commission or an Agreement State license or permit issued 
by a Commission master material licensee that authorizes similar 
type(s) of use(s) of byproduct material. An Associate Radiation Safety 
Officer may provide supervision for those areas for which the Associate 
Radiation Safety Officer is authorized on a Commission or an Agreement 
State license or permit issued by a Commission master material 
licensee. The full-time radiation safety experience must involve the 
following--
    (A) Shipping, receiving, and performing related radiation surveys;
    (B) Using and performing checks for proper operation of instruments 
used to determine the activity of dosages, survey meters, and 
instruments used to measure radionuclides;
    (C) Securing and controlling byproduct material;
    (D) Using administrative controls to avoid mistakes in the 
administration of byproduct material;
    (E) Using procedures to prevent or minimize radioactive 
contamination and using proper decontamination procedures;
    (F) Using emergency procedures to control byproduct material; and
    (G) Disposing of byproduct material; and
    (2) This individual must obtain a written attestation, signed by a 
preceptor Radiation Safety Officer or Associate Radiation Safety 
Officer who has experience with the radiation safety aspects of similar 
types of use of byproduct material for which the individual is seeking 
approval as a Radiation Safety Officer or an Associate Radiation Safety 
Officer. The written attestation must state that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (d) 
of this section, and is able to independently fulfill the radiation 
safety-related duties as a Radiation Safety Officer or as an Associate 
Radiation Safety Officer for a medical use license; or
    (c)(1) Is a medical physicist who has been certified by a specialty 
board whose certification process has been recognized by the Commission 
or an Agreement State under Sec.  35.51(a), has experience with the 
radiation safety aspects of similar types of use of byproduct material 
for which the licensee seeks the approval of the individual as 
Radiation Safety Officer or an Associate Radiation Safety Officer, and 
meets the requirements in paragraph (d) of this section; or
    (2) Is an authorized user, authorized medical physicist, or 
authorized nuclear pharmacist identified on a Commission or an 
Agreement State license, a permit issued by a Commission master 
material licensee, a permit issued by a Commission or an Agreement 
State licensee of broad scope, or a permit issued by a Commission 
master material license broad scope permittee, has experience with the 
radiation safety aspects of similar types of use of byproduct material 
for which the licensee seeks the approval of the individual as the 
Radiation Safety Officer or Associate Radiation Safety

[[Page 33105]]

Officer, and meets the requirements in paragraph (d) of this section; 
or
    (3) Has experience with the radiation safety aspects of the types 
of use of byproduct material for which the individual is seeking 
simultaneous approval both as the Radiation Safety Officer and the 
authorized user on the same new medical use license or new medical use 
permit issued by a Commission master material license. The individual 
must also meet the requirements in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (d) Has training in the radiation safety, regulatory issues, and 
emergency procedures for the types of use for which a licensee seeks 
approval. This training requirement may be satisfied by completing 
training that is supervised by a Radiation Safety Officer, an Associate 
Radiation Safety Officer, authorized medical physicist, authorized 
nuclear pharmacist, or authorized user, as appropriate, who is 
authorized for the type(s) of use for which the licensee is seeking 
approval.

0
16. In Sec.  35.51, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text, (a)(2)(i), 
and (b)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.51  Training for an authorized medical physicist.

* * * * *
    (a) Is certified by a specialty board whose certification process 
has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and who 
meets the requirements in paragraph (c) of this section. The names of 
board certifications that have been recognized by the Commission or an 
Agreement State are posted on the NRC's Medical Uses Licensee Toolkit 
web page. To have its certification process recognized, a specialty 
board shall require all candidates for certification to:
* * * * *
    (2) * * *
    (i) Under the supervision of a medical physicist who is certified 
in medical physics by a specialty board whose certification process has 
been recognized under this section by the Commission or an Agreement 
State; or
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) 
of this section, and is able to independently fulfill the radiation 
safety-related duties as an authorized medical physicist for each type 
of therapeutic medical unit for which the individual is requesting 
authorized medical physicist status. The written attestation must be 
signed by a preceptor authorized medical physicist who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.51, Sec.  35.57, or equivalent Agreement State 
requirements for an authorized medical physicist for each type of 
therapeutic medical unit for which the individual is requesting 
authorized medical physicist status.
* * * * *

0
17. In Sec.  35.55, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text and (b)(2) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  35.55  Training for an authorized nuclear pharmacist.

* * * * *
    (a) Is certified by a specialty board whose certification process 
has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State. The names 
of board certifications that have been recognized by the Commission or 
an Agreement State are posted on the NRC's Medical Uses Licensee 
Toolkit web page. To have its certification process recognized, a 
specialty board shall require all candidates for certification to:
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Has obtained written attestation, signed by a preceptor 
authorized nuclear pharmacist, that the individual has satisfactorily 
completed the requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of this section and is 
able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-related duties as an 
authorized nuclear pharmacist.

0
18. In Sec.  35.57, revise paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.57  Training for experienced Radiation Safety Officer, 
teletherapy or medical physicist, authorized medical physicist, 
authorized user, nuclear pharmacist, and authorized nuclear pharmacist.

