Is Alabama an NRC Agreement State?
Yes
Yes, since October 1, 1966. The Agreement State program is run by the same Office of Radiation Control within ADPH.
Alabama: radiation safety rules for fluoroscopy teams
What Alabama's rules say about ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable), dose limits in millisieverts (mSv), dosimeters, aprons and training for the people who work in fluoroscopy labs.
Please double-check this information. This is an ORSIF research summary, researched November 3, 2026. It is not comprehensive and not always accurate: rules change, and answers may be incomplete, out of date or wrong. It is education, not legal advice. Not yet reviewed by a regulatory expert. Confirm each requirement at the source linked beside the answer, with the state program and with your facility's radiation safety officer. How this was made
In brief
ORSIF's research identified the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), Office of Radiation Control (X-Ray Compliance Branch) as the agency that regulates X-ray and fluoroscopy equipment in Alabama. Alabama is a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Agreement State: it has signed an agreement with the NRC to regulate certain radioactive materials itself.
Alabama's X-ray rule (420-3-26-.06) has no ALARA wording. It makes registrants responsible for the shared Standards for Protection Against Radiation rule (.03), whose.03(5)(b) holds the ALARA duty for both materials licensees and X-ray registrants, so an NRC-driven change would reach fluoroscopy users. Dose limits follow the federal model: 50 mSv whole body, 150 mSv lens, 500 mSv skin/extremities, and 5 mSv embryo/fetus. Aprons of at least 0.25 mm lead equivalent are required for all in the room except the patient, unless measurements indicate otherwise. The rules are silent on apron alternatives, apron inspection, thyroid shields and eyewear. Alabama does not license radiologic technologists; operators need only be adequately instructed and competent.
The rules, question by question
Every answer names the rule it comes from. Open "Rule text and source" to read the citation, the source page and, where it could be matched, the exact wording.
Where the rules live
Which rules apply, and whether ALARA is among them.
Which rules cover X-ray and fluoroscopy equipment in Alabama?
Yes
Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-26-.06 (X-ray/fluoroscopy rule, last amended effective June 24, 2010) and r. 420-3-26-.03 (Standards for Protection Against Radiation, last amended effective Nov 24, 2014, operative Dec 1, 2014). Machine registration is in r. 420-3-26-.05.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.06; r. 420-3-26-.03(1)-(2)
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
- What it says
this Rule applies to persons licensed or registered by the Agency to receive, possess, use, transfer, or dispose of sources of radiation.
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.
Does Alabama require X-ray users to keep doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)?
Yes
Yes, indirectly. The ALARA duty in.03(5)(b) applies to every licensee or registrant, and.06(3)(f)1 makes X-ray registrants responsible for meeting all of Rule.03.
Where ALARA lives in Alabama: Only in a rule shared with radioactive materials. The ALARA requirement and its definition are only in shared rule.03, which covers both materials licensees and X-ray registrants. Rule.06 has no ALARA wording and refers back to.03, so an NRC-driven change to.03(5)(b) would reach fluoroscopy registrants. (r. 420-3-26-.03(3)(g), (5)(b); r. 420-3-26-.06(3)(f)1)
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.03(5)(b); r. 420-3-26-.06(3)(f)1
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
- What it says
The licensee or registrant shall use, to the extent practical, procedures and engineering controls based upon sound radiation protection principles to achieve occupational doses and public doses that are as low as is reasonably achievable (ALARA).
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.
Dose limits
The annual limits for workers, written in millisieverts (mSv). Ten mSv equal one rem.
What is the annual whole-body dose limit in Alabama?
Yes
0.05 Sv (5 rem) = 50 mSv per year TEDE.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.03(6)(a)
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
What is the annual eye-lens dose limit in Alabama?
Yes
0.15 Sv (15 rem) = 150 mSv per year. No lower limit has been adopted.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.03(6)(a)
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
- What it says
(i) A lens dose equivalent of 0.15 Sv (15 rem), and (ii) A shallow dose equivalent of 0.5 Sv (50 rem) to the skin or to any extremity.
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.
What is the annual limit for the skin, hands and feet in Alabama?
