Maven Imaging Digital X-ray Learning Hub

Michigan Portable X-ray Regulations

Written by Chad Hutchison | Dec 12, 2022 1:08:38 PM

The Michigan Board of Labor and Economic Opportunity oversees radiation safety in the state of Michigan. 

X-ray License in Michigan

There is no required radiology license for the state of Michigan. 

Registering an X-ray Device

The Radiation Safety Section (RSS) of Michigan regulates radiation machines by registering and inspecting facilities utilizing them. Use the RSS portal, open 24/7, for the following:

  • Apply, renew or amend x-ray facility and/or machine registration
  • Print a facility certificate
  • Access radiation shielding plan review
  • And more!

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

The Michigan Radiation Safety Statute, Part 135 of the Public Health Code, states the following related to portable and mobile x-ray machines:

R 333.5018 Inspections

Rule 18. (1) Under the authority of MCL 333.13517(1), the department may enter at all reasonable times upon private or public property to conduct compliance investigations.

R 333.5396 of the Michigan Administrative Code has also been amended for hand-held x-ray machines (specifically dental). It includes rules for:

  • A handheld dental X-ray system that meets the requirements described in this section may be used for routine dental radiography in a dental office or a situation in which it is impractical to transfer a patient to a radiation machine that is stationary.
  • The x-ray tube housing for tubes designed to be hand-held must be constructed so that the leakage radiation measured in air at a distance of 5 centimeters from a point on the external surface does not exceed 0.02 mGy (2 milliroentgens) in 1 hour.
  • A person shall not use a handheld dental X-ray system to perform dental radiography unless the machine is registered with the department under department rules.
  • The system has been approved for human use by the United States Food and Drug Administration and is used in a manner consistent with that approval.
  • The system has a backscatter shield that meets specific requirements.
  • The system is calibrated by its manufacturer before its first use and is recalibrated at least every 24 months after the date of the last calibration.
  • When not in use, the system is stored in a manner that restricts access to the system, such as by storing the system in a locked area of the facility.

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

Bureau of Health Professions 

P.O. Box 30670

Lansing, MI 48909-8170

(517) 241-1989

Michigan Radiology License

Radiation Safety Section

Michigan Department of Community Health

P.O. Box 30664

Lansing, Michigan 48909

(517) 241-1989