Maven Imaging Digital X-ray Learning Hub

Maryland Portable X-ray Regulations

Written by Chad Hutchison | Dec 12, 2022 12:12:21 PM

The Maryland Department of the Environment handles x-ray forms and guidance for the state of Maryland.

X-ray License in Maryland

The requirements for licensure in the state of Maryland include:

  • Be of good moral character.
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Pay the application fee.
  • Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited radiation therapy or radiography program or a JRCNMT-accredited nuclear medicine technology.
  • Certification/registration by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB).
  • Demonstrate oral and written competency in English as required by the Board.
  • Meet any other requirements established by the Board.

Registering an X-ray Device

Here are instructions for registering a new device in Maryland. Prices range from $80 to $982 per tube. 

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

The Maryland Regulations Final Supplement 24 covers the regulations for portable and mobile x-rays. Some of these rules include:

  • Portable or mobile x-ray equipment shall be used only for examinations where it is impractical to transfer the patient(s) to a stationary x-ray installation
  • X-ray systems subject to Section F.6 shall not be utilized in procedures where the source-to-patient distance is less than 30 centimeters.
  • A hand-held radiation machine is allowed in veterinary offices as a replacement for or in addition to the use of a standard radiographic machine or may be used as a portable veterinary radiation machine in the field at remote locations.
  • A device designed to be hand-held may be permanently installed in an appropriate support frame and used as a free-standing portable x-ray machine.

Additional Requirements Applicable to Systems Specifically Designed to be Hand-Held” starts on page 41.

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

Maryland Radiology License

Radiological Health Program

Maryland Department of the Environment

1800 Washington Blvd.

Baltimore, Maryland 21230

(410) 537-3300

Maryland Board of Physicians 

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 

4201 Patterson Ave.

PO Box 2571 

Baltimore, MD 21215-0095

(410) 764-4777

For additional information on radiation machines, please call/email Eva Nair at 410-537-3193 or Eva.Nair@maryland.gov. For information on fees, call/email Shannon Page at 410-537-3193 or spage@maryland.gov.