The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging submitted comments to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on its patient release programs. The NRC announced a request for comments from the general public.

Specifically, the NRC is seeking input from the public on whether additional or alternate criteria are needed and whether to clarify the NRC's current patient release requirements. The information will be used to determine whether significant regulatory changes to the NRC's patient release requirements are warranted.

NRC is seeking feedback in six areas listed below.

  1. Development of an Activity-Based Patient Release Threshold
  2. Clarification of the Time Covered by the Current Dose Limit in 10 CFR 35.75(a) for Releasing Individuals
  3. Appropriateness of Applying the Same Limit on Dose From Patient Exposure to All Members of the General Public
  4. Requirements for Releasing Individuals Who Are Likely To Expose Young Children and Pregnant Women
  5. Requirement for Timely Discussion With the Patient About Patient Isolation to Provide Time for Licensee and Patient Planning
  6. Requirement To Ensure Patients Are Given Instructions Prior to the Procedure

NorCal CarciNET Community submitted a breif letter in support of the SNMMI's position and voiced concerned that any addtional requirement might reduce access to upcoming new therapy options for NETs that have very low radiation exposure to the general public.

If you would like to comment in support of the SNMMI's or NorCal CarciNET Communty's position click here. You may add your comments through June 27, 2017.