South Dakota Radiation Safety Rules for Fluoroscopy Teams

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 It is not comprehensive and not always accurate: rules change, and answers may be incomplete, out of date or wrong.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 South Dakota Department of Health (Health Facility Licensure, Office of Licensure & Certification) as the agency that regulates X-ray and fluoroscopy equipment in South Dakota. South Dakota is not a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Agreement State, so the NRC regulates radioactive materials there directly. The state still regulates X-ray machines.

South Dakota's X-ray rules (ARSD 44:03:01) contain no ALARA language for worker doses. South Dakota is not an NRC Agreement State, and its X-ray rule shares no ALARA text with materials licensees. Worker dose limits are 50 mSv whole body, 150 mSv lens of the eye, 500 mSv skin and extremities, and 5 mSv to the embryo/fetus of a declared pregnant worker. Protective devices must be used when possible and checked annually, but there is no minimum lead equivalence for staff aprons, no mention of thyroid shields or eyewear, and nothing on apron alternatives. Fluoroscopy is limited to licensed practitioners of the healing arts or people under their supervision. Operators need American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification, another state's license, or 80 hours of training, plus 8 hours of continuing education every two years. The state does not license radiologic technologists.

ALARA for X-ray usersNoNone found Whole-body limitTotal effective dose equivalent of 5 rem (50 mSv) per year. Eye-lens limit150 mSva year Apron inspectionRequired Alternatives to apronsNot found

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.

Is South Dakota an NRC Agreement State?

No. South Dakota is not an NRC Agreement State; applicants for a state radioactive-material license must submit their current NRC license.

Rule text and source

Rule: NRC list of Agreement States, updated October 29, 2026; ARSD 44:03:01:04; SDCL 34-21-3 (title)
Source: nrc.gov
sdlegislature.gov
What it says: An applicant must submit a copy of the applicant's current United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission license with the application if applying for a radioactive material license.
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

Which rules cover X-ray and fluoroscopy equipment in South Dakota?

Yes

Yes. All radiation rules are in ARSD Article 44:03, chapter 44:03:01 (Radiation Control), under SDCL chapter 34-21. The fluoroscopy standard adopts 21 C.F.R. 1020.30 and 1020.31 as in effect April 1, 2022. There is no separate Standards for Protection Against Radiation part; dose limits and monitoring are in 44:03:01:10. Most sections were last amended by 50 SDR 41, effective October 11, 2023.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01 (esp. 44:03:01:08.03, 44:03:01:10)
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: A fluoroscopic X ray system must meet the specifications in 21 C.F.R. 1020.30 and 1020.31, in effect on April 1, 2022.
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

Does South Dakota require X-ray users to keep doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)?

No. Neither "as low as reasonably achievable" nor "ALARA" appears in Article 44:03. The nearest language concerns minimum patient exposure with good image quality, not worker doses.

Where ALARA lives in South Dakota: No ALARA requirement found for X-ray users. There is no ALARA requirement in South Dakota's rules, either shared or X-ray-specific. The few radioactive-material provisions in chapter 44:03:01 contain no ALARA language, and materials users hold NRC licenses directly. (ARSD 44:03:01:04,:10,:15,:16)

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:10(3); 44:03:01:10.01
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: (3) Procedures and auxiliary equipment produce images of good diagnostic quality with minimum patient radiation exposure;
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

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 South Dakota?

Yes

Total effective dose equivalent of 5 rem (50 mSv) per year. A separate limit of 50 rem (500 mSv) per year applies to any single organ or tissue other than the lens of the eye.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:10(15)(a)-(d), (16)
Source: sdlegislature.gov

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

What is the annual eye-lens dose limit in South Dakota?

Yes

15 rem (150 mSv) per year. No lower International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)-style limit (such as 20 mSv) has been adopted.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:10(15)(c)
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: (c) The annual limit to the lens of the eye is a lens dose equivalent of fifteen rem or 0.15 Sv; and
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

What is the annual limit for the skin, hands and feet in South Dakota?

