§ 486.104 — Condition For Coverage: Qualifications, Orientation And Health Of Technical Personnel

Portable X-ray services are provided by qualified technologists.

(a) Standard: Qualifications of technologists. All operators of the portable X-ray equipment meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section.

(1) Successful completion of a program of formal training in X-ray technology at which the operator received appropriate training and demonstrated competence in the use of equipment and administration of portable x-ray procedures; or

(2) Successful completion of 24 full months of training and experience under the direct supervision of a physician who is certified in radiology or who possesses qualifications which are equivalent to those required for such certification.

(b) Standard—personnel orientation. The supplier of portable X-ray services has an orientation program for personnel, based on a procedural manual which is: Available to all members of the staff, incorporates relevant portions of professionally recognized documents, and includes instruction in all of the following:

(1) Precautions to be followed to protect the patient from unnecessary exposure to radiation;

(2) Precautions to be followed to protect an individual supporting the patient during X-ray procedures from unnecessary exposure to radiation;

(3) Precautions to be followed to protect other individuals in the surrounding environment from exposure to radiation;

(4) Precautions to be followed to protect the operator of portable X-ray equipment from unnecessary exposure to radiation;

(5) Considerations in determining the area which will receive the primary beam;

(6) Determination of the time interval at which to check personnel radiation monitors;

(7) Use of the personnel radiation monitor in providing an additional check on safety of equipment;

(8) Proper use and maintenance of equipment;

(9) Proper maintenance of records;

(10) Technical problems which may arise and methods of solution;

(11) Protection against electrical hazards;

(12) Hazards of excessive exposure to radiation.

(c) Standard: Employee records. Records are maintained and include evidence that—

(1) Each employee is qualified for his or her position by means of training and experience; and

(2) Employees receive adequate health supervision.