    (a)(1) An individual identified on a Commission or an Agreement 
State license or a permit issued by a Commission or an Agreement State 
broad scope licensee or master material license permit or by a master 
material license permittee of broad scope as a Radiation Safety 
Officer, a teletherapy or medical physicist, an authorized medical 
physicist, a nuclear pharmacist or an authorized nuclear pharmacist on 
or before January 14, 2019 need not comply with the training 
requirements of Sec.  35.50, Sec.  35.51, or Sec.  35.55, respectively, 
except the Radiation Safety Officers and authorized medical physicists 
identified in this paragraph must meet the training requirements in 
Sec.  35.50(d) or Sec.  35.51(c), as appropriate, for any material or 
uses for which they were not authorized prior to this date.
    (2) Any individual certified by the American Board of Health 
Physics in Comprehensive Health Physics; American Board of Radiology; 
American Board of Nuclear Medicine; American Board of Science in 
Nuclear Medicine; Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties in Nuclear 
Pharmacy; American Board of Medical Physics in radiation oncology 
physics; Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in nuclear 
medicine; American Osteopathic Board of Radiology; or American 
Osteopathic Board of Nuclear Medicine on or before October 24, 2005, 
need not comply with the training requirements of Sec.  35.50 to be 
identified as a Radiation Safety Officer or as an Associate Radiation 
Safety Officer on a Commission or an Agreement State license or 
Commission master material license permit for those materials and uses 
that these individuals performed on or before October 24, 2005.
    (3) Any individual certified by the American Board of Radiology in 
therapeutic radiological physics, Roentgen ray and gamma ray physics, 
x-ray and radium physics, or radiological physics, or certified by the 
American Board of Medical Physics in radiation oncology physics, on or 
before October 24, 2005, need not comply with the training requirements 
for an authorized medical physicist described in Sec.  35.51, for those 
materials and uses that these individuals performed on or before 
October 24, 2005.
    (4) A Radiation Safety Officer, a medical physicist, or a nuclear 
pharmacist, who used only accelerator-produced radioactive materials, 
discrete sources of radium-226, or both, for medical uses or in the 
practice of nuclear pharmacy at a Government agency or Federally 
recognized Indian Tribe before November 30, 2007, or at all other 
locations of use before August 8, 2009, or an earlier date as noticed 
by the NRC, need not comply with the training requirements of Sec.  
35.50, Sec.  35.51 or Sec.  35.55, respectively, when performing the 
same uses. A nuclear pharmacist, who prepared only radioactive drugs 
containing accelerator-produced radioactive materials, or a medical 
physicist, who used only accelerator-produced radioactive materials, at 
the locations and during the time period identified in this paragraph, 
qualifies as an authorized nuclear pharmacist or an authorized medical 
physicist, respectively, for those materials and uses performed before 
these dates, for the purposes of this chapter.
    (b)(1) Physicians, dentists, or podiatrists identified as 
authorized users for the medical use of byproduct material on a license 
issued by the Commission or an Agreement State, a permit issued by a 
Commission master

[[Page 33106]]

material licensee, a permit issued by a Commission or an Agreement 
State broad scope licensee, or a permit issued by a Commission master 
material license broad scope permittee on or before January 14, 2019, 
who perform only those medical uses for which they were authorized on 
or before that date need not comply with the training requirements of 
subparts D through H of this part.
    (2) Physicians, dentists, or podiatrists not identified as 
authorized users for the medical use of byproduct material on a license 
issued by the Commission or an Agreement State, a permit issued by a 
Commission master material licensee, a permit issued by a Commission or 
an Agreement State broad scope licensee, or a permit issued by a 
Commission master material license of broad scope on or before October 
24, 2005, need not comply with the training requirements of subparts D 
through H of this part for those materials and uses that these 
individuals performed on or before October 24, 2005, as follows:
    (i) For uses authorized under Sec.  35.100 or Sec.  35.200, or oral 
administration of sodium iodide I-131 requiring a written directive for 
imaging and localization purposes, a physician who was certified on or 
before October 24, 2005, in nuclear medicine by the American Board of 
Nuclear Medicine; diagnostic radiology by the American Board of 
Radiology; diagnostic radiology or radiology by the American 
Osteopathic Board of Radiology; nuclear medicine by the Royal College 
of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; or American Osteopathic Board of 
Nuclear Medicine in nuclear medicine;
    (ii) For uses authorized under Sec.  35.300, a physician who was 
certified on or before October 24, 2005, by the American Board of 
Nuclear Medicine; the American Board of Radiology in radiology, 
therapeutic radiology, or radiation oncology; nuclear medicine by the 
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada; or the American 
Osteopathic Board of Radiology after 1984;
    (iii) For uses authorized under Sec.  35.400 or Sec.  35.600, a 
physician who was certified on or before October 24, 2005, in 
radiology, therapeutic radiology or radiation oncology by the American 
Board of Radiology; radiation oncology by the American Osteopathic 
Board of Radiology; radiology, with specialization in radiotherapy, as 
a British ``Fellow of the Faculty of Radiology'' or ``Fellow of the 
Royal College of Radiology''; or therapeutic radiology by the Canadian 
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons; and
    (iv) For uses authorized under Sec.  35.500, a physician who was 
certified on or before October 24, 2005, in radiology, diagnostic 
radiology, therapeutic radiology, or radiation oncology by the American 
Board of Radiology; nuclear medicine by the American Board of Nuclear 
Medicine; diagnostic radiology or radiology by the American Osteopathic 
Board of Radiology; or nuclear medicine by the Royal College of 
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
    (3) Physicians, dentists, or podiatrists who used only accelerator-
produced radioactive materials, discrete sources of radium-226, or 
both, for medical uses performed at a Government agency or Federally 
recognized Indian Tribe before November 30, 2007, or at all other 
locations of use before August 8, 2009, or an earlier date as noticed 
by the NRC, need not comply with the training requirements of subparts 
D through H of this part when performing the same medical uses. A 
physician, dentist, or podiatrist, who used only accelerator-produced 
radioactive materials, discrete sources of radium-226, or both, for 
medical uses at the locations and time period identified in this 
paragraph, qualifies as an authorized user for those materials and uses 
performed before these dates, for the purposes of this chapter.
* * * * *

