From October 28 to November 1, 2019, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Radiation Sources Regulatory Partnership (RSRP) conducted a consultation at the Armenian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ANRA) in Yerevan, Armenia. Mr. John R. Madera, MBA, CNMT, ARRT provided a workshop with information and guidance for inspectors and managers at ANRA with the objective of strengthening regulation of medical facilities in Armenia that treat patients through the use of Linear Accelerators (LINACs), High Dose-Rate Remote Afterloader brachytherapy devices, cobalt-60 Teletherapy units, and iodine-131 therapy. The topics covered included:
- Regulation, licensing, registration and inspection of LINACs
- Regulation, licensing, and inspection of cobalt-60 Teletherapy units
- Regulation, licensing, and inspection of High Dose-rate Remote Afterloaders Facilities
- Regulation, licensing, and inspection of iodine-131 therapy facilities
- Importance and contents of Quality Management Programs
- A class project reviewing ANRA licensing and inspection practices to identify potential improvements
- Recommendations for improving the regulation surrounding radiation therapy licensing and inspection
The five days were very productive; Mr. Madera provided ANRA with recommendations to improve the licensing and inspection programs.