Radiation Effects Advisory Board

Question 1

Purpose of the REAB

Answer 1

Establish to render determinations relative to the effects of radiation, Authority established by Surgeon General of the Navy.

Question 2

REAB Board consists of

Answer 2

Head, Undersea Medicine and Radiation Health Division (Chairperson)

Head, Radiation Health Branch (Executive Secretary)

Head, Nonionizing Radiation

Deputy Head, Undersea Medicine

Question 3

Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

Role

Answer 3

Evaluation of the relationship between alleged or actual radiation exposure and individuals’ disease

Determination of physical qualification standards for occupational radiation exposure

Determining if an individual meets the standards for exposure to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation

Determining potential biomedical effects, dosimetry, and methods of treatment of radiation injury.

Question 4

Reporting Requirements to the Radiation Effects Advisory Board

Answer 4

1. Findings of cancer
2. History of ionizing radiation exposure in excess of that allowed
3. History of ongoing cancer therapy
4. Intake of 50% of an ALI or radioactive material not intentionally administered for medical diagnosis or treatment
5. Medical condition or examination that the responsible physician, commander, CO, OIC, recommends for BUMED.
6. Situation Radiation Exam
7. Claims by service member that physical condition was caused by ionizing radiation exposure
8. Findings NPQ on and RME

Question 5

Required Items to be submitted to the REAB

Answer 5

1. Summary letter from referring physician
2. Individuals most recent RME. (Non-rad workers may not be required)
3. Supporting medical documentation directly related to the medical condition. (Path reports, Special Studies, Consult reports)
4. Submit REAB package through WEBWAVE

Question 6

Summary Letter from the referring physician to the REAB that includes

Answer 6

1. Reason for submittal, current or disqualifying diagnosis
2. Total lifetime exposure
3. Summary of the individual’s duties
4. Disqualifying condition
5. Outline of the key elements of the medical findings
6. Recommendation finding PQ or NPQ.

Question 7

Review and Signature Requirement for an RME documented NPQ

Answer 7

NPQ condition found:

1. All blocks of RME can be completed, except 20b and block 23. Block 20b is the determination of REAB.
2. RME is now on hold, until REAB makes a determination and sends response letter to reviewing physician.
3. People with disqualifying condition must not receive dosimetry.

Question 8

Filing requirements for REAB packages and the REAB letter from BUMED

Answer 8

In Medical record:

1. RME: Top sec 3
2. Labs and Path reports: sec 4
3. Specialist consultation and notes: Sec 2
4. REAB letter on top of the RME
5. Enter conclusion of REAB letter in block 20b
6. Annotate PQ or NPQ
7. Reviewing physician will sign block 23

Question 9

Submitting a previous NPQ case for re-evaluation

Answer 9

1. Current RME performed subsequent to individual finishing treatment
2. Supporting medical documents, must include conclusions by the treating physician. No residual cancer
3. Procedures and path reports that support conclusion
4. Plan to ensure worker remains cancer -free
5. Submitting facility should address how patient will be tracked

Question 10

Submitting a previous NPQ case for re-evaluation found PQ by REAB 5

Answer 10

Future RME’s marked “Yes” for matters relating to history of cancer or disqualifying factor need not to initiate another REAB submission.

Finding of PQ can be accompanied by an adequate entry in BLOCK 14 that discusses PQ REAB findings