DHSS Press Release

VARIANCE FOR PET/CT OR SPECT/CT TECHNOLOGISTS

A temporary introduction of a one-year variance opportunity for technologists holding national credentials in nuclear medicine or radiation therapy to become clinically trained in the operation of CT imaging devices will be introduced Jan. 1, 2009 by the Delaware Authority on Radiation Protection.

Health care facilities that perform PET/CT or SPECT/CT hybrid procedures will have one year to allow their current technologists to qualify, pass a professional specialty examination in CT with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and obtain certification through the Delaware Authority on Radiation Protection.

The Delaware Division of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Radiation Control, as the administrative agent for the Authority on Radiation Protection, will administer the PET/CT variance process.

Per the Delaware Radiation Technologist/Technician regulations established by the Authority on Radiation Protection in 1989, radiation technologists and technicians must be state-certified, in order to administer radiation to patients in Delaware.

To print a copy of the PET/CT variance application form go to www.delaware.gov enter the word "radiation" into the search engine, and click on the "Office of Radiation Control" link. For more information about the radiation program, contact the DPH, Office of Radiation Control at 302-744-4546.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.