A. The Department of Environmental Quality is hereby designated as the official agency of the State of Oklahoma for all regulatory activities for the use of atomic energy and sources of radiation, except for the use of sources of radiation by diagnostic x-ray facilities, and shall act as the coordinating agency for the purpose of cooperating with other states, the United States Public Health Service, and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and other federal agencies in the administration of programs relating to atomic energy and sources of radiation, available to the State of Oklahoma under federal laws; and it shall encourage, participate in, and conduct investigations, training and demonstrations relating to constructive uses of radiation and the prevention and control of its associated harmful effects, the control of radiation hazards, the measurement of radiation, the effects to health on exposure to radiation, and related problems.

B. Nothing in this article shall interfere with the doctor-patient relationship of any practitioner of the healing arts; nor shall anything in this act prohibit a licensed practitioner of the healing arts, or an individual under the direction of such licensed practitioner, from using X-rays or fluoroscopes for diagnostic purposes, as authorized under the specific licensing act for the practitioner and other law.

C. The Governor, on behalf of this state, may enter into agreements with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, pursuant to Section 274b of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, providing for discontinuance of specified responsibilities of the federal government and for the assumption thereof by this state with respect to byproduct material, special nuclear material, and sources of radiation.

D. Any person who, on the effective date of an agreement under subsection C of this section, possesses a license which is subject to that agreement and which is issued by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission for radioactive materials, shall be deemed to possess a like license issued under the Radiation Management Act. Such license shall expire on the date of expiration specified in the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission license.

Added by Laws 1993, c. 145, § 134, eff. July 1, 1993.