0
19. Revise Sec.  35.65 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.65  Authorization for calibration, transmission, and reference 
sources.

    (a) Any person authorized by Sec.  35.11 for medical use of 
byproduct material may receive, possess, and use any of the following 
byproduct material for check, calibration, transmission, and reference 
use:
    (1) Sealed sources, not exceeding 1.11 GBq (30 mCi) each, 
manufactured and distributed by a person licensed under Sec.  32.74 of 
this chapter or equivalent Agreement State regulations;
    (2) Sealed sources, not exceeding 1.11 GBq (30 mCi) each, 
redistributed by a licensee authorized to redistribute the sealed 
sources manufactured and distributed by a person licensed under Sec.  
32.74 of this chapter or equivalent Agreement State regulations, 
providing the redistributed sealed sources are in the original 
packaging and shielding and are accompanied by the manufacturer's 
approved instructions;
    (3) Any byproduct material with a half-life not longer than 120 
days in individual amounts not to exceed 0.56 GBq (15 mCi);
    (4) Any byproduct material with a half-life longer than 120 days in 
individual amounts not to exceed the smaller of 7.4 MBq (200 [micro]CI) 
or 1000 times the quantities in appendix B of part 30 of this chapter; 
or
    (5) Technetium-99m in amounts as needed.
    (b) Byproduct material in sealed sources authorized by this 
provision shall not be:
    (1) Used for medical use as defined in Sec.  35.2 except in 
accordance with the requirements in Sec.  35.500; or
    (2) Combined (i.e., bundled or aggregated) to create an activity 
greater than the maximum activity of any single sealed source 
authorized under this section.
    (c) A licensee using calibration, transmission, and reference 
sources in accordance with the requirements in paragraph (a) or (b) of 
this section need not list these sources on a specific medical use 
license.

0
20. In Sec.  35.190, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text and (c)(2) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  35.190  Training for uptake, dilution, and excretion studies.

* * * * *
    (a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State. 
The names of board certifications that have been recognized by the 
Commission or an Agreement State are posted on the NRC's Medical Uses 
Licensee Toolkit web page. To have its certification process 
recognized, a specialty board shall require all candidates for 
certification to:
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section and is able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-
related duties as an authorized user for the medical uses authorized 
under Sec.  35.100. The attestation must be obtained from either:
    (i) A preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  
35.57, Sec.  35.190, Sec.  35.290, or Sec.  35.390, or equivalent 
Agreement State requirements; or
    (ii) A residency program director who affirms in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an authorized user who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.190, Sec.  35.290, or Sec.  
35.390, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, and concurs with 
the attestation provided by the residency program director. The 
residency training program must be approved by the Residency Review 
Committee of the

[[Page 33107]]

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the Royal 
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the Council on 
Postdoctoral Training of the American Osteopathic Association and must 
include training and experience specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section.

0
21. In Sec.  35.204, revise paragraph (b) and add paragraph (e) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  35.204  Permissible molybdenum-99, strontium-82, and strontium-85 
concentrations.

* * * * *
    (b) A licensee that uses molybdenum-99/technetium-99m generators 
for preparing a technetium-99m radiopharmaceutical shall measure the 
molybdenum-99 concentration in each eluate from a generator to 
demonstrate compliance with paragraph (a) of this section.
* * * * *
    (e) The licensee shall report any measurement that exceeds the 
limits in paragraph (a) of this section at the time of generator 
elution, in accordance with Sec.  35.3204.

0
22. In Sec.  35.290, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text, 
(c)(1)(ii) introductory text, and (c)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.290  Training for imaging and localization studies.

