X-rays at Airports by Ann Verschuuren
Hi everyone,
>> I know that in the HOD, I mentioned this technology when I
>> first read about its development. Now that it is here - I want to
>> again bring up the issue of “_applying ionizing radiation to humans_”
>> (which is the way NY has our profession described in the NYS law.)
>> This technology would not fly (no pun intended) in NY because of the
>> way our law is written….the person operating this device would need to be a radiographer.
>> I do not recall if AZ is a licensure state - but if it is - then
>> we have the public volunteering for an x-ray - no matter how small
>> the radiation - without a radiographer performing the procedure. I
>> am also concerned about how this will affect the ASRT’s efforts with
>> the RAD-care bill etc. We are trying to say the persons who apply
>> ionizing radiation to humans be educated in a certain way and I do
>> not believe the baggage / people at the airport security have what it takes.
>> The other issue is that this is not a mandatory screening
>> procedure
>> - so what type of security is it providing…it is unnecessary
>> radiation if it can not ensure the safety of the passengers as it is
>> supposedly intended. (What type of gun toting terrorist will
>> volunteer?!) The govt can not say this is the right of the govt under
>> the terrorist law to allow untrained persons to apply radiation to
>> humans - since it is not being done in any effective manner…it makes no sense.
>> There is a place for comments on this web site (look for
>> “contact
>> us”)- I suggest everyone going to it to voice their opinions on this
>> issue and those of you who are still delegates, please consider
>> bringing it up on the floor of the house this year (late
>> resolution???)- the ASRT needs to determine if this is safe practices
>> for non-radiographer personnel and if it conflicts with the mission
>> of the ASRT where minimum standards are concerned. ATV