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Kentucky Portable X-ray Regulations

Written by Chad Hutchison | Dec 12, 2022 11:33:11 AM

The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) runs the Radiation Health Branch (RHB), which oversees portable x-ray regulations and licensing. 

X-ray License in Kentucky

The Radiation Producing Machines program certifies operators of sources of radiation to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations. Specific categories in which an individual can be qualified are:

  • Shielding design for radiation therapy (T) and diagnostic x-ray (D) facilities
  • Calibration of therapeutic x-ray units
  • General radiation safety surveys and broad health physics services

Certification with the American Board of Radiology will also satisfy the requirements for an operator license. 

Registering an X-ray Device

Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services Radiation Control Regulations requires the owner of a radiation-producing machine to register with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services within 10 days following the acquisition of the registrable item.

Here is the application:

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

Portable x-ray regulations are covered in the Kentucky Administrative Regulations Title 902 (902 KY Admin Regs Service 902 KAR 100:120).

  • Section 1 - Applicability
  • Section 2 - Permanent Structural Shielding
  • Section 3 - Beam Limitation
  • Section 4 - Field Limitation and Alignment

Section 5 - X-ray Control

  • (3) Mobile and portable x-ray systems which are used for 1 week or more in 1 location (room or suite), shall be considered stationary for the purposes of this administrative regulation and these systems shall meet the requirements of subsection (2) of this section.
  • (4) Mobile and portable x-ray systems that are used for greater than 1 hour and less than 1 week in 1 location (room or suite) shall be provided with a protective barrier 1.9 meters in height having a window of lead equivalent glass equal to that required of the barrier and placed at least 1.8 meters from the tube housing assembly and at least 1.8 meters from the patient.
  • (5) Mobile and portable x-ray systems that are used for 1 hour or less in 1 location (room or suite) shall meet the requirement of subsection (3) or (4) of this Section or be provided with a method of x-ray control that permits the operator to be at least 3.6 meters from the tube housing assembly during an exposure.

Section 7 - Source to Skin

Section 9 - Personnel Monitoring

  • Personnel monitoring shall be required for individuals operating portable or mobile x-ray systems.

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

Department of Health Services

Radiation Control Branch 

275 East Main Street 

Frankfort, KY 40621

(502) 564-3700

Kentucky Radiology License

Radiation Operator Program

Cabinet for Families and Children

275 E. Main St.

HS 1C-A

Frankfort, Kentucky 40621

(502) 564-3700