* * * * *
    (a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State. 
The names of board certifications that have been recognized by the 
Commission or an Agreement State are posted on the NRC's Medical Uses 
Licensee Toolkit web page. To have its certification process 
recognized, a specialty board shall require all candidates for 
certification to:
* * * * *
    (c)(1) * * *
    (ii) Work experience, under the supervision of an authorized user 
who meets the requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.290, or Sec. Sec.  
35.390 and 35.290(c)(1)(ii)(G), or equivalent Agreement State 
requirements. An authorized nuclear pharmacist who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.55 or Sec.  35.57 may provide the supervised 
work experience for paragraph (c)(1)(ii)(G) of this section. Work 
experience must involve--
* * * * *
    (2) Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraph (c)(1) of this 
section and is able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-
related duties as an authorized user for the medical uses authorized 
under Sec. Sec.  35.100 and 35.200. The attestation must be obtained 
from either:
    (i) A preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  
35.57, Sec.  35.290, or Sec. Sec.  35.390 and 35.290(c)(1)(ii)(G), or 
equivalent Agreement State requirements; or
    (ii) A residency program director who affirms in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an authorized user who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.290, or Sec. Sec.  35.390 and 
35.290(c)(1)(ii)(G), or equivalent Agreement State requirements, and 
concurs with the attestation provided by the residency program 
director. The residency training program must be approved by the 
Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate 
Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
Canada or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the American 
Osteopathic Association and must include training and experience 
specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

0
23. In Sec.  35.300, revise the introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  35.300  Use of unsealed byproduct material for which a written 
directive is required.

    A licensee may use any unsealed byproduct material identified in 
Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G) prepared for medical use and for which a 
written directive is required that is--
* * * * *

0
24. In Sec.  35.390, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text, 
(b)(1)(ii)(G), and (b)(2) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.390  Training for use of unsealed byproduct material for which 
a written directive is required.

* * * * *
    (a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and 
who meets the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)(G) of this section. 
The names of board certifications that have been recognized by the 
Commission or an Agreement State are posted on the NRC's Medical Uses 
Licensee Toolkit web page. To be recognized, a specialty board shall 
require all candidates for certification to:
* * * * *
    (b)(1) * * *
    (ii) * * *
    (G) Administering dosages of radioactive drugs to patients or human 
research subjects from the three categories in this paragraph. 
Radioactive drugs containing radionuclides in categories not included 
in this paragraph are regulated under Sec.  35.1000. This work 
experience must involve a minimum of three cases in each of the 
following categories for which the individual is requesting authorized 
user status--
    (1) Oral administration of less than or equal to 1.22 
gigabecquerels (33 millicuries) of sodium iodide I-131, for which a 
written directive is required;
    (2) Oral administration of greater than 1.22 gigabecquerels (33 
millicuries) of sodium iodide I-131; \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Experience with at least three cases in Category (G)(2) also 
satisfies the requirement in Category (G)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) Parenteral administration of any radioactive drug that contains 
a radionuclide that is primarily used for its electron emission, beta 
radiation characteristics, alpha radiation characteristics, or photon 
energy of less than 150 keV, for which a written directive is required; 
and
    (2) Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section and is able to independently fulfill the radiation safety-
related duties as an authorized user for the medical uses authorized 
under Sec.  35.300 for which the individual is requesting authorized 
user status. The attestation must be obtained from either:
    (i) A preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  
35.57, Sec.  35.390, or equivalent Agreement State requirements and has 
experience in administering dosages in the same dosage category or 
categories as the individual requesting authorized user status; or
    (ii) A residency program director who affirms in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an authorized user who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.390, or equivalent Agreement 
State requirements, has experience in administering dosages in the same 
dosage category or categories as the individual requesting authorized 
user status, and concurs with the attestation provided by the residency 
program director. The residency training program must be approved by 
the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for 
Graduate Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Canada or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the 
American Osteopathic Association

[[Page 33108]]

and must include training and experience specified in paragraph (b)(1) 
of this section.
* * * * *

0
25. In Sec.  35.392, revise paragraphs (a) and (c)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  35.392  Training for the oral administration of sodium iodide I-
131 requiring a written directive in quantities less than or equal to 
1.22 gigabecquerels (33 millicuries).

* * * * *
    (a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose certification 
process includes all of the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) 
of this section and whose certification process has been recognized by 
the Commission or an Agreement State. The names of board certifications 
that have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State are 
posted on the NRC's Medical Uses Licensee Toolkit web page; or
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) 
of this section, and is able to independently fulfill the radiation 
safety-related duties as an authorized user for oral administration of 
less than or equal to 1.22 gigabecquerels (33 millicuries) of sodium 
iodide I-131 for medical uses authorized under Sec.  35.300. The 
attestation must be obtained from either:
    (i) A preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  
35.57, Sec.  35.390, Sec.  35.392, Sec.  35.394, or equivalent 
Agreement State requirements and has experience in administering 
dosages as specified in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(1) or (2); or
    (ii) A residency program director who affirms in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an authorized user who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.390, Sec.  35.392, Sec.  35.394, 
or equivalent Agreement State requirements, has experience in 
administering dosages as specified in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(1) or 
(2), and concurs with the attestation provided by the residency program 
director. The residency training program must be approved by the 
Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate 
Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of 
Canada or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the American 
Osteopathic Association and must include training and experience 
specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section.

0
26. In Sec.  35.394, revise paragraphs (a) and (c)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  35.394  Training for the oral administration of sodium iodide I-
131 requiring a written directive in quantities greater than 1.22 
gigabecquerels (33 millicuries).

