WASHINGTON–The Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff has proposed a $3,500 civil penalty to Metro Cardiovascular Diagnostics, a cardiology practice in Florisstant, Mo., for violations of its radiation protection procedures and NRC requirements.
The violations were identified during a routine NRC inspection and an investigation looking into the handling of radioactive material used for diagnostic medical tests. The NRC staff concluded the company violated NRC safety requirements by failing to properly calibrate and test survey instruments at required intervals; retain records of required training for an employee; annually review the radiation protection program; and ensure radiation safety activities were performed in accordance with the company’s procedures and regulatory requirements. The NRC also identified one willful violation for using a radiation detection meter that was not properly calibrated.
“Even though these violations did not result in harm to members of the public, our action underscores the expectation that NRC license holders will adhere to NRC requirements to make sure nuclear material is used safely,” said NRC Region III Administrator Cynthia D. Pederson. “Willful violations are of particular concern to the NRC because we expect NRC license holders to act with integrity and communicate with candor to ensure public safety.”
Metro Cardiovascular Diagnostics has to pay the fine or submit a letter protesting it by Oct. 3.
The company conducted a wide range of corrective actions to restore compliance and prevent recurrence of safety violations.
The NRC will conduct an inspection to verify that the company’s actions to correct the problem are thorough and sustainable.
