The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Radiation Sources Regulatory Partnership (RSRP) delivered a workshop on the regulatory oversight of medical linear accelerators (LINAC) to the Radiation Protection Authority of Zambia (RPA) in Lusaka, Zambia. The training, from October 21-23 and 25, 2024, included class-room presentations, in-depth group discussions on regulatory best practices for licensing and inspection of LINAC facilities, and an extensive discussion regarding safety culture, quality management and prevention of a medical misadministration/event.
The topics covered in the four-day workshop included: construction criteria and safety features; quality assurance; machine maintenance; treatment planning; and authorization, inspection, and decommissioning procedures. The engagement of RPA staff and other participants from a LINAC licensee showed a very good understanding and awareness of aspects of regulatory oversight that are essential to ensure that the health and safety of patients, workers and the public are adequately protected. The information sharing from this workshop will enable the RPA to update existing licensing and inspection procedures to improve the regulatory oversight of medical providers using advanced technologies for cancer treatment and diagnosis.