Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

Who is primarily responsible for ensuring radiation safety protocols are adhered to in a healthcare setting?

1. Clinical Safety Officer

2. Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

3. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

4. Health Physicist

The correct answer is: Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

The primary responsibility for ensuring that radiation safety protocols are adhered to in a healthcare setting falls to the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO). The RSO's key roles include developing and implementing radiation safety policies, conducting regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, and providing training and education to staff regarding safe practices and procedures when working with or around radiation. This position is vital in maintaining a safe environment for both healthcare workers and patients by monitoring radiation exposure levels and ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met. While other roles such as the Clinical Safety Officer, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Health Physicist have important functions related to safety and regulation in various contexts, they do not have the direct, day-to-day responsibility for radiation safety in the healthcare facility. The Clinical Safety Officer may address broader safety issues beyond radiation, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission primarily regulates and oversees compliance statewide or nationally, and the Health Physicist focuses on the scientific and technical aspects of radiation safety. The specialized knowledge and responsibilities of the RSO specifically equip them to adhere to and enforce radiation safety protocols effectively.