Yes

Shallow dose equivalent of 50 rem (500 mSv) per year to skin and extremities.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:10(15)(d)
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: (d) The annual limit to the skin and the extremities is a shallow dose equivalent of fifty rem or 0.5 Sv;
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

What limit applies to a declared pregnant worker in South Dakota?

Yes

0.5 rem (5 mSv) to the embryo/fetus for the whole pregnancy, once the worker declares her pregnancy in writing.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:10(16)
Source: sdlegislature.gov

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

Dosimeters

When a worker must wear a dosimeter, and where.

When must a worker in South Dakota wear a dosimeter?

Yes

Individual monitoring is required for adults likely to receive more than 10% of the annual limits in a year, declared pregnant women likely to receive more than 0.1 rem (1 mSv) during the pregnancy, anyone entering a high or very high radiation area, and minors likely to receive more than 0.1 rem (1 mSv) in a year. Each badge may be worn by only one person, and a control badge must travel with each shipment.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:10(10)-(13)
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: (a) Adults likely to receive in one year, a dose in excess of ten percent of the limits in subdivision (15) of this section;
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

Where must the dosimeter be worn in South Dakota when a protective apron is worn?

Yes

When an apron is worn, the badge goes at the collar outside the apron. A declared pregnant worker wears a badge at the abdomen under any lead. Records must show where each badge was worn and whether it was outside or under protective clothing. For effective dose equivalent during fluoroscopy with an apron: (a) one collar badge, deep dose equivalent counts as is; (b) one collar badge, deep dose equivalent × 0.3, with conditions identical to (a); (c) two badges, 1.5 × waist badge under apron + 0.04 × collar badge outside apron. Other methods need department approval. The rule does not name National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) 122 or Webster.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:10(12), (20), and the closing paragraph of 44:03:01:10
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: (b) When a protective apron is worn, the individual monitoring device must be worn on the collar outside of the protective apron;
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

Aprons and alternatives

Protective apparel, how it is checked, and whether other systems are addressed.

Must staff in South Dakota fluoroscopy rooms wear protective aprons or other apparel?

In part

General rule only. Special personal protective devices must be used when possible and kept accessible and in good condition. The rules set no specific apron requirement for fluoroscopy staff and no minimum lead equivalence for staff aprons (the 0.5 mm figure applies only to patient gonad shields). Thyroid shields and eyewear are not mentioned.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:10.01; 44:03:01:08.03(1)
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: Special personal protective devices must be used to protect eyes, skin, bone, and certain active blood-forming organs from unnecessary radiation exposure when possible The licensee must ensure devices are readily accessible and in good working condition.
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

Does South Dakota require protective aprons to be inspected?

Yes

Yes. Protective equipment must be checked annually for defects, with a written record. Defective equipment must be replaced or taken out of service until repaired. No inspection method is specified.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:10.01
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: The licensee shall check equipment used to reduce radiation exposure annually for defects. The licensee shall make and maintain a record of this test.
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

Do the rules in South Dakota address engineered protection systems used in place of aprons?

Not found

Not addressed. Nothing in Article 44:03 deals with engineered shielding systems used instead of aprons, though general terms such as "equipment used to reduce radiation exposure" are not limited to aprons.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:01(24), (31); 44:03:01:10.01; 44:03:01:10.02
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: (24) "Protective apron," an apron made of radiation absorbing materials used to reduce radiation exposure;
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

About ALARA+

Who operates the equipment

Who may use fluoroscopy equipment and what training the rules ask for.

Who may operate fluoroscopy equipment in South Dakota?

