In New Jersey, The Bureau of X-ray Compliance oversees everything related to portable x-rays in the state.
X-ray License in New Jersey
All radiation therapy and x-ray procedures must be performed by New Jersey licensed physicians or individuals who are licensed by the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners.
The Technologist Education and Licensing Section (formally Technologist Certification Section) within the Bureau of X-Ray Compliance administers New Jersey's education and licensure program in radiologic technology.
Registering an X-ray Device
The Bureau of X-Ray Compliance oversees the registration of portable x-ray equipment in the state of New Jersey. The Machine Source Section within the Bureau of X-Ray Compliance administers New Jersey's registration and inspection on all x-ray equipment within the state.
Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment
N.J. Admin. Code § 7:28-15.3, Section 7:28-15.3 - General requirements for radiographic installations:
- The edge of the light field at 100 centimeters (39.4 inches) or at the maximum S.I.D., whichever is less, shall have a contrast ratio, corrected for ambient lighting, of not less than 3 for beam-limiting devices designed for use on mobile and portable equipment.
- No person shall operate or permit the operation of certified or uncertified mobile or portable radiographic x-ray equipment unless the following requirements are met:
- These requirements are in addition to and not in substitution for the applicable requirements of this subchapter;
- The equipment shall be provided with a collimator and a spacer device to limit the source-to-skin distance to not less than 30 centimeters (12 inches);
- If the equipment was manufactured with a device to measure the S.I.D., the device shall be present to measure the S.I.D., and the device shall indicate the S.I.D. to within two percent;
- The exposure control switch shall be of the dead-man type and shall be so arranged that the operator can stand at least six feet from the patient for all exposures. The exposure control switch when depressed shall not energize the x-ray tube when the timer is in the "off" or "0" position;
- A mobile or portable radiographic unit used routinely in one location shall be considered a permanent installation and shall comply with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:28-15.10; and
- No person shall operate or permit the operation of certified or uncertified mobile or portable equipment unless the person operating the equipment is protected with a lead apron of at least 0.25 mm lead equivalent.
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 Radiologic Health
P.O. Box 415
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 984-5890
New Jersey Radiology License
Radiation Protection Programs
Department of Environmental Protection
P.O. Box 402
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0402
(609) 984-5890
