(a)  The department shall provide by rule or regulation for general or specific licensing of persons to receive, possess, or transfer radioactive materials, or devices or equipment utilizing these materials. That rule or regulation shall provide for amendment, suspension, or revocation of licenses.

(b)  The department may require registration and inspection of sources of ionizing radiation other than those that require a specific license, and compliance with specific safety standards to be adopted by the department.

(c)  The department may exempt certain sources of ionizing radiation or kinds of uses or users from the licensing or registration requirements set forth in this section when the department makes a finding that the exemption of these sources of ionizing radiation or kinds of uses or users will not constitute a significant risk to the health and safety of the public.

(d)  Regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter may provide for recognition of other state or federal licenses as the department may deem desirable, subject to registration requirements as the department may prescribe.

(e)  The department shall adopt registration and certification regulations for mammography equipment. These regulations shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following requirements:

(1)  An X-ray machine used for mammography shall be specifically designed for mammography and inspected by the department, or deemed satisfactory by the department based upon evidence of certification by the American College of Radiology mammography accreditation program, or an accreditation program that the department deems equivalent before it is certified.

(2)  That all persons who have a certificate for mammography equipment follow a quality assurance program to be adopted by the department to ensure the protection of the public health and safety.

(3)  That quality assurance tests, as determined by the department, are performed on all mammography equipment located in a mobile van or unit after each relocation of the mobile van or unit to a different location for the purpose of providing mammography. This equipment shall be recalibrated if images are not of diagnostic quality as determined by the department. A written record of the location of mobile vans or units with dates and times shall be maintained and available for inspection by the department.

(4)  On or after July 15, 1993, all mammography equipment shall be registered with and certified by the department. If this mammography equipment is certified by a private accreditation organization, the department shall take into consideration evidence of this private certification when deciding to issue a mammogram certification.

(5)  All licenses, permits, and certificates issued by the department pursuant to this chapter and the Radiologic Technology Act (Section 27) relating to the use of mammography equipment shall be publicly posted pursuant to this section and regulations adopted by the department.

(f)  To further ensure the quality of mammograms, the department shall require all mammogram facilities, other than mobile units or vans, to operate quickly and efficiently so as to ensure that the facilities are able to develop mammograms of diagnostic quality prior to when the patient leaves the facility.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1996.)