Which organization is the primary regulatory oversight body in the United States for radiation safety in medicine?

• A. NRC and state regulators (Agreement States); OSHA for worker safety; DEA for controlled substances.
• B. FDA handles all radiation safety in medicine.
• C. EPA handles all radiation safety in medicine.
• D. CDC handles radiation safety.

Answer: (A)

The main authority over radiation safety in medicine is the Nuclear Regulatory Commission along with the states that have agreements with the NRC. They license and regulate the use of radioactive materials and ensure medical facilities have proper radiation safety programs, training, equipment controls, and inspections. OSHA does regulate worker safety related to radiation exposure, but it is focused on occupational health rather than the overall regulatory framework for medical radiation. FDA deals with device safety and performance, not the broad regulatory oversight of radiopharmaceuticals and radioactive sources. EPA and CDC have roles in environmental and public health aspects, but the primary regulatory body for medical radiation safety is NRC with Agreement States.