* * * * *
    (a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose certification 
process includes all of the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) 
of this section, and whose certification has been recognized by the 
Commission or an Agreement State. The names of board certifications 
that have been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State are 
posted on the NRC's Medical Uses Licensee Toolkit web page; or
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) 
of this section, and is able to independently fulfill the radiation 
safety-related duties as an authorized user for oral administration of 
greater than 1.22 gigabecquerels (33 millicuries) of sodium iodide I-
131 for medical uses authorized under Sec.  35.300. The attestation 
must be obtained from either:
    (i) A preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  
35.57, Sec.  35.390, Sec.  35.394, or equivalent Agreement State 
requirements, and has experience in administering dosages as specified 
in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(2); or
    (ii) A residency program director who affirms in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an authorized user who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.390, Sec.  35.394, or equivalent 
Agreement State requirements, has experience in administering dosages 
as specified in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(2), and concurs with the 
attestation provided by the residency program director. The residency 
training program must be approved by the Residency Review Committee of 
the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or the Royal 
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the Council on 
Postdoctoral Training of the American Osteopathic Association and must 
include training and experience specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) 
of this section.

0
27. Revise Sec.  35.396 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.396  Training for the parenteral administration of unsealed 
byproduct material requiring a written directive.

    (a) Except as provided in Sec.  35.57, the licensee shall require 
an authorized user for the parenteral administration requiring a 
written directive, to be a physician who--
    (1) Is an authorized user under Sec.  35.390 for uses listed in 
Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3), or equivalent Agreement State 
requirements; or
    (2) Is an authorized user under Sec.  35.490, Sec.  35.690, or 
equivalent Agreement State requirements, and who meets the requirements 
in paragraph (b) of this section; or
    (3) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State 
under Sec.  35.490 or Sec.  35.690, and who meets the requirements in 
paragraph (b) of this section.
    (b) The physician--
    (1) Has successfully completed 80 hours of classroom and laboratory 
training, applicable to parenteral administrations listed in Sec.  
35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). The training must include--
    (i) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
    (ii) Radiation protection;
    (iii) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of 
radioactivity;
    (iv) Chemistry of byproduct material for medical use; and
    (v) Radiation biology; and
    (2) Has work experience, under the supervision of an authorized 
user who meets the requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.390, Sec.  
35.396, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, in the parenteral 
administrations listed in Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3). A supervising 
authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  35.390, Sec.  
35.396, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, must have 
experience in administering dosages in the same category or categories 
as the individual requesting authorized user status. The work 
experience must involve--
    (i) Ordering, receiving, and unpacking radioactive materials 
safely, and performing the related radiation surveys;
    (ii) Performing quality control procedures on instruments used to 
determine the activity of dosages, and performing checks for proper 
operation of survey meters;
    (iii) Calculating, measuring, and safely preparing patient or human 
research subject dosages;
    (iv) Using administrative controls to prevent a medical event 
involving the use of unsealed byproduct material;
    (v) Using procedures to contain spilled byproduct material safely, 
and using proper decontamination procedures; and
    (vi) Administering dosages to patients or human research subjects, 
that include

[[Page 33109]]

at least three cases of the parenteral administrations as specified in 
Sec.  35.390(b)(1)(ii)(G)(3); and
    (3) Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) 
of this section, and is able to independently fulfill the radiation 
safety-related duties as an authorized user for the parenteral 
administration of unsealed byproduct material requiring a written 
directive. The attestation must be obtained from either:
    (i) A preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  
35.57, Sec.  35.390, Sec.  35.396, or equivalent Agreement State 
requirements. A preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in 
Sec.  35.390, Sec.  35.396, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, 
must have experience in administering dosages in the same category or 
categories as the individual requesting authorized user status; or
    (ii) A residency program director who affirms in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an authorized user who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.390, Sec.  35.396, or equivalent 
Agreement State requirements, has experience in administering dosages 
in the same dosage category or categories as the individual requesting 
authorized user status, and concurs with the attestation provided by 
the residency program director. The residency training program must be 
approved by the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council 
for Graduate Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Canada or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the 
American Osteopathic Association and must include training and 
experience specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section.

0
28. Revise Sec.  35.400 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.400  Use of sources for manual brachytherapy.

    A licensee must use only brachytherapy sources:
    (a) Approved in the Sealed Source and Device Registry for manual 
brachytherapy medical use. The manual brachytherapy sources may be used 
for manual brachytherapy uses that are not explicitly listed in the 
Sealed Source and Device Registry, but must be used in accordance with 
the radiation safety conditions and limitations described in the Sealed 
Source and Device Registry; or
    (b) In research to deliver therapeutic doses for medical use in 
accordance with an active Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) 
application accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provided 
the requirements of Sec.  35.49(a) are met.

0
29. Revise Sec.  35.433 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.433  Strontium-90 sources for ophthalmic treatments.

