Louisiana Portable X-ray Regulations

Dec 12, 2022 4:01:51 AM / by Chad Hutchison

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) oversees licensing for portable x-rays in the state of Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality handles the registration of machines.

X-ray License in Louisiana

To qualify for a radiology license in Louisiana, you must currently be certified and in good standing with the ARRT or NMTCB. Here is the application for License by Endorsement.

If you've recently graduated and need to take the certification exam, fill out the application for License by Examination

Registering an X-ray Device

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality oversees the registration and inspection programs for your portable device. Here is where you can download the registration forms.

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

Portable x-rays must follow the Louisiana Regulations: LAC 33:XV, Radiation Protection, as well as federal law. Regulations include:

  • For portable devices, list the address of the primary place of storage.
  • Portable and mobile X-ray equipment shall be used only for examinations where it is impractical to transfer the patient(s) to a stationary X-ray installation.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • All mobile or portable radiographic systems shall be provided with means to limit the source-to-skin distance to be equal to or greater than 30 centimeters.
  • Beam limitation for portable X-ray systems shall meet the beam limitation requirements of LAC 33:XV.606.A.1 and 606.H.2.

For a full list of regulations, see the entire Louisiana Radiation Regulations

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

Louisiana State Radiologic Technology

Board of Examiners 

3108 Cleary Ave. Suite 207

Metairie, LA 70002

(504) 838-5231

Louisiana Radiology License

Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners

3108 Cleary, Suite 207

Metairie, Louisiana 70002

(504) 838-5231

Tags: Portable X-ray Regulations

Chad Hutchison

Written by Chad Hutchison

Founder and CEO of Maven Imaging, Chad Hutchison has been in the medical imaging equipment market since 2003. As his business grew, he pioneered buying and selling medical equipment online and eventually began offering leasing and financing to meet market demands and help customers. His market expertise goes beyond traditional medical imaging and finance support, as he’s spearheading cloud-based lending solutions for vendors across the sector.