New York Portable X-ray Regulations

The Department of Health is responsible for all portable x-ray-related licensing, regulation, and registration in the state of New York.

X-ray License in New York

The New York State Department of Health is responsible for certifying techs in the state. Here are some frequently asked questions.

Registering an X-ray Device

The NYSDH is also responsible for x-ray equipment registration in the state. 

The cost of registering x-ray equipment is $50/year plus an amount from the following table based on the number of modalities in operation at the installation site:

• Part 16 Fee Schedule

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations, Title: Section 16.57 - Portable, bedside, or mobile X-ray equipment, excluding dental, veterinary, and podiatric equipment. Regulations include:

• The protective tube housing shall be of diagnostic type.
• Collimating devices capable of restricting the useful beam to the area of clinical interest shall be used.
• The X-ray films used as the recording medium during the X-ray examination shall show substantial evidence of cut-off (beam delineation).
• A device shall be provided which terminates the exposure after a preset time interval or exposure.
• All mobile, portable or beside equipment shall be provided with cones or metal frames so that the minimum source to skin distance is at least 12 inches.
• The exposure switch shall be of the dead-man type.
• If a mobile unit is used routinely in one location it shall be considered a fixed installation, and shall meet the requirements of section 16.56.
• No person shall be regularly employed to hold patients or films during exposures nor shall such duty be performed by any individual occupationally exposed to radiation during the course of his/her other duties.
• Gonadal shielding of not less than 0.5 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

• Radiologic Technology

NYS Department of Health

Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection

547 River St. Room 530

Troy, NY 12180-2216

(51) 402-7580

New York Radiology License

Bureau of Environmental Radiation Protection

New York State Department of Health

547 River St.

Flanigan Square, Room 530

Troy, New York 12180-2216

(800) 458-1158 ext. 27580