The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) runs the Radiation Health Branch (RHB), which oversees portable x-ray regulations and licensing.
X-ray License in Kentucky
The Radiation Producing Machines program certifies operators of sources of radiation to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations. Specific categories in which an individual can be qualified are:
- Shielding design for radiation therapy (T) and diagnostic x-ray (D) facilities
- Calibration of therapeutic x-ray units
- General radiation safety surveys and broad health physics services
Certification with the American Board of Radiology will also satisfy the requirements for an operator license.
Registering an X-ray Device
Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services Radiation Control Regulations requires the owner of a radiation-producing machine to register with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services within 10 days following the acquisition of the registrable item.
Here is the application:
Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment
Portable x-ray regulations are covered in the Kentucky Administrative Regulations Title 902 (902 KY Admin Regs Service 902 KAR 100:120).
- Section 1 - Applicability
- Section 2 - Permanent Structural Shielding
- Section 3 - Beam Limitation
- Section 4 - Field Limitation and Alignment
Section 5 - X-ray Control
- (3) Mobile and portable x-ray systems which are used for 1 week or more in 1 location (room or suite), shall be considered stationary for the purposes of this administrative regulation and these systems shall meet the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.
- (4) Mobile and portable x-ray systems that are used for greater than 1 hour and less than 1 week in 1 location (room or suite) shall be provided with a protective barrier 1.9 meters in height having a window of lead equivalent glass equal to that required of the barrier and placed at least 1.8 meters from the tube housing assembly and at least 1.8 meters from the patient.
- (5) Mobile and portable x-ray systems that are used for 1 hour or less in 1 location (room or suite) shall meet the requirement of subsection (3) or (4) of this Section or be provided with a method of x-ray control that permits the operator to be at least 3.6 meters from the tube housing assembly during an exposure.
Section 7 - Source to Skin
- (1) All mobile or portable radiographic x-ray systems shall be provided with a durable, securely-fastened means to limit the source-to-skin distance to not less than 30 centimeters.
Section 9 - Personnel Monitoring
- Personnel monitoring shall be required for individuals operating portable or mobile x-ray systems.
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
- Radiation Producing Machine Program
- Dental X-Ray - Registration application information packet
- Medical X-Ray - Registration application information packet
Department of Health Services
Radiation Control Branch
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-3700
Kentucky Radiology License
Radiation Operator Program
Cabinet for Families and Children
275 E. Main St.
HS 1C-A
Frankfort, Kentucky 40621
(502) 564-3700