Yes
0.5 Sv (50 rem) = 500 mSv per year shallow dose to the skin or any extremity.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.03(6)(a)
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
- What it says
(i) A lens dose equivalent of 0.15 Sv (15 rem), and (ii) A shallow dose equivalent of 0.5 Sv (50 rem) to the skin or to any extremity.
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.
What limit applies to a declared pregnant worker in Alabama?
Yes
5 mSv (0.5 rem) to the embryo/fetus of a declared pregnant worker over the whole pregnancy.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.03(13)(a)
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
Dosimeters
When a worker must wear a dosimeter, and where.
When must a worker in Alabama wear a dosimeter?
Yes
Shared rule: adults likely to exceed 10% of the limits must be monitored, as must declared pregnant women likely to exceed 1 mSv over the pregnancy and minors above set thresholds. X-ray rule: every fluoroscopy operator must wear a dosimeter regardless of expected dose; so must anyone likely to receive more than 25 mR per week and mobile unit operators.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.03(18)(a); r. 420-3-26-.06(3)(e)
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
- What it says
Adults likely to receive, in one year from sources external to the body, a dose in excess of 10 percent of the limits in 420-3-26-.03(6)(a)
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.
Where must the dosimeter be worn in Alabama when a protective apron is worn?
Yes
With a single badge, it is worn at the neck outside the apron. A second badge under the apron at the waist is required for a declared pregnant woman and is used for fetal dose. Eye dose is measured at the neck or closer to the eye. Effective dose = 0.3 × neck reading (single badge, if the reading exceeds 25% of the limit), or 1.5 × waist + 0.04 × neck (two badges).
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.03(18)(c)1-3; r. 420-3-26-.03(6)(c)3
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
- What it says
When only one individual monitoring device is used to determine the effective dose equivalent for external radiation pursuant to 420-3-26-.03(6)(C)2., it shall be located at the neck outside the protective apron.
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.
Aprons and alternatives
Protective apparel, how it is checked, and whether other systems are addressed.
Must staff in Alabama fluoroscopy rooms wear protective aprons or other apparel?
YesCheck the source
Aprons of at least 0.25 mm lead equivalent are required for all persons in the fluoroscopic room except the patient, unless measurements indicate otherwise. The fluoroscopist must wear 0.25 mm lead-equivalent gloves. The rules say nothing about thyroid shields or eyewear.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.06(4)(a)8-9
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
Does Alabama require protective aprons to be inspected?
Not foundLess certain
not found
Do the rules in Alabama address engineered protection systems used in place of aprons?
Not foundCheck the source
Not addressed. The apron rule says "unless measurements indicate otherwise," and.06(3)(a) allows waivers only for existing machines or installations where the registrant shows equivalent protection. It is unclear whether ADPH would apply these to engineered systems.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.06(3)(a), (4)(a)8
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
Who operates the equipment
Who may use fluoroscopy equipment and what training the rules ask for.
Who may operate fluoroscopy equipment in Alabama?
In partCheck the source
No license-type list. Operators must be adequately instructed and competent. Exposures require authorization by a licensed practitioner (or PA, CRNP, CNM subject to board rules) with a written order. No supervision rule found in ORC rules. Alabama does not license radiologic technologists.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.06(3)(b), (3)(f)2
- Source
- admincode.legislature.state.al.us
What training or credentials does Alabama require to operate fluoroscopy equipment?
NoLess certain
No American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification, state permit, training hours, continuing education (CE) or physician fluoroscopy training are required. The only syllabus (Appendix A to.05) is for servicers, not operators.
Rule text and source
- Rule
- r. 420-3-26-.06(3)(f)2; r. 420-3-26-.05(3) and Appendix A
- Source
- alabamapublichealth.gov
- What it says
Talk about why Alabama does not currently license our profession
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.
Changes on the way, and recent ones
Rules, bills and guidance the research found from 2025 and 2026, with the ones that touch fluoroscopy teams first.
- OtherALSRT radiologic technologist licensure effort
restarted with ASRT support; no bill introduced; seeking sponsor (Sep 2026)
The Alabama Society of Radiologic Technologists has restarted its effort to license the profession.
