IRMER
Pronunciation: EYE-mer
Also written as: IRMER — Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations
Abbreviation for the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations, the UK legal framework governing the justification and optimisation of medical radiation exposures including dental radiography.
Full Definition
IRMER (Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations) is a statutory instrument that sets out the legal duties of those involved in medical exposures to ionising radiation in the United Kingdom. In dental radiology, IRMER defines the roles of the employer, referrer, practitioner, and operator, and mandates that all exposures are individually justified and optimised. The current version is IRMER 2017, which updated and replaced earlier iterations. Editors working on UK clinical guidelines, consent forms, or governance documents must ensure the correct year is cited and that role titles (referrer, practitioner, operator) are used precisely as defined in the Regulations.
Usage
Usage note: IRMER governs medical exposures; IRR governs occupational and public exposures — these must not be conflated. Always specify the year (IRMER 2017) in regulatory documents.
In Context
- "Under IRMER 2017, the practitioner is responsible for justifying each radiographic exposure before it is taken." — Dental radiology governance document
- "The practice's written procedures must comply with IRMER and be reviewed following any change in equipment or clinical protocols." — CQC inspection report