    (a) Licensees who use strontium-90 for ophthalmic treatments must 
ensure that certain activities as specified in paragraph (b) of this 
section are performed by either:
    (1) An authorized medical physicist; or
    (2) An individual who:
    (i) is identified as an ophthalmic physicist on a specific medical 
use license issued by the Commission or an Agreement State; permit 
issued by a Commission or Agreement State broad scope medical use 
licensee; medical use permit issued by a Commission master material 
licensee; or permit issued by a Commission master material licensee 
broad scope medical use permittee; and
    (ii) holds a master's or doctor's degree in physics, medical 
physics, other physical sciences, engineering, or applied mathematics 
from an accredited college or university; and
    (iii) has successfully completed 1 year of full-time training in 
medical physics and an additional year of full-time work experience 
under the supervision of a medical physicist; and
    (iv) Has documented training in:
    (A) The creation, modification, and completion of written 
directives;
    (B) Procedures for administrations requiring a written directive; 
and
    (C) Performing the calibration measurements of brachytherapy 
sources as detailed in Sec.  35.432.
    (b) The individuals who are identified in paragraph (a) of this 
section must:
    (1) Calculate the activity of each strontium-90 source that is used 
to determine the treatment times for ophthalmic treatments. The decay 
must be based on the activity determined under Sec.  35.432; and
    (2) Assist the licensee in developing, implementing, and 
maintaining written procedures to provide high confidence that the 
administration is in accordance with the written directive. These 
procedures must include the frequencies that the individual meeting the 
requirements in paragraph (a) of this section will observe treatments, 
review the treatment methodology, calculate treatment time for the 
prescribed dose, and review records to verify that the administrations 
were in accordance with the written directives.
    (c) Licensees must retain a record of the activity of each 
strontium-90 source in accordance with Sec.  35.2433.

0
30. In Sec.  35.490, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text, 
(b)(1)(ii) introductory text, and (b)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.490  Training for use of manual brachytherapy sources.

* * * * *
    (a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State. 
The names of board certifications that have been recognized by the 
Commission or an Agreement State are posted on the NRC's Medical Uses 
Licensee Toolkit web page. To have its certification process 
recognized, a specialty board shall require all candidates for 
certification to:
* * * * *
    (b)(1) * * *
    (ii) 500 hours of work experience, under the supervision of an 
authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  
35.490, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, at a medical 
facility authorized to use byproduct materials under Sec.  35.400, 
involving--
* * * * *
    (3) Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) 
of this section and is able to independently fulfill the radiation 
safety-related duties as an authorized user of manual brachytherapy 
sources for the medical uses authorized under Sec.  35.400. The 
attestation must be obtained from either:
    (i) A preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  
35.57, Sec.  35.490, or equivalent Agreement State requirements; or
    (ii) A residency program director who affirms in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an authorized user who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.490, or equivalent Agreement 
State requirements, and concurs with the attestation provided by the 
residency program director. The residency training program must be 
approved by the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council 
for Graduate Medical Education or the Royal College of Physicians and 
Surgeons of Canada or the Council on Postdoctoral Training of the 
American Osteopathic Association and must include training and 
experience specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section.

0
31. In Sec.  35.491, revise paragraph (b)(3) to read as follows:

[[Page 33110]]

Sec.  35.491  Training for ophthalmic use of strontium-90.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) Has obtained written attestation, signed by a preceptor 
authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  
35.490, Sec.  35.491, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, that 
the individual has satisfactorily completed the requirements in 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section and is able to independently 
fulfill the radiation safety-related duties as an authorized user of 
strontium-90 for ophthalmic use.

0
32. Revise Sec.  35.500 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.500  Use of sealed sources and medical devices for diagnosis.

    (a) A licensee must use only sealed sources that are not in medical 
devices for diagnostic medical uses if the sealed sources are approved 
in the Sealed Source and Device Registry for diagnostic medicine. The 
sealed sources may be used for diagnostic medical uses that are not 
explicitly listed in the Sealed Source and Device Registry but must be 
used in accordance with the radiation safety conditions and limitations 
described in the Sealed Source and Device Registry.
    (b) A licensee must only use medical devices containing sealed 
sources for diagnostic medical uses if both the sealed sources and 
medical devices are approved in the Sealed Source and Device Registry 
for diagnostic medical uses. The diagnostic medical devices may be used 
for diagnostic medical uses that are not explicitly listed in the 
Sealed Source and Device Registry but must be used in accordance with 
the radiation safety conditions and limitations described in the Sealed 
Source and Device Registry.
    (c) Sealed sources and devices for diagnostic medical uses may be 
used in research in accordance with an active Investigational Device 
Exemption (IDE) application accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration provided the requirements of Sec.  35.49(a) are met.

0
33. Revise Sec.  35.590 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.590  Training for use of sealed sources and medical devices 
for diagnosis.

    Except as provided in Sec.  35.57, the licensee shall require the 
authorized user of a diagnostic sealed source or a device authorized 
under Sec.  35.500 to be a physician, dentist, or podiatrist who--
    (a) Is certified by a specialty board whose certification process 
includes all of the requirements in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this 
section and whose certification has been recognized by the Commission 
or an Agreement State. The names of board certifications that have been 
recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State are posted on the 
NRC's Medical Uses Licensee Toolkit web page; or
    (b) Is an authorized user for uses listed in Sec.  35.200 or 
equivalent Agreement State requirements; or
    (c) Has completed 8 hours of classroom and laboratory training in 
basic radionuclide handling techniques specifically applicable to the 
use of the device. The training must include--
    (1) Radiation physics and instrumentation;
    (2) Radiation protection;
    (3) Mathematics pertaining to the use and measurement of 
radioactivity; and
    (4) Radiation biology; and
    (d) Has completed training in the use of the device for the uses 
requested.

