Nevada Portable X-ray Regulations

The Department of Health and Human Services Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) handles all portable x-ray licensing and equipment for the state of Nevada.

X-ray License in Nevada

The Radiation Control Program has an online Centralized Licensing, Inspections, and Certification System (CLICS). 

Registering an X-ray Device

Just as above, registering all portable x-rays in Nevada is done through the CLICS system.

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

In addition to the requirements of NAC 459.400 to 459.624, inclusive, registrants of portable equipment which is hand-held and facilities which house such equipment must meet the following requirements:

1. A registrant shall establish a safe operating policy, and all operators shall sign a form acknowledging that they understand the policy. The policy must, at a minimum:

(a) Require proper operation of the unit, consistent with the manufacturer’s manual

(b) Ensure that the device is not used in an uncontrolled area, such as a waiting room 

(c) Require that the device is held without motion throughout radiography using a suitable stand or other method to immobilize portable equipment during the radiography

(d) Require that any optional, removable secondary radiation block or protection features be installed and used during radiography, if the unit was designed with those features

(e) Ensure that there are no ancillary persons within a radius of at least 2 meters from the tube head when using the portable equipment which is hand-held

(f) Require an operator to comply with the provisions of NAC 459.554 and 459.556, when applicable.

2. Each operator of portable equipment which is hand-held must be specifically trained to operate the equipment. Training on the use of the device must be documented and include:

(a) Proper positioning of the device to ensure an adequate protection position

(b) Limitations of the use of position indicating devices that require longer distances to the face of the patient

(c) Diagrams of the protected position and location in relationship to the device

(d) Diagrams of the effect of improper distance of removal of the shielding device

(e) Diagrams of common examples of improper positioning of the device or location of the operator.

3. A written security policy must be established to prevent unauthorized use of the portable equipment which is hand-held.
4. Portable equipment which is hand-held:

(a) Must be kept in a secured location when not in use

(b) Must only be used for its designed purpose, as specified by the manufacturer

(c) Must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations

(d) May only be used at the location where it is registered.

5. When operating portable equipment which is hand-held, an operator shall wear:

(a) A lead apron and thyroid collar; and

(b) Whole body and extremity dose monitoring devices.

6. All portable equipment which is hand-held must comply with the performance standards of 21 C.F.R. §§ 1020.30 to 1020.40, inclusive, which were in effect at the time the unit was manufactured.
7. Upon prior approval of the Division, source-to-image distance and exposure switch locations may be adjusted to accommodate the use of portable equipment which is hand-held.

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 Control Program
• Radiation Producing Machines (RPM) FAQs

State of Nevada - Occupational and Professional Licensing 

(77) 687-5394

Nevada Radiology License 

Bureau of Health Protection Services

Nevada State Health Division

1179 Fairview Drive

Carson City, Nevada 89701

(775) 687-5394