MPE transition scheme

A TRANSITION scheme for Medical Physics Experts has opened and is being administered by the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

In 2017 a list was created by RPA2000 of all those individuals entitled by their employer to act as a Medical Physics Expert (MPE) under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 (IR(ME)R 2000). The sole criterion for inclusion onto this list was a letter of confirmation of the individual’s entitlement from their employer.  

Since the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R) (2017) regulations came into force  in January 2018,  individuals  wishing  to  be  listed  for  the  first  time  have undergone an assessment and been issued with a certificate of entitlement by RPA2000.

Due to the large number of MPEs listed prior to 2018, a similar assessment process to that used for  new applicants  under IR(ME)R (2017)  was  not  practicable;  however,  some assurance of  competence  was required  in  order  to  issue  certificates  of entitlement  to  act  as  an  MPE  under  IR(ME)R (2017). 

The relevant professional bodies (IPEM, the Society for Radiological Protection and the Association of University Radiation Protection Officers), in conjunction with RPA2000 and the competent authorities across the UK, have created a transition scheme and applications are now invited. IPEM are administering this transition scheme.

There is a small charge to cover the administration costs, and for applicants who are members of IPEM, SRP or AURPO the fee is £30; for applicants who are not members of any of these organisations the fee is £60. The fee will be requested when the application is processed.

The transition scheme will remain open until 31 August 2021. Applications received after this date will not be processed and these individuals will no longer be entitled to act as a Medical Physics Expert.