Arizona Portable X-ray Regulations

Arizona defines the utilization of a portable or mobile x-ray machine (not conducted in a shielded enclosure) as “field radiography.” 

In this same context, “portable” is defined as x-ray equipment that is designed to be carried by hand, but attached to a cord or delayed timer system that enables the operator to be 6 feet or more away from the useful beam. 

The state of Arizona has regulations for x-ray equipment, licensing, and the people who operate the device. 

X-ray License in Arizona

When it comes to practicing, the Arizona Revised Statute that governs radiologic techs states:

Ariz Rev Stat § 32-2811 (A) (2010) 

 “[n]o person may use ionizing radiation on a human being unless the person is a licensed practitioner or the holder of a certificate as provided in this chapter.” 

Ariz Rev Stat § 32-2811 (B) (2010) 

“[a] person holding a certificate may use ionizing radiation on human beings only for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes while operating in each particular case at the direction of a licensed practitioner.”

“The provisions of the technologist’s certificate govern the extent of application of ionizing radiation.” 

Registering an X-ray Device

When you register an x-ray device in the state of Arizona, you must furnish the following data:

• Name and mailing address of the general licensee
• Information about each device (includes manufacturer, model and serial number, radioisotope, and activity
• Title, name, and phone number of the individual responsible and appointed by the general licensee (under subsection (A)(4)(n))
• For a portable device, the address of the primary place of storage
• Certification that the data concerning each device has been verified through a physical inventory and review of label information
• Certification by the responsible individual that they are aware of the requirements of the general license

It should be noted, for a portable device, reporting a change of address is only necessary when changing the device’s primary place of storage. 

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

The Arizona Administrative Code Chapter 1 is designed for the Radiation Regulatory Agency. Here is what will apply to your portable x-ray business:

General Procedures - R12-1-604

The general procedures apply to all types of x-rays in the state of Arizona, and concern:

• Patient and staff positioning
• Protective gear
• Stray radiation
• Prohibited acts like long exposures and lack of protective equipment

A clause that specifically applies to portable x-rays is:

“Individuals, other than the patient to be examined, who cannot be removed from the room during mobile or portable radiography shall be protected from the direct scatter radiation by whole-body protective barriers of 0.25 millimeters lead equivalent or shall be so positioned that the nearest portion of the body is at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) from both the tube head and the nearest edge of the image receptor.” 

Record-keeping

For each portable x-ray machine, you must maintain the following records:

1. Survey, maintenance, calibration, and modification records regarding the x-ray machine, which include the name of the person who performed the service.
2. Correspondence with the agency regarding the x-ray machine facility

X-ray Machine Standards - R12-1-605

• Prevent leakage radiation from the diagnostic source assembly measured at a distance of 1 m.
• Prevent radiation emitted by a component other than the diagnostic source assembly from exceeding 516 nC/kg
• Beam quality
• Multiple tubes
• Mechanical support of the tube head
• Exposure reproducibility
• Accuracy deviation

Disclaimer: The information in this document is solely for reference material. Regulations change often. To be sure of the most up-to-date laws, contact your local and state agencies.

See below for more details on the Arizona Administrative Code and regulations that could apply to your business. 

Additional Resources

• Bureau of Radiation Control
• The Arizona Administrative Code - Chapter 1 - Radiation Regulatory Agency

Arizona Radiology License

4814 S. 40th St.

Phoenix, Arizona 85040

(602) 255-4845

Arizona Radiation Regulatory Agency

Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners

4814 South 40th St.

Phoenix, AZ 85040

(602) 255-4845