Radiation Control Regulation Update

Radiation Control Regulation Update

Background

A *state client responsible for overseeing radiation control within its jurisdiction sought to ensure their program remained robust and effective in addressing regulatory responsibilities. They identified a need for a thorough review of their activities and procedures to address growing demands, optimize resource utilization, and enhance operational workflows. Recognizing the complexity and criticality of their mission, they turned to SummitET for specialized support.

*exact states/clients not listed for client privacy.

Mission

The overarching goal was to audit the state’s radiation control program comprehensively, assessing its effectiveness and identifying opportunities for improvement. The mission was to deliver actionable recommendations that would strengthen the program, enhance efficiencies, and ensure alignment with best practices in radiation control responsibilities.

Solution

SummitET assembled a team of subject matter experts (SMEs) to conduct a detailed audit of the state’s radiation control program. This audit spanned the entire scope of the program’s responsibilities, evaluating all activities and procedures. The approach was systematic and thorough, focusing not only on assessing current effectiveness but also on identifying opportunities to optimize resource utilization and streamline workflows.

Based on the audit findings, SummitET provided targeted recommendations designed to enhance program efficiency, improve operational performance, and ensure the program’s continued success in fulfilling its regulatory mission.

Result

SummitET delivered customized solutions tailored to the state client’s specific needs. By addressing critical areas across radiation control program responsibilities, the applied recommendations significantly enhanced the program’s capabilities. The audit and subsequent updates positioned the state to operate more efficiently, ensuring a higher standard of regulatory compliance and resource management.

Conclusion

Partnering with SummitET allowed the state client to address their challenges with confidence. By leveraging expert analysis and tailored recommendations, the state successfully optimized its radiation control program, demonstrating a commitment to operational excellence and public safety. This success story highlights the importance of collaboration and expertise in advancing state regulatory programs to meet evolving demands.

Enhancing Radiation Licensing Operations

Enhancing Radiation Licensing Operations

Background

A *state department of health faced challenges in managing radioactive material licensing operations, ensuring compliance with the Agreement State program, and maintaining efficiency across industrial, medical, and academic license types. Recognizing the complex demands of licensing activities and the importance of regulatory precision, the department sought a solution to streamline operations while meeting all program needs effectively.

*exact states/clients not listed for client privacy.

Mission Need

The department’s priorities included:

  • Comprehensive review of license applications, including new licenses, renewals, and amendments.
  • Accurate completion of license documents across diverse license types.
  • Adherence to stringent regulatory requirements under NRC IMC 1248 guidelines.
  • Enhancing program capabilities without compromising quality or timeliness.

The department required highly qualified subject-matter experts (SMEs) capable of addressing these multifaceted challenges while maintaining compliance and delivering tailored solutions.

Solution

SummitET stepped in to provide targeted support. By offering SMEs qualified under NRC IMC 1248 guidelines, Appendix A, SummitET ensured that personnel met and exceeded regulatory standards. These experts brought:

  • Documented and current qualifications aligned with program needs.
  • Specialized expertise in radioactive material licensing actions across all license types.
  • Flexibility to provide regulatory assistance at any point in the program’s lifecycle.

SummitET’s approach was centered on delivering applied, customized solutions tailored to the unique requirements of the state department, ensuring seamless integration of services into its ongoing operations.

Results

Through its collaboration with SummitET, the state department of health achieved:

  • Streamlined licensing processes, reducing application review times and enhancing document accuracy.
  • Improved regulatory compliance across industrial, medical, and academic license types.
  • Strengthened program capability in radiation control, benefiting state and local agencies.
  • A reliable partnership with SMEs equipped to address critical needs and adapt to evolving demands.

SummitET’s deep knowledge of radiation control program support, licensing operations and regulatory infrastructure proved instrumental in overcoming the complexities of licensing activities. The department not only met its immediate needs but also positioned itself for continued success in managing radiation control responsibilities.

