Laws provide in general terms the authority and responsibilities that state agencies have. The General Assembly passes legislation that then becomes law and is incorporated in to the Code of Virginia.
Regulations provide specific requirements that are authorized or required by law. State agencies seek comments from the public and those interested parties who are affected by how a law is implemented. This process is called the Administrative Process Act. All regulations are complied into a single document called the Virginia Administrative Code.
Radiation Laws
The State’s primary statutory authority for a radiation control program is designated the Radiation Control Act and is defined in the Code of Virginia Section 32.1-227 et. al.
The following link will take you to a searchable database at the Code of Virginia.
The following links are specific sections of the Radiation Control Act:
- § 32.1-227. Definitions.
- § 32.1-228. Exemption.
- § 32.1-228.1. Department designated state radiation control agency; powers and duties.
- § 32.1-229. Powers and duties of the Board.
- § 32.1-229.01. Companies listed as proficient to perform radon screening, testing or mitigation; compliance.
- § 32.1-229.01:1. Action for damages.
- § 32.1-229.1. Inspections of X-ray machines required; Radiation Inspection Reports; fees; qualification of inspectors.
- § 32.1-229.2. Costs of inspection conducted by Health Department; fees to be used to support program.
- § 32.1-229.3. Licensing of radioactive material.
- § 32.1-230. Further powers of Board.
- § 32.1-231. Bonds of licensees.
- § 32.1-232. Radioactive Material Perpetual Care Trust Fund.
- § 32.1-232.1. Special Trust Fund for Radioactive Materials Facility Licensure and Inspection created.
- § 32.1-233. Radiation Advisory Board; composition; duties generally.
- §32.1- 234; Repealed by 1987 General Assembly
- § 32.1-234.1. Enforcement.
- § 32.1-235. Authority of Governor to enter into agreements with federal government; effect on federal licenses.
- § 32.1-236. Authority of Board to enter into agreements with federal government, other states or interstate agencies; training programs for personnel.
- § 32.1-237. Effect upon local ordinances, etc.
- § 32.1-238. Impounding sources of ionizing radiation.
There are additional laws in the Code of Virginia that address radiological issues, such as:
It shall be unlawful for any person to use any X ray, fluoroscope, or other equipment or apparatus employing roentgen rays, in the fitting of shoes or other footwear. This section shall not apply to any licensed physician or surgeon in the practice of his profession. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
Regulations
The Radiation Protections Regulations are included in the Virginia Administrative Code (VAC), which is a compilation of all state regulations. The designation for the initial regulation (1988) was 12VAC5-480. This section was repealed and replaced with 12VAC5-481 in 2008.
The following link will take you directly to the Radiation Protection Regulations: Title 12, Agency 5, Chapter 481
The following link will take you directly to the Radiation Protection: Fee Schedule: Title 12, Agency 5, Chapter 490
Office of Radiological Health | 109 Governor Street, 7th Floor | Richmond, VA 23219
Telephone (804) 864-8150 | Fax: (804) 864-8155