Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What individual in a hospital setting is responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ALARA program?

1. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

2. Head Radiologist

3. Nuclear Engineer

4. Clinical Safety Manager

The correct answer is: Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) plays a crucial role in the execution and maintenance of the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) program within a hospital setting. The ALARA principle is critical in minimizing radiation exposure to patients, staff, and the public. The RSO is specifically trained and designated to ensure compliance with radiation safety regulations and standards. The RSO is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the ALARA program, which involves assessing radiation risks, establishing safety protocols, conducting training sessions, and ensuring that all safety measures are followed effectively. This includes regular evaluations of radiation sources and practices to identify opportunities for improvement in minimizing exposure. Other roles, such as the head radiologist, may be involved in procedural decisions that impact radiation exposure, but the overarching responsibility for the ALARA program’s implementation and ongoing effectiveness rests with the RSO. The nuclear engineer’s focus is more on the technical aspects of radiation systems, while the clinical safety manager may address broader safety issues in the hospital setting but does not specialize in radiation safety specifically. Hence, the RSO's expertise and responsibility make them the best choice for overseeing the ALARA program.