Iowa Portable X-ray Regulations

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) runs the Bureau of Radiological Health programs that oversee portable x-ray machines in the state. Program activities include:

Program activities include:

• Licensing of facilities using radioactive materials
• Registration of facilities using radiation-producing machines
• Inspections of facilities using radioactive materials
• Credentialing of persons using radioactive material or operating radiation-emitting machines

X-ray License in Iowa

Iowa Administrative Code 641-42.2(136C) lays out all the rules and regulations for acquiring an x-ray permit in Iowa.

Registering an X-ray Device

The Medical Use X-Ray Equipment program regulates the possession and use of radiation-emitting equipment used for medical purposes. 

The general requirements of the program are:

• Register all facilities with portable x-ray equipment annually.
• Set operating standards and ensure that all equipment meets them.
• Set standards for healing arts screening.
• Set and ensure that all operators of radiation-emitting equipment follow safety procedures.
• Protect the radiological health and safety of all Iowans.

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

"X-ray equipment" means an X-ray system, subsystem, or component thereof. Types of X-ray equipment are as follows:

• Mobile X-ray equipment means anything mounted on a permanent base with wheels or casters for moving while assembled.
• Portable X-ray equipment means equipment designed to be hand-carried ( but can be used with a tripod or other stabilization mechanism, so the operator is not holding the equipment during exposure).

Iowa Admin. Code r. 641-41.1 - X-rays in the healing arts

.3-4-(9) Portable or mobile X-ray equipment shall be used only for examinations, excluding intraoral dental imaging, where it is impractical to transfer the patient(s) to a stationary X-ray installation. Handheld mobile X-ray equipment may be used for routine intraoral dental imaging in place of stationary equipment. Handheld X-ray equipment shall be used only for intraoral dental radiography.

.6-5 Beam limiting and alignment regulations

.6-b-(2) X-ray control - used for greater than 1 week or used for greater than an hour and less than 1 week regulations.

.6-c - Source to skin

Other regulations:

• Beam limitations
• Tube stands
• Protective barriers

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

• Iowa Bureau of Radiological Health
• Radiation Machines FAQ

Iowa Department of Public Health

Bureau of Radiological Health

Lucas State Office Bldg., 5th floor

321 East 12th Street 

Des Moines, IA 50319-0075

(515) 725-0306

Iowa Radiology License

Department of Public Health

401 S.W. 7th

Des Moines, Iowa 50309

(515) 281-3478