RE: Release of Patients Receiving Therapeutic Doses of Radionuclides

["Spell, Bill" <bills@deq.state.la.us>]

I believe we'd have the same response if the question were asked.  We could 
possibly invoke some police powers if it were to potentially result in 
serious harm to the health and/or environment, but a good lawyer could 
probably get that set aside.  Interesting question.

Bill Spell
bills@deq.state.la.us

 ----------
From: radsafe
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Release of Patients Receiving Therapeutic Doses of Radionuclides
Date: Thursday, August 15, 1996 10:37AM

Recently, the question arose at our facility as to what legal recourse we
have in preventing a patient from voluntarily leaving the hospital before
meeting release criteria. A query to our NY State Health Department
representative brought the response that we cannot prevent a patient from
leaving if they insist. This would also apply to patients receiving
permanent sealed source implants. Your comments/suggestions/advice would be
most appreciated.

Charles C.Chamberlain,Ph.D.
RSO, SUNY Health Science Center
Syracuse, NY