The Mississippi Department of Health, Office of Health Protection, Division of Radiological Health handles all portable x-ray rules in the state.
X-ray License in Mississippi
The Mississippi State Department of Health’s Professional Licensure division regulates and licenses x-ray professionals in Mississippi. Licenses must be annually renewed. The office also determines eligible continuing education courses.
Registering an X-ray Device
X-ray machines must be registered with the Mississippi Department of Health upon arrival.
- Application for Registration of Radiation Services
Form 773 - Application for Registration of Healing Arts or Veterinary X-Ray Units
Form 803
Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment
Title 15 - Mississippi Department of Health, Part III – Office of Health Protection, Subpart 78 – Division of Radiological Health covers the rules and laws for portable and mobile x-rays.
- 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.
- Used continuously for greater than one week in the same location, i.e., a room or suite shall be considered as stationary systems under 600.06(2)(f)(i)
- Used for less than one week in the same location shall be provided with either a protective barrier at least 6.5 feet high for operator protection during exposures, or means shall be provided to allow the operator to be at least 12 feet from the tube housing assembly during the exposure.
- All stationary, mobile or portable x-ray systems used for veterinary work shall be provided with either a 6.5 foot high protective barrier for operator protection during exposures, or shall be provided with means to allow the operator to be at least 12 feet (3.7 m) from the tube housing assembly during exposures.
- Source-to-Skin Distance. All mobile or portable radiographic systems shall be provided with means to limit the source-to-skin distance to equal to or greater than 30 centimeters, except for veterinary systems.
- Beam limitations for portable x-ray systems shall meet the beam limitation requirements of 600.06(1)(a) and 600.06(7)(b).
- A tube stand or other mechanical support shall be used for portable x-ray systems so that the x-ray tube housing assembly need not be hand-held during exposures.
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
Mississippi Department of Health
Professional Licensure
PO Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700
(601) 576-7260
Mississippi Radiology License
Professional Licensure-RADTECH
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, Mississippi 39215-1700
(601) 576-7260
