New Jersey Portable X-ray Regulations

Dec 15, 2022 6:36:06 AM / by Chad Hutchison

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

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.