Frequently Asked Questions

NMED RCB RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAM TOPICS

1. How do I get a copy of the New Mexico state radiation protection regulations?

• The New Mexico state regulations (20.3 NMAC) for radiation control may be downloaded from the Radiation Control Bureau web site:  NM Radiation Protection Rules   

1. How can I get a copy of my radiation exposure history?

• The occupationally exposed workers may request a copy of their radiation monitoring records by contacting the Radiation Safety Officer for their current or previous employers at any time to request a copy of their radiation exposure records.  The recommendation is that occupationally exposed workers maintain a copy of their radiation exposure records to track their life history or concurrent radiation exposure which may be requested by a new employer.  For more information about the Notices, Instructions, and Reports to Workers, please review the New Mexico Radiation Protection Rules (20.3.10 NMAC) and the Notice to Employees posted on the Radiation Control Bureau web site:  /nmrcb/documents/NMED045_08.pdf

1. I am building a new office for the use of radiation machines.  What do I need to do?

• Prior to construction, a shielding plan review document, including calculations from a qualified expert registered with the Bureau; and a cover letter from the user of the radiation machine(s), should be sent to the Radiation Control Bureau with explanations for (a) the scope of use, (b) the intended start date, and (c) reference to a scale drawing to indicate the barrier thickness, materials, use, and occupancy of adjacent areas.  When the machines are installed, maintain copies of the machine assembly, or installation report and obtain a radiation machine registration form.  A machine must be registered before use.  The radiation machine facility registration form may be downloaded from the Bureau web site.  Instructions are available on the Radiation Control Bureau web site: /nmrcb/radmach.html   

1. I am adding, disposing or moving my radiation machine(s) to a new location.  What do I need to do?

• Immediately notify the Bureau in writing to indicate the replacement, or addition of new machines, and the disposition of all machines used at the previous location; follow instructions in FAQ no.__ (3) if relocating to a new street address.

1. I am providing (consulting, machine installation, sales, machine disposal, or repair, dosimetry, leasing, or loan) or other services to a radiation machine facility in New Mexico.  What do I need to do?

• Vendor services must be registered according to the New Mexico Radiation Protection Rules (20.3.204 NMAC) before offering to provide services.  Contact Thomas Collins (505) 476-8610 or use the application for registration posted on the Radiation Control Bureau web site: /nmrcb/radserv.html

1. I want to use radioactive materials in New Mexico.  What do I need to do?

• Use the application with instructions for radioactive materials posted on the Radiation Control Bureau web site: http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/nmrcb/ram.html  Refer to the New Mexico Radiation Control Rules (20.3 NMAC) and license guidance in NUREG 1556 http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1556/

1. I received an invoice for the annual radioactive materials license fee.  I believe my business may qualify as a small entity.  What is the fee and who is the check to be made payable to?

• To certify that a company meets the IRS definitions of a small entity based on the EIN (federal employer tax ID number), please use the RCB Form 526 posted on the Radiation Control Bureau web site: /wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2019/10/SmallEntityRPPForm526.doc
• If the company qualifies as a small entity, the reduced fee may be paid, when payment is submitted with RCB Form 526 “CERTIFICATION OF SMALL ENTITY STATUS FOR THE PURPOSES OF ANNUAL FEES IMPOSED UNDER 20.3.16 NMAC”.
• Annual radioactive materials license fees are made payable and deposited to the NMED Radiation Protection Fund.

1. I want to bring radioactive materials in New Mexico using an out-of-state radioactive materials license.  How can I get permission to use my licensed materials in New Mexico?

• The request for reciprocity must be sent at least three (3) days in advance of the start of work in New Mexico using the form and instructions posted on the Radiation Control Bureau web site: /nmrcb/reciprocityram.html The annual reciprocity fee must be paid using the first notification of work to be performed in a calendar year.  The reciprocal recognition of the out-of-state license will expire on December 31st of each calendar year, or upon expiration of the out-of-state license or if work is conducted more than 180 days in a calendar year.

1. I want to bring radiation machines in New Mexico using my out-of-state registration.  How can I get permission to use my radiation machine in New Mexico?

• The request for reciprocity must be sent at least two (2) days in advance of the start of work in New Mexico, using the form and instructions posted on the Radiation Control Bureau web site: Here The reciprocal recognition of the out-of-state registration will expire on December 31^st, of each calendar year, or upon expiration of the out-of-state registration, or if work is conducted more than 180 days in a calendar year.

1. My company went out of business, was purchased, acquired, or merged with another company.  Are my radioactive materials license still valid?

• There may be a need to amend or terminate the license based on the specific circumstances involved with the use of radioactive materials.  Please notify the Bureau in writing and contact the Radiation Control Bureau (505) 476-8600 for instructions.

1. I sold my radiation machine facility, went out of business, was purchased, acquired or merged with another company.  Is my radiation machine registration still valid?

• There may be a need to amend or cancel the registration based on the specific circumstances involved with the use of the radiation machines. Please notify the Bureau in writing and contact the Radiation Control Bureau (505) 476-8600 for instructions.

1. How can I use radiation machines for screening in the healing arts?

• Please notify the Bureau in writing and contact the Radiation Control Bureau (505) 476-8600 for instructions.  The Department must review procedures submitted to authorize screening in the healing arts based on a specific request. The use of machines on humans for education or demonstration is prohibited. Except for accredited and certified mammography facilities, according to the provisions of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), human radiation exposures (screening) without a physician order is prohibited unless approved in writing.

1.  How can I get my mammography facility accredited or certified in New Mexico?

• Mammography radiation machines are accredited and certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  All certified mammography facilities are inspected annually by a certified Bureau inspector.  For more information about mammography facility certification and accreditation requirements, please go to the FDA MQSA web site: Mammography Facility Certification and Accreditation Requirements

PROGRAM CONTACTS

VENDOR MACHINE REGISTRATION:                            Tom Collins                 505-476-8610

RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL LICENSING /

RECIPROCITY:                                                                    Victor Diaz         505-476-8601

SCREENING IN THE HEALING ARTS

RADIATION MACHINE REGISTRATION:                      Jim Hesch                   505-476-8611

MAMMOGRAPHY INSPECTION & COMPLIANCE:      Michael Ortiz                 505-476-8605

GENERAL INFORMATION/CONCERNS

COMPLIANCE ORDERS

N.O.V. LETTERS:                                            Santiago Rodriguez        505-476-8604    

RADIATION CONTROL BUREAU WEBSITE:                 Carl Sullivan             505-222-9519