(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations amend the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 (“the 2000 Regulations”) including clarification and updating of certain references. The 2000 Regulations partially implement, as respects Great Britain, Council Directive 97/43/Euratom (OJ No L180, 9.7.97, p 22) on health protection of individuals against the dangers of ionising radiation in relation to medical exposure.
Regulation 3(2)(a) substitutes the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection for the Secretary of State as the “appropriate authority”. The “appropriate authority”, amongst other things, has inspection and enforcement functions under the 2000 Regulations.
Regulation 3(2)(b) and (c) inserts a definition of “ethics committee” and omits the definition of “Local Research Ethics Committee”. This is to reflect the substitution by regulation 3(3) of the term “an ethics committee” for “a Local Research Ethics Committee” in the main body of the 2000 Regulations. There is no change in the substantive definition itself.
Regulation 3(2)(d) and (e) omits the terms “registered medical practitioner” and “dental practitioner” from the definitions of “practitioner” and “referrer”. It also substitutes the term “registered health care professional” for “health professional”. The term “registered health care professional” would cover registered medical practitioners and dental practitioners. Accordingly there is no need to mention these categories separately.
Regulation 3(2)(f) inserts a definition of “registered health care professional”.
Regulation 3(4) clarifies that the word “record” in regulation 11(4) of the 2000 Regulations refers to the record of training undertaken (which the employer is required to keep and have available for inspection by the appropriate authority).
Regulation 4 is a transitional provision in relation to incomplete investigations, proceedings, appeals and other matters including notifications, under regulation 4(5) of the 2000 Regulations by employers, of incidents of overexposure. It provides for the Secretary of State to continue to be the appropriate authority for such matters, as regards England.
