Re: HP as a career & qualifications

[rkathren@tricity.WSU.edu (Ron L. Kathren)]

Sandy --

You failed to answer my question, and did not even refer to the engineer.
My response follows.


>Your points are well taken, and I can't argue them to any degree. I 
>will only add that for one to practice medicine, that they MUST hold 
>a medical degree, and secondly, pass the certification 
>requirements in the state in which they wish to practice. The same 
>can be said for attorneys as well.

I know of no state certification requirements for physicians or attorneys
who wish to practice their professions; in most states, including Washington
(mine) and California (yours), a licensed physician can offer practice in
any specialty and can legally perform any procedure.  It is only
professional pressure that limits an individual's practice.  In our state at
least, an attorney BY LAW cannot claim to specialize, and can gain a license
without a law degree if he/she has met specific study requirements.

>Unless there is a specific 
>requirement by a facility, there is no statewide, or national 
>requirement for someone who professes to be a health physicist, 
>that they also have a degree, and, hold a certification.

How about RG 8.8?  A few states have licensure requirements, and ABHP
certification is taken as prima facie  evidence that the individual is
qualified to perform x-ray surveys and shielding designs.

>The issue I 
>was addressing is the notion that an individual not be considered 
>"qualified" if they don't hold a degree or a certification. I just can't 
>accept that.

I agree, but as was pointed out, certification is evidence of knowledge and
accomplishment in the field.



 My point is, there are many factors in 
>considering an individual as qualified. To place the term solely on 
>degrees and certifications, well, just not acceptable.

Agree; the same is true for physicians, lawyers, engineers, and other
professionals.  But degrees and certifications are important evidence of
although they do not assure competency (and ethics).


>
>As far as my first introductory remarks .. they were not meant to 
>be offensive or insulting to anyone. I was solely referring to the 
>comment how others deem an individual to be "unqualified" (can't 
>remember who wrote that) but that was my point. In other words,, 
>the decision makers make the decisions..and if they deem 
>someone unqualified .. so be it..

To protect the public, it is necessary to set a base level standard; that is
why a physician must have a degree from an approved medical school, and
successfully pass the rigorous state board exams.  Should any less care be
given to specification of qualifications for engineers or health physicists,
whose actions and decisions may adversely affect life, health and property?
As an example, I deem chiropractic physicians as unqualified to practice
surgery, or to prescribe drugs.  They simply do not possess the right
degrees and certifications, which is prima facie evidence that they are not
qualified in these areas.  As for spinal manipulation, they are likely well
qualified, assuming they hold the D.C. degree and have passed the state
licensure exam.

Finally, I wonder if you would think differently if you were a P.E.,
licensed M.D. or attorney, or even a CHP or NRRPT.

Ron

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