Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
All individuals looking to pursue and practice a career in the radiologic sciences (ie. Radiographer, Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Radiation Therapist and General X-ray Machine Operator) in the state of Ohio must hold a valid radiologic license.
In 1995 Ohio passed a law (ORC 4773.01 – 4773.08) that requires an Ohio license to practice as a Radiographer, Nuclear Medicine Technologist and Radiation Therapist. The law also allowed a limited scope license called a General X-ray Machine Operator (GXMO) for specific situations (initially intended for practice in podiatrist and chiropractic offices).
The law provided a framework for the license, but the details governing actual practice issues were delegated to the Ohio Department of Health (Bureau of Radiation Safety) to develop and enforce. These are referred to as the “72 rules” because they are in the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 3701.72.01 through 3701-72-04.
- 3701-72-01 the chapter (section) that provides Definitions
- 3701-72-02 the chapter that provides Radiologic License Application and Renewal Procedures
- 3701-72-03 the chapter that provides information on Standards for Accreditation of Educational Programs and Approval of Continuing Education Courses
- 3701-72-04 the chapter that identifies Licensees Authorization and Requirements
The "72 rules" are developed by the Ohio Department of Health, which is not a Board of Radiologic Technologists. The rules are extremely important to us as we practice our profession. For example, it is because of rules (and OSRT efforts) that we are legally allowed to administer contrast media in Ohio. Rules are revised minimally every 5 years, and more often if an interested party requests a change. Being actively involved in monitoring and participating in this process are two of the most important roles of OSRT in safeguarding our profession practice.
Your support of the OSRT helps provide “clout” for us to negotiate the issues that we believe are important. There is a huge difference between saying the OSRT is speaking on behalf of the 15,000 Radiologic Technologists in Ohio or saying we are speaking for the less than 1000 OSRT members. Please help us represent YOU and move the profession in the right direction. Join OSRT if for no other reason but to help us help you!
To learn more, use the following resource links to find information about licensure and Ohio rules and regulations regarding radiation and radiation workers:
Ohio Department of Health Radiation 72 Rules: Chapter 3701-72 X-ray Machine Operators, Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, an Nuclear Medicaine Technologists: Licensing and Education Programs