MPM-C - Special Session: Government Relations Orlando VI 15:00 - 16:40
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| Chair(s): Craig Little
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MPM-C.1
15:00 The HPS Government Relations Program: Our Members Voice in Washington CA Little*, HPS
Abstract: The HPS Government Relations Program (GRP) is designed to make the HPS and its members available to government entities for issues related to radiation protection of workers, the public and the environment. The GRP has three parts: The Federal Agency Liaison (FAL), the Congressional Liaison and the Government Relations Committee. In conjunction with the HPS Board of Directors and in concert with the HPS Strategic Plan, the three entities work together to give HPS a voice in Washington by commenting on proposed regulatory changes and upcoming legislation of interest to HPS. The Federal Agency Liaison is is responsible for keeping abreast of potential changes in regulations; tracking legislation that might impact the health physics profession. In coordination with the Congressional Liaison, the FAL schedules semi-annual visits to Washington to meet with selected agencies and congressional staff. Presentations to follow in the special session will describe other parts of the GRP and recent successes in championing legislation and building relationships with various agencies and congressional committees.
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MPM-C.2
15:20 Health Physics Society Government Relations Committee JP Ring*, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
; D Elder, University of Colorado Hospital; JW Hiatt, Nuclear Energy Institute; K Anderson, Barnes-Jewish Hospital; Jo Ring
Abstract: The Health Physics Society’s Government Relations Committee reviews and comments on regulations and legislation affecting the health physics community. The goal is to have the HPS recognized as an independent, professional, and expert source of information on radiation sciences and radiation safety. The intended end result is to have legislation, regulations, and public policies based on current, sound science and good practice in radiation safety.
It is important for health physicists to assist our legislators and regulators in developing sound guidance because we are experienced in a difficult and complex scientific field. Without our input, the regulations that we are obligated to follow may be ill advised. Establishing the HPS as a credible resource in this area is a long-term project that requires consistent, non-biased input. An established track record of input will put the Society in a position where the advice is solicited and even requested earlier in the process.
This presentation will review the methods used to draft comment and ensure they are consistent with Society positions and sound science. It will also discuss accomplishments.
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MPM-C.3
15:40 NRC/HPS: A Relationship that Informs Radiation Protection CM Flannery*, US NRC
Abstract: With radiation protection as a common goal, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) works closely with the Health Physics Society (HPS) on matters related to radiological protection and regulatory issues. The NRC and HPS keep each other informed about their activities and exchange information on current topics that are of common interest. NRC is working to ensure that open communication continues in order to fulfill its safety and security mission and leverage the work of the HPS. The purpose of this presentation is to introduce some regulatory matters that are of interest to the HPS and describe the collaborative efforts between the NRC and HPS. Regulatory issues that are in progress or are under consideration will be discussed as well as the process by which NRC engages the HPS and other stakeholders on current topics. NRC values recommendations and informed opinions and often base its regulations and guidance, at least in part, on the thoughtful input and feedback of the HPS.
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MPM-C.4
16:00 Interactions Between EPA and HPS Strengthen Both Organizations JS Wieder*, U.S. EPA
; MA Boyd, U.S. EPA; LA Veal, U.S. EPA
Abstract: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Radiation Protection Program benefits from and encourages staff involvement in the Health Physics Society (HPS). Since the Agency was established in 1970, EPA staff have been involved in HPS committee work, section work, and task forces, and regularly give papers and professional enrichment program lectures at the Society’s meetings. HPS routinely recognizes the value of these contribution through awards, certificates and letters of appreciation. HPS also provides EPA’s younger employees with the opportunity to stay informed about current issues in the field of health physics, improve their communication skills by giving scientific presentations at HPS meetings, and expand their professional network. As the recognized professional home of the U.S. health physics community, HPS is well-positioned to encourage and mentor the next generation of radiation protection professionals. Working together, EPA and HPS can continue to advance the science and practice of radiation protection through information exchange, educational outreach and professional development.
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MPM-C.5
16:20 HPS Interaction with Congress DA Connolly*, The Connolly Group
Abstract: The legislative program of the Health Physics Society is designed to allow Society representatives the opportunity to interact with Senators, Representatives, their staffs and those of the Committees of each body on matters of mutual interest to the Society and the Congress relating to radiation safety. After a brief overview of the structure of the two chambers of the Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives, a description will be given as to the means and techniques that the Society utilizes to communicate with them. The presentation will focus on the semi-annual meetings of the Society’s leadership team on Capitol Hill, and the day-to-day activities of the Congressional Liaison in maintain open lines of communication with the Congress.Finally, a number of the present issue areas of importance to the Society will examined along with a prediction about the future of science policy in the Trump Administration and the new Congress.
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MPM-C.6
16:40 Recent National Academies’ Activities on Radiation Health Effects O Kosti*, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Abstract: In 2019, the Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (National Academies) hosted two activities related to the study of radiation health effects. 1) A workshop titled Challenges in Initiating and Conducting Long-Term Health Monitoring of Population Following Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies in the United States. The workshop took place March 12-13, in Washington DC, and was sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2) The Gilbert W. Beebe Symposium on The Future of Low-Dose Radiation Research in the United States. The symposium took place May 8-9, in Washington DC, and was co-sponsored by a number federal and non-federal organizations. The presenter will provide an overview of key themes discussed during the two activities.
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