1 other item the research logged (radiation therapy, industrial machines, fees and other subjects)
- Adopted ruleRevisions to Radiation Control Chapter 420-3-26 (.02,.07,.15)
effective (Nov 14, 2021)
Most recent rule revisions listed by ADPH; they changed only.02,.07 and.15, not.03 or.06.
Also worth knowing
- Jefferson County (Birmingham) runs its own X-ray compliance program, so local rules or enforcement may differ.
- Rule.06 was last amended in 2010 and still uses film badges, milliroentgens, conventional fluoroscopic screens and National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) Report 49.
- The.06 scope paragraph cites.03 where.06 seems intended.
- Table-top exposure rate is capped at 10 R/min (not during cine), and a manual-reset cumulative timer with a five-minute maximum is required.
- Every fluoroscopy operator must be badged regardless of expected dose.
- The rule's note recommends consulting a certified medical physicist to correct fetal dose estimates.
What ORSIF could not confirm
Questions the research could not settle. If you know the answer, tell us.
- Check ALISON and the Alabama Administrative Monthly for 2025-2026 radiation-control rule notices, technologist licensure bills or apron-alternative bills, and ask ORC (334-290-6244) whether it is drafting changes to.03 in response to the NRC Part 20 rule.
- Whether Jefferson County has its own X-ray regulations beyond the state rules (JCDH 205-930-1057).
- Whether exemptions under 420-3-26-.01(3)(a) could be used to approve engineered shielding systems instead of aprons.
- Board of Medical Examiners, PA and Board of Nursing rules on who may run fluoroscopy, supervision and physician fluoroscopy training.
- Any ADPH inspection guidance on apron integrity checks or eye/thyroid protection.
Who regulates, and where to read the rules
- Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) program page
- Radiation Control
- Program contacts in the CRCPD directory
Documents ORSIF has on file
Copies saved earlier. Rules change, so check the current text at the source.
- Medical Radiation Safety Manual Download
Double-check before you rely on this page
ORSIF compiled this page from the sources linked on it and did its best. It is not comprehensive and it is not always accurate. Rules change, a rule may have been missed or misread, and the sources themselves can be out of date. Treat this page as a starting point.
Where to check
- The rule itself. Open "Rule text and source" under any answer, or read the sources listed below.
- The state. Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Program contacts in the CRCPD directory.
- Your radiation safety officer. They know the federal, accreditation and facility requirements that apply at your site, which the state rules do not cover.
What may be missing here
- 2 of 14 answers on this page are "Not found" or "Unclear". That means ORSIF did not find the answer in the rules it reviewed, not that no rule exists.
- 5 answers carry a flag or a lower confidence ("Check the source" or "Less certain").
- Researched November 3, 2026. Rules may have changed since.
- Only the state's rules for X-ray and fluoroscopy equipment were reviewed.
Found something wrong or missing? Tell ORSIF.
Sources and terms
Terms used on this page
- ALARA
- As low as reasonably achievable: keep radiation doses as low as is reasonable, below the legal limits.
- Agreement State
- A state that has signed an agreement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to regulate certain radioactive materials itself.
- mSv
- Millisievert, a unit of radiation dose. Ten mSv equal one rem, the older unit some rules still use.
- Dosimeter
- A badge or device worn to measure a worker's radiation dose.
- Lead equivalent
- The thickness of lead (mm Pb) that would give the same protection as the material described.
- NRC
- U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
- NCRP
- National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
- TEDE
- Total effective dose equivalent
- ARRT
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
- CE
- Continuing education
All 8 sources the research read
- Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-26-.06 (official Legislature Administrative Code, PDF via API)
- Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-26-.03 (official Legislature Administrative Code, PDF via API)
- Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-26-.05, Registration of X-Ray Producing Machines (ADPH PDF)
- ADPH Office of Radiation Control home page
- ADPH X-Ray Compliance Branch
- ADPH Radiation Control "What's New?"
- NRC, Alabama Periodic Meeting Summary (May 2021)
- Alabama Society of Radiologic Technologists, Licensure (Sept 2026 update; secondary source, professional society)
Found something out of date or wrong? Tell ORSIF. Corrections are checked against the rule text and the page is updated.