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   The Division of Environmental Health licenses, certifications, and permits

Learn more about the Division of Environmental Health

Technical and Professional Information

All X-ray machines are required to be registered through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

Record Retention of X-Rays

Medical (Hospitals)

Keep for a period of no less than 10 years following the most recent discharge of the patient; except the records of minors which should be kept for no less than 3 years following the age of 18 or 10 years following discharge; whichever is longer RCW 70.41.190.

Medical records for employees must be kept for as long as the employee works for you plus 30 years; unless the employee works for less than one year and you provide the records to the employee when they leave employment WAC 296-802-20005.

Dental

Keep for a period of 5 years WAC 246-817-310.

Chiropractic

Keep for 5 years WAC 246-808-650.

Podiatry

Keep for a minimum of seven years after treatment is rendered WAC 246-922-260.

CRCPD Committee on Medical Practice (H-3) recommends retention of records for a period of 7 years for adults, or for minors until the age of majority plus 7 years.

X-Ray Machine and Lead Apron Disposal

X-ray machines may contain lead, (and sometimes beryllium and/or PCB contaminated oil). Use of a commercial X-ray company or recycler to ensure proper disposal of  x-ray units and/or lead aprons is recommended. The facility must permanently disable the x-ray machines before transferring them to a vendor or recycler.

Note: Contact the local waste disposal site. Each county has different disposal requirements.

• Washington State Department of Ecology Hazardous Waste Service Directory

External Links

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine

American College of Radiology

Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors

Health Physics Society

Washington State Dental Association

Contact Information

X-Ray Control Section
P.O. Box 47827
Olympia, WA 98504-7827

Phone (360) 236-3236

In-State Toll Free 1-800-299-9729

FAX (360) 236-2266

Olympia X-Ray Staff:

Bellevue X-Ray Staff:

Spokane X-Ray Staff:

Yakima X-Ray Staff: