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Oregon Portable X-ray Regulations

Written by Chad Hutchison | Dec 15, 2022 2:47:47 PM

The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Board of Medical Imaging are in charge of the registration, regulations, and licensing in the state of Oregon.

X-ray License in Oregon

The Oregon Board of Medical Imaging

Registering an X-ray Device

The Oregon Health Authority, Radiation Protection Services is responsible for registering portable x-rays. It has the overall responsibility for registering electronic radiation-producing devices and vendor licensing throughout the state of Oregon.

Regulations for Portable X-ray Equipment

Public Health Division - Chapter 333, Division 106, X-Rays In The Healing Arts

  • Portable or 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 due to the medical status of the patient or the inability of the patient to be left alone during the imaging procedure except as permitted under section (5) of this rule.
  • Mobile and portable X-ray systems shall meet the requirements of a stationary system when used for greater than seven consecutive days in the same location.
  • Used for greater than one week in the same location, i.e., a room or suite, shall meet the requirements of paragraph (2)(b)(A) of this rule.
  • Used for greater than one hour and less than one week at the same location, i.e., a room or suite, shall meet the requirement of subparagraph (2)(b)(C)(i) of this rule or be provided with a 6.5 feet (1.98 m) high protective barrier which is placed at least 6 feet (1.83 m) from the tube housing assembly and at least 6 feet (1.83 m) from the patient.
  • Used to make an exposure(s) of a patient at the use location shall meet the requirement of subparagraph (2)(b)(C)(i) or (ii) of this rule or be provided with a method of X-ray control which permits the operator to be at least 12 feet (3.66 m) from the tube housing assembly during an exposure.
  • All mobile or portable radiographic systems shall be provided with means to limit the source-to-skin distance to equal to or greater than 30 cm. This is considered to have been met when the collimator or cone provides the required limits.
  • Used for greater than one week in the same location, such as a room or suite, shall meet the requirements of subsections (4)(a) and (4)(b) of this rule.
  • Either a protective barrier of at least 6.5 feet (2 meters) high for operator protection; or
  • A means to allow the operator to be at least nine feet (2.7 meters) from the tube housing assembly while making exposures.
  • Mobile or portable C.T. scanners used routinely in one location shall be considered a fixed installation and shall comply with the requirements of sections (1) through (5) of this rule.

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

Board of Radiologic Technology

State Office Bldg., Suite 1160A

800 N.E. Oregon St.

Portland, OR 97232

(503)-731-4088

Oregon Radiology License

Oregon Board of Radiologic Technology

800 N.E. Oregon St., Suite 407

Portland, Oregon 97232

(503) 731-4088