Section 216-RICR-40-20-4.13 - Requirements for Use of Hand-Held Intraoral Dental Radiographic UnitA. In addition to the standards in this Part, the following requirements are specifically applicable to intraoral dental radiographic units designed to be operated as a hand-held device: 1. For All Uses: a. The facility shall maintain documentation that each operator of hand-held X-ray equipment has completed training as specified by the manufacturer and approved by the Agency.b. The use of a protective apron when operating a hand-held intraoral dental radiographic unit shall be in accordance with manufacturer' s specifications unless otherwise authorized by the Agency or recommended by a health physicist or Qualified Medical Physicist.c. A hand-held intraoral dental radiographic unit shall be held with minimal motion during a patient examination. If the operator has difficulty in holding the device stationary during the exposure, the operator shall use a stand to immobilize the device.d. A hand-held X-ray system shall be equipped with a backscatter shield of not less than one quarter of one millimeter (0.25 mm) lead equivalent and fifteen and two tenths centimeters (15.2 cm) (six inches (6")) in diameter that is positioned as close as practicable to the distal end of the position indication device.e. The operator shall ensure there are no bystanders within a radius of six feet (6') from the patient being examined with a hand-held intraoral radiographic unit.f. Hand-held intraoral dental radiographic units shall not routinely be used for patient examinations in hallways and waiting rooms.g. The registrant shall comply with any facility-specific requirements established by the Agency.h. The facility shall adopt and follow protocols provided by the manufacturer, and approved by the agency, regarding the safe operation of the device.i. The registrant shall secure the hand-held device from unauthorized removal or use.2. Additional Requirements for Operatories in Permanent Facilities:a. When hand-held intraoral dental radiographic units are used for patient examinations in dental operatories, that facility shall meet the structural shielding requirements specified by the Agency or by a health physicist or Qualified Medical Physicist.216 R.I. Code R. 216-RICR-40-20-4.13
Adopted effective 1/1/2019
Amended effective 5/25/2022
Amended effective 11/28/2023