YesLess certain

Only a licensed practitioner of the healing arts, or someone under that practitioner's supervision, may use fluoroscopy or C-arm systems. The level of supervision is not defined, and PAs and NPs are not named. Hand-held fluoroscopes are banned, and fluoroscopy may not be used just to position patients for general radiography.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:08(4)-(6); 44:03:01:01(20); 44:03:01:10(2)
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: (6) The use of fluoroscopy and c-arm X ray systems by a person other than a licensed practitioner of the healing arts unless under the supervision of a licensed practitioner of the healing arts;
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

What training or credentials does South Dakota require to operate fluoroscopy equipment?

In part

Operators need ARRT certification or registration, a radiologic technology license from another state, or 80 documented hours of training from a qualified instructor, plus 8 hours of continuing education every two years. There is no fluoroscopy-specific training topic or state fluoroscopy permit, and no rule requiring fluoroscopy training for physicians was found. The state does not license radiologic technologists.

Rule text and source

Rule: ARSD 44:03:01:14.01, 14.02, 14.03
Source: sdlegislature.gov
What it says: Any person who is certified or registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART), licensed in radiologic technology by another state, or who has documented eighty hours of orientation and training in the operation of X-radiation producing equipment by a qualified instructor, may operate X-radiation producing equipment
This quote was matched word for word to the source page.

Why this matters, in ORSIF's FAQs

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.

Bill2006 proposal to create a Board of Radiologic Technology
Outcome not checked; the rules still do not license technologists (2006)
The only related bill found; no 2025 or 2026 bill on technologist licensing or fluoroscopy was found.

1 other item the research logged (radiation therapy, industrial machines, fees and other subjects)

Adopted ruleRulemaking docket 778 (50 SDR 41), Radiation Control
Effective 10/11/2023; no pending changes found for 2025-2026 (Oct 11, 2023)
Most recent revision of chapter 44:03:01; public hearing held 08/22/2023. The DOH pending-rules list (generated 11-03-2026) shows no radiation dockets.
Source: rules.sd.gov

Also worth knowing

Fluoroscope exposure at the operator's eyes above the screen and at the waist behind the leaded drapes may not exceed 50 mR/h (roughly 0.5 mSv/h) (44:03:01:08.03(1)).
A qualified expert must measure fluoroscopy reference air kerma rates annually and after relevant maintenance; results must be posted unless the unit shows air kerma in real time (44:03:01:10.05).
Only people needed for the procedure may be present during a radiographic exposure; people holding patients must be protected and may not be used routinely.
There is no radiation protection program, radiation safety officer or ALARA program requirement.
Machines are surveyed every 3 years; shielding plans are reviewed before construction, and the DOH says it uses NCRP Reports 49 and 147.
SDCL 34-21-25 and 34-21-27 (titles only reviewed) deal with individual exposure records and giving them to employees.
Drafting issues: 10(15)(b) appears to swap the definitions of deep dose equivalent and committed dose equivalent, and 10(20)(a) and (b) have identical conditions but different multipliers.

What ORSIF could not confirm

Questions the research could not settle. If you know the answer, tell us.

What level of supervision is required for non-practitioners using fluoroscopy, and do PAs or NPs count as a licensed practitioner of the healing arts? Ask the DOH and check SDCL 36-4A and 36-9A.
Must physicians meet the operator requirements in 44:03:01:14.01? The rule exempts practitioners only from continuing education. Ask the DOH.
Which single-badge formula does the DOH apply under 44:03:01:10(20)(a) versus (b) (1.0 vs 0.3), or does it use a different approved method?
Full text of SDCL 34-21-3, -4.1, -25 and -27 was not read; only section titles were reviewed.
The 2025-2026 bill search was limited. Check the 2027 session at sdlegislature.gov and sign up for rules.sd.gov notices for any new 44:03 docket.

Who regulates, and where to read the rules

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. South Dakota Department of Health (Health Facility Licensure. 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

1 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.
1 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
ICRP: International Commission on Radiological Protection
NCRP: National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements
ARRT: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

All 8 sources the research read

Found something out of date or wrong? Tell ORSIF. Corrections are checked against the rule text and the page is updated.