1. (a) Training and competency. The registrant shall ensure that:

   1. (1) An individual who operates X-ray equipment during diagnostic or interventional procedures or supervises the operation of X-ray equipment during a procedure is trained and competent in all of the following subject areas, as applicable to the procedures performed and the specific equipment utilized:

      1. (i) Basic properties of radiation.
      2. (ii) Units of measurement.
      3. (iii) Sources of radiation exposure.
      4. (iv) Methods of radiation protection for patients and others.
      5. (v) Biological effects of radiation exposure.
      6. (vi) Facility-specific and modality-specific X-ray equipment.
      7. (vii) Facility-specific and modality-specific image recording and processing.
      8. (viii) Patient exposure and positioning.
      9. (ix) Facility-specific and modality-specific procedures.
      10. (x) Facility-specific and modality-specific quality assurance.
      11. (xi) Facility-specific and modality-specific dose reduction, monitoring and recording procedures.
      12. (xii) Units of measurement and dose, such as dose-area product values, CT dose index and air kerma.
      13. (xiii) Factors affecting fluoroscopic outputs.
      14. (xiv) High-level control options.
      15. (xv) Dose management including dose reduction techniques, monitoring and recording.
      16. (xvi) Principles and operation of the specific fluoroscopic X-ray system to be used.
      17. (xvii) Fluoroscopic and fluorographic outputs of each mode of operation on the system to be used clinically.
      18. (xviii) Applicable State and Federal regulations.
   2. (2) An individual who operates X-ray equipment during potentially high-risk diagnostic or interventional procedures or supervises the operation of X-ray equipment during these procedures is registered or credentialed and privileged in the applicable specialty by a professional organization recognized by the Department.
   3. (3) Documentation demonstrating compliance with this section is maintained for inspection by the Department.

2. (b) Continuing education.

   1. (1) The registrant shall ensure that individuals who operate X-ray equipment during diagnostic or interventional procedures or supervise the operation of X-ray equipment during a procedure complete continuing education in biological effects of radiation, quality assurance and quality control, and radiation safety, including concepts for minimizing patient and occupational dose and emerging technologies.

      1. (i) An individual who performs low-risk procedures shall complete continuing education every 4 years.
      2. (ii) An individual who performs high-risk procedures shall complete continuing education every 2 years. In addition to the topics in this paragraph, the continuing education must include facility and X-ray unit-specific methods to manage patient dose.
   2. (2) Documentation of continuing education must be maintained for inspection by the Department for 5 years.

Authority

The provisions of this § 221.16 issued under sections 301 and 302 of the Radiation Protection Act (35 P.S. § § 7110.301 and 7110.302); and section 1920-A of the Administrative Code (71 P.S. § 510.20).

Source

The provisions of this § 221.16 adopted October 26, 2018, effective January 24, 2019, 48 Pa.B. 6791.

Cross References

This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 221.35a (relating to flouroscopic X-ray systems); 25 Pa. Code § 221.64 (relating to CBCT); and 25 Pa. Code § 221.205 (relating to operating procedures).