Colorado Portable X-ray Regulations

The Colorado Radiation Program provides oversight, licensing, and inspection of facilities (medical and industrial) that possess, use, and dispose of radioactive materials.

X-ray License in Colorado

Colorado is a non-licensure state. Separate licensure/registration for X-ray techs who are with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) is not required.

Registering an X-ray Device

Any facility using an x-ray machine must register it ($50 fee) and renew the registration annually. Every machine must have a certification evaluation (inspection) completed at a frequency specified here in Section 2.4.5 of Part 2 of the regulations.

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

Consistent with Part 4, Section 4.5.1 of the Colorado regulations code, every facility registrant must have a radiation protection program. In addition to the provisions needed for compliance, the use of ionizing radiation must be within your scope of practice. 

The x-ray equipment must meet the following requirements (except for veterinary and dental use):

• For exams where it is impractical or impossible to move the patient to a stationary x-ray installation
• The medical status of the patient prohibits their transfer to a stationary x-ray installation
• Each facility has a written procedure specific for portable and mobile x-ray systems
• Exposure must be As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) (Part 4, Section 4.5.2.)
• A Radiation Safety Officer must review the implementation of procedures for portable x-ray equipment use annually
• Useful x-ray beam must be limited to the area of clinical interest
• Except for veterinary use, the x-ray tube housing nor the collimating device can be held during an exposure

There is an exception for devices that are specifically designed to be hand-held during operation. 

All x-ray equipment must always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, and auxiliary equipment should be designed to minimize human exposure and dosage.

A documented procedure should be in place for the verification of the patient identity, the exam to be performed (including the appropriate body part). Written safety procedures must also be readily available to each individual x-ray machine operator. 

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.

Additional Resources

• Colorado Radiation Control Program

Colorado Radiology License

Colorado Board of Medical Examiners

1560 Broadway, Suite 1300

Denver, Colorado 80202

(303) 894-7690

Colorado Department of Health & Environment

Radiation Control Program

4300 Cherry Creek Dr. South, B-2

Denver, CO 80246-1530

303-692-3441, Fax 303-759-5355