0
34. Revise Sec.  35.600 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.600  Use of a sealed source in a remote afterloader unit, 
teletherapy unit, or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery unit.

    (a) A licensee must only use sealed sources:
    (1) Approved and as provided for in the Sealed Source and Device 
Registry in photon emitting remote afterloader units, teletherapy 
units, or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units to deliver therapeutic 
doses for medical uses: or
    (2) In research involving photon-emitting remote afterloader units, 
teletherapy units, or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units in 
accordance with an active Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) 
application accepted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provided 
the requirements of Sec.  35.49(a) are met.
    (b) A licensee must use photon-emitting remote afterloader units, 
teletherapy units, or gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units:
    (1) Approved in the Sealed Source and Device Registry to deliver a 
therapeutic dose for medical use. These devices may be used for 
therapeutic medical treatments that are not explicitly provided for in 
the Sealed Source and Device Registry, but must be used in accordance 
with radiation safety conditions and limitations described in the 
Sealed Source and Device Registry; or
    (2) In research in accordance with an active Investigational Device 
Exemption (IDE) application accepted by the FDA provided the 
requirements of Sec.  35.49(a) are met.

0
35. In Sec.  35.610, revise paragraphs (d) and (g) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.610  Safety procedures and instructions for remote afterloader 
units, teletherapy units, and gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units.

* * * * *
    (d)(1) Prior to the first use for patient treatment of a new unit 
or an existing unit with a manufacturer upgrade that affects the 
operation and safety of the unit, a licensee shall ensure that vendor 
operational and safety training is provided to all individuals who will 
operate the unit. The vendor operational and safety training must be 
provided by the device manufacturer or by an individual certified by 
the device manufacturer to provide the operational and safety training.
    (2) A licensee shall provide operational and safety instructions 
initially and at least annually to all individuals who operate the unit 
at the facility, as appropriate to the individual's assigned duties. 
The instructions shall include instruction in--
    (i) The procedures identified in paragraph (a)(4) of this section; 
and
    (ii) The operating procedures for the unit.
* * * * *
    (g) A licensee shall retain a copy of the procedures required by 
paragraphs (a)(4) and (d)(2)(ii) of this section in accordance with 
Sec.  35.2610.

0
36. In Sec.  35.655, revise the section heading and paragraph (a) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  35.655  Full-inspection servicing for teletherapy and gamma 
stereotactic radiosurgery units.

    (a) A licensee shall have each teletherapy unit and gamma 
stereotactic radiosurgery unit fully inspected and serviced during each 
source replacement to assure proper functioning of the source exposure 
mechanism and other safety components. The interval between each full-
inspection servicing shall not exceed 5 years for each teletherapy unit 
and shall not exceed 7 years for each gamma stereotactic radiosurgery 
unit.
* * * * *

0
37. In Sec.  35.690, revise paragraphs (a) introductory text, 
(b)(1)(ii) introductory text, and (b)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.690  Training for use of remote afterloader units, teletherapy 
units, and gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units.

* * * * *
    (a) Is certified by a medical specialty board whose certification 
process has been recognized by the Commission or an Agreement State and 
who meets the requirements in paragraph (c) of this section. The names 
of board certifications that have been recognized by the Commission or 
an Agreement State are posted on the NRC's Medical Uses Licensee 
Toolkit web page. To have its certification process recognized,

[[Page 33111]]

a specialty board shall require all candidates for certification to:
* * * * *
    (b)(1) * * *
    (ii) 500 hours of work experience, under the supervision of an 
authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  
35.690, or equivalent Agreement State requirements, at a medical 
facility that is authorized to use byproduct materials in Sec.  35.600, 
involving--
* * * * *
    (3) Has obtained written attestation that the individual has 
satisfactorily completed the requirements in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) 
and (c) of this section; and is able to independently fulfill the 
radiation safety-related duties as an authorized user of each type of 
therapeutic medical unit for which the individual is requesting 
authorized user status. The attestation must be obtained from either:
    (i) A preceptor authorized user who meets the requirements in Sec.  
35.57, Sec.  35.690, or equivalent Agreement State requirements for the 
type(s) of therapeutic medical unit for which the individual is 
requesting authorized user status; or
    (ii) A residency program director who affirms in writing that the 
attestation represents the consensus of the residency program faculty 
where at least one faculty member is an authorized user who meets the 
requirements in Sec.  35.57, Sec.  35.690, or equivalent Agreement 
State requirements, for the type(s) of therapeutic medical unit for 
which the individual is requesting authorized user status, and concurs 
with the attestation provided by the residency program director. The 
residency training program must be approved by the Residency Review 
Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education 
or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the 
Council on Postdoctoral Training of the American Osteopathic 
Association and must include training and experience specified in 
paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section.
* * * * *

0
38. In Sec.  35.2024, add paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.2024  Records of authority and responsibilities for radiation 
protection programs.

* * * * *
    (c) For each Associate Radiation Safety Officer appointed under 
Sec.  35.24(b), the licensee shall retain, for 5 years after the 
Associate Radiation Safety Officer is removed from the license, a copy 
of the written document appointing the Associate Radiation Safety 
Officer signed by the licensee's management.

