The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board voted on Nov. 9 to adopt a package of updated radiation‑safety regulations that bring the state’s rules for X‑ray and computed tomography (CT) equipment into line with current federal standards. The amendments, proposed by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), affect hospitals, medical imaging centers, and industrial facilities that use radiation for material inspection.
Key changes for patients and providers
For anyone receiving an X‑ray, CT scan, or other imaging exam, the new rules ensure that the equipment used meets the same safety criteria as required by the federal government. The board also clarified how radiation‑shielding plans are reviewed, helping protect patients, medical staff, and the public from unnecessary exposure.
“Whether you’re getting an X‑ray at your local hospital or working around radiation equipment, you should be confident that the proper safety standards are in place,” said Michelle Miano, director of NMED’s Environmental Protection Division, in the department’s press release.
Updated credentialing and licensing
The revisions modernize the credentials the state recognizes for individuals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy. They also streamline the registration, licensing, and reporting requirements for businesses that use X‑ray technology outside of health care, such as manufacturers inspecting parts and equipment.
“Radiation‑related technologies and professional standards continue to evolve, and our regulations must evolve with them,” said Srikanth Paladugu, chief of NMED’s Radiation Control Bureau. The bureau expects the changes to help process applications more efficiently for the roughly 1,500 existing X‑ray registrations and about 3,500 licensed technologists in New Mexico.
Impact on the state’s health and industrial sectors
By aligning state guidelines with federal expectations, the board aims to reduce administrative burdens while maintaining rigorous safety protections. Health‑care providers will have clearer guidance on shielding requirements, and industrial users will benefit from simplified licensing procedures.
The updated rules apply to future applicants as well as to the thousands of current registrants, ensuring a consistent safety framework across the state’s medical and industrial communities.
Next steps
Facilities subject to the new regulations will have a transition period to comply with the revised standards. NMED plans to offer outreach and technical assistance to help hospitals, imaging centers, and industrial users understand and implement the changes.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the full text of the amendments, which are available on the NMED website, and to contact the agency with any questions about compliance.
Original reporting: Taos News — read the source article.