Conclusion

The partnership between the state department of health and SummitET underscores the power of expertise and collaboration in addressing regulatory challenges. By leveraging SummitET’s qualified SMEs and customized solutions, the department ensured operational excellence, sustained compliance, and enhanced efficiency, setting a benchmark for other agencies striving to achieve similar success in radiation control programs.

Enhancing State Radiation Control Program Regulations

Enhancing State Radiation Control Program Regulations

Background

A state* radiation control program faced the challenge of updating its regulatory framework to ensure compatibility with evolving federal standards and improve the efficiency of its operations. The program, which oversees the management of radioactive materials and radiation-producing machines, required expert guidance to revise regulations and navigate the complexities of rule-making processes. The agency also sought support to enhance its capacity for handling radiation control responsibilities across health and human services departments.

*exact states/clients not listed for client privacy.

Mission Need

The mission need: to provide expert advice and tailored solutions for updating the state’s radiation control program regulations. This included:

  • Transitioning to the incorporation by reference of federal codes of regulations (CFR).
  • Improving oversight of radioactive materials and radiation-producing machines.
  • Supporting final preparations for rule-making and compliance reviews.

Solution

Our team of subject matter experts collaborated closely with the state agency to deliver customized solutions. These included:

  • Comprehensive recommendations for revisions and updates to existing regulations.
  • Drafts of proposed regulations, forms, and associated documents required for NRC compatibility review and concurrence.
  • Technical support throughout the rule-making process, including facilitating reviews by the NRC and state agencies.

Leveraging extensive knowledge of radiation control program operations, we provided tools and resources tailored to the unique needs of the agency and its stakeholders.

Results

The updated regulatory framework significantly strengthened the state’s radiation control program, ensuring alignment with federal standards and enhancing operational efficiency. Key outcomes included:

  • Improved management and oversight of radioactive materials and radiation-producing machines.
  • A streamlined rule-making process that met NRC requirements and provided clarity to stakeholders.
  • Enhanced capacity for state and local programs to address all areas of radiation control responsibility effectively.

By delivering applied, customized solutions, the project not only met immediate regulatory needs but also positioned the state agency for long-term success in safeguarding public health and safety.

Conclusion

This success story demonstrates the power of collaboration and specialized expertise in addressing complex regulatory challenges. The tailored solutions provided by our team enabled the state radiation control program and associated health and human services departments to navigate changes with confidence, ensuring compliance and enhancing their capabilities. Ultimately, the project underscored the value of applied knowledge in strengthening public health infrastructure and protecting communities from radiation-related risks.

Bridging the Gap Episode 15: Japan and U.S. Experts Talk Disaster Management

Bridging the Gap Episode 15: Japan and U.S. Experts Talk Disaster Management

SummitET had the honor of hosting a distinguished delegation of disaster management experts from Japan. This visit, ahead of the National Hurricane Conference, provided a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and share experiences in disaster management and preparedness.

Shared Challenges and Lessons Learned

Conversation quickly revealed the many parallels between hurricane preparedness in Florida and Japan, particularly in coastal communities with large elderly populations and challenging evacuations. There is specific interest in understanding planning and response patterns during the recent hurricanes in Florida and the lessons that could be applied to Japan. This team emphasized the importance of storm surge awareness, noting that Japan has not experienced a significant storm surge disaster in over 70 years.

Looking Ahead

The delegation expressed interest in the concept of qualified crisis management officers stationed in welfare facilities and hospitals, a practice they hope to see implemented in Japan. They are committed to bridging the gap between their current practices and the structured approaches observed in the United States.

Conclusion

The visit from the Japanese experts was a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen international collaboration in disaster preparedness. As we continue to face global challenges, it is through these exchanges that we can learn, adapt, and improve our strategies to protect communities.

