Okla. Admin. Code § 310:281-11-4

Current through Vol. 42, No. 6, December 2, 2024

Section 310:281-11-4 - Diagnostic operational requirements for practitioners

(a)Technique chart. A chart or manual shall be provided in the vicinity of the control panel of each non-APR diagnostic x-ray system, CR portable, or DR portable system which specifies, for all diagnostic examinations usually performed with that diagnostic x-ray system, the following information:

(1) technique factors to be utilized versus patient's anatomical size (except for diagnostic x-ray systems which have only automatic exposure controls);

(2) type of the film or film-screen combination to be used, if any;

(3) type of the grid to be used, if any; and

(4) source-to-image receptor distance to be used.

(b)Safety procedures. Written operating and safety procedures shall be made available to each individual who operates diagnostic x-ray systems. These procedures shall include restrictions required for the safe operation of each diagnostic x-ray system.

(c)Radiation dose limitation and personnel monitoring. Except as otherwise exempted, all individuals who are associated with the operation of a diagnostic x-ray system are subject to the radiation dose requirements of 310:281-9-2, 310:281-9-3, 310:281- 9-5 regarding dose limits to individuals, 310:281-9-40 and the personnel monitoring requirements of 310:281-9-12.

(d)Protective clothing and devices. Such protective clothing and devices shall be utilized when required, as in 310:281-11-6(c) - (e), 310:281-11-7(c), and 310:281-11-11(d).

(1) When protective clothing or devices are worn on portions of the body (such as trunk apron) and personnel monitoring is required, the whole body badge shall be worn in accordance with 310:281-9-12(d). The dose measured by this device shall be recorded as the whole body dose on the personnel radiation exposure records, as required by 310:281-9-29.

(2) Protective equipment including aprons, gloves, and shields shall be checked annually for defects, such as holes, cracks, and tears to assure reliability and integrity. A record of this test shall be made and maintained for inspection by the Department. If such defect is found, equipment shall be replaced or removed from service until repaired.

(e)Information and records. The permittee shall maintain the following information for each diagnostic x-ray system for inspection by the Department:

(1) records of receipt, transfer, and disposal;

(2) a copy of all correspondence to and from the Department regarding each diagnostic x-ray system; and

(3) records of surveys, calibrations, spot checks, maintenance, and modifications performed on the diagnostic x- ray system. The signature of the individual performing the service and the date it was performed shall be on the record.

(f)Operator training. Individuals who operate diagnostic x-ray systems shall be instructed in and be able to demonstrate competence with the permittee's operating and safety procedures.

(g)Healing arts screening. Any person proposing to conduct a healing arts screening program for humans shall not initiate such a program without prior approval of the Department. When requesting such approval, that person shall submit the information outlined in 310:281-11-21. If any information submitted to the Department becomes invalid or outdated, the Department shall be notified within 15 days.

(h)Processor control.

(1) In conjunction with all human diagnostic x-ray systems, all processors shall be maintained on a predetermined schedule for quality assurance.

(A) A log shall be kept that states the following:

(i) type of test;

(ii) acceptability limits for that particular test;

(iii) results of the test;

(iv) the date the test was performed;

(v) initials of technician or testing individual;

(vi) if needed, corrective action taken.

(B) Tests shall include, but not be limited to, fog test, chemical replacement, and darkroom light leak.

(C) All processing shall be by the time/temperature method. The predetermined method shall be documented and state the manufacturer, development time, and type of all chemicals used in the film processing method (including hand processing methods).

(D) Deviations from the recommended use (as detailed by the manufacturer) or changes in the method or manufacturer shall be documented (date, initials of technician) in the processor log.

(E) Lighting in the film processing/loading area shall be with the filter, bulb wattage, and distances recommended by the film manufacturer for that film emulsion. When 2 or more types of film are used, the more sensitive type will be accommodated.

(2) For dental and veterinary diagnostic x-ray systems, the film manufacturer's recommendations, including maintenance of the equipment and maintenance of the developing solutions of a constant temperature, shall be used for processing film.

(i)Diagnostic x-ray system requirements. Each permittee is responsible for satisfying the following diagnostic x-ray equipment requirements:

(1)Warning label. The control panel containing the main power switch shall bear the radiation symbol and a statement, legible and plainly visible to view, containing the following or similar wording: " WARNING" or " Caution": "This machine produces radiation when energized."

(2)Mechanical support of tube head. The tube housing assembly shall be adjusted such that it will remain stable during an exposure. If tube housing movement is a designed function of the diagnostic x-ray system the tube housing assembly shall be adjusted such that it will remain stable except during such a designed function.

(A) The tube housing assembly supports shall not be hand-held.

(B) Veterinary portable units designed to be hand-held are exempted if they provide a diagnostic-type tube housing.

(j)Film and image retention. Human radiographic images shall be retained for a minimum of five years with the exception of mammographic images. In accordance with 310:281-11-9 mammographic images are to be maintained for ten years.

Okla. Admin. Code § 310:281-11-4

Added at 8 Ok Reg 3503, eff 8-15-91 (emergency); Added at 9 Ok Reg 1643, eff 5-29-92; Amended at 10 Ok Reg 73, eff 10-5-92 (emergency); Amended at 10 Ok Reg 1695, eff 6-1-93; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 1037, eff 5-13-04

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 38, Issue 24, September 1, 2021, eff. 9/11/2021