U.S. Regulations & Guidelines
Resource Center
Navigate radiation protection regulations for healthcare workers in fluoroscopy labs across the United States
Understanding the Regulatory Hierarchy
Radiation safety for healthcare workers is governed by multiple overlapping levels of authority. Understanding who regulates what helps ensure compliance.
Federal Regulatory
OSHA, NRC, FDA, CDC/NIOSH
National laws and dose limitsState Regulatory
State Health Departments, Agreement States
State-specific licensing & requirementsAccreditation
Joint Commission, ACR, CAMPEP, ACRO
Hospital & facility standardsProfessional Guidance
AAPM, ACR, ASRT, HPS, SIR, SCAI, and more
Best practices & guidelinesInstitutional
Radiation Safety Officer, Radiation Safety Committee
Hospital policies & proceduresIndividual Worker
Personal dosimetry, PPE, training
Your daily responsibilitiesDose Limits Quick Reference
Compare occupational radiation dose limits across regulatory authorities
| Authority | Whole Body (Annual) | Eye Lens (Annual) | Extremities (Annual) | Pregnant Worker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1096 |
5 rem (50 mSv) | 1.25 rem/quarter | 18.75 rem/quarter | N/A |
| NRC 10 CFR Part 20 |
5 rem (50 mSv) | 15 rem (150 mSv) | 50 rem (500 mSv) | 0.5 rem total |
| ICRP Current Recommendations |
20 mSv/yr avg | 20 mSv/yr avg | 500 mSv | 1 mSv after declaration |
Note: Always follow the most restrictive applicable limit. State regulations may differ.
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Who This Guide Is For
Physicians
Interventional cardiologists, radiologists, and other physicians performing fluoroscopy-guided procedures
Radiologic Technologists
RTs and imaging professionals working in fluoroscopy suites, cath labs, and interventional radiology
Nurses
Perioperative and cath lab nurses present during fluoroscopic procedures
Radiation Safety Officers
RSOs responsible for institutional radiation safety programs and compliance