Meet the Experts Featured in This Podcast

Ichiro Matsuo

Ichiro Matsuo

Visiting Professor with the Center for Integrated Disaster Information Research (CIDIR) at University of Tokyo

Tomoo Inoue

Tomoo Inoue

Professor with the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI) at Kyoto University

Himeno Kazuki

Himeno Kazuki

Senior Researcher with the Coastal Research Institute at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT), Japan

Jiro Kakehashi

Jiro Kakehashi

Deputy Director for the River Planning with Water and Disaster Management at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT), Japan

Joel Challender

Joel Challender

Interpreter/ Researcher with the Crisis and Environment Management Policy Institute (CeMI)

Adam Montella headshot

Adam Montella

Executive VP, SummitET; Former GM of Emergency Mgmt for the Port Authority of NY/NJ; Disaster Management SME

SummitET Bridging the Gap Podcast IAEM Series Kenn Honig

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 13: Emergency Management Insights from Kenn Honig

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Adam Montella is joined by Kenn Honig, a seasoned emergency management consultant with a long career in law enforcement and emergency management at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Join this insightful discussion as they navigate the evolution of emergency management practices, the technological advancements over the decades, and the undeniable importance of personal contacts in the field.

SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast IAEM series Episode 12 DC Metro Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 12: D.C. Metro Area Emergency Management

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, Shannon McCrone, TT&E Program Manager with the U.S. House Sergeant at Arms and Ron Benedict, Readiness, Response and Resiliency Program Manager with DC Department of Health share their experiences, challenges, and ideas for improvement in emergency management in the DC metro area.

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series Podcast Episode 11 Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 11: Preston Wilson and Dam Safety

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, host Ron Crane with SummitET is joined by Preston Wilson, CEO of Resilience Solutions Consulting. Prior to this role, Preston was the training manager for FEMA’s National Dam Safety Program, where he was responsible for developing and delivering training on emergency management and dam safety nationwide.

Bridging the Gap podcast, IAEM Series Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 10: Kansas City Metro Area Emergency Management

In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane sits down with Claire Canaan and Morgan Hunter, emergency managers from the Kansas City metropolitan area. They discuss challenges in the EM field including staffing shortages and communication barriers, and the importance of embracing change and innovation.

Bridging the Gap podcast graphic, IAEM Conference Series

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 9: Kevin Kupietz with Elizabeth City State University

In this IAEM Conference Series podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET host Ron Crane discusses current challenges and opportunities in Emergency Management education with Elizabeth City State University Professor Kevin Kupietz, PhD.

SummitET Bridging the Gap podcast graphic

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 8: Jeremy Urekew and Garner Environmental

In this IAEM Conference Series episode of SummitET’s podcast Bridging the Gap, Jeremy Urekew with Garner Environmental and Ron Crane of SummitET discuss ideas for improving challenges in the Emergency Management field. Jeremy has a background in emergency management, fire service, hazmat response, and counterterrorism work. With 25 years of experience in the public sector, he moved to the private sector by joining Garner Environmental Services, Inc., a disaster and emergency response company headquartered in Houston, TX.

Bridging the Gap preparedness podcast graphic

Bridging the Gap IAEM Series – Episode 7: The DHS Community Lifeline Status System with Hal Grieb

In this special IAEM Conference Series episode of Bridging the Gap, SummitET experts discuss the Community Lifeline Status System Project with Hal Grieb of G&H International Services. This software reporting tool is developed for the DHS to operationalize FEMA’s Community Lifelines construct and provides a data-driven framework to help emergency managers assess and report on critical services during disasters.

Japanese delegation visits SummitET to study hurricane preparedness

Japanese delegation visits SummitET to study hurricane preparedness

Japanese emergency management professors visit SummitET 2025

A Japanese delegation visited SummitET headquarters in St. Petersburg, FL to meet with Emergency Management SME, Adam Montella, and study evacuation procedures for seniors during typhoons. They also reviewed lessons from the 2024 hurricane season, including hurricanes Helene and Milton to use in planning for Japan.

See the ABC Action News coverage in the link below.