0
39. Revise Sec.  35.2310 to read as follows:


Sec.  35.2310  Records of safety instruction.

    A licensee shall maintain a record of safety instructions required 
by Sec. Sec.  35.310 and 35.410 and the operational and safety 
instructions required by Sec.  35.610 for 3 years. The record must 
include a list of the topics covered, the date of the instruction, the 
name(s) of the attendee(s), and the name(s) of the individual(s) who 
provided the instruction.

0
40. In Sec.  35.2655, revise the section heading and paragraph (a) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  35.2655  Records of full-inspection servicing for teletherapy and 
gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units.

    (a) A licensee shall maintain a record of the full-inspection 
servicing for teletherapy and gamma stereotactic radiosurgery units 
required by Sec.  35.655 for the duration of the use of the unit.
* * * * *

0
41. In Sec.  35.3045, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  35.3045  Report and notification of a medical event.

    (a) A licensee shall report any event as a medical event, except 
for an event that results from patient intervention, in which--
    (1) The administration of byproduct material or radiation from 
byproduct material, except permanent implant brachytherapy, results 
in--
    (i) A dose that differs from the prescribed dose or dose that would 
have resulted from the prescribed dosage by more than 0.05 Sv (5 rem) 
effective dose equivalent, 0.5 Sv (50 rem) to an organ or tissue, or 
0.5 Sv (50 rem) shallow dose equivalent to the skin; and
    (A) The total dose delivered differs from the prescribed dose by 20 
percent or more;
    (B) The total dosage delivered differs from the prescribed dosage 
by 20 percent or more or falls outside the prescribed dosage range; or
    (C) The fractionated dose delivered differs from the prescribed 
dose for a single fraction, by 50 percent or more.
    (ii) A dose that exceeds 0.05 Sv (5 rem) effective dose equivalent, 
0.5 Sv (50 rem) to an organ or tissue, or 0.5 Sv (50 rem) shallow dose 
equivalent to the skin from any of the following--
    (A) An administration of a wrong radioactive drug containing 
byproduct material or the wrong radionuclide for a brachytherapy 
procedure;
    (B) An administration of a radioactive drug containing byproduct 
material by the wrong route of administration;
    (C) An administration of a dose or dosage to the wrong individual 
or human research subject;
    (D) An administration of a dose or dosage delivered by the wrong 
mode of treatment; or
    (E) A leaking sealed source.
    (iii) A dose to the skin or an organ or tissue other than the 
treatment site that exceeds by:
    (A) 0.5 Sv (50 rem) or more the expected dose to that site from the 
procedure if the administration had been given in accordance with the 
written directive prepared or revised before administration; and
    (B) 50 percent or more the expected dose to that site from the 
procedure if the administration had been given in accordance with the 
written directive prepared or revised before administration.
    (2) For permanent implant brachytherapy, the administration of 
byproduct material or radiation from byproduct material (excluding 
sources that were implanted in the correct site but migrated outside 
the treatment site) that results in--
    (i) The total source strength administered differing by 20 percent 
or more from the total source strength documented in the post-
implantation portion of the written directive;
    (ii) The total source strength administered outside of the 
treatment site exceeding 20 percent of the total source strength 
documented in the post-implantation portion of the written directive; 
or
    (iii) An administration that includes any of the following:
    (A) The wrong radionuclide;
    (B) The wrong individual or human research subject;
    (C) Sealed source(s) implanted directly into a location 
discontiguous from the treatment site, as documented in the post-
implantation portion of the written directive; or
    (D) A leaking sealed source resulting in a dose that exceeds 0.5 Sv 
(50 rem) to an organ or tissue.
* * * * *

0
42. Add Sec.  35.3204 to subpart M to read as follows:


Sec.  35.3204  Report and notification for an eluate exceeding 
permissible molybdenum-99, strontium-82, and strontium-85 
concentrations.

    (a) The licensee shall notify by telephone the NRC Operations 
Center and the distributor of the generator

[[Page 33112]]

within 7 calendar days after discovery that an eluate exceeded the 
permissible concentration listed in Sec.  35.204(a) at the time of 
generator elution. The telephone report to the NRC must include the 
manufacturer, model number, and serial number (or lot number) of the 
generator; the results of the measurement; the date of the measurement; 
whether dosages were administered to patients or human research 
subjects, when the distributor was notified, and the action taken.
    (b) By an appropriate method listed in Sec.  30.6(a) of this 
chapter, the licensee shall submit a written report to the appropriate 
NRC Regional Office listed in Sec.  30.6 of this chapter within 30 
calendar days after discovery of an eluate exceeding the permissible 
concentration at the time of generator elution. The written report must 
include the action taken by the licensee; the patient dose assessment; 
the methodology used to make this dose assessment if the eluate was 
administered to patients or human research subjects; and the probable 
cause and an assessment of failure in the licensee's equipment, 
procedures or training that contributed to the excessive readings if an 
error occurred in the licensee's breakthrough determination; and the 
information in the telephone report as required by paragraph (a) of 
this section.

    Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 6th day of July 2018.

    For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Russell E. Chazell,
Acting Secretary of the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2018-14852 Filed 7-13-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P