Who is primarily responsible for oversight in a radiology department's radiation safety program?

• A. Department Administrator
• B. Chief Technologist
• C. Radiation Safety Officer
• D. Medical Physicist

Answer: (C)

The person responsible for overseeing a radiology department’s radiation safety program is the Radiation Safety Officer. This role is the designated authority for implementing and maintaining all aspects of safety related to ionizing radiation. They ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, coordinate the Radiation Safety Committee, and oversee policies and procedures that govern exposure monitoring, training, shielding requirements, area postings, and equipment performance. The RSO also reviews audits and dose reports, maintains records, and has the authority to halt any procedure or practice that isn’t compliant or safe, initiating corrective actions as needed. While others like the Department Administrator or Chief Technologist manage operations and staffing, and a Medical Physicist provides technical support (shielding calculations, dosimetry, calibration), they do not carry the formal overarching responsibility for the program’s safety and regulatory compliance.