Johns Hopkins to pay $370K for improper use of radiological equipment

Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital have agreed to pay the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) a $370,000 penalty to resolve the MDE's civil claims for alleged violations of Maryland laws and regulations governing the use of radioactive materials and radiation machines.

MDE alleged a total of 19 violations, including that Johns Hopkins did not secure sources of radiation against unauthorized removal or access; allowed workers to use radiation machines without wearing individual monitoring devices that record exposure to radiation; failed to use and maintain certain radioactive materials and related equipment in accordance with requirements that ensure the safety of its workers and the public; and administered radiation treatment to a patient in an area of the body not intended for such treatment.

Alleged violations occurred at university research facilities and at the hospital, according to the department.

Johns Hopkins does not admit liability for the alleged violations. However, the settlement agreement also requires Johns Hopkins Hospital to allow MDE to attend its next four radiation safety committee meetings after the execution of the agreement.