NAC449.376. Radiological services.

     1. A hospital shall have diagnostic radiological facilities available. If therapeutic services are also provided, they, as well as the diagnostic services, must meet professionally approved standards for safety and personnel qualifications.

     2. The hospital shall maintain or have available radiological services according to the needs of the patients.

     3. Radiological services, particularly ionizing radiological procedures, must be conducted in a manner that monitors and controls hazards so that safety is maintained for patients and personnel.

     4. Proper safety precautions must be maintained against radiation hazards, including, without limitation:

     (a) Adequate shielding for patients, personnel and facilities; and

     (b) Appropriate storage, use and disposal of radioactive materials.

     5. Equipment used for providing radiological services must be periodically inspected, and any hazards identified in the inspection must be promptly corrected.

     6. Radiological technicians and other persons who work with radiation must be checked periodically by the use of exposure meters or badge tests for the amount, if any, of radiation exposure.

     7. Radiological services must be provided only upon the order of:

     (a) A practitioner who has clinical privileges or is authorized by state law to order such services; or

     (b) Other practitioners authorized by the medical staff and governing body to order such services.

     8. A qualified full-time, part-time or consulting radiologist shall supervise the ionizing radiological services and shall interpret only those radiological tests that are determined by the medical staff to require the specialized knowledge of the radiologist.

     9. Only personnel designated as qualified personnel by the medical staff may use radiologic equipment and administer radiological procedures.

     10. Records of radiology services provided to patients must be maintained.

     11. A radiologist or other practitioner who performs radiology services shall sign any report of his or her interpretation.

     12. A hospital shall maintain the following information for at least 5 years:

     (a) Copies of reports and printouts of radiology services; and

     (b) Films, scans and other image records of radiology services that have been provided.

     13. As used in this section, “radiologist” means a doctor of medicine or osteopathy who is qualified by education and experience in radiology.

     [Bd. of Health, Health Facilities Reg. Part III Ch. I § IX, eff. 10-9-69]—(NAC A by R050-99, 9-27-99)