The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert (Number 47) focused on how to reduce risks related to the use of ionizing radiation while still maintaining a high level of quality of the image being obtained. While efforts to address the radiological exposure risks were being made by the FDA and CMS, “legislation mandating the monitoring of radiation dose and reporting of any radiation dose incidents” (itn, 2014) was passed in California and Texas moving issues related to radiation exposure from the ‘should do’ to the ‘must do’ position.

The legislation from California and Texas led to other states and professional organizations to increase the emphasis on radiation safety practices. The Joint Commission, looking to develop standardization of these practices, introduced a set of New and Revised Diagnostic Imaging Standards in December, 2013 (Mullens, 2014). While Joint Commission Standards are not considered law in the legal sense, they do carry the weight of ‘law’ when considered from the certification perspective since Joint Commission certification (or comparable certification from another accepted organization) is needed to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs and with many other insurance providers.

Objectives

After studying the information presented, the reader should be able to:

• Discuss the brief history of the development of x-rays using ionizing radiation.
• Identify ways in which people are exposed to radiation.
• Discuss the intent of “As Low as Reasonably Achievable”.
• Describe the relationship between medication reconciliation and recording of radiation exposures.
• Define the dilemma that exists with the use of diagnostic radiation.
• List the negative effects of radiation exposure.
• Describe the intent of the Joint Commission Sentinel Event 47.
• Discuss the steps, required by CMS, to be taken to reduce radiation exposure.
• List the Joint Commission standards to be achieved as phase one of the newly defined standards to be achieved by 2015.
• Describe meaningful use and radiology as it impacts radiation exposure.
• Define major points included in the FDA news release of Feb. 9, 2010.
• Discuss Imaging Gently and Imaging Wisely.
• Explain progress toward radiation dosing standards.