Re: Re[2]: Open health physics position at NYSDEC -Reply

[dsimpson@unlnotes01.unl.edu]

I agree with Charlie Willis that in many States the "State pay scale is
sad" and that this could lead to "regulators without qualifications" but I
don't agree that the NRC is trying to fill the pipeline with HPs.  For many
years, the NRC sponsored  extensive training for agreement State personnel
at no costs to the States.  This training was viewed by many States as a
"carrot" to encourage them to become agreement States and assume some of
the regulatory responsibilities from the NRC.  This training provided an
intense overview of health physics and related topics and was often used as
an enticement by the States when they hired new personnel.  Many
individuals have been hired by States with little experience in Health
Physics, been trained in these courses and received OJT at the States and
then moved on to other more senior HP positions, both within States
agencies and outside them.  However about two years ago, the NRC stopped
paying for the States to attend these courses, insisting that the States
pay for the training themselves.  While some States have found the funding
to continue training their staffs, many have not, and I am afraid that the
quality of State personnel may indeed suffer as a consequnce.

Dave Simpson, Ph.D. CHP
Radiation Safety Officer
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
dsimpson1@unl.edu


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