Statutory Instrument 478 of 2002, (Medical Ionising Radiation Protection) is concerned with the protection of the patient undergoing medical examination or treatment. Article 13.1 of the Instrument, relating to ‘Specialists’, states:

“The practical aspects for any medical radiological procedure or part thereof may be delegated by the practitioner to one or more individuals entitled to act in this respect in a recognised field of medical specialisation provided that individual has successfully completed such a course or courses in radiation safety as the Medical or Dental Councils may specify.”

This includes doctors who are physically or clinically directing an exposure.