Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 653 - Radiation Therapy and Radiologic Imaging
1) Licensing Requirements (NAC 653.100 & 653.105)
Case: Standard Licenses
The NAC allows issuance of a full license to a person who meets these criteria:
Successfully completed an accredited educational program in radiologic imaging or radiation therapy.
Holds national certification, such as from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Passed all required exams and background checks.
This ensures that only trained and certified professionals can perform radiation therapy or imaging procedures.
Case: Grandfathered Licenses
There is an exception for individuals who were practicing before a certain cutoff date (e.g., January 1, 2020). Such practitioners can:
Apply for a license even if they don’t meet the newest educational requirements.
Submit proof of prior work experience and practice scope.
Pay required fees and register with the Division.
This prevents experienced professionals from losing the ability to practice due to changes in licensing rules.
2) Continuing Education Requirements (NAC 653.300)
Case: Renewal and Credit Requirements
Licensed professionals must complete continuing education to maintain their license:
Full license holders must complete 24 credits of continuing education in their specialty.
Radiologist assistants may need up to 50 credits due to their expanded responsibilities.
Limited license holders or rural authorization holders may only need 20 credits.
Only courses approved by recognized professional organizations count.
This ensures practitioners stay current with new imaging technologies, radiation safety protocols, and medical guidelines.
3) Scope of Practice (NAC 653.400)
Case: Radiologist Assistants
A licensed radiologist assistant may:
Perform imaging procedures under the supervision of a board-certified radiologist.
Provide initial observations on imaging results to the supervising physician.
They cannot independently diagnose or prescribe medications. This maintains patient safety by limiting decision-making to fully qualified physicians.
Case: Radiologic Imaging Professionals
Licensed imaging professionals may:
Administer ionizing radiation for diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays, CT scans).
Assist in procedures requiring contrast agents or fluoroscopy.
They are allowed to perform technical and procedural tasks while supervision ensures quality and safety.
4) Supervision of Limited License Holders (NAC 653.425)
Case: Limited License Oversight
A limited license holder is restricted in the procedures they can perform and must always work under supervision.
The supervising licensed practitioner ensures radiation safety and technical quality.
Limited licensees may only operate certain imaging equipment or perform specified imaging procedures.
This prevents unqualified personnel from performing complex procedures unsafely.
5) Rural Authorization (NAC 653.430 & 653.435)
Case: Issuing Rural Authorization
Rural authorizations allow individuals to operate X-ray equipment in underserved areas:
Applicants must work at a qualifying rural clinic or federally qualified health center.
They must demonstrate knowledge of radiation safety and infection control.
Case: Clinic Quality Assurance
Clinics with rural authorization holders must:
Maintain a quality assurance program for X-ray procedures.
Ensure equipment is safe and procedures meet required standards.
This provides access to diagnostic imaging while maintaining safety and quality in rural healthcare settings.
6) Inspections and Compliance (NAC 653.450)
Case: Equipment Inspection
The Division can inspect any radiation-emitting machine used by licensed professionals:
Check that operators are properly trained and licensed.
Verify compliance with radiation safety regulations.
This ensures patient and worker safety through ongoing oversight.
7) Administrative Remedies (NAC 653.600)
Case: Review of Division Actions
If a license holder disagrees with a Division decision (such as license denial or discipline):
They may first request an informal discussion with Division staff.
If unresolved, a formal conference may be requested for review.
The outcome of the conference is final under this process.
This provides due process for professionals before final administrative action.
Summary
NAC Chapter 653 ensures safe and competent practice in radiation therapy and radiologic imaging through:
Licensing and grandfathering rules for practitioners.
Continuing education requirements for ongoing competency.
Clearly defined scope of practice for assistants, full licensees, and limited license holders.
Special provisions for rural clinics to expand access safely.
Inspection and compliance protocols to protect patients and staff.
Administrative remedies to provide fair dispute resolution.
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