How soon must the NRC be notified after a medical event occurs?

The correct answer is that the NRC must be notified by telephone no later than the following calendar day after a medical event occurs. This requirement is in place to ensure prompt communication regarding events that could potentially impact patient safety or involve significant radiation dose misadministrations. By mandating notification within such a short timeframe, the NRC aims to facilitate timely intervention, investigation, and, if necessary, remediation.

In the context of medical events, a quick response can often be critical. Notifying the NRC the following calendar day ensures that regulatory authorities can assess the situation swiftly and provide guidance or oversight as needed to mitigate any consequences of the event on patient care and safety.

While other options mention written reports and different notification windows, they do not align with the urgent requirement for immediate telephone notification. For instance, written reports may be necessary, but they have longer timelines and are typically for follow-up and documentation purposes rather than immediate communication regarding safety concerns. The emphasis on a prompt notification rule underscores the importance placed on rapid responses to any incidents that might endanger patient health in nuclear medicine practice.